Articles by Maria Golia

The future is unknown, but we can learn on the job, says Maria Golia.

Maria Golia experiences beautiful music and blunt talk at a Cairo gathering.

In a climate of uncertainty, Maria Golia discovers that laughter can sound hollow.

An interview with Maria Golia, author of our longstanding and popular Letter from Cairo column.

Love can be tough amid the boredom and despair of a city slum, writes Maria Golia.

The independent press has gained strength from the revolution, writes Maria Golia.

There may be no easy answer, but identity has become an obsession, discovers Maria Golia, among a people in turmoil.

Maria Golia’s tailor has the currency markets stitched up.

After the euphoria, reality is beginning to bite, says Maria Golia.

Maria Golia savours a moment of extraordinary clarity for Egypt.

Maria Golia on a wily strategist who is sowing division as his palace crumbles – and the protesters holding firm against his will.

Maria Golia on the question that has galvanized Egypt’s people – and their struggle to reclaim their dignity.

In the name of research, Maria Golia meets a man with an unusual mission.

Maria Golia meets the man with the eyes of a caged god.

Returning to Cairo after some time away, Maria Golia is waylaid in the labyrinth of a cargo warehouse.

Maria Golia recalls a transcendent moment amid the clamour of Cairo.

Maria Golia feels she’s getting old, while the city around her is ‘getting new’.

A trip to the pedicurist reveals the changing face of Egypt’s middle class to Maria Golia.

The dawn of a new decade has Maria Golia pondering the past.

An overseas trip lets Maria Golia see her hometown in a new light.

Perceptions of efficiency – and cleanliness – can differ, Maria Golia discovers.

Maria Golia recalls why part of her Egyptian education involved learning how to break the rules.

‘Make do and mend’ is a time-honoured Egyptian talent, discovers Maria Golia.

Maria Golia recalls a moment of cultural confusion.

Maria Golia ponders Egypt’s attitude towards sexuality.

Even when the odds are stacked against them, Maria Golia observes her neighbour’s family taking life as it comes.

Maria Golia goes into battle for the underdog – and then wonders just what she has done.

Cairo’s poor show a peculiar brand of camaraderie.

In the damp, dark winter, Maria Golia finds cold comfort in a pharmacy queue.

From brandished bottoms to a difficult death, Maria Golia plays nurse for her neighbours.

Patience is running thin and tempers are flaring in Maria Golia’s apartment block.

Maria Golia on conflicting loves in Cairo

Maria Golia explains why the pen is messier than the sword in her Letter from Cairo.

Maria Golia tackles taboos about money in Cairo.

Maria Golia gets a glimpse of Egypt’s high society in Letter from Cairo.

Living in Cairo means accepting much that isn’t how one might want it, discovers Maria Golia – and that everyone looks good in pink.

Maria Golia observes the wheeling and dealing behind a Cairo wedding.

First in a new series by Maria Golia.