Gone will be the days of that message-in-a-bottle feeling in the stories that featured our paper bills; always wishing the gedo with the wholesome message on the 3edeya well, always taking pleasure in the poetry and the dated love letters that have found solace in circulation.

It’s almost engraved in the Egyptian culture that we'd be giving or receiving, even if indirectly, money with handwritten notes. But we bid adieu to that form of expression because the Central Bank of Egypt just announced that they’re going to start issuing plastic currency, starting with 10 LE notes, to be printed in the New Administrative Capital’s printing facilities. Plastic bills are cheaper to produce and reportedly last more than twice as long as paper money, and they have the advantage of incorporating security features while having less of an environmental impact.

By the end of this year, the new polymer, cleaner, and longer lasting banknotes will be issued, shielding us from the easy wear and tear and the many microbes paper money carries within its cotton makeup - but its departure will be bittersweet as we woefully end years and years of monetary love, congratulations, and - to many - art.