easter break on the north coast (sahel el shimaly)

bib and i managed to make a quick, last-minute getaway to sahel el shimaly along the mediterranean sea for the long easter weekend.

although bib has been insanely busy-- like pulling frequent all nighters - busy, i begged him to get away for just a couple days and take some time off of work.  we needed to get out of cairo, and he needed to get away from the computer.  (even though taking this time off meant that he needed to pull some all nighters for the upcoming deadlines this week.)

it was unlike any other trip to sahel.  the coast was totally empty, with most shops and restaurants still shut down, waiting for the summer rush to come.  it was nice to have the otherwise jam-packed coastline to ourselves.  no traffic, no lines, no headaches.

but unfortunately, it was too cold to sit on the beach, let alone go in the sea.  it was pretty chilly all weekend with short spurts of rain each day.  bib was so cold, he was looking like a granny, wrapped up in towels trying to stay warm while we were at the beach.

regardless, it was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing.  exactly what we needed!  bib and i hung out at his family's villa, with his mom, sister, and aunt, telling stories, cooking, and watching movies.  it's really nice to get some qt in with family.  

apparently, the big easter meal to have is some sort of smoked or pickled fish...  so when in rome!  we got some stinky smoked herring, that took about a day and a half to get the stink out of my hands.  the fish reminded me of sunday morning bagels with smoked fish that i used to get at that amazing bagel place on 19th and 1st ave (i don't even know its name, but i miss it anyway.)

on our way home, we stopped in alexandria, where we did some shopping, and ate at the infamous belbaa seafood restaurant.  whenever i'm able to get out of cairo, i start to fall in love with egypt again.