Oh, did I not mention that there will be an annular eclipse on Monday?

Yes indeed, there is. I found that out after I began to look at departure dates to Egypt. I've known about this event for a couple of years, but I hadn't kept it in mind because this eclipse was only going to be visible from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and I didn't plan on being here in October 2005.

Yet, here I am, rockin' it in Cairo. The eclipse is tomorrow, and I'll either position myself out in some public square with the telescope and filters, or I'll head out to Giza and try to frame some photos above the tops of the pyramids.

I think that the maximum eclipse above Cairo -- with about 65% of the Sun covered -- will take place around 12:45 p.m. I've got some calculatin' to do and some water and film to buy. So if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way...