This week mom had her birthday and we had planned a dinner with a view of the pyramids. We were then invited to a dinner that the new ambassador was hosting for a colleague who was leaving Cairo. We tried to excuse ourselves, but upon insistence we chose to attend.

To our surprise, they had bought a cake for mom and we had a full celebration around it. We were all touched by the very thoughtful and warm gesture. Mom was also quite moved, because over the years we have toned down our celebrations to quiet little cozy meals, and this was a good surprise for her as well.

Auto-generated description: A strawberry-topped birthday cake is placed on a small wooden table alongside plates and serving utensils. Auto-generated description: A group of people is gathered around a table with a cake on it, with several individuals looking at a man who seems to be speaking. Auto-generated description: A woman and a child are cutting a red cake on a small round table while people stand around them. Auto-generated description: A woman in a pink sari is smiling as she is fed cake by a child, surrounded by other people in a living room setting.

#OhBoy had his own set of surprises for his Paati. He had made a birthday card for her and also a simple bead bracelet!