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Al-Ahram Weekly 6 - 12 July 2000 Issue No. 489 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 6 - 12 July 2000 Issue No. 489
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region Focus International Economy Opinion Culture Features Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Eating pyramids
By Injy El-KashefWe all know the summer is here; we all know there will be thousands of vehicles finding their merry way to the northern coast of this beautiful country; what we do not all know is that the road leading up there has become full of wonderful little oases that break up the monotony of the journey -- because let's face it, the scenery is far from entertaining. At a given point someone's bladder threatens to explode, someone else needs his shisha fix or starts going cold turkey, a third discovers that it will be a boring trip indeed without the forgotten swimming costume and a parent perhaps realises that changing the baby will bring relief to all.
Among the many many different places that cater for these needs -- and, from experience, the best of the lot -- is the Omar Oasis. Of course, they may be overdoing it a bit: who really needs the distraction of a mini-zoo just to be able to make it to Alex? And who needs to buy imported lingerie from a highway? But if you are a compulsive buyer there is an entire array of consumer goods, ranging from the obvious necessities to the three "f"s (far-fetched, fancy and frivolous), patiently waiting for you on their shelves. Again, from experience, chances are you already have all your necessities tightly packed in the trunk but, under the influence of festive release, will catch yourself spending huge amounts of money on scented candles and pot pourri that you just know you will -- but surely won't -- use in the "chalet."
After you've bought the entire Hakim tape collection to entertain you during the remaining hour and a half, you may find that a bite would not be a bad idea. Whether you decide to make it quick or to just relax and indulge in a full meal is entirely your call, but both options are certainly available. There is a qahwa with lots of warm beverages and shishas in the open air, opposite the tape shop where you got Hakim. There is a full-fledged restaurant offering absolutely everything your heart may desire (with the exception, perhaps, of frog's legs and the like), from pastas, sandwiches, salads and desserts to main courses including stuffed pigeons and calves' trotters. One thing we learned about Omar Oasis is that they have their own breeding farms, so there should be no worry as to how fresh the animal protein is. My Piccata with Mushrooms was not only fresh but delicious and the accompanying French fries were golden, crispy outside and soft inside, unaffected by humidity or heat. The kebab would have been much better if it had been removed from the grill a little sooner, but it certainly filled the stomach in a most pleasing manner.
The absolutely fantastic and wondrous treat that the oasis will offer is, incontestably, the fetir meshaltet -- the real baladi, heavy stuff that you dip in molasses just before going off to build a pyramid. With a whole fetira (LE9) you may even build three pyramids and call yourself a Pharaoh; if the rest of your company also got into the fetir situation they will take your word for it. I know, I've been there.
Omar's Oasis, Km 111, Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road.
