Sitting in the small, pale blue room of Nana Karema's house is a comforting feeling. It reminds me of the days we spent together in her home, unable to really communicate with each other but thoroughly enjoying one another's company. My brothers and I didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with Nana Karema when growing up, therefore, the few memories we do have together are very fond and dear to us. Though she passed away a little less than a year ago, I can still feel her presence when I visit her home, the home where my Dad spent his childhood.

Last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday marked the end of Ramadan and the end of fasting in Egypt. This holiday is known as Eid el Fitr, or as my brothers and I referred to it when we were little as, "Little Eid." It is El Dahan tradition to spend the first day of Eid el Fitr in Nana Karema's house enjoying a fish dinner, and though she is no longer with us, the tradition still lives on. So, for the first day of Eid I hopped in a cab to Darassa, the neighborhood where my grandmother's house is located.

The streets were empty and I was pretty lucky to have even found a cab. The weather in Cairo is getting cooler, tolerable, and on good days I might even say pleasant. I enjoyed the quick cab ride, no traffic, and the cool breeze blowing through my hair. The vacant streets reminded me of how vacant the streets of Middlesboro are on Christmas morning when my family and I load up in the car to Mamaw and Papaw's house. However, in Cairo, a city of 16 billion people, that's saying something!

I enjoy sitting on Nana Karema's balcony, overseeing the busy street, Gamalaya. Darassa is located in Old Cairo and is one of the poorer neighborhoods. I love people watching in Darassa as the neighborhood is filled with so much culture. After dinner I took a seat on Nana Karema's balcony and watched the people below. Groups of teenagers filled the streets, young children were out playing with firecrackers, celebrating the holiday, and families filled cars as they made their way to the home of relatives or to a "nady" club for some family time outside of the home. Inside, I could hear the laughter of my family. I was reminded of Christmas day at Mamaw and Papaw's house. The El Dahans are a loud bunch… but so are the Greenes.

Then I was beckoned back inside for some sweets and tea. I refrained from drinking tea (just not a fan) but I did have a bite or two of some sweets. Eid el Fitr is basically three days of feasting and sweets have a set place in every Egyptian's home during Eid. During the first day we enjoyed baa'lawa (or as you may know it, baklava) and cookies covered in confectioner's sugar with fine, grounded nuts. They crumble and melt in your mouth. Tasty. The smell of the cookies and hot tea reminded me of the many Eids spent at home in Middlesboro, Dad enjoying his tea and Eid treats. Good memories from my childhood, a pleasant and soothing recollection of my youth. I just wish Dad could be here to celebrate with me.

So, that was how I spent my first day of Eid. The following days were spent enjoying time off of work and hanging with friends. I'm excited that Ramadan is over because stores and such will return to regular hours which make things, such as grocery shopping, easier. However, as stores return to regular working hours I will also return to my regular 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. work day. Oh well, you can't win them all.

Kol sana wenta tayeb ya Baba. Sana helwa ya gamil….

Karema Eldahan is a Middlesboro native living in Egypt. She shares her experience through this weekly column. Contact her via e-mail at editor@middlesborodailynews.com.