After reading my friends' blog from the US, I always think, I need to sign in and post something! But life doesn't always go that way.
Let's see, what is new? Since my last post, Cairo is back to its normal self. Today I am trying to remind myself of why I like it here...and trying to ignore all the things that grate on my nerves. I swear I must wear a sign on my back that says honk if you....
-think I'm hot
-see a white girl
-are a taxi and think that every western girl wants a ride
-are a taxi AND feel the need to yell sex out the window at me (yes, I want to jump in your taxi RIGHT now!)
-think you might run me over
-just like to honk for honkings sake
And then, there is the staring/waving/comments....many days I can take it, and really, its a nice compliment as long as it stays with just staring and waving at me. But really, what do you think is going to happen when you tell me I am beautiful? Seriously! And bank boy, stop asking me for my phone number. I am going to give you a fake one every time.
But then, when I stop complaining about all of this, and get some more patience, I remember. I remember that I have to give them props for trying! If western men would wear only a bit of their hearts on their sleeves like Egyptian men, well, women would be putty in their hands. Luckily my heart is claimed and find none of this interesting...perhaps the reason for my lack of patience with them!
And then there are the people themselves. They all wear their hearts on their sleeves. They are passionate and caring and generous, and are full of joy, even when things are tough. And this is what I have always liked about Egypt. The way the people came together during the revolution and finally woke up.
And I love this city! It is so easy to get around, the world's most identifiable monument is minutes from my door, and one of the oldest modes of transportation is just around the corner- a felucca down the Nile. Who would have thought that I would thrive in a city as big as this one?
Since the Revolution, things have changed. People have changed. Life has changed. People are still fighting for more changes, there is a bit of fear in the air, jobs have been lost...this country will never be the same again. I am so happy to be here and be a part of it, teach the Egyptian children about all of the freedoms that we in Canada take for granted, that people in my past fought for. That these children will be able to say I was a part of this!
Well, I am going to go to bed, and tomorrow get out and embrace the honking. Some things will never change :)
