Egyptian Arabic

Salma is over for tea in Dokki when Leo's parents call from Chicago: she says that, he says that, they arrive on the tenth, God willing, two weeks, and she wants to see you.

Madame Nadia offers Karim's old room for Leo's parents and Leo relays what they asked: they asked me to book a hotel, no trouble at all, the house is hers, dinner here every day.

Leo phones a hotel in Zamalek for his parents: I'd like to book a room for two, from when to when, on the Nile or on the garden, is breakfast included, in whose name, if you please.

Grandma plans the menu for Leo's parents and Leo passes on their questions: Mum asked whether you make stuffed vine leaves, he asked whether there's fish in the Nile, we'll see, may God keep you for us.

At Karim and Mona's flat, Leo passes on his parents' questions about presents: Dad asked what you like, their coming is the gift, say chocolate, books in English, a shawl for Grandma, and where to change dollars.

Cairo airport: the flight from Chicago has landed, there they are, tell her she has lit up Egypt, she asks what to answer, Egypt is lit by its people, she said it in Arabic, tell them we're so happy.

A taxi from the airport with Leo in front and his parents behind: the guests are from where, a thousand welcomes, Egypt is their country, he asks whether Zamalek is far, Mum asks what that tower is, Dad says that he loves Cairo.

The first dinner at the Mansours' table: with health and healing, she has never seen a table like this, tell your father to try the pigeon with his hands, tell your mother to take more, bless your hands, tomorrow the kitchen is theirs.

Leo's father visits the old house in al-Darb al-Ahmar and Leo relays him to Mr. Fathi: he says it's older than Chicago, he said he'll draw the roof tomorrow, he's a guest, not a worker, he worked as a carpenter for forty years, the workshop is his.

Sayed the doorman has the whole building's verdict on Leo's parents: they said your mother is like a star, she said the building is prettier than its photos, he asked me whether the lift is older than me, a hundred years like me, and Dad asked me to give you this.

Uncle Mahmoud offers Leo's mother any fabric in the shop and will not hear of her paying: he insists that she take it, she says he shouldn't have, and Leo passes every word across.

Salma guides Leo's parents through the Egyptian Museum in English while Karim and Leo trail behind: she explained how, Dad asked why, Mum says you're great, and the answer to a compliment.

At the pyramids Leo buys four tickets, turns down a camel man politely, then strikes a deal within the limit his father set: he told me not to pay more than fifty.

Leo asks a passer-by to take a photo of both families with the Great Pyramid behind: could you, if you please, with pleasure, all eight of us, and the blessings that end a favour.

On a terrace facing the pyramids Leo orders for his parents through the waiter: Dad wants grilled chicken, she says she'd like the stuffed vegetables, for him and for her, and the waiter answers at your service, right away.

In a brass shop in the Khan, Madame Nadia bargains for Leo's mother: eight hundred becomes five hundred, she advised us to take two, and I warned her about the Khan, too late.

At a cafe in Zamalek Leo asks Mona for help with a secret: she once said she doesn't like yellow gold, she always says the small one is prettier, and her size is like Mona's ring, exactly.

At a goldsmith's in Khan el-Khalili Leo chooses a small white gold ring with Karim: promise me you won't tell, I promise, not a word, and the goldsmith's blessing, may God complete it with good.

At the Zamalek bank at sunset Leo checks the felucca he booked for two: the Nile is yours tonight, it seems the wind is good, it seems you're planning something, I think she'll say yes.

On the felucca under the bridge Leo asks Salma to marry him: why are you quiet, I've wanted to ask you something, will you marry me, a thousand yeses, my fiancee, my fiance, and the boatman's congratulations.

Leo tells Karim and Mona how the proposal went: I asked her whether, she answered that she agrees, a thousand congratulations, God bless you, may it be your children's turn, slow down.

On a bench in the museum garden Salma tells Leo what her mother said: may God complete it with good, and you should have spoken to my father first.

At the fabric shop at closing time Leo asks Uncle Mahmoud for a sitting: may I take a minute of your time, a family matter, when would it suit you, Friday after lunch, don't worry.

Karim coaches Leo for the sitting and they buy the box of sweets: I don't know what to bring, tell me what to say, choose with your taste, tell me how much.

The night before the sitting Grandma coaches Leo in her kitchen: the words that open the asking, in my words, as you say, according to Salma, and if he is quiet, be quiet with him.

Friday at four in the Mansours' salon, Leo's parents beside him: I have come asking for Salma's hand, you honour us, my father says that he is honoured, here or in Chicago, my mother says that she wants one thing.

The same salon, the tea gone cold: Salma told me that you are a good man, I agree on one condition, that Salma stays at the museum and you live in Cairo, I promise you, the engagement in spring.

In Grandma's kitchen Salma shows the ring: show me, come here, a thousand congratulations, may God make you happy, may He fill your home with children, may I live to see your children, the stuffed vine leaves are for the engaged ones.

In Mr. Fathi's office at the workshop: a thousand congratulations, God bless you, they want the engagement in spring, I want you to finish the roof first, I promise you, she wants us to live in Cairo.

Cairo airport departures, Madame Nadia beside Leo as his parents leave: the announcement in Standard Arabic, go and come back safely, the house is hers, we'll miss you, don't thank me, you're our son now.