Well I'm on a roll, so I thought I would update with more recent events from Egypt before I go visit Mihiri (did I mention that I'm going to ITALY??).
First of all, I am now 21. Turning 21 in a country where alcohol is forbidden by the majority religion obviously is not your typical turning 21 celebration, but I managed to celebrate in Egyptian style by going to a random restaurant that turned out to not have menus, and then deciding to move on to Aseer Mecca (basically juice paradise) where I had 5 different cups of juice: mango, banana, watermelon, pumpkin (?!?), and guava. All I can say is mmmmmmm.
Also, the reason that I have not updated in practically forever is that in addition to frantically scrambling to apply for summer internships, I have had a pretty annoying health concern for over a month. Thank goodness it's finally better, but I have learned several things from this experience. First of all, even if the directions to a drug are translated into English, I should read the Arabic version. Because the translators have an annoying habit of leaving out important pieces of information or using words that have different connotations when translated into English. Needless to say, that was fun. Also, I have learned that Egyptians try to comfort you by telling you that something is not a big deal, and not to worry, when you really should take concern. I think that we Americans are on the opposite end of the spectrum where we want to take all precautions and perhaps make something into a slightly bigger deal than it needs to be, but in order to ensure that it gets taken care of totally. So it was really fun for me to be in the middle of these two ways of coping and to hear advice from relatives in America telling me that it was necessary for me to do certain things that the doctor here in Egypt thought were totally uncalled for (and shared with me her opinion that Americans are germophobes). Just another cultural lesson.
I also went on a overnight biking trip in the Egyptian countryside which was both fun and, well rather difficult. I have come to the conclusion that I should have had more biking excursions as a child because, well I kind of stink at bike riding, particularly when it is on bumpy, rocky, country roads. Which meant that the actual biking part of the trip was really not fun for me. I fell off my bike several times, and each time I was hurried back onto it by Khalid because there were children from the village running behind us, and I think he was worried about some sort of confrontation/mob. But the scenery was beautiful, and the food was delicious. Best meal I've had in Egypt. I also had my first ride in a tuk tuk (sp??) which is like a motorcycle with a little cart thing attached to the back of it for passengers. The tuk tuks are probably my favorite part of the Reef (countryside). Because they are completely "pimped out" with feathers, bumper stickers (in misspelled English), huge stereos blasting music, fur, and even feathers. Oh, and it wasn't until after we sat down that I saw our driver. He was about 9 years old. No lie. Haha.
We also finally had a chance to see where the boys are living, and let me say that I am pretty jealous. There are actually statues and paintings in their main building. I'm trying not to complain, but well our living situations are just kind of the opposite. Oh, and their food was amazing. They actually had fresh juice and vegetables at breakfast. Whereas usually we have bread and jam and cheese. But of course this is Egypt and there are different standards when it comes to the sexes.
I've also seen two more demonstrations/ public masses. The first one was a parade in support of Mubarak (who is alive apparently!). I was at the tram station with Chris, and I saw the mass of young men coming. But, this time I learned my lesson. When they started coming towards me, I pulled Chris away and we hid behind the tram station. The other demonstration that I saw was about two weeks ago in the university right outside our building. It was against Israel (right after the statement about not giving up part of Jerusalem). I've been avoiding discussing politics until now, but before I leave I really want to talk to some Egyptians and see what their views are.
Okay, I really need to go to bed now. That's it for now.
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