Preparation and downtime.

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Saturday is a day of rest here in Egypt, as I might have mentioned before, so I had planned some time for sorting, tidying, and generally recharging today.

That was until I found out late last night that I was celebrating the Eucharist and preaching here in the Cathedral on Sunday.

I don't mind last minute arrangements as I was used to them in my previous life, and Gillian had prepared me for this in our online chats prior to my departure.

There's a touch  of the manana of Spain in the local character!

So, last night I began to prepare a sermon for tomorrow, which is of course, Pentecost.


At least, it is in the Lectionary back home! So, I'm going with it! (I did clarify this with one of my colleagues!)

Everyone does this differently but I generally find that as I begin to write and the ideas take shape, the sermon pretty much writes itself. I did include a personal tale, by way of introduction, so people might get to know me a little better.

After that I did some chores, and then it was off to the local cafe for a spot of brunch. The food is very good and quite reasonable by Irish standards. It does take a little getting used to not having the option of a glass of wine with dinner, but a little healthy living is no harm at all! 

There is a lovely bookshop across the road, which is very good for Egyptology books, so I did a little browsing. They have a nice coffee area there also, so it would be rude not to indulge!

They also do a nice line in local craft items, one of which I managed to pick up as a gift. Not cheap at all, but definitely good quality. And no, no haggling in the bookshop!! LOL


As I write I still haven't gotten a hold of the service sheet for tomorrow, so I guess some more last minute work in the morning.

There are small shops on all the streets here, especially the side streets, and they do everything, from laundry to antiques. Lots of antiques!!

There was even a chap restoring furniture right there on the street outside his shop - in the path of the traffic no less. Definitely a brave soul...or perhaps a little crazy!

It gets dark here quite early as we're close to the equator. usually around 740pm. 

So, after a light supper, and a short walk back through the bustling streets near the hotel, its an early night for me! It will be a busy day tomorrow!



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