AROUND FAYID

We used to spend a lot of time at Fayid where there were various shops of interest, the famous Green Valley Bar and Cafe. Close by was an outdoor cinema, the Victoria Lido, grass rugger pitch and bazaar shops. I recall a night at the Green Valley once when an evening of Egyptian Belly dancers was advertised. The place was heaving particularly with heavy drinking army types who got more and more belligerent and loaded with Stella Beer as we waited for the show to begin. When a frightened landlord announced that the car transporting the dancers had been turned away by one of our own military road blocks and would not appear, there was a riot. Beer bottles flew in to smash on the dance floor and fighting erupted as the Red Caps waded in. Me and my mate slipped out fast and got away and had to wait until our cruise down the Nile before we saw a belly dancer. I also remember buying Christmas presents for my family in November 1954 prior to flying back to UK for a months leave. I did not have to go round all the shops, I was sat down in a comfotable chair and waited on hand and foot for a couple of hours while staff brought stuff for me to inspect. If I wanted something that they did not have, no worry. They sent someone to another shop that did and brought it back for the haggling over price to begin. Now that was the proper way to do your Christmas shopping.