Cairo, Egypt: a tale of love and Egyptian journalist Louis Greiss

Louis Greiss.  I had been charmed by him from the beginning.  It wasn't just because of his influence (which was considerable) or his journalistic prowess (which was yet more considerable) .  And it wasn't even his ability to so smoothly navigate Egyptian waters as part of the Christian minority (although, I admired that, too). 

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 269

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 271

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 281

But it was his character, his generosity, his kindness.  And perhaps most, his sense of balance and fairness. 

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 282

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 265

He had been married to one of Egypt's greatest film stars, Sanaa Gamil.  A love story that had lasted 41 years.  He told me that the secret to marrying a successful woman was to realize that you had married not just the woman but the talent, too.  That you had to fight against a desire to reduce her, to be jealous, to be demanding.   But rather to revel in her gift.  Because, after all,  you loved her for that, also.

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 283

Louis Greiss, Corinee Bensimon, Marion's house 285 
Oh that Sanaa Gamil....She knew a good thing when she saw it........