CAIRO: In a country, and city, known for its rampant corruption, the stock exchange wouldn’t normally be a place where your average citizens head for relaxation. But in downtown Cairo, a stones throw from the city’s Stock Exchange, or Borsa in Arabic, Cairenes chill with shisha (water-pipe) in one hand and tea, coffee or juice in the other. Cramped and crowded downtown Cairo can often be a confusing and frustrating place, but in the midst of all the chaos, Borsa offers a little oasis away from that. Near the Borsa is a little village inside Africa’s most populous city. Here, cars are forbidden from entering, making it one of the few places that is pedestrian friendly. What makes Borsa special are the dozens of cafes that line each of the streets. The aroma of coffee, mixed with the flavored tobacco typical of Egypt gives any passerby the feeling of being in an entirely new city. Egyptians and foreigners alike congregate here into the late hours talking politics, gossip and whatever comes to mind, while pulling on their shisha or sipping on their drink. If you are lucky, there is almost always a chance to chat with Egypt’s more famous activists here. For some reason, Borsa has become a haven for free speech that is often missed across the country. BM
