Booze for the Bowab

The delivery man from Drinkie’s, the local supplier of booze to foreigners in the neighborhood, arrived an hour earlier than expected. I ordered 200 cans of Stella and Saqqara beer for our going-away party this Thursday evening for my roommate, who’s moving out of Egypt. Mahmoud, the Bowab (or doorman) saw the special delivery and asked if we were having a party. I invite him, even though he won’t be able to come. He asks if I can save a can for him. He prefers Saqqara to Stella. It tastes better. Later in the evening, Mahmoud visits me and knocks lightly on my door. I grab a can and discreetly place it in a black plastic bag. He smiles and leaves a happy Muslim. Alhamdulillah!