Once in a lifetime everyone must visit Egypt. So fascinated was I with this land, that on my first visit to London ages ago, I flew Egypt Air just so that I would get a chance to make a stopover and go say hello to the Sphinx!

Almost three decades later I went again and this time, had my fill, till the brim. Both Cairo and Alexandria have so much in common with Bombay. The former in spirit and the way the society works and the latter the way it sits on the Mediterranean Sea.

A cruise on the Nile is a dream come true, the temples of Luxor, mind- boggling, shopping at the more than 600 years old souk, Khan El Khalili, a delight. There were the Bedouins I met and the camel market at Birqash that I went to. And then there was the stay at Mena House and dining al fresco in its jasmine scented lawns, right under the shadow of the Pyramids - what can I say, except, "Thank you God, for such wonderful experiences!”

It's been a raining weddings at palaces in Rajasthan. I went for two in one week. Couldn't help but squeeze one into this issue. Apart from endlessly feasting on the rich cuisine of this state, singing and dancing for three days, we also played elephant polo! The groom came with his clan from Spain and friends from around the world. It was so much fun to see their wonderment at how royal and yes, ostentatious our weddings can be.

Talking about Spain, we've featured in this issue, La Boqueria, an absolutely must visit market if you go to Barcelona. The sun-dried tomatoes are the very best here. Pick some for yourself and for moi, too, please.

Wildernest, in Goa, on the border of three states, is truly an UpperCrust discovery. A haven for children, it even has an Infinity Pool. Go there this summer.

Last, but not the least, there is the Sabavala family. Meeting them, eating with them is always such a pleasure. The artist, the man, he is grace and charm and style personified, he is Jehangir Sabavala.

Farzana Contractor

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