El Minya

Not many tourists come here. We are at a very basic hotel because that is the only option. Jane, Lynley, Grace and I decide to go and investigate the supermarket around the corner. But when we get to the gate, we are told we must have an escort if we go out into the street. There doesn't seem to be any reason other than a nice little old man in a woolly navy jersey and beanie hat (called Muhammad) is employed to do this job. So we pop round the corner and explore the small shop. I buy slices of cheese and some biscuits for emergency rations. A young Egyptian man with a woman says, "This is my wife. Isn't she beautiful." We agree. By the time we get back the sun has set, but it's not dark as that takes about an hour.