Giant Koi Floats Over Al Mokattam Punt

Deep shadow envelopes the Nile bank near Al Mokattam as a guide polles a wooden punt through early spring gardens. Heat haze shimmers across the water, distorting the distant limestone cliffs. Above, a massive orange koi swims through the air like a living parade balloon, its scales reflecting the faint rim light of the coming dawn. The guide stands still, pole planted in the muddy riverbed, ignoring the impossible fish overhead. Morning light catches the wet wood grain and the ripple of the water against the hull. The giant fish hovers just above the guide's hat, casting a soft, orange shadow on the dark water below.