John, I love your description of Cairo.I was there briefly as an 11 yr old in 1971 where people thought my long red hair and maxi black Biba dress meant I was a witch or young prostitute and threw Little Rock’s at me.
I loved the Cairo museum then ,each room was pitch black and you would hear the rattling of coins in the darkness from a poor guard who would only turn the lights on if you gave him a few coins.We gladly did and it was like discovering wonderful treasures in a tomb.
If I were being cynical, I'd say the Guardian is worried about the competition. Nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised to find this stuff on any platform today. If Substack is earning money from Nazis, I'm all for them forgoing this source of revenue!
Thanks for the article. It's great to see someone from Australia write about Cairo which is a fascinating city. Look forward to the review of the new museum. Cheers
Now I really want to visit Cairo! Thanks for a thrilling portrait. Meanwhile, would you kindly do us a substantial profile (probably unauthorised) of Lisa Havilah?
“the Egyptians have largely accepted a succession of authoritarian governments as a way of controlling a teeming, diverse population.”
A better way would be to practice birth control.
John, apart from visiting the GEM, you’ve made Cairo sound like a living hell. Why would anyone want to spend their limited resources to experience such filth and chaos?
completely of the point yesterday we drove from Brisbane to Hervey Bay.First time. The local Art gallery is very well designed (far better than Sydney Modern) and the 2 shows Tyza Stewart/Hart and Dion Beasley best I've seen in years
John, I love your description of Cairo.I was there briefly as an 11 yr old in 1971 where people thought my long red hair and maxi black Biba dress meant I was a witch or young prostitute and threw Little Rock’s at me.
I loved the Cairo museum then ,each room was pitch black and you would hear the rattling of coins in the darkness from a poor guard who would only turn the lights on if you gave him a few coins.We gladly did and it was like discovering wonderful treasures in a tomb.
Now they leave the lights on, but it's a mix of priceless treasures & squalor!
Your writing and wit always engage John.🧠🙏
It's just a relief to be away from the local issues for a while
Yes John and fortunately you bring a rational voice to the turgid blather.
John I just read the Guardian article about Substack’s association with white supremacy and nazi propaganda. Are you aware of this?
Revealed: How Substack makes money from hosting Nazi newsletters
Exclusive: Site takes a cut of subscriptions to content that promotes far-right ideology, white supremacy and antisemitism
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/07/revealed-how-substack-makes-money-from-hosting-nazi-newsletters?CMP=share_btn_url
If I were being cynical, I'd say the Guardian is worried about the competition. Nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised to find this stuff on any platform today. If Substack is earning money from Nazis, I'm all for them forgoing this source of revenue!
Thanks for the article. It's great to see someone from Australia write about Cairo which is a fascinating city. Look forward to the review of the new museum. Cheers
It's on the drawing board for The Australian.
Great
Now I really want to visit Cairo! Thanks for a thrilling portrait. Meanwhile, would you kindly do us a substantial profile (probably unauthorised) of Lisa Havilah?
I can't imagine Lisa asking me to write her authorised biography.
Definitely not, but the public ought to know who she is, and you're well placed to tell us. Pleeeease.
“the Egyptians have largely accepted a succession of authoritarian governments as a way of controlling a teeming, diverse population.”
A better way would be to practice birth control.
John, apart from visiting the GEM, you’ve made Cairo sound like a living hell. Why would anyone want to spend their limited resources to experience such filth and chaos?
Hey Stephen, some people like that kind of thing! Personally, I'd take Cairo with all its chaos over some bland, orderly place.
But surely there’s a happy medium. What about Wyong?
I'm still trying to get over Cessnock
🙂👍
😂
excellent article.
must visit that museum..
completely of the point yesterday we drove from Brisbane to Hervey Bay.First time. The local Art gallery is very well designed (far better than Sydney Modern) and the 2 shows Tyza Stewart/Hart and Dion Beasley best I've seen in years
If you're expecting me to believe that Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is better than Sydney Modern - AKA Naala Badu - Alex, I'm ready & willing to do so.