December 14 -- Putin’ On The Ritz (Lou)

With our recently acquired custom duds, we made ready for the National Arabic Orchestra, and flanking the concert, two sets of cocktails at the Ritz: Ritzy Tiki drinks at lunch, and on the way home from the concert, Ritzy martini’s.  Luncheon Mai-Tais allowed us to wear our new tiki shirts made from great fabrics that Roger found in Atlanta.  The concert allowed us to wear our custom made jackets, which the ticket office pantomimed was needed along with a tie to get into the Opera.  To that end, we hit the Golden Man Store and we were in business. 

The Ritz is just a few steps from the Egyptian Museum, and the walk there from the hotel is always pleasant.  Dressed in our Tiki shirts, we ordered Mai-Tais after convincing the bartender that we really did want to sit out on the terrace, in winter.  Overlooking the Nile, we luncheoned and drank.  Little did I know what was to follow the next day.

On stage was the familiar orchestral and choral formation, presented ever so slightly more formally than we’ve become used to, lit simply and tastefully.  The performance was tighter and cleaner as well with precise and skilled soloists and musicianship.  We were clearly hearing classical Arab music at its best.  Indeed, it was a tie and jacket concert!

The walk to and back from the Ritz or the Museum is always pleasant enough but crossing the Nile on July 26 bridge at night is a trip.  Young couples dominate the railings posing for cityscape andNile backdrop photos.  Fancifully lit boats made excursions up and down the Nile, and horse-drawn carriages carried tourists to and fro.  Marvelous martini’s on the terrace made up for the rooftop bar being closed.  Did I mention the daiquiri’s?