a sweet distinct taste

All over the city, these earthen clay pots, or olas, sit on pavements, in little stands, filled with water. Somehow, they keep the water cold, ignoring the overpowering heat of a Cairo summer.

They are much more noticeable in and around the Bab Zuweila area. In some suburbs they have been replaced by little water fountains, or taps. I've never tried the water in them but I've heard that it has a sweet, distinct taste to it.

They're still out there on the street, but no one dares come anywhere near them during the day. The shisha pipe next to it, will also stay neglected until sunset.

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