The Good Holiday.

 

So, you still want more? Here you go. Together with a host of other contributors, I now share responsible tourism stories from around the world on THE GOOD HOLIDAY. Here's how Daréll Lourens, the passionate film-maker behind the blog, describes the project:

TGH produces films in places that make an extra effort to involve and empower local communities. Our photographers take pictures in parts around the world that amaze with natural beauty and our writers string together sentences about destinations that inspire an inner knowledge that living well creates more abundance than living rich.

Do I need to say more?

Tunis Pottery.

It still strikes us as somewhat odd that pottery village Ezbet Tunis in Fayoum isn't a more popular weekend destination with Cairenes, especially since you can find at least a few pieces of beautiful pottery made in Tunis in every self-respecting Cairo household. Well, at least in families that take an interest in Egyptian crafts and prefer authentic, local interiors over the internationalized sameness of today's design world. We especially love the bowls and plates by Tunis pioneer Rawya and her team, but each of the workshops and small outlets around the village deserves a visit. You'll always find a few unique pieces to take home. That is, if you travel all the way to Tunis to buy them - which you should. But if you don't, there's a number of shops in Cairo that also stock the ornate yet simple crockery from this most charming place, one of them being Oum El Dunia in Talaat Harb St, Downtown.

Darb 1718.

In Cairo the hidden gems are even more hidden than in other places. We had heard about this charming pottery place somewhere close to Coptic Cairo from a friend who had started a design project with some of the artisans there. Not even she was able to properly indicate the location, for that's where the orderly city with street names and all fades into chaos. So here is how you get to Darb 1718, the place for all your custom-made pottery needs: Take the metro to Mar Girgis and leave the station as if you wanted to go to the Coptic Cairo area. Once outside, follow the street to the right, meaning the walls of Coptic Cairo will be on your left, until you get to a low gate. Cross the gate and continue with the same street, which bends to the left here. Don't turn right! If you pass an area with small cafés and shops you're on your way. Just when you leave the cafés behind and get the feeling you are in the wrong place is when Darb appears on your right. You will immediately recognize it with all it's greenery and well-maintained buildings. There's also art exhibitions and events sometimes, so check their website frequently. The only thing missing is a small bistro or café to make the most of this quiet place and encourage people to linger for longer.

http://www.darb1718.com