Columns / Letters From

A trip to the pedicurist reveals the changing face of Egypt’s middle class to Maria Golia.

The dawn of a new decade has Maria Golia pondering the past.

An overseas trip lets Maria Golia see her hometown in a new light.

Perceptions of efficiency – and cleanliness – can differ, Maria Golia discovers.

Maria Golia recalls why part of her Egyptian education involved learning how to break the rules.

'Make do and mend' is a time-honoured Egyptian talent, discovers Maria Golia.

Maria Golia recalls a moment of cultural confusion.

Maria Golia ponders Egypt’s attitude towards sexuality.

Even when the odds are stacked against them, Maria Golia observes her neighbour’s family taking life as it comes.

Maria Golia goes into battle for the underdog – and then wonders just what she has done.

Cairo's poor show a peculiar brand of camaraderie.

In the damp, dark winter, Maria Golia finds cold comfort in a pharmacy queue.

From brandished bottoms to a difficult death, Maria Golia plays nurse for her neighbours.

Patience is running thin and tempers are flaring in Maria Golia’s apartment block.

Maria Golia on conflicting loves in Cairo

Maria Golia explains why the pen is messier than the sword in her Letter from Cairo.

Maria Golia tackles taboos about money in Cairo.

Egypt’s rising food prices have hit the headlines. Maria Golia steps back and looks at how the process of provision itself is undergoing headlong change.