CAIRO: Heat waves are not new to many of us, for when one hits us, people are washed in their own sweat, and they become dehydrated – or faint. The air-conditioning is on all day and the load on electric, and water, stations is so high that we experience power outages and water cuts.
But it would be more interesting to watch how the Cairo residents took to the public roads to cool down after a long hot day. It is also worth-noting how others are capitalizing on people’s need to cool down to earn a living.
After the temperature soared on Sunday to 40 Celsius, the only way out for people after the heat subsided was to be in the open.
But even that could not make up for the suffering they had been through during the broiling day. In the evening too several parts of the capital continued to be enveloped in humid air.
However, only along the El-Mounib Causeway, it was a world apart.
On both sides of the causeway, and precisely from the point marking the transition of the Maadi Corniche to its counterpart that leads to El-Mounib, were a number of lined-up parked cars.
By night, you could hardly find a free space to pull into. The reason: This is actually one of the few areas in Cairo within ordinary people’s reach that can offer the coolest breeze, a scenic view and cheap drinks touted by street vendors.
It is the self-imposed picnic area that became over the years a pastime for many, especially during hot summer days.
Yes, for as early as the causeway was set up across the Nile at the area where Gizirit El Dahab (Island of Gold) is located, the residents have orally decreed that particular part of the mammoth crossing to be a picnic place.
“It reminds me very much of the Alexandria Corniche, said Amer Mahmoud who makes it to the bridge from the Citadel area where he lives. “Here you get unstopping blow of cool wind and watch the fields in the island from atop. I do come here everyday even when it isn’t that hot.
But the rush to the causeway on Sunday was unprecedented since the beginning of summer. Said Kamel Saber, a termes vendor from Asuit who talked as he pushed his stall: “I am expecting to have good business today. Last week it was relatively quite because the weather was fine.
“I do enjoy fishing on the Nile side, said Abdel Salam who came along with his family carrying three long fishing sticks.
“But today we didn’t come to fish as much as to relieve ourselves from the heat. We don’t have an AC in our house and to stay at home today was just next to impossible. We are fishing just to while away time. The kids get bored if they don’t do anything. It isn’t enough for them to smell breeze.
“What else could be done? said Fathi who came in company of his wife and brother Khaled. “Living in El-Mounib, this is the closest and the cheapest place to be in particularly following a day like this. The weather here is amazing.
“We have tried many other areas on the Nile, said Salwa, a Maadi-resident who came to the causeway along with her husband and sister.
“Almost all of them are low-lying areas and on a scorching day not so much is to be expected in terms of coolness. Initially I didn’t fancy the place very much when my husband suggested it, but practically it’s really wonderful. This is my second time here. It’s is definitely better than sitting in an acclimatized room, added Salwa.
But vendors and other types of earners were no less prepared for the evening.
“I come here from Dar El Salam just to clean cars using this duster, revealed Mohsen. “With this big number of cars lining up, some would definitely need to be cleaned up. I used to work in the land in Fayoum. But I am getting older now and to dust cars is a job that suits my health, said Mohsen.
Salma and her brothers were a different type of vendors. Each specialized in dealing in a different item. Her brother Sobhi grilled corn, Salem made tea and Adel halabesa (a popular Egyptian drink). “Shall I make you a glass of tea? asked Salem. “Don’t even think about it. I’ll wash the glass with hot water and Bril. Take this chair and sit until I prepare it, he assured.
“We’re here until 5 in the morning, said Kamel. “I continue to work as long as people are here.
