Hamees, next door and also in the grounds of the old Luxor Wena hotel was still selling cans of Stella, although I don't know for how much longer. It is run by a Christian so it is possible that he may have or get a license, but only time will tell. The place seemed tidier and more pleasant than on my last visit, and trade was steady - anyone who normally went to sindbads was drifting here instead.
A group of American tourists walked by, saw that I had a Stella and enquired where I got it. They decided it was well worth stopping for one or two! They asked my the way to the tourist market, so of course I told them the usual story:- "The Tourist Market is closed today for a holiday, but never mind. My Caleche is waiting outside and my driver will take you to his brother's shop where you will get properly ripped off. Have a Nice Day." Then I pointed down the street to the entrance to the souk which is about 1/2 a mile away. They left on foot in the right direction. I hope that they made it safely.
There seems to have been a large delivery of green grass for the horses - nearly every carriage had a large bundle and more was being unloaded in the carriage shelter area. The carriages seemed to be busier than of late and most were driving sensibly. It appeared that supply and demand were being reasonably well matched for a change.
Mr Shakespeare stopped for a chat. This elderly, slim, grey haired gentleman is always plying his trade as a felluca captain in the area and loves to practice his English. He is one of very few honest traders that I encounter here, he will admit quite openly that he wants to help you spend your money, and then moves on to find another victim. He always speaks very highly of Tayib: "If every taxi-driver were as polite, educated and knowledgeable as him then maybe the tourists would have a better experience".
I needed internet access to send a book to a customer, so retreated to Hapy Habou for the afternoon. They had a fairly busy lunch time - at least a dozen customers dining. but when it quietened down a couple of Stella were procured for me. Obviously they do not have a license, but they have very good police protection and may be able to continue to provide a service for favoured guests? tried a few pictures of the sunset. It was blowing a gale, but the colours look good.
Afterwards, to the RRH. Mostly locals this evening. Various conversations about the licensing clampdown: the discovery of a body shot and in a bin-bag near the Railway bridge (who has since been identified as Nicolas Hughes, although I don't know how reliable this is): 6 people involved when a shop-owner from a supermarket near Sudan in Gezira village was killed a couple of weeks ago were captured last night. Also who was going away for the summer, etc.
We phoned ahead to make sure that Africa was open and had red wine, then had a good late dinner. A couple of night-time pictures of the area are included below. Back to the hotel late enough for the music to have finished. I am not a fan of 'entertainment'!