At the Flamenco Hotel, Cairo

This photograph was taken during what was probably the second or third time that Ragia and Mom had met, and perhaps the first or second that Farah had met mom and Sarah. On this trip, which took place in 2000, I saw Sarah for the first time since mom and my siblings moved back to America in 1993.

Mom and I had parted on somewhat shaky terms in 1993. During this visit, we were both quite anxious to repair our relationship, and our nervousness showed. These were wonderful times for me. A few days later, mom and Sarah attended my wedding.

The Flamenco Hotel, which is part of a Spanish hotel chain, was mom's favorite hotel in the world. She loved the place. She always tried to get a certain room (it may or may not have been 515), because it overlooked the Nile and had a huge arched window.

At this point in time, mom was also quite happy. She even had plans to get married at one point.



Clockwise from far left: Mom, Sarah, Ragia, and Farah.