Paris on the Nile

well well well - I believe my days of writing to you from Cairo are nearly just about over. I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to get online tomorrow - so I best bid my farewell today. I hope you've enjoyed reading this silly thing.

Went to a event hosted by my fellow brethren at the American Embassy last night, and it was quite lame. The French do better jobs of hosting a schin-dig than us Yanks. We did however stay out till the wee-early morning hours and had breakfast in Old Cairo. And if I may - let me paint the scene for you - for it'll be the one thing that might stand out most to me when remembering this crazy place. We're at the cafe/eatery at around 5 in the morning, the crowds are thin, numbering to about 25-30 folks. The table where we're eating is outdoors and is right along side the road, bordering parallel up against the fortress type walls that made up Old Cairo back in the day. Two old men sit on the other side of the street from us, drinking tea, and playing some sort of ancient game I've never seen. The sun is beginning to peak up from the desert, and the workers are starting to get their horse's and donkey's strapped in for the day. The food comes quick, and we have two Egyptians with us, whom are extremely nice. One of the guys worked on the translations for my chess table (which will be picked up tomorrow), and for that - I'm truly grateful. The picture up top is the best I could find - just add in some darkness, take away the people, and imagine a cool breeze sweeping through every few minutes or so. It was a nice way to wrap up a whirlwind that has become a few months.

Tomorrow - we'll be taking a Felucca (small boat) down the Nile, and I'll be collecting email addresses from my new buds. Then off to the Airport, for the loooooong flight back to Chicago. I should be flying through your slumber Saturday night, so my phone should be operational sometime late Sunday afternoon.

I can't wait till I come back to Egypt, and it's only a matter of time. I've met super nice people everywhere I've been - from the "Metalheads" that live below us, to a Yale graduate who makes me laugh everytime I see him. This place is excellent and I recommend it to everyone. It really is a different way of life over here, and opens your eyes to many-many things. The future of this country really is in the youth of Cairo, and expect it sooner than later. Cairo has defied odds consistently, and will continue to do so - with their sense of solidarity being one of the main factors of stability.

I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for Cairo.

xoxo -

see ya when i see ya... ;)

Frnndz 4 Evaa

(random picture)

out of all places to see gangsta slang written on money, Egypt wasn't the place I expected it from. You see - I was counting what I like to call "Big J's Stash of Cash" (rather small stash might I add) the other day, and noticed that "Frnndz 4 Evaa" was written on one of my Egyptian pounds. I'm still at odds over whether or not taking a picture of it was worth it? Anyways - I had to spend it the other day, and was sad to part ways with it.

Went to AUC bookstore and wasn't all that impressed. But's it was far better than my book collection, which consists of 2-5 books at any given time from the Centerville Public Library.

It's n-n-n-nice today so, I will head home, put on a clean t-shirt, and think about all the things I'll never do.

Random fact:
There is more real lemon juice in Lemon Pledge furniture polish than in Country Time Lemonade.

taken from hookedonfacts.com

Since yester-evening I've been feeling a bit ill, so I'm going to keep this somewhat short. And to think I was days away about bragging how I never become ill since I've been here, while everyone around me was getting a virus here and a bug there.

One quick story and off I go. Last night in an attempt to stomach something, I stopped by this pizza parlor kinda place. The guys working there were complete pricks, and began to make fun of poor me in their native tongue of Egyptian Arabic. So I fugured two can place this game, and asked anyone in the place (in Arabic)whether or not they could speak English? No responses - I figured I was safe to begin talking really fast English to them as their heads spun in astonishment - saying things like "ohhh you don't know what I'm saying...how does it feel? how about you go brush your teeth? etc etc" All the time I have a smile on my face to hide my motive. After my verbal whip-lashing I felt redeemed and I went and sat outside and waited for my fatiyya (which is like a real shitty version of a pizza puff). A few minutes later - out comes one of the guys and begins to speak perfect English to me. He was actually nice about it, but for the rest of the time I just sat their and got all introspective on their asses. Pizza Parlor Guys-1 Me-0

Oh...the second prize will be the winners name written in Arabic from me. I'm just pulling out all the bells and whistles for this one - huh?

"until the 20th century - reality was everything humans could touch, smell, see, and hear. Since the initial publication of the electromagnetic spectrum humans learned that what they could touch, smell, see, and hear is less than one millionth of reality." (new skin)

Sorry about yesterday...my fingers were tired. My professor inquired with me today about buying my cell phone. (At first I thought he was going to ask for my number...and I had 867-5309 on the tip of my tongue waiting - trying to hold back a smirk, but it wasn't needed - plus I don't believe Tommy Tutone got airplay this far East...so he wouldn't have got it anyway) He also offered to give me free instructions via email...so that's super helpful. I'm very comfortable w/ him as well, so there shouldn't be any feeling of shame on my part in asking him how to say certain cuss words in Arabic.

I'm deliberating over the cell phone proposal.

Kabeer and I had the following conversation 2 days ago while studying in the living room - and I find it useful to relay:

Kabeer: (muffled yet barely audible) Gilette...the best a man can get.
Me: did you just sing the Gilette commercial?
K: Yeah, it's been in my head all day
M: Don't be ashamed, it was a kick ass jingle
Both of us: Gilette the best a man can get!
M: I wonder if it's as catchy in Arabic?
K: Gilette - jeet whalid mumkin...
Both: Nahhh
Five minutes later
Me: (muffled yet barely audible) The best part of waking up is...
Both: ...Foldgers in your cup!
(Translation followed, and again wasn't found catchy.)

Tanya and I are rumored to be going to the American University bookstore tomorrow. We hear they have some pretty rare finds, and it's our Friday...so ahhhh what the hell.

I still also have time slots remaining for my "how long will I be delayed in Milan" pool - however it's filling up quickly. Grab yours before it's too late (only 4,526 possibilities left!)...the first prize will be a placemat from Pizza Hut in Arabic - and the second prize will be revealed tomorrow. But I won't stop at 2...rumor also has it that I may give away 4 prizes! I know, I know...someone's feeling generous these days.

I've got nothing today, but all is well - i hope it is their too. thanks

a soul eater and a ghost...

(picture: A taxi similar to "The Ghost"...explanation later)

Sabaah il-kheer,
Late night-last night...Kabeer and I somehow managed to get to the dancing locale. The first few guys to come out were interesting to watch and all, but after like 5 minutes of these guys spinning around you begin to wonder thoughts such as:
Aren't they getting dizzy?
I wonder how long ago they ate?
Is the blood in their body forming little tornadoes from all the spinning?

Now the first 3 spinners were entertaining b/c they seemed to represent the culture of Sufism very accurately (whatever that actually is...I don't know). With that in mind I expected the last spinner to do the same. Ohhh buddy, was I wrong...and thus the weeks supply of fodder for blog humor began. This guy walks out on stage like he's been studying how to accurately portray an overweight Alabama hillbilly for years now. It was excellent! Needless to say, he succeeded like a champ, and while the first 3 spinners gave facial expressions when they were spinning that seemed to say "my communication w/ god is wonderful, I love spinning like a maniac." But the fourth guys facial expressions screamed out "I want to eat the souls of the children in the 1st row" - super creepy - but totally worth the price of admission.

I had to take a picture of the Soul Eater, and I'll have it posted when I get back. It's classic!

After the show, the dancers were getting into their cars and leaving right outside of the building, and I wanted so bad to see which car Soul Eater was driving and take a picture of him in his soul-mobile...however it just wasn't meant to be I suppose. But I bet you anything it was the '76 Trans Am sitting out back. Kick asssssssss.

Got a taxi last night to take us home. The driver nicknamed his taxi "The Ghost" - I really do wonder what the logic behind that was? Seriously - I mean what was going through his head when the decided upon "The Ghost?" I mean why not "The Rambler" or "The Hurricane" (??) Regardless, more taxi's should have nicknames.

Climate: Blahhh
Listening: Sparta
Eating: left over souls of the children in the 1st row.
Thinking: souls better not give heartburn.

If you could spit your morning cappachino all over the Egyptian sky, then you could mimic everyday the weather that we have here now. It's nice temperature wise, but the sky is heavily caffeinated.

Were going to see the Sufi dancers tonight which are called The Whirling Dervishes, and they look like this. I'm exited for the sheer possibility that they just might need a audience member to participate, and in that case...screw women and children first, this closet dancer is rushing to get chosen. I even have a witty comment all ready just in case. I'll say (acting surprised - of course, and addressing the audience) "Behold my fellow Egyptians...for what your about to witness is a dervishing whirl honed and crafted in middle America!!!" Everyone will laugh (even though you didn't) and shower me with love and gifts. I can see it now.

*snap* (awake from state of exaltation)

ok, sooooo class was fine today, and everthing that should be properly in place amongst my orbit of small things...is - so I'll get on to the obligatory ending of my blogs, and be on with business, and let you all enjoy your Saturday morning. Hope all is perfect where you are! xoxo

Climate: Starbucked
Listening: Bloc Party/and a 15 second clip of something special
Drinking: Strawberry juice
Thinking: Worldwide suicide...see for yourself.

http://theskyiscrape.com/ (i'll always be a sucker for them...and i don't care what the Whirling Dervishes say)