June 17, 2009
My first full day in Egypt! It was hot and humid, but a lovely breeze kept things quite bearable. Today actually turned out to be quite nice. I stayed close to the hotel which allowed me to people watch quite a bit as well as nap. I'm staying directly across from the Sphinx and three pyramids, which is quite magical. Gouda is the owner here and a very nice man. I got the rare opportunity to sit outside with the guys and see the evening unfold. A variety of hungry cats meander through the streets. Sleek, thin, but strong. I'm starting to understand Egyptian driving in my observance, which is actually quite efficient although looks like chaos at first. They use every square inch of space on the road. Truly incredible. There is such a wonderful Egyptian pride and definitely a strong sense of community that seems to bring a hope and joy to an unsteady world. Everyone says hello to anyone walking, riding, or driving by. The road is full of camels, donkeys, horses as well as cars, buses, and bikes. It's the perfect combination of new and old. Jeans and traditional gallabyas. Obama has definitely created a great deal of hope here as well. Funny- his speech was given just across the street. Gouda told me the story of waving at him from the rooftop. Very cute. I tried a local falafel place for lunch (and had my leftovers for dinner). Actually Gouda sent me with one of his workers, so he dealt with everything for me. So I also got the Egyptian price and not the tourist jacked up rate. =) For 3 Egyptian pounds I got four full falafel sandwiches including salad and pickles. (1 to 6 exchange rate so about 50 cents.) It's fascinating to be here; see the pyramids with my own eyes, hear the prayers blast over speakers across the city, and the mix of traffic sounds. Love it! I have read descriptions of the prayers (which happen at 4am, noon, and sundown- although any good muslim must pray at least five times a day). And I always assumed they were more musical. But I can truly tell you they are waling. There is really no better way to describe it. It doesn't help that you can hear every speaker at full volume, all singing/chanting something different. It's very strange. Ah, a nice cool breeze just came by....It's intensely wonderful to be here. I'll try to write again soon.