“Ode to Akhuya”
Akhuya in Arabic means “my brother”. And since today, Jan 29 is my brother’s birthday, I want everyone in the world to know how wonderful he is. So happy birthday Simon! You are fantastic – as a person, as a brother, and (for all those ladies out there) I’m sure you’ll one day be a fantastic husband too :)
So welcome to geezer-hood, you old 21 year-old. Know that I and lots others and God all love you. But of all those people who love you, I love you fourth! (honestly, probably God, Mom and Dad, are all ahead of me, so fourth is pretty good).
Akhuk (your brother),
Adam
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Comment on my comments (and your potential) 2
Okay, this type I'll copy and paste properly.
And I realized this...the starting things are lower down, so don't start here, start at the post lower down called...I forget...the one more recent than Going, going, going.
The only other thing I want to say today, comes from a sentence or two I put in the last post. It goes something like this. Yes, things I write are neat and weird and different. But, on some level, I’m not living a really different life, I’m just having an opportunity to look at things a little differently, then talk about it. Yes, I write for your enjoyment and entertainment along with an interest to convey culture. You’re also feeling the part of me that is a bit of an exhibitionist, as I shine the spotlight on myself at the same time as I do the whole culture and experience. But the point is that indeed, were any one of you to actually hold a candle to your own life, analyze, question, and document it, it would be of the same interest and value. And if you think that all you live is the same as everyone, and there’s no way to experience a different culture where you are, then I think you are subjecting yourself (by choice or by default, an even worse way to live) a very narrow range of experiences. Because even those living in Edmonton, if they wanted, could spend a good deal of their free time with people who live a whole different type of life. So, yes, enjoy my stories. Enjoy the differences. Learn from what I say. But don’t think that what I’m doing is not possible from where you are. And if you like it, find it enlightening, enjoyable, whatever, then use this as inspiration to start re-examining your life, the life of people around you and, put yourself in a different culture in the area you live if you need to be stimulated in that way.
(If you’re stuck for where to find a different culture, I think the easiest thing to do is hit up the inner city. When I was working downtown, I learned that you can, without even trying to, by not ignoring people in the place they are, and not being so busy that don’t have time to accept an invitation to a rooming house, or carry a drunk on the way out of your office, meet a whole different world than the college/university educated semi-affluent, good-looking, socially supported collection of people that predominate my circle, and perhaps yours.)
And I realized this...the starting things are lower down, so don't start here, start at the post lower down called...I forget...the one more recent than Going, going, going.
The only other thing I want to say today, comes from a sentence or two I put in the last post. It goes something like this. Yes, things I write are neat and weird and different. But, on some level, I’m not living a really different life, I’m just having an opportunity to look at things a little differently, then talk about it. Yes, I write for your enjoyment and entertainment along with an interest to convey culture. You’re also feeling the part of me that is a bit of an exhibitionist, as I shine the spotlight on myself at the same time as I do the whole culture and experience. But the point is that indeed, were any one of you to actually hold a candle to your own life, analyze, question, and document it, it would be of the same interest and value. And if you think that all you live is the same as everyone, and there’s no way to experience a different culture where you are, then I think you are subjecting yourself (by choice or by default, an even worse way to live) a very narrow range of experiences. Because even those living in Edmonton, if they wanted, could spend a good deal of their free time with people who live a whole different type of life. So, yes, enjoy my stories. Enjoy the differences. Learn from what I say. But don’t think that what I’m doing is not possible from where you are. And if you like it, find it enlightening, enjoyable, whatever, then use this as inspiration to start re-examining your life, the life of people around you and, put yourself in a different culture in the area you live if you need to be stimulated in that way.
(If you’re stuck for where to find a different culture, I think the easiest thing to do is hit up the inner city. When I was working downtown, I learned that you can, without even trying to, by not ignoring people in the place they are, and not being so busy that don’t have time to accept an invitation to a rooming house, or carry a drunk on the way out of your office, meet a whole different world than the college/university educated semi-affluent, good-looking, socially supported collection of people that predominate my circle, and perhaps yours.)
Conference...relationships continue, and now add girls!
Okay, now girls. Here, at the retreat, it was more like at home (i.e. Canada), but you could tell it is more conservative. This might be a bit more useful if I had in the past described the conservatism of Egypt in the first place, but I haven’t so bear with me. In general, guys hang out with guys, girls with girls, if there is no specific activity. Similarly, during the service, for the most part, guys sit with guys and so on. Meals were a little more integrated. During activities sports, the whole conference was divided into six units who you stayed with, and accumulated points (my unit won!!), and here there was a little more interaction still. The most interaction came during less sporty-type games, the sports tended to be male-dominant, especially soccer (which of course is the biggest sport, just like the rest of the world). Still, by Egyptian standards, actually, the interaction between the genders is very open. It is socially acceptable for me to go up to a girl, introduce myself and strike up a conversation with her. This is not at all appropriate just in the street or at work or anything like that.
(It should be noted that I didn’t go strike up a bunch of conversations with girls before I knew them, for a number of reasons: I was still learning what was and was not appropriate, and, just because it’s okay, doesn’t mean it’s really the norm [i.e. it still felt like it would have been a bit weird, given the feeling of some segregation] plus it’s not like my conversation skills are great, and I still had lots of opportunities by being introduced when people were in a group and in meeting my sports unit).
To continue, actually it was really nice to meet and visit with girls. We all know that there is a time when people of the opposite gender are icky, but once that has passed (and I think it’s more or less passed in me), I don’t think guys do well without knowing girls and interacting with them socially. So I think this culture would be difficult for single guys, given its cultural restrictions on the interactions. That statement most heavily applies to people outside the evangelical church.
[Sorry, I’m finding it difficult to accurately portray the picture here, but bear with me. By the end of my months of rambling, you’ll probably eventually get it, as the sum of my interactions].
(It should be noted that I didn’t go strike up a bunch of conversations with girls before I knew them, for a number of reasons: I was still learning what was and was not appropriate, and, just because it’s okay, doesn’t mean it’s really the norm [i.e. it still felt like it would have been a bit weird, given the feeling of some segregation] plus it’s not like my conversation skills are great, and I still had lots of opportunities by being introduced when people were in a group and in meeting my sports unit).
To continue, actually it was really nice to meet and visit with girls. We all know that there is a time when people of the opposite gender are icky, but once that has passed (and I think it’s more or less passed in me), I don’t think guys do well without knowing girls and interacting with them socially. So I think this culture would be difficult for single guys, given its cultural restrictions on the interactions. That statement most heavily applies to people outside the evangelical church.
[Sorry, I’m finding it difficult to accurately portray the picture here, but bear with me. By the end of my months of rambling, you’ll probably eventually get it, as the sum of my interactions].
Conference... commentary on relationships begins
Secondly, new people: I met probably over ½ the people at the conference. Which is a lot, when you’re working with either brand new names (like Fady, or Methat etc), or common names (only among Christians), like 3 Peter’s and 3 Michael’s etc. Meeting new people, making friends here is different than back home. One of the guys in my group described it like this, putting explicit awareness and words to the experience: “When I first met you, and we shook hands, it was different than when you shake hands with an Egyptian. I felt as though you were looking for something else, something more. [I felt there was a bit of a negative connotation in his voice here, though it wasn’t harsh]. To you, we weren’t friends yet. In Egypt, all that is required to start a relationship is a handshake. In Canada [and elsewhere, obviously], it seems that takes more than just a handshake, something else has to happen; people have to do other things before there is a relationship.”
I felt this was an extremely interesting and important (and, to my experience, true) observation/description on his part. It really made me think about friendliness, openness, warmth, and relationships. So many people wanted to visit with me, in Arabic and English. Most people’s English is a bit better than my Arabic, but everyone is patient on both sides. I felt bad because I met so many people, and in a lot of cases, I felt like I was meant more to them than they did to me. In my case, I probably came out of the conference with maybe 12-15 people who I consider to have been important in a give/take type of relationship (which, in my opinion is a substantial number). However, I feel that more people than this were interested in a relationship with me. Even at the end as were getting ready, people wanted to exchange email addresses and phone numbers with me, and I couldn’t remember their names until they wrote them on the paper with their number. And similarly, I got a hug and kisses, words of affection (I love you so much) and praise (you are so nice, so very kind) from a guy whose name I didn’t (and to this point, don’t, remember.
So read my correctly on this. I’m not trying to puff myself up (everyone loved me) and I’m not trying to put others down (they weren’t worthy of my attention to remember their names). Obviously for all the mentioned reasons, I wasn’t going to know and remember everyone. And one new guy with a well known name is not hard to forget. But the openness, the “invitational-ness” the warmth, and the absence of any requirements or conditions on relationship was quite remarkable, and honorable.
For any of you who know Millwoods Pentecostal Assembly, and their Sunday evening young adults ministry, you’ll recognize that what I’ve just described is one of their essential goals, and one of the key points of former pastor C.S. Weirsma (I’m assuming it will continue to be a focus, but I haven’t seen much of their new look since C.S. left). To be honest, it’s a neat congruence, because it’s basically exactly the way he put it. If you’re interested in them, you can hit up www.the-project.ca for more info.
But I digress. So it was good on a relationship level. It should be noted that this friendliness is to a very large degree an Egyptian trait, and not limited to the evangelical Christians, though I expect it was slightly increased given the specific group and the setting. But at a place where there would be significant discordance between evangelical Christians and Egyptian culture in general would be at the point where you introduce the opposite gender into the equation.
Before I do that, though, I should just mention that lots of people want to improve their English, and of course I want to learn Arabic. Every now and again, someone would offer that we meet regularly for 2 hours and devote an hour to each language.
I felt this was an extremely interesting and important (and, to my experience, true) observation/description on his part. It really made me think about friendliness, openness, warmth, and relationships. So many people wanted to visit with me, in Arabic and English. Most people’s English is a bit better than my Arabic, but everyone is patient on both sides. I felt bad because I met so many people, and in a lot of cases, I felt like I was meant more to them than they did to me. In my case, I probably came out of the conference with maybe 12-15 people who I consider to have been important in a give/take type of relationship (which, in my opinion is a substantial number). However, I feel that more people than this were interested in a relationship with me. Even at the end as were getting ready, people wanted to exchange email addresses and phone numbers with me, and I couldn’t remember their names until they wrote them on the paper with their number. And similarly, I got a hug and kisses, words of affection (I love you so much) and praise (you are so nice, so very kind) from a guy whose name I didn’t (and to this point, don’t, remember.
So read my correctly on this. I’m not trying to puff myself up (everyone loved me) and I’m not trying to put others down (they weren’t worthy of my attention to remember their names). Obviously for all the mentioned reasons, I wasn’t going to know and remember everyone. And one new guy with a well known name is not hard to forget. But the openness, the “invitational-ness” the warmth, and the absence of any requirements or conditions on relationship was quite remarkable, and honorable.
For any of you who know Millwoods Pentecostal Assembly, and their Sunday evening young adults ministry, you’ll recognize that what I’ve just described is one of their essential goals, and one of the key points of former pastor C.S. Weirsma (I’m assuming it will continue to be a focus, but I haven’t seen much of their new look since C.S. left). To be honest, it’s a neat congruence, because it’s basically exactly the way he put it. If you’re interested in them, you can hit up www.the-project.ca for more info.
But I digress. So it was good on a relationship level. It should be noted that this friendliness is to a very large degree an Egyptian trait, and not limited to the evangelical Christians, though I expect it was slightly increased given the specific group and the setting. But at a place where there would be significant discordance between evangelical Christians and Egyptian culture in general would be at the point where you introduce the opposite gender into the equation.
Before I do that, though, I should just mention that lots of people want to improve their English, and of course I want to learn Arabic. Every now and again, someone would offer that we meet regularly for 2 hours and devote an hour to each language.
Part 3 - Conference (To be cont.)
Then. Next is the retreat I just went on. It was in a nice area (translate, actually some trees, and a bit of grass b/c they water it, as opposed to desert only, though also a pool – but too cold, and a couple of playing asphalt/concrete playing surfaces) about 1-1.5hrs outside of Cairo, on the way to Alexandria. We arrived in the late afternoon on Tuesday night, and left early afternoon on Saturday. So it was a long retreat. But it was good. I am quite tired, owing to staying up late and waking up early.
In the midst of describing the retreat, I will continue my attempt to describe Egyptian culture to you…However, the caveat here is that we’re dealing with a distinct group of people here, evangelical Christians. So while they are still obviously Egyptians, their traits are not fully the same as orthodox Christians, or Muslims. I’ll try to distinguish where appropriate. So you’re aware, the percentage of Christians in Egypt is just under 20%, I think, which is the largest minority of Christians in the Middle East (to compare, for example, in Jordan you’re looking at 6%, and other countries, open practice of Christianity by nationals is forbidden. That means just over 80% Muslim in Egypt, and also, you should know that Coptic Orthodox entertains the majority of Christians in Egypt.
Okay, refocus. So the retreat. It was basically the same schedule each day: Wake up, breakfast, personal quiet time, worship service (worship+prayer, preaching, worship+prayer), free time, lunch, group games, worship service (as before), supper, free time, bed).
I went to the retreat with a group, in some sense. I mentioned that after church last week, I was invited to a small group the next day. So they, including their leader, were essentially the group I was with, and they held the responsibility/privilege? of showing me around. Besides knowing 7 or so people from the group, I also knew slightly more than 0 other of the 150 or more that were there. So there are two groups of people: People I know very poorly (my small group), and people I don’t know at all. These can be further sub-divided: people who speak lots of English, and people who speak some English.
So why spend all this time describing this? The reason is this. People were EXTREMELY friendly. I’m continuously relearning the concept of hospitality. Granted, I was the only foreigner there (until 2.5 days in, a girl, from Germany came with the people she was living with – she’s teaching their kids German). Still, you don’t know what it’s like. To be honest, it’s fantastic. However, I have to pause, to remember how difficult it was when I went to the church for the first time, because I didn’t know anyone. At that time, no one came up to me, I initiated it by walking up and saying, “hi, I’m new. After that, I stuck with (he stuck with me?) one of the people I introduced my self to. Perhaps it was less obvious that was I was new. Or perhaps less obvious that I wasn’t with or waiting for anyone else. I’m not sure what the difference was, though, as I said, once it was known that I was new at both times, it’s an experience.
First of all, my group. It consists of about 7 guys, plus a leader and sub-leader. Usually one of them would take me, lead me, guide me, instruct me. It was nice (and much appreciated) when I didn’t know what was happening, and downright generous when I did (such as when we were eating, and they’d get my dinner for me, and take my plate and etc.) And they introduced me to people.
In the midst of describing the retreat, I will continue my attempt to describe Egyptian culture to you…However, the caveat here is that we’re dealing with a distinct group of people here, evangelical Christians. So while they are still obviously Egyptians, their traits are not fully the same as orthodox Christians, or Muslims. I’ll try to distinguish where appropriate. So you’re aware, the percentage of Christians in Egypt is just under 20%, I think, which is the largest minority of Christians in the Middle East (to compare, for example, in Jordan you’re looking at 6%, and other countries, open practice of Christianity by nationals is forbidden. That means just over 80% Muslim in Egypt, and also, you should know that Coptic Orthodox entertains the majority of Christians in Egypt.
Okay, refocus. So the retreat. It was basically the same schedule each day: Wake up, breakfast, personal quiet time, worship service (worship+prayer, preaching, worship+prayer), free time, lunch, group games, worship service (as before), supper, free time, bed).
I went to the retreat with a group, in some sense. I mentioned that after church last week, I was invited to a small group the next day. So they, including their leader, were essentially the group I was with, and they held the responsibility/privilege? of showing me around. Besides knowing 7 or so people from the group, I also knew slightly more than 0 other of the 150 or more that were there. So there are two groups of people: People I know very poorly (my small group), and people I don’t know at all. These can be further sub-divided: people who speak lots of English, and people who speak some English.
So why spend all this time describing this? The reason is this. People were EXTREMELY friendly. I’m continuously relearning the concept of hospitality. Granted, I was the only foreigner there (until 2.5 days in, a girl, from Germany came with the people she was living with – she’s teaching their kids German). Still, you don’t know what it’s like. To be honest, it’s fantastic. However, I have to pause, to remember how difficult it was when I went to the church for the first time, because I didn’t know anyone. At that time, no one came up to me, I initiated it by walking up and saying, “hi, I’m new. After that, I stuck with (he stuck with me?) one of the people I introduced my self to. Perhaps it was less obvious that was I was new. Or perhaps less obvious that I wasn’t with or waiting for anyone else. I’m not sure what the difference was, though, as I said, once it was known that I was new at both times, it’s an experience.
First of all, my group. It consists of about 7 guys, plus a leader and sub-leader. Usually one of them would take me, lead me, guide me, instruct me. It was nice (and much appreciated) when I didn’t know what was happening, and downright generous when I did (such as when we were eating, and they’d get my dinner for me, and take my plate and etc.) And they introduced me to people.
Part 2 - Interview with (the Vampire?) I hope not.
But that’s not next. Next is the interview I had for Fuller Theological Seminary on Tuesday morning. Thank you for all those who took some time out to remind/inform me of strengths, weaknesses and situations for my interview preparations. The interview itself went okay. I was really nervous, especially at the beginning. There was lots more I wish I had have said, including more about my cross-cultural interests, and about my volunteering opportunities here. On the flip-side, a lot of the interview advice I was given by ppl who do interviews is to not to talk too much, so I tried to stick to that. My interviewer did mention once or twice when I had a really good answer, or a good question. I also managed to have some lighthearted time at the end. So all in all, I’m just glad it’s over, and I don’t think (I don’t hope, anyways!) I interviewed myself out of a position, though I’m not sure that I interviewed myself into a huge scholarship, either. I’m expecting to hear from the school in the next 2-3 weeks.
The results of the last post: Part 1 - Volunteering
So, the post-everything update:
On Monday, I went with Sandy to Behman Psychiatric Hospital, which I later found out is the biggest hospital of it’s kind in the Middle East. There, I met a few different people, including the doctor in charge of the pediatric unit, another doctor who does art therapy, and a lady who helps in the psychological unit. It seems I will have some good opportunities there…though in my mind, things are should be considered probable until they actually happen.
I will be working with 2 developmentally delayed adults, teaching them math and other daily-type skills (telling time, money, etc.). I will get to sit on some of their regular meetings - where they discuss patients, and where they discuss academic and research issues. This should be really interesting. And lastly I can sit in/help with? some group therapy sessions. Most of the “with patient” work will be in Arabic, I expect, and the meetings will be in English. So it’ll be an experience on lots of different levels.
Then, we went to the school for students with learning disabilities where Sandy also works. Here, I sat in on a meeting, both administrative, and with some discussion of students. Then, we met with the director, and it looks like I can tutor one girl in grade 10 science (in English, of course), and maybe help out with some other things like social skills. Again, until I actually start, it’s all just “hopefully.”
So, that should fill up my schedule pretty well, also considering both places will require 40-60 commute on the train, plus to/from the train stations. What that means is for now, my formal study of Arabic plans are on hold, since there would be a conflict. But oh well, I’ll figure something out. Indeed (as I will describe) I have lots of offers to learn Arabic privately.
On Monday, I went with Sandy to Behman Psychiatric Hospital, which I later found out is the biggest hospital of it’s kind in the Middle East. There, I met a few different people, including the doctor in charge of the pediatric unit, another doctor who does art therapy, and a lady who helps in the psychological unit. It seems I will have some good opportunities there…though in my mind, things are should be considered probable until they actually happen.
I will be working with 2 developmentally delayed adults, teaching them math and other daily-type skills (telling time, money, etc.). I will get to sit on some of their regular meetings - where they discuss patients, and where they discuss academic and research issues. This should be really interesting. And lastly I can sit in/help with? some group therapy sessions. Most of the “with patient” work will be in Arabic, I expect, and the meetings will be in English. So it’ll be an experience on lots of different levels.
Then, we went to the school for students with learning disabilities where Sandy also works. Here, I sat in on a meeting, both administrative, and with some discussion of students. Then, we met with the director, and it looks like I can tutor one girl in grade 10 science (in English, of course), and maybe help out with some other things like social skills. Again, until I actually start, it’s all just “hopefully.”
So, that should fill up my schedule pretty well, also considering both places will require 40-60 commute on the train, plus to/from the train stations. What that means is for now, my formal study of Arabic plans are on hold, since there would be a conflict. But oh well, I’ll figure something out. Indeed (as I will describe) I have lots of offers to learn Arabic privately.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Going, going, going
Hey there sports fans,
What's happening all? I owe you an update, and this one will include both past and future.
I arrived home on Sunday night. Despite all the complaining I did while I was abroad, once I got to the steps off the plane, and heard someone call to another, "Abdullah," and the response, "ya Mohammed" I definately felt at home. Add to that Amani picking me up, and I didn't know that Michael would be there, so that was a super nice blessing. And just chilling at the apartment, it feels like I'm home. So that's pretty rad.
We had our relative Heidi staying with us. She got in the same day that I did, and she just left today. She was visiting from London, though she's of Egyptian descent, obviously, and raised in US and Egypt. She just moved to London less than 2yrs ago from work. She's a super rad chick (she's less than 3o, so I can speak of her like that), and we had tonnes of fun. I knew her from before at reunions. She was down for a wedding, but stayed for a week to visit. I've met her 4 times now, in 4 different countries.
Plus, it meant I got to meet Rafiq. He's another relative, slightly more distant. It's not really important, so I won't bother explaining the relation. I've never met him before, but I'll definately hang with him now, he's really fun too. He took us out a few times, for Sheesha and coffee. I didn't smoke (though I have tried it before). Sheesha and/or coffee is a huge pasttime here.
I feel ashamed because I don't think that this blog is living up to my "creative potential," haha. especially given that some ppl have mentioned it. Actually, I have something to say about that, but I may not have the energy to get there. Anyways, I'll blame it on listening to the radio online (ChristianRock.net); Since I blew my CD player on the 220 voltage, I'm hurting for some English media.
Okay, so I went to church by myself on Thursday. For all you church people, I think it would be good to go to other churches (and other churches in other languages, if possible) by yourself, and have the feeling of intimidation, so you know what it feels like for others who are doing the same and are new at your church. But I made some friends, got invited to a Bible study the next day, hung out with them after the group, and now I'm going on a 5 day retreat next week. All in a funny combination of Arabic and English. (I'm just hurting to write more, but the flesh is weak).
Okay so next week is gonna be a busy week. Monday, I have a meeting with a friend of Amani's (Sandy) who works with developmentally delayed kids in schools, and also with kids in a psych ward of a hospital. We're going to both her jobs and gonna see if I can help out at either or both. I hope it works out; it's such a stellar opportunity, given my interests.
Tuesday, I have my telephone interview with Fuller Theological Seminary for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. So I'm getting prepped and nervous for that. Then, Tuesday, I leave for the retreat. That should be something. I've met a few people once, of the >100 that will be there, don't speak the language, and have no idea what's happening. So it will be an adventure. But of all the safe places to take an such an adventure, I think a church retreat has to be near the top.
I get back on Saturday from the retreat, and on Sunday, I have registration for the International Language Institute (ILI). I'll probably do some study of Arabic there. How much I do depends on what other opportunities come up with Sandy, and any other of the contacts I have here. And the course would start on Monday.
So I'm gonna jet now and get back to my preparations for my interview. Thanks to all those who wrote and continue to write on my questions and their lives. And thanks to all who read, even if you don't write, because you are awesome too.
What's happening all? I owe you an update, and this one will include both past and future.
I arrived home on Sunday night. Despite all the complaining I did while I was abroad, once I got to the steps off the plane, and heard someone call to another, "Abdullah," and the response, "ya Mohammed" I definately felt at home. Add to that Amani picking me up, and I didn't know that Michael would be there, so that was a super nice blessing. And just chilling at the apartment, it feels like I'm home. So that's pretty rad.
We had our relative Heidi staying with us. She got in the same day that I did, and she just left today. She was visiting from London, though she's of Egyptian descent, obviously, and raised in US and Egypt. She just moved to London less than 2yrs ago from work. She's a super rad chick (she's less than 3o, so I can speak of her like that), and we had tonnes of fun. I knew her from before at reunions. She was down for a wedding, but stayed for a week to visit. I've met her 4 times now, in 4 different countries.
Plus, it meant I got to meet Rafiq. He's another relative, slightly more distant. It's not really important, so I won't bother explaining the relation. I've never met him before, but I'll definately hang with him now, he's really fun too. He took us out a few times, for Sheesha and coffee. I didn't smoke (though I have tried it before). Sheesha and/or coffee is a huge pasttime here.
I feel ashamed because I don't think that this blog is living up to my "creative potential," haha. especially given that some ppl have mentioned it. Actually, I have something to say about that, but I may not have the energy to get there. Anyways, I'll blame it on listening to the radio online (ChristianRock.net); Since I blew my CD player on the 220 voltage, I'm hurting for some English media.
Okay, so I went to church by myself on Thursday. For all you church people, I think it would be good to go to other churches (and other churches in other languages, if possible) by yourself, and have the feeling of intimidation, so you know what it feels like for others who are doing the same and are new at your church. But I made some friends, got invited to a Bible study the next day, hung out with them after the group, and now I'm going on a 5 day retreat next week. All in a funny combination of Arabic and English. (I'm just hurting to write more, but the flesh is weak).
Okay so next week is gonna be a busy week. Monday, I have a meeting with a friend of Amani's (Sandy) who works with developmentally delayed kids in schools, and also with kids in a psych ward of a hospital. We're going to both her jobs and gonna see if I can help out at either or both. I hope it works out; it's such a stellar opportunity, given my interests.
Tuesday, I have my telephone interview with Fuller Theological Seminary for the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. So I'm getting prepped and nervous for that. Then, Tuesday, I leave for the retreat. That should be something. I've met a few people once, of the >100 that will be there, don't speak the language, and have no idea what's happening. So it will be an adventure. But of all the safe places to take an such an adventure, I think a church retreat has to be near the top.
I get back on Saturday from the retreat, and on Sunday, I have registration for the International Language Institute (ILI). I'll probably do some study of Arabic there. How much I do depends on what other opportunities come up with Sandy, and any other of the contacts I have here. And the course would start on Monday.
So I'm gonna jet now and get back to my preparations for my interview. Thanks to all those who wrote and continue to write on my questions and their lives. And thanks to all who read, even if you don't write, because you are awesome too.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Home? Stretch
Hey Folks,
I'm on the home stretch now, only 24 hours before my flight takes off from Ben Guiron Airport in Israel to return me to life in Cairo. This should be interesting, considering that I now have spent more time traveling away from Cairo than actually living there.
I am on my own now, because my mom and I had to fly home separately given our different destinations. I dropped her off at the airport. So it's a little interesting. But definately okay. I know the area 'cause we've walked it a lot in the week or so we've stayed here, and it's truly nice just to have time without demands.
So we rented a car yesterday, from here in Jerusalem. And I drove. It was a new, exciting experience, I gotta say. The traffic here isn't at all like Cairo, thankfully, though the roads through Jerusalem are orgranized rather poorly. Think Millwoods, tossed like a salad, expanded 3 or 4 times, and then haphazardly jumbled onto a bunch of hills. But fortunately we didn't drive too much in Jerusalem, and I made it out of and into the city, so we're okay. Indeed, yesterday we drove to Tiberius, on the Sea of Galilee. We just found a place to stay, then went to the hot springs at Hammet Gader. It was okay, but really crowded and not quite as nice as we might have liked.
So here's a run down of the places I travelled to with my family...
Egypt
Dec 20-25: Cairo
Dec 26-29: Aswan, Nile cruise to Luxor
Dec 29-Jan 3: Sharm el-Sheikh
Jan 4: Mount Sinai
Jordan
Jan 4: Aquaba
Jan 5: Wadi Rum
Jan 6: Wadi Musa and Petra
Jan 7: Amman and Dead Sea
Israel:
Jan 8-15: Jerusalem
Jan 11: Nazareth, Capernaum, Jordan River
Jan 13: Tiberiu
I have been asked to give my one favorite moment, so here is the answer I gave, though I didn't think too hard about it. No point in changing my mind now, though it's a tough question 'cause the trip was so different in differnt places. But here's the answer...
It would be riding in the back of a truck thru the Desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan, while discussing psychology and its implications with my Aunt and Uncle, 2 of their kids, and my dad's cousin. It was nice out, we're ripping through open desert in between large red rock mountains, we were talking about a personal interest and important social concerns and it was with my family. What else could you ask for?
K so I still have so much to tell, but I don't know when I will. Maybe tomorrow, since I have a lot of time before I drive to the airport.
BTW some of you have noted that I sounded a little blue in my last post. And it's true, there've definately been moments where I was a bit bummed since getting to Jerusalem. But all and all, it's been really good, I think I've leanred a lot and had fun and, and, and...
Peace.
I'm on the home stretch now, only 24 hours before my flight takes off from Ben Guiron Airport in Israel to return me to life in Cairo. This should be interesting, considering that I now have spent more time traveling away from Cairo than actually living there.
I am on my own now, because my mom and I had to fly home separately given our different destinations. I dropped her off at the airport. So it's a little interesting. But definately okay. I know the area 'cause we've walked it a lot in the week or so we've stayed here, and it's truly nice just to have time without demands.
So we rented a car yesterday, from here in Jerusalem. And I drove. It was a new, exciting experience, I gotta say. The traffic here isn't at all like Cairo, thankfully, though the roads through Jerusalem are orgranized rather poorly. Think Millwoods, tossed like a salad, expanded 3 or 4 times, and then haphazardly jumbled onto a bunch of hills. But fortunately we didn't drive too much in Jerusalem, and I made it out of and into the city, so we're okay. Indeed, yesterday we drove to Tiberius, on the Sea of Galilee. We just found a place to stay, then went to the hot springs at Hammet Gader. It was okay, but really crowded and not quite as nice as we might have liked.
So here's a run down of the places I travelled to with my family...
Egypt
Dec 20-25: Cairo
Dec 26-29: Aswan, Nile cruise to Luxor
Dec 29-Jan 3: Sharm el-Sheikh
Jan 4: Mount Sinai
Jordan
Jan 4: Aquaba
Jan 5: Wadi Rum
Jan 6: Wadi Musa and Petra
Jan 7: Amman and Dead Sea
Israel:
Jan 8-15: Jerusalem
Jan 11: Nazareth, Capernaum, Jordan River
Jan 13: Tiberiu
I have been asked to give my one favorite moment, so here is the answer I gave, though I didn't think too hard about it. No point in changing my mind now, though it's a tough question 'cause the trip was so different in differnt places. But here's the answer...
It would be riding in the back of a truck thru the Desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan, while discussing psychology and its implications with my Aunt and Uncle, 2 of their kids, and my dad's cousin. It was nice out, we're ripping through open desert in between large red rock mountains, we were talking about a personal interest and important social concerns and it was with my family. What else could you ask for?
K so I still have so much to tell, but I don't know when I will. Maybe tomorrow, since I have a lot of time before I drive to the airport.
BTW some of you have noted that I sounded a little blue in my last post. And it's true, there've definately been moments where I was a bit bummed since getting to Jerusalem. But all and all, it's been really good, I think I've leanred a lot and had fun and, and, and...
Peace.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Still alive in Israel...barely?
Hey All,
Yes still alive. Thanks for all your emails re: my b-day. To answer you, actually the b-day itself wasn't great. Border crossing was tough, I look forward to enlightening you on that point. And I'm tired. The travelling has been going on for a while now, and though I'm pretty much better from being sick, I'm pretty beat. So my interest in Jerusalem is maybe not what it could have been, but it's still okay; mom and I are making the best of it. But I'm ready for home. Actually, I'm ready for Edmonton - just missing people lots, and just all things English and Canada-ee. But not yet.
But we had a good couple of days, actually. We had a super nice dinner tonight, so maybe more a good birthday today. We've seen lots of the old city. Tomorrow - sea of Galilee. But gtg, cafe is closing. Seems like I never get enough time :(
Adam
Yes still alive. Thanks for all your emails re: my b-day. To answer you, actually the b-day itself wasn't great. Border crossing was tough, I look forward to enlightening you on that point. And I'm tired. The travelling has been going on for a while now, and though I'm pretty much better from being sick, I'm pretty beat. So my interest in Jerusalem is maybe not what it could have been, but it's still okay; mom and I are making the best of it. But I'm ready for home. Actually, I'm ready for Edmonton - just missing people lots, and just all things English and Canada-ee. But not yet.
But we had a good couple of days, actually. We had a super nice dinner tonight, so maybe more a good birthday today. We've seen lots of the old city. Tomorrow - sea of Galilee. But gtg, cafe is closing. Seems like I never get enough time :(
Adam
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Still Alive, this time in Jordan.
Hey Folks,
Just a brief update to let you know I'm doing okay. We've done lots since I last posted. We hung out in Sharm el-Sheikh more, we climbed Mt Sinai, we saw lots of desert in Jordan, we saw Petra, we saw Mt Nebo (where God showed Moses the promised land) and we swam in the Dead sea. I'd tell you more but I don't have time. Oh yeah we also were invited to and kicked out of a Jordanian wedding.
K so everyone is leaving tomorrow except Mom and I are going to Israel. Should be wild especially given Ariel Sharon's condition.
And my B-day is Jan 8 so my present can be an email from you all updating me on what's going on your life. Sorry for such a shameless solicitation of my birthday, but oh well, I'm far away and what can you do?
Just a brief update to let you know I'm doing okay. We've done lots since I last posted. We hung out in Sharm el-Sheikh more, we climbed Mt Sinai, we saw lots of desert in Jordan, we saw Petra, we saw Mt Nebo (where God showed Moses the promised land) and we swam in the Dead sea. I'd tell you more but I don't have time. Oh yeah we also were invited to and kicked out of a Jordanian wedding.
K so everyone is leaving tomorrow except Mom and I are going to Israel. Should be wild especially given Ariel Sharon's condition.
And my B-day is Jan 8 so my present can be an email from you all updating me on what's going on your life. Sorry for such a shameless solicitation of my birthday, but oh well, I'm far away and what can you do?
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Brief Update
Hey folks,
I'm sitting in an internet cafe on at the cabin-style resort where we're staying, outside of Sharm El-Sheikh. It's one of the many contrasts I could give you, but in the interests of time and effort, I'll pass.
I'm sick now, so I missed most of the big temples in Upper Egypt, and I haven't felt hungry for at least 3 days now. But I'm not too bitter about it; to be honest, I'm enjoying some time to myself.
I want to be brief now, though I'll try to post once more before I leave. I'll just give 2 highlights from the past 10 days or so...
1. I gotta say that one of my top highlights has to be the horse-ride I took through the desert among the pyramids. Though I'm not much of a rider (translate: not at all) they sent the horses galloping away. There were 4 of us. I doubt my steed would compare to that of monarchs like yourself, but it felt just like a movie, as I looked to my left, a horse galloping, to my right, two doing the same, and there we were, racing across the desert, as though we were on a mission to save the world. What a rush.
We rode camels at the pyramids too, which everyone at home told me to do. It was good but not as fun as galloping on the horses. The camel is super tall and gets up off the ground in a really funny way and you have to have a driver, which took the fun away because the whole time I was only the camel, the driver, who was a kid not more than 12 (actually he was 12 'cause I asked his age) kept hammering me for money.
As per one special request, I did spit on a camel, though I forgot to put it in your personal email - sorry. But it wasn't as exciting as I thought it might be, because the camel wasn't spitting on anyone, and I didn't want to look like
I was rude to all the people who were the owners and the drivers, so I had to do it discretely.
2. (Notice this is Adam being brief). Christmas dinner at Nabila and Helmi's. As I mentioned somewhere earlier, I've been staying with my family since they arrived. As I also mentioned, it really hasn't felt like Christmas. But on Christmas day, we had supper at my home in Egypt, and it was really, really terrific. It felt even more special given how anti-Christmas it had felt to date. It didn't matter that we only had delivery fish and rice. Michael even stopped by to see everyone off (he'd come with us a couple places and met everyone while they were in Cairo). Anyways it was a great treat.
It's been really great to get individual emails from back home from all of you. Hope things are going okay. I hope you're not sad about the warm weather I hear you're getting.
As I said, I'll post and check emails again before I leave Sharm (the 3rd). Happy New Year./
I'm sitting in an internet cafe on at the cabin-style resort where we're staying, outside of Sharm El-Sheikh. It's one of the many contrasts I could give you, but in the interests of time and effort, I'll pass.
I'm sick now, so I missed most of the big temples in Upper Egypt, and I haven't felt hungry for at least 3 days now. But I'm not too bitter about it; to be honest, I'm enjoying some time to myself.
I want to be brief now, though I'll try to post once more before I leave. I'll just give 2 highlights from the past 10 days or so...
1. I gotta say that one of my top highlights has to be the horse-ride I took through the desert among the pyramids. Though I'm not much of a rider (translate: not at all) they sent the horses galloping away. There were 4 of us. I doubt my steed would compare to that of monarchs like yourself, but it felt just like a movie, as I looked to my left, a horse galloping, to my right, two doing the same, and there we were, racing across the desert, as though we were on a mission to save the world. What a rush.
We rode camels at the pyramids too, which everyone at home told me to do. It was good but not as fun as galloping on the horses. The camel is super tall and gets up off the ground in a really funny way and you have to have a driver, which took the fun away because the whole time I was only the camel, the driver, who was a kid not more than 12 (actually he was 12 'cause I asked his age) kept hammering me for money.
As per one special request, I did spit on a camel, though I forgot to put it in your personal email - sorry. But it wasn't as exciting as I thought it might be, because the camel wasn't spitting on anyone, and I didn't want to look like
I was rude to all the people who were the owners and the drivers, so I had to do it discretely.
2. (Notice this is Adam being brief). Christmas dinner at Nabila and Helmi's. As I mentioned somewhere earlier, I've been staying with my family since they arrived. As I also mentioned, it really hasn't felt like Christmas. But on Christmas day, we had supper at my home in Egypt, and it was really, really terrific. It felt even more special given how anti-Christmas it had felt to date. It didn't matter that we only had delivery fish and rice. Michael even stopped by to see everyone off (he'd come with us a couple places and met everyone while they were in Cairo). Anyways it was a great treat.
It's been really great to get individual emails from back home from all of you. Hope things are going okay. I hope you're not sad about the warm weather I hear you're getting.
As I said, I'll post and check emails again before I leave Sharm (the 3rd). Happy New Year./
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The Amusement Park
So a little while ago (maybe 5 days ago) I went with a group of people, on the invitation of Michael to Dream Park. It was quite western feeling. It was far in a suburb of Cairo, in a place called 6 of October City. We went with Michael’s friend Susan, her husband, her sister-in-law, and some of her nephews. The nephews had just lost their dad…he died in surgery just a few weeks ago. So we wanted to let them have a good time.
So, as a theme park, it was okay. The focus was more on the company, as usual. Magdi, Susan’s husband, is a psychiatrist, so I got to talk about mental health issues a bit with him. I also got to get to know Michael more. And a few good rides. There was one amazing ride though. It was a rollercoaster where you are suspended, with the track above you. While I love rollercoasters, the ride itself wasn’t the best part.
It was the view. We waited a couple of turns so that we could sit in the front row, because of course the front is the best ride, but the view was unbelievable. As you climb to the top, you see Cairo in front of you, the whole of the desert everywhere, with sand, hills, etc, the resort of Dream Land where there was a golf course, beautifully green in the desert, and also…the pyramids. It was amazing. I wish I could stop the rollercoaster so that I could drink in the view. It was amazing. Just to see the pyramids from the rollercoaster. And the whole view.
So that’s the amusement park.
So, as a theme park, it was okay. The focus was more on the company, as usual. Magdi, Susan’s husband, is a psychiatrist, so I got to talk about mental health issues a bit with him. I also got to get to know Michael more. And a few good rides. There was one amazing ride though. It was a rollercoaster where you are suspended, with the track above you. While I love rollercoasters, the ride itself wasn’t the best part.
It was the view. We waited a couple of turns so that we could sit in the front row, because of course the front is the best ride, but the view was unbelievable. As you climb to the top, you see Cairo in front of you, the whole of the desert everywhere, with sand, hills, etc, the resort of Dream Land where there was a golf course, beautifully green in the desert, and also…the pyramids. It was amazing. I wish I could stop the rollercoaster so that I could drink in the view. It was amazing. Just to see the pyramids from the rollercoaster. And the whole view.
So that’s the amusement park.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Contact Details
I’m eager to take a break, so I’ll get back to the other things I’ve been up to. You’ll be excited to hear about the amusement park
Contact Details
Okay, so I have a mobile phone now. So you can call me or text-message me. Please do so, as it is free for me to receive both :).
To reach me, the number is something like this. Note that this may different to the number I have previously sent to you, if I tried that already. The change would be the insertion of the ‘2’ which is the country code after the international long distance number which is 011).
Okay, to call or text me…
011 2 0109 37 2430
Contact Details
Okay, so I have a mobile phone now. So you can call me or text-message me. Please do so, as it is free for me to receive both :).
To reach me, the number is something like this. Note that this may different to the number I have previously sent to you, if I tried that already. The change would be the insertion of the ‘2’ which is the country code after the international long distance number which is 011).
Okay, to call or text me…
011 2 0109 37 2430
The other side of begging
I’ve got a brief story on the other side of begging. Of course, you know and have experienced both sides of it, but I think it’s worth repeating from where I am, just be just to the story I told earlier. I was out with Michael (a friend of Amani’s; it was he who picked my up from the airport). We were walking downtown, and approached a couple times by kids wanting money. He just ignored them, and kept walking. After this, I asked him about it and what he thought. He told me:
(Michael): If I’m busy and/or am going somewhere, then I just ignore them and don’t talk to them. But if I have some time, I stop and talk to them. And there are usually two situations. One is that they say they need money because they are sick. In this I case I say that I am a doctor (He is a doctor), and I work in this hospital, on this floor, in this ward, on these days. Come to the ward and use my name. I will make sure you get seen and taken care of. Usually they run off before I finish the whole thing. So they’re not sick, not wanting money. And for kids, I tell them that you’re young, able to work. Come with me, and I’ll help you get a job, help you to find work, to support yourself. Again, they are most often not interested. So when they try to beg, they are often lying, and/or they don’t want to do anything except beg, so I don’t like to support this by giving money.
So anyways, this was his take on it. Michael is a very great guy. He’s become a good friend in a short time since I’ve been here, and helped me with many things. He’s also taken me many places (as will be detailed later).
(Michael): If I’m busy and/or am going somewhere, then I just ignore them and don’t talk to them. But if I have some time, I stop and talk to them. And there are usually two situations. One is that they say they need money because they are sick. In this I case I say that I am a doctor (He is a doctor), and I work in this hospital, on this floor, in this ward, on these days. Come to the ward and use my name. I will make sure you get seen and taken care of. Usually they run off before I finish the whole thing. So they’re not sick, not wanting money. And for kids, I tell them that you’re young, able to work. Come with me, and I’ll help you get a job, help you to find work, to support yourself. Again, they are most often not interested. So when they try to beg, they are often lying, and/or they don’t want to do anything except beg, so I don’t like to support this by giving money.
So anyways, this was his take on it. Michael is a very great guy. He’s become a good friend in a short time since I’ve been here, and helped me with many things. He’s also taken me many places (as will be detailed later).
Imbaba
I went with Amani to Imbaba. It is a region near Mohandeseen (every place I’ve mentioned is a region of Greater Cairo, FYI, in case the different names was confusing). She leads a group for homeless and troubled girls there. She had a small group meeting (about 15; they also have big group meetings which she helps with, about 150). Anyways, I couldn’t join her, what with it being an all girl group and all, but she thought it might be interesting for me just walk around. And it was. I don’t know if I could talk about it without sensationalizing it. (BTW I'm not doing justice to Amani's work with these girls, it's great; maybe another time.)
So I’ll just do my best. It’s wild. I spent a bunch of time in the market, which is one street which goes on for many blocks, lined with shops, and coffee houses and food stands on either side. It’s covered with people, bikes, scooters, and occasionally cars and trucks. The wildest things food-wise are the hanging sides of beef, the live goats and cattle and chickens. Aside from this, it’s just everything you might think: busy, dirty, smelly, loud, crowded, road in total disrepair. I just think, “what is this life?” I spent a long time sitting on the side of the road and just thinking to find out how I might relate to anyone there. I mean aside from the language difference, given that no one would speak English there, and my Arabic isn’t at the “relating to you” level. I mean, on the surface, our lives seem as absolutely different as possible.
At the same time, we’re all just humans. So it must be possible, and there must be something, and in fact many fundamental things, that allow us to relate.
Furthermore, I don’t think that I (we) in the west are any different. We just have a different set of busyness, dirtiness, oddness, smelliness, etc. We’re running around after a different set of nothings. I have only the same set of questions for us westerners, as I watch us run around and do whatever it is we do, and I still ask that question, “what is this life?”
Beyond this, or rather in the context of this, I’d like to meet people so that I can make friends, practice my Arabic, and make good use of the 2.5 hours Amani has left me for. So I think it would be a good idea to talk to someone. But that’s of course the problem. For those of who follow sports, especially hockey, you’ve seen the interview with the foreign player who doesn’t speak the language well. In this case, it’s like a foreign player seeking out an interview in a language he doesn’t speak, unsure of which reporters would actually want to talk to him, given their focus on all the other things going on in the locker room, and in fact he can’t even talk about the things he knows best (i.e. his sport) because he doesn’t have the vocabulary. So it took a while. Finally I left the market, and hit up a more main street. I found a pharmacy that looked empty (and therefore the guy there will have time to talk) and I just walked in a started “chatting” with him. It went okay. The guy was very nice, and people came and went, both customers and friends of his and other workers of the store. Again, it was a pretty slow conversation, with lots of unknowns, hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Actually he was very nice, and took my number and I took his. He called later that night to make sure that I made it some safely. I think in our conversation, I had not made it clear that I was with my aunt, and would be meeting her shortly. So how about that? Egyptians are on the whole very friendly, and there is a good example.
So I’ll just do my best. It’s wild. I spent a bunch of time in the market, which is one street which goes on for many blocks, lined with shops, and coffee houses and food stands on either side. It’s covered with people, bikes, scooters, and occasionally cars and trucks. The wildest things food-wise are the hanging sides of beef, the live goats and cattle and chickens. Aside from this, it’s just everything you might think: busy, dirty, smelly, loud, crowded, road in total disrepair. I just think, “what is this life?” I spent a long time sitting on the side of the road and just thinking to find out how I might relate to anyone there. I mean aside from the language difference, given that no one would speak English there, and my Arabic isn’t at the “relating to you” level. I mean, on the surface, our lives seem as absolutely different as possible.
At the same time, we’re all just humans. So it must be possible, and there must be something, and in fact many fundamental things, that allow us to relate.
Furthermore, I don’t think that I (we) in the west are any different. We just have a different set of busyness, dirtiness, oddness, smelliness, etc. We’re running around after a different set of nothings. I have only the same set of questions for us westerners, as I watch us run around and do whatever it is we do, and I still ask that question, “what is this life?”
Beyond this, or rather in the context of this, I’d like to meet people so that I can make friends, practice my Arabic, and make good use of the 2.5 hours Amani has left me for. So I think it would be a good idea to talk to someone. But that’s of course the problem. For those of who follow sports, especially hockey, you’ve seen the interview with the foreign player who doesn’t speak the language well. In this case, it’s like a foreign player seeking out an interview in a language he doesn’t speak, unsure of which reporters would actually want to talk to him, given their focus on all the other things going on in the locker room, and in fact he can’t even talk about the things he knows best (i.e. his sport) because he doesn’t have the vocabulary. So it took a while. Finally I left the market, and hit up a more main street. I found a pharmacy that looked empty (and therefore the guy there will have time to talk) and I just walked in a started “chatting” with him. It went okay. The guy was very nice, and people came and went, both customers and friends of his and other workers of the store. Again, it was a pretty slow conversation, with lots of unknowns, hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Actually he was very nice, and took my number and I took his. He called later that night to make sure that I made it some safely. I think in our conversation, I had not made it clear that I was with my aunt, and would be meeting her shortly. So how about that? Egyptians are on the whole very friendly, and there is a good example.
Sorry...
I know I haven’t posted for a while. sorry. I’ve wanted to but it hasn’t worked out. So, some highlights (here, and to follow in other posts today):
Did I mention I can see the pyramids from my balcony? You can’t see them well, of course, ‘cause they’re not crazy close, and it’s only possible if it’s a really clear day (it’s been cloudy, and plus there is lots of smog). You can see two of them (there are 3).
Also, hotmail has been acting up lately. I know for sure of two emails that didn’t reach me. So if you sent something to my personal mail as opposed to posting a comment, please re-send it, try it again, either from hotmail or from another provider, or send it to my other email address (a.a.ghali@gmail.com). Because I probably didn’t get it if it was sent between the 12th and the 17th.
Did I mention I can see the pyramids from my balcony? You can’t see them well, of course, ‘cause they’re not crazy close, and it’s only possible if it’s a really clear day (it’s been cloudy, and plus there is lots of smog). You can see two of them (there are 3).
Also, hotmail has been acting up lately. I know for sure of two emails that didn’t reach me. So if you sent something to my personal mail as opposed to posting a comment, please re-send it, try it again, either from hotmail or from another provider, or send it to my other email address (a.a.ghali@gmail.com). Because I probably didn’t get it if it was sent between the 12th and the 17th.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Dec 11
What’s up?
Dec 9
So went out with Mohammed. We went to a police officer’s club. Actually very exclusive and fancy, it was on the Nile river. We went with one of his girlfriends, Mona. She didn’t speak any English. It was an interesting night, kind of boring, we just mostly sat and listened to the live music, but it was very good of him. But talking is hard b/c of music, and my Arabic is bad, but I’d rather practice it, otherwise it won’t get better. Also, I’m worried I wasn’t quite as friendly as I could have been. Taunt Nabila is always extremely cautious, and others are quite cautious as well, so it’s probably a good thing in many cases, but it may be a hindrance in some situations where being outgoing and more friendly would be quite beneficial. So we’ll see how I learn. It’s hard for me to remember I’ve only been here like 5 days and I’ve got another almost 4.5 months here, so I need to be patient.
Everyone here is named Mohammed. Let me illustrate. Mohammed the police officer. I’ve taken two taxis, both driven by men named Mohammed. I played Tennis (you’ll read this soon), and the ball boy was named Mohammed. It’s crazy. The psychologist in me is wondering if men named Mohammed might have a potential for an underlying identity crisis.
Dec 10
Already forgot what I did. No, not true. Slept in (as was out late with Mohammed). Then went and played tennis, basketball and squash at another club (again, read country club) with Wah-il from the church and a few others. I don’t remember if I mentioned him. It was nice to play sports.
Other than this, just visited with family in the evening and worked on Arabic.
Dec 11
Went out with Amani to register at the Police station, but turns out I didn’t have to, as a Canadian. Then went to find out what the process of me obtaining Egyptian citizenship is. After this, went to University of Cairo to see if I can use their facilities for physical activity. It’s likely. That would be good, to work out and play sports at my leisure. Also talked to Iman…I may get a job with her - the research, planning, administrative social programs type place - but we’ll see. So I have an appointment with her tomorrow, after my appointment with Hoda, the relative who has an Arabic school.
I think I’m “talking” too much. No, I’m writing and typing too much. I get sick of typing and writing after a while…as many of you know I don’t easily tire of talking too much.
Had an Arabic lesson from a private guy today; Amani had found his number at a church she was visiting for some reason or another. It was okay. He said I was very good, but I know my conversational Arabic still isn’t great, though I’m starting to understand more. It will come. Again, I forget how long it takes to learn language, and that since spoken and written Arabic are so different, my course doesn’t help too much, so I’ve only really been learning to speak since August, and that was a very limited amount with family in Canada. So it’s coming. Patience.
So that’s until now.
A comment on previous days/things I said…
The one that struck me most was the beggar. I’m not proud to mention it, but maybe it’ll make you think a bit too. I am so stingy. So stingy. To anyone who asks, whether they be beggars in Edmonton or Cairo. Jesus says…to any one who asks, give. I’m not how to read this verse, but however you do, it’s not like I did. I mean, at first I honestly didn’t understand what was going on when they started talking to me. Honestly. Then I caught on. But I was defiantly not eager to give money. They would have been happy to have a pound or two each.
An Egyptian pound is worth 20cents Canadian. 20 cents! I would probably not stop to pick up 20 cents off the street. And I would quickly give 20 cents (or quite a bit more) to someone begging. But it took me a long time before I would give money to them. Honestly. I was really ashamed once I realized what was going on in my own heart and especially after doing the mental currency conversion – the difference in value wasn’t apparent at first. After I gave them money, I also gave them a pen and a pencil. They knew I had these because I had taken my journal out to write. Imagine being so poor that you would beg for a pen? I also said I had no food, which I thought was the truth, but then after they left I found a couple of granola bars, so I called them over, and gave them the granola bars. I’m not tooting my own horn here. I really didn’t do anything. And on the other hand, I don’t want to make a spectacle of myself in the other direction, either as a terrible man, or as one who has realized and turned into a Mother Theresa. The focus isn’t about me and I don’t care what you think about me after this discussion, but this is what happened, and just at least take a bit of time to think on what I have described and about any personal application who and wherever you are and with whomever you interact.
Enough for tonight. We’ll talk to you soon. Thanks for your comments. Note that I have changed my comments settings so that anyone may write comments, not just blogspot members.
To those in exams now, I wish you all the best and am thinking about you.
Adam
Dec 9
So went out with Mohammed. We went to a police officer’s club. Actually very exclusive and fancy, it was on the Nile river. We went with one of his girlfriends, Mona. She didn’t speak any English. It was an interesting night, kind of boring, we just mostly sat and listened to the live music, but it was very good of him. But talking is hard b/c of music, and my Arabic is bad, but I’d rather practice it, otherwise it won’t get better. Also, I’m worried I wasn’t quite as friendly as I could have been. Taunt Nabila is always extremely cautious, and others are quite cautious as well, so it’s probably a good thing in many cases, but it may be a hindrance in some situations where being outgoing and more friendly would be quite beneficial. So we’ll see how I learn. It’s hard for me to remember I’ve only been here like 5 days and I’ve got another almost 4.5 months here, so I need to be patient.
Everyone here is named Mohammed. Let me illustrate. Mohammed the police officer. I’ve taken two taxis, both driven by men named Mohammed. I played Tennis (you’ll read this soon), and the ball boy was named Mohammed. It’s crazy. The psychologist in me is wondering if men named Mohammed might have a potential for an underlying identity crisis.
Dec 10
Already forgot what I did. No, not true. Slept in (as was out late with Mohammed). Then went and played tennis, basketball and squash at another club (again, read country club) with Wah-il from the church and a few others. I don’t remember if I mentioned him. It was nice to play sports.
Other than this, just visited with family in the evening and worked on Arabic.
Dec 11
Went out with Amani to register at the Police station, but turns out I didn’t have to, as a Canadian. Then went to find out what the process of me obtaining Egyptian citizenship is. After this, went to University of Cairo to see if I can use their facilities for physical activity. It’s likely. That would be good, to work out and play sports at my leisure. Also talked to Iman…I may get a job with her - the research, planning, administrative social programs type place - but we’ll see. So I have an appointment with her tomorrow, after my appointment with Hoda, the relative who has an Arabic school.
I think I’m “talking” too much. No, I’m writing and typing too much. I get sick of typing and writing after a while…as many of you know I don’t easily tire of talking too much.
Had an Arabic lesson from a private guy today; Amani had found his number at a church she was visiting for some reason or another. It was okay. He said I was very good, but I know my conversational Arabic still isn’t great, though I’m starting to understand more. It will come. Again, I forget how long it takes to learn language, and that since spoken and written Arabic are so different, my course doesn’t help too much, so I’ve only really been learning to speak since August, and that was a very limited amount with family in Canada. So it’s coming. Patience.
So that’s until now.
A comment on previous days/things I said…
The one that struck me most was the beggar. I’m not proud to mention it, but maybe it’ll make you think a bit too. I am so stingy. So stingy. To anyone who asks, whether they be beggars in Edmonton or Cairo. Jesus says…to any one who asks, give. I’m not how to read this verse, but however you do, it’s not like I did. I mean, at first I honestly didn’t understand what was going on when they started talking to me. Honestly. Then I caught on. But I was defiantly not eager to give money. They would have been happy to have a pound or two each.
An Egyptian pound is worth 20cents Canadian. 20 cents! I would probably not stop to pick up 20 cents off the street. And I would quickly give 20 cents (or quite a bit more) to someone begging. But it took me a long time before I would give money to them. Honestly. I was really ashamed once I realized what was going on in my own heart and especially after doing the mental currency conversion – the difference in value wasn’t apparent at first. After I gave them money, I also gave them a pen and a pencil. They knew I had these because I had taken my journal out to write. Imagine being so poor that you would beg for a pen? I also said I had no food, which I thought was the truth, but then after they left I found a couple of granola bars, so I called them over, and gave them the granola bars. I’m not tooting my own horn here. I really didn’t do anything. And on the other hand, I don’t want to make a spectacle of myself in the other direction, either as a terrible man, or as one who has realized and turned into a Mother Theresa. The focus isn’t about me and I don’t care what you think about me after this discussion, but this is what happened, and just at least take a bit of time to think on what I have described and about any personal application who and wherever you are and with whomever you interact.
Enough for tonight. We’ll talk to you soon. Thanks for your comments. Note that I have changed my comments settings so that anyone may write comments, not just blogspot members.
To those in exams now, I wish you all the best and am thinking about you.
Adam
Friday, December 09, 2005
First few days in Egypt
Hey all. So I’ll give you a brief run-down of the last little while in Egypt. As most of you know, brevity is not my strong point, but I will try. It will be good for me.
Dec 6
Arrived Tuesday night at about 7pm to Cairo Airport. Was picked up by a friend of Amani’s because Amani had to work. We drove about 1 hr to where I will be living, with Amani and her parents Nabila and Helmi. Helmi is the brother of my grandfather, and Nablia is the sister of my grandmother. Since Amani wasn’t home, Michael invited me to join a few of his friends, and we hit up a coffee shop. This is a very popular activity here. Amani joined us briefly, then we all came back and had dinner at home.
Dec 7
The next day, I did a bit of walking around, but not too far. Crossing the street is insane. It is extremely unsafe. Sometimes people (including Amani and Taunt Nabila) take a taxi to cross the street. It is that bad. This is because driving is so crazy. There are so many cars, and they just drive. There are lines painted on the road, but their purpose is purely decorative. Amani said, “if you drive in the lane, you will hit everyone, because no one drives in the lane.” You can’t imagine unless you have seen it.
Two quick stories about crossing the street and driving, from watching the street from our balcony (we live on a main street in Mohandeseen (“Engineers”), a region in Cairo in an apartment building on the 7th floor). First, I watched a [I will interject to note that Taunt Nabila just brought me a cup of tea and a piece of cake…more on this later, but I have lots to say it might be another post] man carrying a baby cross the street. He had to be assisted by a police officer. Secondly, a man was crossing the street. While he was in the middle, a bus was coming. He stuck his hand out to wave down the bus. The bus slowed down, and he jumped on. In the middle of the street, not even on the edge!
That was my big adventure for the day. I also did some unpacking, played some backgammon (a favorite of Uncle Helmi). Was still tired from the trip.
Dec 8
Yesterday, was a very big day. I have much to say, but not the focus or energy to say it all (I am getting sick of typing). So I will give the activities, without all the commentary. Of course, activities are less interesting than commentary, but I will add some as a feel up to it. I have things to say, so as you know me, you know I will get around to it.
First Amani drove me to the University of Cairo (she is a professor of German literature). She had a lecture, so she dropped me off, and I just walked around for a while. Then, I walked down the street to the Zoo. I walked there for a while, and met a couple of kids (maybe 13-15 years old or so), and we chatted. They practiced their English with me while I practiced Arabic with them. My Arabic sucks. I have a very limited vocabulary. They were very friendly. After this, I walked to the Nile, and walked along it. As I sat to write in my journal I was approached by, and had a “conversation” with a very young boy and an older girl (his sister or mother, I’m guessing). They were begging. After this, I walked further, then decided it was time to go home.
I knew the street I lived on was a long way, but I could walk, so tried to ask a police officer where my street was. He didn’t know, asked a few other officers, and finally their captain. The captain knew of, or not, more or less, (I think he knew fully, actually, but evaded it, thinking it was too far). His name was Mohammed. But he was actually very friendly, he and struck up a conversation with me. So we chatted for a while. His English was very good, which is frustrating, because it is hard to talk in Arabic, so more of the conversation tends to be in English than Arabic. I have to be patient with my Arabic, and how long it will take to learn. (Look: commentary slipped in). Anyways, he gave me his mobile (cell) number and we’re going to hang out this evening.
Then, I came home, ate, and then went to church in the evening. It’s a young adults meeting, for university age people. Amani didn’t join me, just dropped me off with some people she knew. I knew this would be the case, because she had another church group that evening, but I thought it would be better to hit up the service than to stay home. So Amani came after the service, we went home.
That was my big day. Today has been quiet. I may study some Arabic with Nabila. I have made some phone calls to try and arrange some things, but they are going slowly. I will meet Mohammed after 7 tonight.
So that’s all. Much more to say later, both new information and comments on some the experiences I had, how they affected me personally, and also to help you guys get a feel for the culture.
Until next time.
P.S. I forgot to mention. The weather is quite nice. It is mild even for Egypt standards. Usually, sunny/cloudy, high 20, low 10.
Dec 6
Arrived Tuesday night at about 7pm to Cairo Airport. Was picked up by a friend of Amani’s because Amani had to work. We drove about 1 hr to where I will be living, with Amani and her parents Nabila and Helmi. Helmi is the brother of my grandfather, and Nablia is the sister of my grandmother. Since Amani wasn’t home, Michael invited me to join a few of his friends, and we hit up a coffee shop. This is a very popular activity here. Amani joined us briefly, then we all came back and had dinner at home.
Dec 7
The next day, I did a bit of walking around, but not too far. Crossing the street is insane. It is extremely unsafe. Sometimes people (including Amani and Taunt Nabila) take a taxi to cross the street. It is that bad. This is because driving is so crazy. There are so many cars, and they just drive. There are lines painted on the road, but their purpose is purely decorative. Amani said, “if you drive in the lane, you will hit everyone, because no one drives in the lane.” You can’t imagine unless you have seen it.
Two quick stories about crossing the street and driving, from watching the street from our balcony (we live on a main street in Mohandeseen (“Engineers”), a region in Cairo in an apartment building on the 7th floor). First, I watched a [I will interject to note that Taunt Nabila just brought me a cup of tea and a piece of cake…more on this later, but I have lots to say it might be another post] man carrying a baby cross the street. He had to be assisted by a police officer. Secondly, a man was crossing the street. While he was in the middle, a bus was coming. He stuck his hand out to wave down the bus. The bus slowed down, and he jumped on. In the middle of the street, not even on the edge!
That was my big adventure for the day. I also did some unpacking, played some backgammon (a favorite of Uncle Helmi). Was still tired from the trip.
Dec 8
Yesterday, was a very big day. I have much to say, but not the focus or energy to say it all (I am getting sick of typing). So I will give the activities, without all the commentary. Of course, activities are less interesting than commentary, but I will add some as a feel up to it. I have things to say, so as you know me, you know I will get around to it.
First Amani drove me to the University of Cairo (she is a professor of German literature). She had a lecture, so she dropped me off, and I just walked around for a while. Then, I walked down the street to the Zoo. I walked there for a while, and met a couple of kids (maybe 13-15 years old or so), and we chatted. They practiced their English with me while I practiced Arabic with them. My Arabic sucks. I have a very limited vocabulary. They were very friendly. After this, I walked to the Nile, and walked along it. As I sat to write in my journal I was approached by, and had a “conversation” with a very young boy and an older girl (his sister or mother, I’m guessing). They were begging. After this, I walked further, then decided it was time to go home.
I knew the street I lived on was a long way, but I could walk, so tried to ask a police officer where my street was. He didn’t know, asked a few other officers, and finally their captain. The captain knew of, or not, more or less, (I think he knew fully, actually, but evaded it, thinking it was too far). His name was Mohammed. But he was actually very friendly, he and struck up a conversation with me. So we chatted for a while. His English was very good, which is frustrating, because it is hard to talk in Arabic, so more of the conversation tends to be in English than Arabic. I have to be patient with my Arabic, and how long it will take to learn. (Look: commentary slipped in). Anyways, he gave me his mobile (cell) number and we’re going to hang out this evening.
Then, I came home, ate, and then went to church in the evening. It’s a young adults meeting, for university age people. Amani didn’t join me, just dropped me off with some people she knew. I knew this would be the case, because she had another church group that evening, but I thought it would be better to hit up the service than to stay home. So Amani came after the service, we went home.
That was my big day. Today has been quiet. I may study some Arabic with Nabila. I have made some phone calls to try and arrange some things, but they are going slowly. I will meet Mohammed after 7 tonight.
So that’s all. Much more to say later, both new information and comments on some the experiences I had, how they affected me personally, and also to help you guys get a feel for the culture.
Until next time.
P.S. I forgot to mention. The weather is quite nice. It is mild even for Egypt standards. Usually, sunny/cloudy, high 20, low 10.
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