Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Sunday, 14 August 2011
A routine day in the life of Me
I thought I would describe a day in my life so far here in Cairo, seeing as I haven't updated very often.
My day usually begins around 9 A.M. when I get up and get ready for work. After the alarm goes ff, I stretch, and begin to open my window. Every day, without fail, I get to stare at the Great Pyramids of Giza before my full on day of routines begin. Once my mind actually settles back to a state of normality, and I have had my shower, I proceed to catch a taxi into the city.
Giza is by metropolitan standards, a suburb. It is roughly a half an hour ride out from 'work' (play) and is usually quite pleasant. 4/5 times my Taxi won't try to rip me off (too badly i assume) but there are those days (like) today where they charge you a 'little bit extra' (3 times the price). when such a thing occurs, I politely (rudely) inform them of their mistake (tell them they are flat out wrong) and proceed to gently (forcefully) hand them the correct (still overpriced most likely) amount.
Work at the moment is a small cafe in an area called Zamalek. Along with Maadi, Zamalek is considered to be a world in its own, because the expat community tends to reside (seclude themselves) within. There I spend my days, usually from 11 A.M. until roughly 4-6 PM writing (on facebook), researching, and publishing articles for BikyaMasr. after this time period, I either find myself wandering the sprawling (crippling) metropolitan in search of current events (drama unfolding). At some point, someone (everyone) somewhere (everywhere) is doing something (awesome).
Because of Ramadan, people in Cairo become nocturnal (hungry, cranky and thirsty). Shops close around Iftar (thats 7 PM here Xiomara) and reopened once they have had their celebratory feast. any social gathering I have attended thus far, no matter how minute, and despite my best intentions of finally getting to bed early (1 am), I always end up being awake until well... Early (usually just before Suhoor, which is the meal before the sunrise).
Rinse, Repeat.
Truth be told my days are so full and hectic that the general structure remains somewhat the same, but the experiences vary wildly! Today for example, I attended my first meeting with a language exchange group. sadly I was the only foreigner there, which meant that by and large we spoke in English mainly. on the plus side however, i learnt a great deal more about Islam, Ramadan and what has been happening here during the revolution.
Most of the people there were university graduates; Egyptians graduating from med school, engineers, chemical engineers, commerce and business majors etc. One of my friends from the meeting works with an NGO here in Cairo, providing plumbing, electricity, food and medicine, housing and emotional support. Once my schedule is fully sorted out in regards to work, I will be working with the NGO if possible, volunteering with the homeless kids at least once a week.
the other day, I met this British girl who scored me an interview with her company. it is an English teaching company and it means I will finally be making some bank! I have also had the pleasure of keeping company with an Egyptian girl who happens to know everyone and everything (wild exaggeration I am sure, but she knows a lot!). we spent a good 2-3 days walking around town, attending an Egyptian reggae concert, a Sufi performance, a wicked party and overall just amazing times.
the Expat community here is quite tight knit. everybody seems to know somebody you know, and they all do amazing things here (be it studying at AUC, free-lance journalists, doctors, teachers, you name it). and no matter how much we all may hate Cairo at one point or another, I can say for certainty that we all call this home.
over and out
My day usually begins around 9 A.M. when I get up and get ready for work. After the alarm goes ff, I stretch, and begin to open my window. Every day, without fail, I get to stare at the Great Pyramids of Giza before my full on day of routines begin. Once my mind actually settles back to a state of normality, and I have had my shower, I proceed to catch a taxi into the city.
Giza is by metropolitan standards, a suburb. It is roughly a half an hour ride out from 'work' (play) and is usually quite pleasant. 4/5 times my Taxi won't try to rip me off (too badly i assume) but there are those days (like) today where they charge you a 'little bit extra' (3 times the price). when such a thing occurs, I politely (rudely) inform them of their mistake (tell them they are flat out wrong) and proceed to gently (forcefully) hand them the correct (still overpriced most likely) amount.
Work at the moment is a small cafe in an area called Zamalek. Along with Maadi, Zamalek is considered to be a world in its own, because the expat community tends to reside (seclude themselves) within. There I spend my days, usually from 11 A.M. until roughly 4-6 PM writing (on facebook), researching, and publishing articles for BikyaMasr. after this time period, I either find myself wandering the sprawling (crippling) metropolitan in search of current events (drama unfolding). At some point, someone (everyone) somewhere (everywhere) is doing something (awesome).
Because of Ramadan, people in Cairo become nocturnal (hungry, cranky and thirsty). Shops close around Iftar (thats 7 PM here Xiomara) and reopened once they have had their celebratory feast. any social gathering I have attended thus far, no matter how minute, and despite my best intentions of finally getting to bed early (1 am), I always end up being awake until well... Early (usually just before Suhoor, which is the meal before the sunrise).
Rinse, Repeat.
Truth be told my days are so full and hectic that the general structure remains somewhat the same, but the experiences vary wildly! Today for example, I attended my first meeting with a language exchange group. sadly I was the only foreigner there, which meant that by and large we spoke in English mainly. on the plus side however, i learnt a great deal more about Islam, Ramadan and what has been happening here during the revolution.
Most of the people there were university graduates; Egyptians graduating from med school, engineers, chemical engineers, commerce and business majors etc. One of my friends from the meeting works with an NGO here in Cairo, providing plumbing, electricity, food and medicine, housing and emotional support. Once my schedule is fully sorted out in regards to work, I will be working with the NGO if possible, volunteering with the homeless kids at least once a week.
the other day, I met this British girl who scored me an interview with her company. it is an English teaching company and it means I will finally be making some bank! I have also had the pleasure of keeping company with an Egyptian girl who happens to know everyone and everything (wild exaggeration I am sure, but she knows a lot!). we spent a good 2-3 days walking around town, attending an Egyptian reggae concert, a Sufi performance, a wicked party and overall just amazing times.
the Expat community here is quite tight knit. everybody seems to know somebody you know, and they all do amazing things here (be it studying at AUC, free-lance journalists, doctors, teachers, you name it). and no matter how much we all may hate Cairo at one point or another, I can say for certainty that we all call this home.
over and out
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Quick catch-up!
Cairo so far
Cairo grew on me from day one. Everything I have seen so far are just a plethora of different experiences I have never imagined. I won’t romanticise Cairo because Cairo is far from perfect, but to say that it isn’t a world class city would be a bold faced lie.
Cairo is such a big city, and my experiences have been limited to Zamalek, Abul Hole, and Tahrir which means obviously that I can’t speak for the entire city from personal experience, but I have seen the massive contrast between wealth and poverty. In fact I live in an arguably impoverished neighbourhood. I have been ripped off by taxi drivers, smooth talked by scent merchants, hassled by police and army on check points, bothered by beggars, dealt with fasting, dodged rubbish and the list goes on... but I have also been welcomed to the country, mistaken for an Egyptian (alot), met so many different types of people, been presented with so much opportunity... it’s been great!
As it stands now, I have met so many different and interesting people. Egyptians that study seem to have a certain drive to achieve, and they all do in some ways. As of last night I have taken on board maybe another 2-4 projects (none of which shall be named until I am certain I do it, so as not to disappoint) and hopefully 20-40 new friends.
I finally started my internship with Bikya Masr (www.bikyamasr.com) , and I am looking for a place to study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I must have spent two hours wandering around lost after work yesterday simply for the sake of walking, and found myself in familiar territory. Like any other city, you cant get lost when you try to do so because eventually you find your way back to civilization at some point.
I urge every European to travel the world and to see some of the Middle East. Stay long enough and you will be surprised to see how many misconceptions regarding Islam you carry subconsciously. The good and bad are found in every race and religion. And in every society there are polar opposites, creating an amazing contrast. Culture is something so fluid, every person that is a part of a society will influence change in the culture.
Cairo grew on me from day one. Everything I have seen so far are just a plethora of different experiences I have never imagined. I won’t romanticise Cairo because Cairo is far from perfect, but to say that it isn’t a world class city would be a bold faced lie.
Cairo is such a big city, and my experiences have been limited to Zamalek, Abul Hole, and Tahrir which means obviously that I can’t speak for the entire city from personal experience, but I have seen the massive contrast between wealth and poverty. In fact I live in an arguably impoverished neighbourhood. I have been ripped off by taxi drivers, smooth talked by scent merchants, hassled by police and army on check points, bothered by beggars, dealt with fasting, dodged rubbish and the list goes on... but I have also been welcomed to the country, mistaken for an Egyptian (alot), met so many different types of people, been presented with so much opportunity... it’s been great!
As it stands now, I have met so many different and interesting people. Egyptians that study seem to have a certain drive to achieve, and they all do in some ways. As of last night I have taken on board maybe another 2-4 projects (none of which shall be named until I am certain I do it, so as not to disappoint) and hopefully 20-40 new friends.
I finally started my internship with Bikya Masr (www.bikyamasr.com) , and I am looking for a place to study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I must have spent two hours wandering around lost after work yesterday simply for the sake of walking, and found myself in familiar territory. Like any other city, you cant get lost when you try to do so because eventually you find your way back to civilization at some point.
I urge every European to travel the world and to see some of the Middle East. Stay long enough and you will be surprised to see how many misconceptions regarding Islam you carry subconsciously. The good and bad are found in every race and religion. And in every society there are polar opposites, creating an amazing contrast. Culture is something so fluid, every person that is a part of a society will influence change in the culture.
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
FYI
its 6:30 AM here, and for the third night in a row I haven't slept before 4-5 AM. We have spent the whole night having awesome conversations both with locals and expats. The feeling is indescribable, except to point out that it is unforgettable. The bonds that are created, the plans that are formed, the opportunities that arise... You won't find anything like it!!! And here I am, waiting for my mid-day interview fr a job, whilst being both extremely tired and inebriated. oh well, all will go as planned.. Inshallah
Cairo Intro
I have been here for three days now, and every day has brought something new and amazing to the plate. The best way to describe how I feel, is to think back of the time when I was a child. Everything is new, exciting. in many ways I am a baby here. Everything is different from the way I have lived; the food, the heat, the traffic, the customs, the language, the people, the lifestyle... three year olds here have a better chance of communicating and making their way around than I do. It is truly an indescribable city and the things I have seen have certainly changed me in some ways.
yet by saying that, to virtually everybody I have met here, this is normal. They don't have the same sense of euphoria and wonder that I have. not surprising obviously, as this is their home, and many of them have lived here their whole lives. I am sure the initial glamour wears off fast enough, but looking through the veil as I have over the last two nights, life is something that is always in motion, and so worth it.
yet by saying that, to virtually everybody I have met here, this is normal. They don't have the same sense of euphoria and wonder that I have. not surprising obviously, as this is their home, and many of them have lived here their whole lives. I am sure the initial glamour wears off fast enough, but looking through the veil as I have over the last two nights, life is something that is always in motion, and so worth it.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Dubai
So here I am in Dubai, I am so exhausted! Ramadhan has started, which means No smoking, Eating, or Drinking in public. My flight was cancelled and Emirates put me up in their hotel for free along with breakfast and lunch. I TRIED to fast, but I almost passed out of heat exhaustion. The food I believe I could do without eventually, with practice, discipline etc... But water... No way no how.
Dubai has been an interesting experience. I am super weary of offending people and especially here where I am quite out of my league. I have had plenty of experience dealing with Muslims before, but there has never been such a big barrier. For once I am out of MY zone, then there is the language, culture, law... It's not that I am scared in any way, it is that I am afraid of offending somebody simply by trying to be polite. A Muslim woman wearing a full Hijab got into an elevator by herself, and I was not sure I should get in the elevator. Ultimately I pretended to be fully busy and the elevator closed. When in doubt I guess...
oops last call for my flight!!! ciao!
Dubai has been an interesting experience. I am super weary of offending people and especially here where I am quite out of my league. I have had plenty of experience dealing with Muslims before, but there has never been such a big barrier. For once I am out of MY zone, then there is the language, culture, law... It's not that I am scared in any way, it is that I am afraid of offending somebody simply by trying to be polite. A Muslim woman wearing a full Hijab got into an elevator by herself, and I was not sure I should get in the elevator. Ultimately I pretended to be fully busy and the elevator closed. When in doubt I guess...
oops last call for my flight!!! ciao!
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Ooooooh the frustration!!
I have finally left Indonesia, so much has happened that I feel like I should sum them up in brief paragraphs:
Firstly, the Jodie O'Shea Orphanage is an amazing place, they have over 50 children at this point with the youngest being one month old (born there) and the oldest being twenty. many of these kids are abandoned by their parents because they simply could not afford to take care of them, but certain cases show just how evil people can be. the one month old baby they currently have there was dropped off by the mother. The father left the family when he found out his baby would be a girl, and so the mother decided to give it up for adoption. two days before she gave birth she came to stay at the orphanage, and as soon as the child was born and she was fit to walk, she left. Stories such as these truly illustrate the tragedy of the situation for many children in Indonesia, and around the world. Discarding unwanted children based on gender is not an uncommon practice in Asia and parts of Africa. the two biggest things they are lacking are steady volunteers (people who can physically be there with the children a set number of days and hours per week to play and bond with them) and Milk. Aries, a local Muslim woman who spends her day wanting the unwanted tells me it takes roughly 25 liters of milk every time they want to feed the kids calcium. Whilst she would like to give them milk every day, at this point in time she says they can only afford to do so twice a week at best, and many of these kids are very young and in need of vitamins and calcium.
Next on the list is the ACBEP, now changed to the CBEP. the change is simply aesthetic, according to my notary adding 'Amed' to the title would severely limit the work we could do in the future, should we ever choose to move on. Also I am officially not allowed to start a Yayasan in Bali because I don't have a Kitas, and so I must leave the commencement of the project in the hands of those who can. The Notary will still be dealing with me directly, and I will still be consulting with the boys, but as far as being a founder, I need to sit this one out. And to be honest it does not bother me at all. This project isn't about inflating one's ego or acquiring fame, so it doesn't matter
Thirdly, I would like to address all you foreigners who travel to Bali, here is a word of warning... don't be an idiot. The amount of debauchery evident in places like Kuta puts all of you and your countries to shame. the drink driving, no helmets, disrespect to locals and customs, the littering, the drugs, the overall humiliation you bring not only on yourself but on this beautiful island... It has to stop at some point. 1,000 people every year die because of vehicle related accidents in Bali, 450 of which are caused by motorbikes. You get drunk, drive without your helmet, speed down Kuta narrowly avoiding the rest of the traffic (a feat you neither dare perform back home, nor do you possess the skill to do so safely in Bali), bribe cops when caught and then have the audacity to think yourselves innocent when you are caught for drugs? Puuuuhhhhhlease!
Firstly, the Jodie O'Shea Orphanage is an amazing place, they have over 50 children at this point with the youngest being one month old (born there) and the oldest being twenty. many of these kids are abandoned by their parents because they simply could not afford to take care of them, but certain cases show just how evil people can be. the one month old baby they currently have there was dropped off by the mother. The father left the family when he found out his baby would be a girl, and so the mother decided to give it up for adoption. two days before she gave birth she came to stay at the orphanage, and as soon as the child was born and she was fit to walk, she left. Stories such as these truly illustrate the tragedy of the situation for many children in Indonesia, and around the world. Discarding unwanted children based on gender is not an uncommon practice in Asia and parts of Africa. the two biggest things they are lacking are steady volunteers (people who can physically be there with the children a set number of days and hours per week to play and bond with them) and Milk. Aries, a local Muslim woman who spends her day wanting the unwanted tells me it takes roughly 25 liters of milk every time they want to feed the kids calcium. Whilst she would like to give them milk every day, at this point in time she says they can only afford to do so twice a week at best, and many of these kids are very young and in need of vitamins and calcium.
Next on the list is the ACBEP, now changed to the CBEP. the change is simply aesthetic, according to my notary adding 'Amed' to the title would severely limit the work we could do in the future, should we ever choose to move on. Also I am officially not allowed to start a Yayasan in Bali because I don't have a Kitas, and so I must leave the commencement of the project in the hands of those who can. The Notary will still be dealing with me directly, and I will still be consulting with the boys, but as far as being a founder, I need to sit this one out. And to be honest it does not bother me at all. This project isn't about inflating one's ego or acquiring fame, so it doesn't matter
Thirdly, I would like to address all you foreigners who travel to Bali, here is a word of warning... don't be an idiot. The amount of debauchery evident in places like Kuta puts all of you and your countries to shame. the drink driving, no helmets, disrespect to locals and customs, the littering, the drugs, the overall humiliation you bring not only on yourself but on this beautiful island... It has to stop at some point. 1,000 people every year die because of vehicle related accidents in Bali, 450 of which are caused by motorbikes. You get drunk, drive without your helmet, speed down Kuta narrowly avoiding the rest of the traffic (a feat you neither dare perform back home, nor do you possess the skill to do so safely in Bali), bribe cops when caught and then have the audacity to think yourselves innocent when you are caught for drugs? Puuuuhhhhhlease!
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