Most of us are forever in search of excellence and quality when we enter a commercial space, and of something to pull at our heartstrings and say "take me home or "come back to visit me. Such is Oum El Dounia: a cajole, a rhapsody, a subtle cascade of genius. One can write volumes about this delectable treasure trove in the heart of Cairo, and its name speaks for itself, meaning "The Mother of the World, a worthy name, synonymous with our blessed Egypt. Famous among the French community here, Oum El Dounia is a place of RnR when shopping in Egypt, especially for the spouses who dislike standing around for hours waiting for their other half to browse and buy, or for the weary traveller needing to acclimatize. Its owner and manager, the Frenchman Ludovic Piantanida, is charming, perceptive and always there to explain the concept of his passion. A work of art, juxtaposed to the chaos on the street...just as marked as chiaroscuro. A feast of cultures for all ages and tastes. Egyptian and Arab history and way of life are neatly catalogued here and I spent hours perusing priceless tomes. Ludovic kindly gave me a guided tour of the gallery rooms, teeming with inspirational chi and punctuated by inklings of sense of humor. "The works of Golo, the cartoonist, are always sold out as soon as they come in! He spoke of his visits to the oases and of his particular choices of exquisite quality work and finished product. Child-friendly cuddly camels, toys and puppets made by Oum El Dounia is one way of showing the extent of the care taken here to provide only the best. We make our own lamps and clothing line. Egypt s new generation is more aware of the need for hard work and of the promise held in reviving ancient craftsmanship. Ludovic and his wife Agnes have traveled to faraway lands and each item they have brought back is intrinsically a work of passion. Even the corridors here boast global love of what is ethnic and vernacular. A new area in the gallery has been devoted to artisans of India and Madagascar and caters to the visitor looking for the unusual. It bears a compass-like generosity that yearns to be shared and savored. Every three or four months, Oum El Dounia hosts exhibitions of local artists such as painters, photographers and Arabic authors. This month we will have two kinds of jewelry, designed by Isabelle Moullier and Dibou; and the work of Golo. I relished the elegantly painted walls in fresh colors and the dust-free environment which drew up a marked contrast with the pollution and stress outside. The mint tea and juices I was offered on the Siwa-style balcony quenched my indolence. As I left, I mused at my peaceful condition and realized that all the troubles that I had brought with me were made moot. Exhibition and Buffet, April 16Exhibition, April 17-18Oum El Dounia3, Talaat Harb StreetDowntown, Cairooumeldouniacairo@yahoo.fr
