The air in Cairo's Old Town was filled with the pungent smell of burning plastic.
Most of the buildings here had exposed brick walls, and many didn't even have a finished roof. This reminded Song Heping of the past when rural folks would often build the main structure of a house, move in, and only finish the exterior and interior once they saved a bit more money.
Nora Aus told Song Heping that the reason for the unfinished roofs and cement walls here was not due to poverty, but because such buildings bypass local laws. As long as a building is not fully completed, it is exempt from taxes.
A military vehicle appeared at the street corner ahead. Two soldiers with guns were scanning every passerby under the rusty iron roof.
Egypt hasn't had good public security in recent years. Numerous factions are secretly active, occasionally causing attacks that leave those in power jittery and force them to implement military measures.
"Stay natural, walk by, don't stare at them,"
