Thursday night we headed south to Luxor by train. After ten freezing hours of bumping and stopping throughout the night, we arrived and checked into our hotel where I relaxed by the pool on the roof in beautiful weather. I know everyone back at home in the snow is jealous :). If it’s any consolation, just remember that you are breathing much cleaner air. Don’t take it for granted! That afternoon we toured Karnak temple and Luxor temple-both impressive. Saturday we went the Valley of the Kings and I got to go inside three tombs (Ramses III being one of them). It was so cool! I was thinking of how I get excited in the Johnson archives over books 200 years old. …I’m not sure my brain knows how to process THOUSANDS of years. But there I was. We also got to see Hatshupsut’s temple from afar and checked out a papyrus store and an alabaster store. Other than all the touring, I was able to get some reading done and chill out. I found some Rook players which was very exciting and made me feel more at home. It struck me as funny that I was sitting in Luxor, Egypt playing all sorts of mid-west games. All in all it was a great weekend, but I was very glad to come back to Agouza (my neighborhood in Cairo). The market sellers in Luxor were much more aggressive and harassing, and I was glad to leave that part of it. I really wish Egyptian men would realize that I have no desire to be compared with Shakira.
Sunday we were welcomed back home with crazy parties on the streets due to Egypt winning the African Cup. It was all pretty exciting, but the security guards made us go home and stay away from the craziness. They’re very protective of foreigners.
It was hard to transition back into classes, but at least I always find them interesting. It feels good to learn, although I’ve been getting frustrated with my Arabic and feeling like I’m not picking it up as quickly as I want to. I’m just trying to remember that even if I am the worse student here, I’ll still go home speaking more Arabic then any of my friends in the States ;).
Last night we went to see a special showing of an interfaith film/movie called Hassan and Morqos starring Omar Sharif (who was there!!!). Here’s the basic plot: A Muslim Sheik and a Coptic Christian are both in danger due to to religious extremists on both sides. They are put into a protection program where the Muslim Sheik has to pretend to be a Copt and the Copt has to pretend to be a Sheik. They end up as neighbors and become very close friends both thinking that they really share the same religion…. It was epic.
Today, just like every Tuesday, I went to the Sisters of Charity Orphanage in Garbage City and hand-washed some laundry. Next time you use your washing machine you should think about how blessed you are to have one. Those things are great.
Just like every week, this one will be busy. We’ve got great speakers lined up and a lot of reading to do to prepare. Next Wednesday, insha’allah we leave for SIWA! Time is flying by, but it’s great.
Like always, here are some more random facts for you:
I can buy 4 pieces of pita for 25 piasters…I’m pretty sure this is less than 5 cents in America. A Kilo of delicious oranges will cost you 2 or 3 pounds (50 cents).
I’m not sure I’ve actually touched grass since I’ve been here.
“A decision made by a camel offends no one.”-The Message (It’s like the Jesus movie, but about Mohammed.)
3 comments:
Shakira! Haha sounds like a wonderful adventure :).
Danielle, I have been enjoying your blog so much. It is so interesting to read about all the places you have been. Keep on writing, and keep all those Egyptian men at arm's length!
Debbie Richardson
Yeah, I'm glad someone else has finally made that connection between you and Shakira....it's a compliment to her! :)
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