SPRING is in the air. And Egypt's very own Spring festival, Sham Al-Nessim — or literally “Sniffing the Breeze” — is a very special occasion celebrated by all Egyptians. Special dishes are prepared like coloured boiled eggs, fermented fish (feseekh) and salted herring, or ringa. Sham Al-Nessim ushers in the summer and Egyptians store their winter garments and dress in brightly coloured summer clothes. There is an all-embracing feeling of joy and festivity. Families flock to the gardens and children run amok.