LM

.  We waited for about an hour outside after paying our respects and offering prayers inside at the tomb.  Men were passing out candies, bowls of soup, water, cake, grapes, and whatever other food the participants had given to be shared.  During this time people were inside and outside and there were prayers being recited over a loudspeaker.

When the time came to go inside for the chanting and dance I was graciously led to the sofa type seating along one wall rather than the area at the other end where floor seating was the only option.  Yes, I was in the men's section.  The women sat on rugs on the floor.  This is Egypt.