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Sunday, February 3, 2019
Update 29
We made it to the Pyramids!!! It is a sight to behold!!! They've certainly stood the test of time...4500+years and counting.
We'd met a guy at the Metro stop (our white skin says tourist loud & clear) who led us right to the carriage & horse stables where he set us up with a guide & ride (we're sure he got a cut) and in no time, our guide maneuvered us through the huge crowd of 99% Egyptians ...mostly by squeezing around the barriers & pushing and shoving, making a space for us.
The panoramic view you get as you enter is surreal. Massive. Iconic. Dusty. By carriage we passed the majority of the visitors and reached the base of the pyramid quickly. Then we climbed onto two kneeling camels who then rose up to about 7'. We rode around the base of a pyramid which once stood 146m high but has been lowered by the wind & rain by 9m and it's limestone finish all but gone. At one point, my camel refused to step over a chain, broke his lead rope & headed back to where we started. Luckily rather slowly. Many guides kept saying, "It's okay lady!" After about 200' of unleashed freedom...another guide slowly reached up & grabbed my camel's bridle. I kinda thought it was exciting!
Next we crawled down into the tunnel leading to the tomb inside the pyramid. It was totally dark so good thing our phone had a flashlight! The tunnel ended at the sarcophagus. Eerie . It was a heavy thought just thinking about the weight above you! We hiked around a bit then got back in the carriage to get to the sphinx that has stood guard in from for all these years. He still sits proudly and majestically in spite of some missing pieces.
These pyramids & the sphinx are the only one of the Seven Ancient Wonders that remains.
Sooo...you'd think after over 4000 years of being a tourist site, they'd have it set up perfectly. Far from it!!! The entrance gate was jammed & we were literally pushed through it. The area all around the pyramids was congested and chaotic. Horsing galloping, carts, camels & people going in every which direction. Poop everywhere. People climbing up on the pyramids and picnicking on fallen blocks. The tunnels into the pyramids completely dark with only a dirty fluorescent light lying on the ground by the sarcophagus.
All I can say is, it's a good thing those ancient Egyptians built mighty strong & durable pyramids cause we were thrilled to be able to see them!!
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We'd met a guy at the Metro stop (our white skin says tourist loud & clear) who led us right to the carriage & horse stables where he set us up with a guide & ride (we're sure he got a cut) and in no time, our guide maneuvered us through the huge crowd of 99% Egyptians ...mostly by squeezing around the barriers & pushing and shoving, making a space for us.
The panoramic view you get as you enter is surreal. Massive. Iconic. Dusty. By carriage we passed the majority of the visitors and reached the base of the pyramid quickly. Then we climbed onto two kneeling camels who then rose up to about 7'. We rode around the base of a pyramid which once stood 146m high but has been lowered by the wind & rain by 9m and it's limestone finish all but gone. At one point, my camel refused to step over a chain, broke his lead rope & headed back to where we started. Luckily rather slowly. Many guides kept saying, "It's okay lady!" After about 200' of unleashed freedom...another guide slowly reached up & grabbed my camel's bridle. I kinda thought it was exciting!
Next we crawled down into the tunnel leading to the tomb inside the pyramid. It was totally dark so good thing our phone had a flashlight! The tunnel ended at the sarcophagus. Eerie . It was a heavy thought just thinking about the weight above you! We hiked around a bit then got back in the carriage to get to the sphinx that has stood guard in from for all these years. He still sits proudly and majestically in spite of some missing pieces.
These pyramids & the sphinx are the only one of the Seven Ancient Wonders that remains.
Sooo...you'd think after over 4000 years of being a tourist site, they'd have it set up perfectly. Far from it!!! The entrance gate was jammed & we were literally pushed through it. The area all around the pyramids was congested and chaotic. Horsing galloping, carts, camels & people going in every which direction. Poop everywhere. People climbing up on the pyramids and picnicking on fallen blocks. The tunnels into the pyramids completely dark with only a dirty fluorescent light lying on the ground by the sarcophagus.
All I can say is, it's a good thing those ancient Egyptians built mighty strong & durable pyramids cause we were thrilled to be able to see them!!
Sent from my iPhone
Update 28
I was out in search of a Coke Lite...my regular vendor was not open...and I not only found a Coke Lite but also ended up with US movies!! How?? Long story...
It all started when the clerk (who turned out to be the manager) of a nearby store spoke English to me. We chit chatted for a bit and then I asked him where he learned his English. He grinned & said, "Hollywood movies! I Love Hollywood movies!" I said we had not been able to find any movies in English on our tv and asked him what channel they were on. Again the big grin when he told me, "I download them. I have so many. If you want I'll download for you!" He told me to check to see of our tv had a USB port & if so, let him know. We did, so I did. Rog joined me. We asked our newest friend where to buy a flash drive. He said to follow him. We did. He left work & walked us to a shop. We took the flash drive back to his store, he pulled out his computer, showed us many movies to pick from. We picked out a few & while he downloaded them, insisted on treating Roger to a cup of Turkish coffee. In about 10 minutes, we had 10 movies. I think he was more excited than us!
We made a stop at the grocery store where I'd previously spied microwave popcorn which I came home, popped in the breakfast nook microwave...and BabbaBingBabbaBoom...
Movie & Popcorn Night!!
(The Bird Box)
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It all started when the clerk (who turned out to be the manager) of a nearby store spoke English to me. We chit chatted for a bit and then I asked him where he learned his English. He grinned & said, "Hollywood movies! I Love Hollywood movies!" I said we had not been able to find any movies in English on our tv and asked him what channel they were on. Again the big grin when he told me, "I download them. I have so many. If you want I'll download for you!" He told me to check to see of our tv had a USB port & if so, let him know. We did, so I did. Rog joined me. We asked our newest friend where to buy a flash drive. He said to follow him. We did. He left work & walked us to a shop. We took the flash drive back to his store, he pulled out his computer, showed us many movies to pick from. We picked out a few & while he downloaded them, insisted on treating Roger to a cup of Turkish coffee. In about 10 minutes, we had 10 movies. I think he was more excited than us!
We made a stop at the grocery store where I'd previously spied microwave popcorn which I came home, popped in the breakfast nook microwave...and BabbaBingBabbaBoom...
Movie & Popcorn Night!!
(The Bird Box)
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Saturday, February 2, 2019
Update 27
The priest here had mentioned to us that there would be a special musical performance on Friday night so we planned to attend for a while just hear some of the local talent. Why not??
We have noticed very little music here on the streets or even in shops and restaurants, so it was a surprise to find the church full of people excitedly awaiting the performance.
The performance started (20min late/known here as Egyptian time) with a grand piano soon followed by a violin. It was soon clear that they were both very talented and they played music that was not familiar to us but it was excellent. Possibly classical Egyptian if there is such a category?
In the hands of the performer the violin seemed to come alive and live on its own. It was hard to believe that the man was actually using it to make the sounds that we heard.
Again there was a plan to honor us as volunteers and have us recognized but we had slipped out early to have popcorn and a movie. How gauche of us! As we left the director actually followed us and asked if we liked the performance. How can you explain that it was great but you also chose to leave early?
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The performance started (20min late/known here as Egyptian time) with a grand piano soon followed by a violin. It was soon clear that they were both very talented and they played music that was not familiar to us but it was excellent. Possibly classical Egyptian if there is such a category?
In the hands of the performer the violin seemed to come alive and live on its own. It was hard to believe that the man was actually using it to make the sounds that we heard.
Again there was a plan to honor us as volunteers and have us recognized but we had slipped out early to have popcorn and a movie. How gauche of us! As we left the director actually followed us and asked if we liked the performance. How can you explain that it was great but you also chose to leave early?
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Update 26 by Roger
We were invited to attend an opening of a new tech room which is in the 2nd floor of the building where we are staying. We thought they were just being polite asking us to come. We were told that we would meet the Bishop of the Anglican Church whose office is also in this building.
We arrived on time but as usual waited about 1/2 hour for others to arrive. Then we were told that the Director of the Alexandria Library was coming. When he arrived he shook our hands along with clergy and priests who were there. They asked us to move to the front. We were being treated like very special visitors!
After consuming a plate of sweet desserts, there were some speeches which focused on the the importance of using technology to help Egypt advance.
It was also emphasized that all religions and atheists, too, should work together to make Egypt a better place for all.
Then we, along with all of the notable priests and directors, were escorted into the new tech room. It is modern and everyone admired the fine job that had been done to complete it.
We felt more than a little out of place to be included with this group, then they passed out souvenir gifts to all of the dignitaries who attended-a plain black pen in a nice box. Again, we were included.
Never did actually get introduced to the Bishop; however, we did meet his wife. They have shown appreciation for our presence here in many ways!We just never know what's will happen next around here!
Friday, February 1, 2019
Update 25
On Sunday, we decided to check out other areas in or near Cairo. We headed for a large park marked on our map...of course Roger got us there...but the park was totally over grown, dilapidated & full of dogs & litter. What a shame!! Where do the almost 20 million people living in Cairo go to enjoy nature & open space?
On our walk back, we went by an enormous pink complex with spacious & manicured gardens. We just got a glimpse of it when the thick medal door opened to let someone out. We asked the guard about the complex and he said, "Police Night Club. For police only." Guess it's a fringe benefit for the policemen here!
Rog had studied the metro system & since Monica (American RE staff member) had invited us to visit her at the refugee community center she & her husband run, we headed there by metro.
The metro was quick, clean & not very crowded on a Sunday afternoon. We rode for about 40 minutes & got off near her center.
Monica had arranged for us to meet her at the only US restaurant around, KFC. It was a bit of a challenge to wade through the bustling market streets of this impoverished area, over the tracks & around a block...but we found it. We enjoyed a KFC meal while we waited. Two of their staff timidly asked for a picture with them. We do stick out as foreigners ...especially in this area.
Monica found us & we all climbed into a TukTuk which took us to their center. Two mattresses & a pile of lumber blocked the door. When we started to move them, a man (probably the one who owned the stuff) came to help.
Their center's goals are to empower the refugees and encourage & build positive relationships between the refugees from all countries. They teach life skills, provide activities & teach English.
We sat in on the English class Monica was teaching. She is a natural—though was only trained as an engineer. She asked for our input so Rog pulled out a balloon & we played a review game that went well. Then she splint the class into 3 groups & each of us spent time practicing reading. I was in my happy place!
I'm amazed that not only did Monica leave the comforts of USA behind but also now lives with her husband & two small children in such a poor area and spends her free time lifting up the refugees there. In her RE office there are many bible quotes about what Jesus says about helping other and the question, "What Would Jesus Do?" She knows and does it wholeheartedly !!
An image I will carry for a long time is of a young boy in torn shorts & no shirt sitting on the tracks fanning a small fire in the cool evening.
Sent from my iPhone
On our walk back, we went by an enormous pink complex with spacious & manicured gardens. We just got a glimpse of it when the thick medal door opened to let someone out. We asked the guard about the complex and he said, "Police Night Club. For police only." Guess it's a fringe benefit for the policemen here!
Rog had studied the metro system & since Monica (American RE staff member) had invited us to visit her at the refugee community center she & her husband run, we headed there by metro.
The metro was quick, clean & not very crowded on a Sunday afternoon. We rode for about 40 minutes & got off near her center.
Monica had arranged for us to meet her at the only US restaurant around, KFC. It was a bit of a challenge to wade through the bustling market streets of this impoverished area, over the tracks & around a block...but we found it. We enjoyed a KFC meal while we waited. Two of their staff timidly asked for a picture with them. We do stick out as foreigners ...especially in this area.
Monica found us & we all climbed into a TukTuk which took us to their center. Two mattresses & a pile of lumber blocked the door. When we started to move them, a man (probably the one who owned the stuff) came to help.
Their center's goals are to empower the refugees and encourage & build positive relationships between the refugees from all countries. They teach life skills, provide activities & teach English.
We sat in on the English class Monica was teaching. She is a natural—though was only trained as an engineer. She asked for our input so Rog pulled out a balloon & we played a review game that went well. Then she splint the class into 3 groups & each of us spent time practicing reading. I was in my happy place!
I'm amazed that not only did Monica leave the comforts of USA behind but also now lives with her husband & two small children in such a poor area and spends her free time lifting up the refugees there. In her RE office there are many bible quotes about what Jesus says about helping other and the question, "What Would Jesus Do?" She knows and does it wholeheartedly !!
An image I will carry for a long time is of a young boy in torn shorts & no shirt sitting on the tracks fanning a small fire in the cool evening.
Sent from my iPhone
Update 24
We teach around 20 students...mostly 18-23 yr olds...two days a week for 1/1/2 hours each. What a joy! Rog and I bounce the main teaching back & forth and add humor & jabs. We and the students laugh often. We teach Level 3 which means they can converse some with us but between their accent and use of grammar, we strain to understand bu there's progress each time we meet...both in them and us. We've also subbed in Level 1 & Level 8 so we've seen the range. It was good to get that perspective. The course was developed by Cambridge and the teacher's manual is much like many of the ones we've used before but with the ESL (English as Second Language) component added. Rog & I study and plan out the lesson so it flows well. The hour & a half flies by. As the students leave, each stops to shake each of our hands and say thank you teacher.
Did you ever stop to think how lucky we are not only to be born in our rich & bountiful USA...but to have English...our own language...the universal language? It's the language that so many people want and need to learn to be more successful!
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Did you ever stop to think how lucky we are not only to be born in our rich & bountiful USA...but to have English...our own language...the universal language? It's the language that so many people want and need to learn to be more successful!
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Update 23
The longer we're here...the more jobs RE has for us...which gives me less time to write! We've done lots of teaching, editing for staff who need to write reports in English (which most have no training in), book binding, sorting & distributing clothing, registering new refugees and whatever else comes us. In between jobs, we've been filling rice & lentil bags. We start with a grain sack full, scoop about 5 cups of rice/beans into a bag & tie & repeat. We get about 25 bags per grain sack. There's piles of grain bags pilled up to the ceiling—job security!! After we get a huge pile of both rice & bean bags—we put one of each along with prepackaged bags of macaroni & sugar and a bottle of oil into a large bag. That's what each family will get when they are approved.
Yesterday was distribution day and we had the privilege to hand a bag to each of the 175 or so refugees families who qualified...so many appreciative smiles!! It only took 2 hours but I still feel the glow!
We'll need to start bagging more for the next round...but those smiles will make the job so satisfying!
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Yesterday was distribution day and we had the privilege to hand a bag to each of the 175 or so refugees families who qualified...so many appreciative smiles!! It only took 2 hours but I still feel the glow!
We'll need to start bagging more for the next round...but those smiles will make the job so satisfying!
Sent from my iPhone
Update 22
We've moved onto the RE campus and are now even more accessible to the RE staff, our students and the many refugees who sit in the courtyard in front...waiting for interviews, food, clothing, classes, rides or just waiting. It's a safe spot to sit and enjoy each other's company and the sun.
When I see babies...which is almost always...I make a beeline to them. The Mom's are happy to let me hold their babies. I play patty cake, peek-a-boo, make silly faces and always manage to get toothless smiles and sweet coos. And I can understand everything they say...they speak the same language as the American babies!!
Yesterday I met a young man with a 20 day old baby. She'd only been in Egypt for 3 months...do the math...she was 7 months pregnant when she journey here from Eritrea . How desperate was she to leave home then??
Usually I hand out several balloons to the older kids which makes their faces light up...their parents also give me a huge smile. Hours later I see them still playing with their balloon ...such a satisfying feeling.
Rog is usually hanging out with the older young adults who mill around here and love practicing their English.
We've seen a few of them a number of time. A young 16 year old from South Sudan using a crutch told us his back was injured in the war...and his whole family killed. Somehow he's gotten passage to the UK where he'l get an operation & then hopefully find a job. He spoke with a lilt in his voice & his eyes shone with excitement. He asked for our email so he could write & practice his English. I so wanted to hand him lots of $$ to ease his path...but have to respect RE rules to let them make the $ decision.
Another young man eager to find work has talked to us almost daily. He was a teacher in his home village...now a war zone.
If we new Arabic...the stories would be endless.
A large stone shaped like a book sits in the middle of the courtyard. It reads " Out of Egypt Have I called My Son." Truly this church embodies Jesus' command to care for the vulnerable! Perhaps His words sunk in more here where He spent part of His life. We feel so humbled to be a small part of it.
Sent from my iPhone
When I see babies...which is almost always...I make a beeline to them. The Mom's are happy to let me hold their babies. I play patty cake, peek-a-boo, make silly faces and always manage to get toothless smiles and sweet coos. And I can understand everything they say...they speak the same language as the American babies!!
Yesterday I met a young man with a 20 day old baby. She'd only been in Egypt for 3 months...do the math...she was 7 months pregnant when she journey here from Eritrea . How desperate was she to leave home then??
Usually I hand out several balloons to the older kids which makes their faces light up...their parents also give me a huge smile. Hours later I see them still playing with their balloon ...such a satisfying feeling.
Rog is usually hanging out with the older young adults who mill around here and love practicing their English.
We've seen a few of them a number of time. A young 16 year old from South Sudan using a crutch told us his back was injured in the war...and his whole family killed. Somehow he's gotten passage to the UK where he'l get an operation & then hopefully find a job. He spoke with a lilt in his voice & his eyes shone with excitement. He asked for our email so he could write & practice his English. I so wanted to hand him lots of $$ to ease his path...but have to respect RE rules to let them make the $ decision.
Another young man eager to find work has talked to us almost daily. He was a teacher in his home village...now a war zone.
If we new Arabic...the stories would be endless.
A large stone shaped like a book sits in the middle of the courtyard. It reads " Out of Egypt Have I called My Son." Truly this church embodies Jesus' command to care for the vulnerable! Perhaps His words sunk in more here where He spent part of His life. We feel so humbled to be a small part of it.
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Update 21 by Roger
The Iraqi
We had been wandering the Egyptian National Museum for almost three hours. Mummy after mummy, King Tut's treasures, and display cases filled with toy size replicas of people and tools which were placed in the tombs to serve the pharaoh in the afterlife.
We were in an enclosed area when he came up and asked if we were Americans. He was from Iraq and he had lost three family members during U.S. military action there.
He asked, Why does a country that has everything continue to kill millions of people all over the world? He listed country after country along with huge numbers killed in each. Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan just to start.
As we listened I thought about the reasons / justifcations for each conflict and also how grateful I have been for our soldiers who put their lives on the line to serve our country.
He said that the Americans he meets are good people but our government is out of control. His opinion...but how many people around the the world also think this is true?
We had been wandering the Egyptian National Museum for almost three hours. Mummy after mummy, King Tut's treasures, and display cases filled with toy size replicas of people and tools which were placed in the tombs to serve the pharaoh in the afterlife.
We were in an enclosed area when he came up and asked if we were Americans. He was from Iraq and he had lost three family members during U.S. military action there.
He asked, Why does a country that has everything continue to kill millions of people all over the world? He listed country after country along with huge numbers killed in each. Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan just to start.
As we listened I thought about the reasons / justifcations for each conflict and also how grateful I have been for our soldiers who put their lives on the line to serve our country.
He said that the Americans he meets are good people but our government is out of control. His opinion...but how many people around the the world also think this is true?
Friday, January 25, 2019
Update 20
Here's a few juxtapositions we've seen recently:
-A huge CAT dirt mover passed by a donkey pulled cart
-A Christian church with a Muslim security guard
-A Muslim woman wearing a hijab walking by a stall selling sexy Cleopatra outfits
-Looking out our airport window: the green rich Nile delta next to the barren desert...you could almost draw a straight line to divide the two
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-A huge CAT dirt mover passed by a donkey pulled cart
-A Christian church with a Muslim security guard
-A Muslim woman wearing a hijab walking by a stall selling sexy Cleopatra outfits
-Looking out our airport window: the green rich Nile delta next to the barren desert...you could almost draw a straight line to divide the two
Sent from my iPhone
Update 19
RE was closed for the next two days to celebrate Revolutionary Day (1954 independence from British). We headed to the Egyptian Museum...and we're overwhelmed! All those tombs we saw had been loaded with jewelry, furniture, miniature weapons & servants, pottery, food, clothing, sarcophagus & mummies...and all these treasures filled the museum....and we heard only 15% were on display. One area alone held about 120 sarcophaguses!! Two temperature controlled rooms were the "tomb" for about 20 mummies.
We were both feeling like it was just sooo wrong that all this was taken out of their tombs...and the mummies out of their personal caskets...just so we could gawk at them! But then we read the display describing how the tombs were being robbed*, plundered & destroyed for years before the Egyptian gov't decided to protect them by housing them in this museum built in 1858. (*Gurda was named in particular...we wondered if related to our guest house family???)
After about 3 hours, we couldn't digest any more. We grabbed a sandwich & Cheetos ...love a taste from home :). Then to market-to-market to buy...a sweater & that's it. But we did see anything & everything including butchered meats, veges, spices, raw wool, breads, bedding, clothing, kitchen stuff, water pipes & every known trinket there is!! Khan el Khalili filled narrow & winding streets crammed with stalls & customers but still motorcycles raced through the cracks of space. Totally crazy.
Our second day off, we headed to RE to the English church service & enjoyed visiting with others from many other countries. Then we crawled into a Tuk Tuk & headed for the Ottoman museum & a mosque built in 263AD and ended up at the Citadel which included the Muhammad Ali Mosque & the Police Museum. It was a delightful to see many young families enjoying the open space...and it made us grin to be asked a couple times to have us in their pictures.
It was a perfect way to spend the Egyptian Revolutionary Day...much like our 4th of July...and we even got to watch fireworks from our hotel room!
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We were both feeling like it was just sooo wrong that all this was taken out of their tombs...and the mummies out of their personal caskets...just so we could gawk at them! But then we read the display describing how the tombs were being robbed*, plundered & destroyed for years before the Egyptian gov't decided to protect them by housing them in this museum built in 1858. (*Gurda was named in particular...we wondered if related to our guest house family???)
After about 3 hours, we couldn't digest any more. We grabbed a sandwich & Cheetos ...love a taste from home :). Then to market-to-market to buy...a sweater & that's it. But we did see anything & everything including butchered meats, veges, spices, raw wool, breads, bedding, clothing, kitchen stuff, water pipes & every known trinket there is!! Khan el Khalili filled narrow & winding streets crammed with stalls & customers but still motorcycles raced through the cracks of space. Totally crazy.
Our second day off, we headed to RE to the English church service & enjoyed visiting with others from many other countries. Then we crawled into a Tuk Tuk & headed for the Ottoman museum & a mosque built in 263AD and ended up at the Citadel which included the Muhammad Ali Mosque & the Police Museum. It was a delightful to see many young families enjoying the open space...and it made us grin to be asked a couple times to have us in their pictures.
It was a perfect way to spend the Egyptian Revolutionary Day...much like our 4th of July...and we even got to watch fireworks from our hotel room!
Sent from my iPhone
Update 18
My birthday! Sun shone brightly into our room...a birthday treat for me! Ate breakfast at our hotel...impressive buffet..then off to RE. Rog did some one on one teaching with a priest, Joshua. For 1 1/2 hours he pronounced & explained the meaning of words Joshua didn't know from the Bible! Imagine that...Rog teaching a priest about the Bible. Cracked me up! I copied & stapled English midterm test and then both of us edited an English power point presentation the Doctor here prepared & is going to give. She needed help with the grammar & spelling.
While we were eating lunch, a young boy selling flowers kept giving me pleading eyes as he sat on the curb with cars rushing by within inches. I couldn't resist so I got flowers for my birthday. :)
We got our lesson plans for the class we're teaching later when we got back so we spent some time prepping. It's a beginners class of 20 some students. We practiced introductions, saying the letters names & the correct way to use Mr., Mrs. and Miss. The students were engaged & freely participated. It was fun & easy for us!
On our way back to our room, we stopped to buy rich desserts which we thoroughly enjoyed. The miracle of Messenger made it possible for me to get birthday wishes from most of my kids & grandkids!! I stayed up late reading the Facebook birthday wishes & felling very special.
So another birthday in another country...lucky me!!
Sent from my iPhone
While we were eating lunch, a young boy selling flowers kept giving me pleading eyes as he sat on the curb with cars rushing by within inches. I couldn't resist so I got flowers for my birthday. :)
We got our lesson plans for the class we're teaching later when we got back so we spent some time prepping. It's a beginners class of 20 some students. We practiced introductions, saying the letters names & the correct way to use Mr., Mrs. and Miss. The students were engaged & freely participated. It was fun & easy for us!
On our way back to our room, we stopped to buy rich desserts which we thoroughly enjoyed. The miracle of Messenger made it possible for me to get birthday wishes from most of my kids & grandkids!! I stayed up late reading the Facebook birthday wishes & felling very special.
So another birthday in another country...lucky me!!
Sent from my iPhone
Update 17
Moving on up!! That's been our experience here in Cairo—from a horrid first night, to a much better room ($40) though cold & we had to swat flies on a regular basis—to a fabulous 16th floor room with a view of the Nile and a heater!! It's ironic how it all worked out. When the reservations for one ran out, we had to move and for $15 more, we got this luxurious room. If only we'd known!! In 4 days we'll be moving again to the room right on the All Saints campus—for just $20 a night...wondering if we'll be moving up or down?
Our walk to RE is about the same. It's funny how quickly it feels like home when you walk the same streets two or more times a day...see the same store keepers, shoe shiners, street sweepers, boys parking cars, etc...The man who sells Coke Lite is my buddy & waves even when I don't stop for a 30cent can.
This morning we worked on our lesson plans before heading to RE. Once there we both worked on sorting & distributing clothes. Not sure where it all comes from but comes in 100 lb grain bags which we dump on a table, let the refugees dig through as we try to sort a bit.
At 3, we went to our classrooms to make sure we could play the soundtrack that goes with our lesson & set up for class. At 3:30 class started...with 1 student on time. By 3:45 about 10 & by 4 we had 12. We spent some time learning a bit about each. Four of the boys had let their home country alone...family still there...probably avoiding being forced to join the military. Now they told us they hope be be a teach, chef, doctor & a salesman. I pray they can!!
Lesson went well as the kids were anxious to learn & felt free to ask questions. The 1 1/2 hour raced by & so many thanked us as they left. Ahh...we both love teaching. We celebrated eating at Pizza Hut!
Sent from my iPhone
Our walk to RE is about the same. It's funny how quickly it feels like home when you walk the same streets two or more times a day...see the same store keepers, shoe shiners, street sweepers, boys parking cars, etc...The man who sells Coke Lite is my buddy & waves even when I don't stop for a 30cent can.
This morning we worked on our lesson plans before heading to RE. Once there we both worked on sorting & distributing clothes. Not sure where it all comes from but comes in 100 lb grain bags which we dump on a table, let the refugees dig through as we try to sort a bit.
At 3, we went to our classrooms to make sure we could play the soundtrack that goes with our lesson & set up for class. At 3:30 class started...with 1 student on time. By 3:45 about 10 & by 4 we had 12. We spent some time learning a bit about each. Four of the boys had let their home country alone...family still there...probably avoiding being forced to join the military. Now they told us they hope be be a teach, chef, doctor & a salesman. I pray they can!!
Lesson went well as the kids were anxious to learn & felt free to ask questions. The 1 1/2 hour raced by & so many thanked us as they left. Ahh...we both love teaching. We celebrated eating at Pizza Hut!
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Update 16 by Roger
Every time we are out on the street we see some unfortunate people who are in need.
Old men or ladies sit on a piece of cardboard waiting for a passerby to give something to them. Some have a package of tissue that they hold out to us hoping for a bit more than they paid for it. Others just hold out their hand in the the universal gesture, or if hungry they put their hand to their mouth to make it clear.
I notice a boy walking from person to person with his hand out, then a man reaches into his pocket and nonchalantly passes a small bill to the boy.
A child sits in a broken plastic chair blocking a parking space until someone needs it, then he collects some baksheesh for "saving" the spot for the driver.
I am approached by a man speaking in Arabic asking me something. I don't understand...then he says in English, "Give me dollar." I don't want to encourage him to beg so I keep walking but I think about him a lot. Soon after that another man is crawling across the road on his hands and knees. His bare legs wave uselessly behind him. He has no feet. He can survive here only through the generosity of those around him.
I am not going to change the way that people get help here by any action I take or don't take. It seems so sad to us, but this is how it works here. And it has been this way for a very long time. The attitude is "you have some and I don't so share a bit of what you have". Baksheesh.
It's not hard to understand. It is just different from what we are accustomed to. Maybe we should rethink some of our customs.
I will be changing my ways and rather than trying to discourage them by ignoring their behavior I will offer what they want which is just a small amount. I will feel better and they will feel better about us, too.
Maybe travel does change us.
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Old men or ladies sit on a piece of cardboard waiting for a passerby to give something to them. Some have a package of tissue that they hold out to us hoping for a bit more than they paid for it. Others just hold out their hand in the the universal gesture, or if hungry they put their hand to their mouth to make it clear.
I notice a boy walking from person to person with his hand out, then a man reaches into his pocket and nonchalantly passes a small bill to the boy.
A child sits in a broken plastic chair blocking a parking space until someone needs it, then he collects some baksheesh for "saving" the spot for the driver.
I am approached by a man speaking in Arabic asking me something. I don't understand...then he says in English, "Give me dollar." I don't want to encourage him to beg so I keep walking but I think about him a lot. Soon after that another man is crawling across the road on his hands and knees. His bare legs wave uselessly behind him. He has no feet. He can survive here only through the generosity of those around him.
I am not going to change the way that people get help here by any action I take or don't take. It seems so sad to us, but this is how it works here. And it has been this way for a very long time. The attitude is "you have some and I don't so share a bit of what you have". Baksheesh.
It's not hard to understand. It is just different from what we are accustomed to. Maybe we should rethink some of our customs.
I will be changing my ways and rather than trying to discourage them by ignoring their behavior I will offer what they want which is just a small amount. I will feel better and they will feel better about us, too.
Maybe travel does change us.
Sent from my iPhone
Update 15 by Roger
We stopped to visit with four women refugees from Eritrea while they were eating lunch.
Mona proudly told us that she was the elder sister and that she will soon be graduating from the cleaning class. She was excited because she will now be able to get a job and earn about 3000 Egyptian Pounds each month (about $175). Because food and other necessities are cheap here she will be OK but she will live on the edge.
When I mentioned the refugees to a local man, he said that they will basically be slaves to the rich people who hire them.
I am hopeful that the women will continue to improve their skills and move on to better paying jobs.
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Mona proudly told us that she was the elder sister and that she will soon be graduating from the cleaning class. She was excited because she will now be able to get a job and earn about 3000 Egyptian Pounds each month (about $175). Because food and other necessities are cheap here she will be OK but she will live on the edge.
When I mentioned the refugees to a local man, he said that they will basically be slaves to the rich people who hire them.
I am hopeful that the women will continue to improve their skills and move on to better paying jobs.
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Update 14
Mohammed took us to the airport by 8 & we felt like we were leaving a good friend. Back in Cairo, we soon headed out to Refuge Egypt & quickly got put to work. Rog registering new refugees & I passed out & sorted clothes. Next @200 students came to pay ($6) & be assigned classes based on the results of last week's testing. Kind of chaotic. It took 4 staff & 4 volunteers to get it done in 3 hours. What made it so rewarding was knowing many of these young, eager kids came from countries where there had been no education for years due to war. As one boy said, "We are so blessed to be here!" And so are we.
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Update 13
Another day...another temple! But we'd save the best for last: Karnak. More & bigger pillars, statues, gateways, carvings, sphinx...and tourist. Really the first time we waited in a line. We lost the crowd by hiking to the end...about 900 Ft and slowly making our way back gaping at the quantity, quality & size. I have no more descriptive words to use after writing about the sights we've already seen these last 3 days. You know that savoring feeling you get when you eat the last bite..the moist center of a gooey warm cinnamon bun...maybe that describes how I felt.
In the nearby Luxor Museum we saw 2 mummies—one believed to be Ramses I. It had been lying around in some Niagara Falls Oddity spot, then purchased for $2M by U of Georgia, examined & ID'd and finally put to rest in the Luxor Museum...a good will offering!:). Also in the museum was a wooden box...totally decorated...a smaller box also decorated that fit inside it...believed to be the coffin of a wealthy African woman who died almost 4000 years ago. Dang that's old! Most of the stone statues in the museum were found in 1989 right on the Karnak grounds. (See Louise it's not too late!)
Our taxi driver (same one we've been with many times), Mohammed took us to "the best Egyptian food" in Luxor. We shared the meal and as usual, it was more than enough. Of all our travels, I think I've enjoyed Egyptian food the best...except desserts aren't offered.
Then we went to the hotel that Mohammed had arranged—he probably got a cut for it & the restaurant too. It was also a relic of the past...once elegant & a gem...now fading fast. A huge empty dining room with dusty table, a pool surrounded by worn out lounge chairs, many broken mirrors, etc...but adequate for one night.
After grabbing our jackets, we headed to the Nile malecon where we'd met a boat owner earlier who'd promised us a romantic sunset ride for $20..and it was. We admired the large sail boats & fancy huge cruise ships...but as usual, we were happy to travel more simply.
It's amazing what you can see in just 3 days!
Sent from my iPhone
In the nearby Luxor Museum we saw 2 mummies—one believed to be Ramses I. It had been lying around in some Niagara Falls Oddity spot, then purchased for $2M by U of Georgia, examined & ID'd and finally put to rest in the Luxor Museum...a good will offering!:). Also in the museum was a wooden box...totally decorated...a smaller box also decorated that fit inside it...believed to be the coffin of a wealthy African woman who died almost 4000 years ago. Dang that's old! Most of the stone statues in the museum were found in 1989 right on the Karnak grounds. (See Louise it's not too late!)
Our taxi driver (same one we've been with many times), Mohammed took us to "the best Egyptian food" in Luxor. We shared the meal and as usual, it was more than enough. Of all our travels, I think I've enjoyed Egyptian food the best...except desserts aren't offered.
Then we went to the hotel that Mohammed had arranged—he probably got a cut for it & the restaurant too. It was also a relic of the past...once elegant & a gem...now fading fast. A huge empty dining room with dusty table, a pool surrounded by worn out lounge chairs, many broken mirrors, etc...but adequate for one night.
After grabbing our jackets, we headed to the Nile malecon where we'd met a boat owner earlier who'd promised us a romantic sunset ride for $20..and it was. We admired the large sail boats & fancy huge cruise ships...but as usual, we were happy to travel more simply.
It's amazing what you can see in just 3 days!
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Update 12
From our room I heard children chanting and so off I went to find the source. Under a cane stalked roof on a dusty floor covered particulate by mats, I found an older man with a long stick point to a chipped blackboard covered with Arabic & a mass of children chanting the words. Shortly, he cam over to see me & when I asked if I could stay, he grinned & said certainly. I watched as he moved among the grouped students...about 70...getting each group to recite or read from a book they held. Often 3 groups were reciting at the same time but different lessons. Kids not under his direct supervision were doing the what you'd expect...swatting each other, pulling hair, tossing paper wads...mostly the boys...made me smile.
At one point, the teacher brought 2 very young girls over & had them recite the ABC's & spell some words for me. He tenderly put his hand on the shoulder of one of them and said she is very smart & comes to school every day. Putting his hand on the other, he said she too was very smart but did not come to school as often...then shook his head.
After about 30 minutes, the teacher dismissed one group at a time having the last group clean up. Then the teacher came over sit by me (I was on a block of cement holding up a post.). When I told him I'd been a teacher, he grinned & said "Then you understand." As I'd suspected, he'd divided the kids by levels..not age...six mats...K-5. Pretty sure he didn't do a formal testing. If I understood him correctly, many of the kids go to another school maybe in the morning as he only taught in the afternoon.
He had been teaching 30 years. He grinned when I complimented him on the kindness he showed his students, the control he had over the large group & the respect the students had for him. I love being in classrooms..anywhere & everywhere!!
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At one point, the teacher brought 2 very young girls over & had them recite the ABC's & spell some words for me. He tenderly put his hand on the shoulder of one of them and said she is very smart & comes to school every day. Putting his hand on the other, he said she too was very smart but did not come to school as often...then shook his head.
After about 30 minutes, the teacher dismissed one group at a time having the last group clean up. Then the teacher came over sit by me (I was on a block of cement holding up a post.). When I told him I'd been a teacher, he grinned & said "Then you understand." As I'd suspected, he'd divided the kids by levels..not age...six mats...K-5. Pretty sure he didn't do a formal testing. If I understood him correctly, many of the kids go to another school maybe in the morning as he only taught in the afternoon.
He had been teaching 30 years. He grinned when I complimented him on the kindness he showed his students, the control he had over the large group & the respect the students had for him. I love being in classrooms..anywhere & everywhere!!
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Update 11
Makmoud is the eldest male of the family who runs our guest house. He enjoys visiting with us & we encourage it. Often he and several of his family are gathered around a fire outside their home in the early morning & again late evening. They always offer us tea which even I accept. He has 7 children & says "over 40 grandkids." He proudly took us into his home to show us pictures of his grandfather, father & some of his family pictures hanging on the adobe walls. He smiled saying his grandfather went by camel to Mecca. It took him 6 months one way. His father by car & he by airplane. His daughter showed us the gigantic bowl of bread dough she was going to bake in the outside domed oven later.
Each morning Makmoud wakes at 3 am & goes to his mosque to pray until 6 am. Talk about devotion! These mornings he's wrapped in a couple long blankets like coats...but says he like it better now than when it is hot. Warm weather brings mosquitoes, scorpions & cobras. Made us appreciate being here now & will stop moaning about being chilled!!!
Makmoud has a keen sense of humor and walks & talks very slowly. A feeling of peace and contentment seems to linger in his presence.
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Each morning Makmoud wakes at 3 am & goes to his mosque to pray until 6 am. Talk about devotion! These mornings he's wrapped in a couple long blankets like coats...but says he like it better now than when it is hot. Warm weather brings mosquitoes, scorpions & cobras. Made us appreciate being here now & will stop moaning about being chilled!!!
Makmoud has a keen sense of humor and walks & talks very slowly. A feeling of peace and contentment seems to linger in his presence.
Sent from my iPhone
Update 10
The sun kissed the horizon & the prayers from the mosque filled the air as our techno colored balloon glided over the ruins of the ancient Egyptian temples & tombs, our guest house and the small village near of KomLoLa. Tiny men cutting sugar cane, women hanging clothes, cows & goats in stables, water being pumped in rice paddies, donkeys pulling cart loads of grass & veges, truckload of men on their way to work, roofs storing grains & straw...such a menagerie of scenes with only the occasional donkey bray & the whoosh of the fire lifting our balloon breaking the silence. Our first balloon ride...an excellent & uplifting experience !!
We came down from our high & took off most of our 5 layers of clothing then went off to explore the Rameseum ruins built by Ramses II who called it his Temple of a Million Years—that's a man with a vision! He'd be disappointed that only 29 of the original 130 columns still stand and the 18' statue of himself is mostly huge chunks lying at his feet...& it's only about 3000 years old.
As we finished eating lunch, we met Nubi who told us he was the grandson of the man who showed the famous archeologist Carter where to find King Tut's tome. He proudly pointed to the picture hunting in the restaurant showing his grandfather wearing the golden belt of King Tut & standing next to Carter. How can you doubt him?
Between admission fees, balloon ride, taxi rides & the every need to tip, it was time to find an ATM. When we asked about finding one, Nubi, of course, was a taxi driver too & you'd think in the Valley of the Kings that would be easy...wrong. Nubi took us to the nearest one. No go. Took us to one farther away. No go. So finally he dropped us at the ferry so we could cross the Nile to the East Bank of Luxor—much more developed part. With a sigh of relief, we found on ATM that worked.
It was close to a McD so, why not?? It was the first McD (besides India) where I couldn't just get a small burger...smallest one was the 1/4 lb.
Right across the stree was the Luxor Temple with a mosque built within the ruins. We were escorted first into the mosque where there were several open matted prayer rooms & 2 overly decorated caskets of a beloved sheikh & his son who lived 800 yrs ago. As we exited, our guide looked us in the eyes and said so sincerely, "All people, Muslims, Hindu, Christians should not look at faces but only into their hearts. All should live in peace." Shalom is a common greeting here. Wish it was everywhere!
We then checked out the rest of the Luxor Temple. This one is bigger & more preserved than ones we've already seen. I know...how can that be?? Almost 30 sphinx line both sides of the entrance...and the archeologist are still uncovering them. They believe the line of sphinx extends 3km to the entrance of the Karnak Temple! Imagine that!! Seeing all these magnificent carved stone work makes me thing of the slaves & Moses' words, "Let my people go." (Not sure if the time frame fits —will have to check that out.)
Back on the ferry (always one of my favorite rides), we went back to KimLoLa and our cozy guest house.
Sent from my iPhone
We came down from our high & took off most of our 5 layers of clothing then went off to explore the Rameseum ruins built by Ramses II who called it his Temple of a Million Years—that's a man with a vision! He'd be disappointed that only 29 of the original 130 columns still stand and the 18' statue of himself is mostly huge chunks lying at his feet...& it's only about 3000 years old.
As we finished eating lunch, we met Nubi who told us he was the grandson of the man who showed the famous archeologist Carter where to find King Tut's tome. He proudly pointed to the picture hunting in the restaurant showing his grandfather wearing the golden belt of King Tut & standing next to Carter. How can you doubt him?
Between admission fees, balloon ride, taxi rides & the every need to tip, it was time to find an ATM. When we asked about finding one, Nubi, of course, was a taxi driver too & you'd think in the Valley of the Kings that would be easy...wrong. Nubi took us to the nearest one. No go. Took us to one farther away. No go. So finally he dropped us at the ferry so we could cross the Nile to the East Bank of Luxor—much more developed part. With a sigh of relief, we found on ATM that worked.
It was close to a McD so, why not?? It was the first McD (besides India) where I couldn't just get a small burger...smallest one was the 1/4 lb.
Right across the stree was the Luxor Temple with a mosque built within the ruins. We were escorted first into the mosque where there were several open matted prayer rooms & 2 overly decorated caskets of a beloved sheikh & his son who lived 800 yrs ago. As we exited, our guide looked us in the eyes and said so sincerely, "All people, Muslims, Hindu, Christians should not look at faces but only into their hearts. All should live in peace." Shalom is a common greeting here. Wish it was everywhere!
We then checked out the rest of the Luxor Temple. This one is bigger & more preserved than ones we've already seen. I know...how can that be?? Almost 30 sphinx line both sides of the entrance...and the archeologist are still uncovering them. They believe the line of sphinx extends 3km to the entrance of the Karnak Temple! Imagine that!! Seeing all these magnificent carved stone work makes me thing of the slaves & Moses' words, "Let my people go." (Not sure if the time frame fits —will have to check that out.)
Back on the ferry (always one of my favorite rides), we went back to KimLoLa and our cozy guest house.
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Update 9
Who knew there were so many tombs!!! Over 3000 already excavated in this area alone. We did our best to visit many of them in the Valley of the Queens and the Tombs of the Nobles...12 total. Considered the best (and most expensive $70 each) of all tombs anywhere is the tomb of the beloved & most beautiful one of 5 wives of Ramses, Nephertari. Worth every penny! Brilliant rich colors in intricate detail etched in 3D covering the walls & ceilings of the tomb's corridor & side rooms about 200' deep. Royalties with variety of jewels, headdresses, & clothing including leopard skins; slaves worshiping, preparing foods, headless, rowing boats & working; chariots pulled by galloping horses being whipped by drivers; lotus flowers; birds of all types especially fierce eagles & vultures & proud peacocks; the doglike figure embalming; grapes & wine makers; soldiers armed; cows alive & other butchered; barbers, bakers, fishermen & farmers plowing...I could go on and on and on....Each tomb unique though similar in many ways. Some with large statues, others pillars, fake tomb openings & side rooms. Simple unreal. 3500+/- old....and we celebrate a place after 100 years. We had the pleasure of having a 10 year old boy as our guide in the Valley of the Nobles. He was so charming and pleased to be with us. We taught him some English and he in turn, taught us some Arabic...and that children are children wherever we go.
When we tired of being enclosed in tombs, we walked by the remains of a palace & the ruins of the storage bins Joseph (yup, the many colored robe guy) had built during the 7 years of abundant wheat harvest in preparation for the 7 years of famine that he'd predicted. Talk about a bible story coming alive!
We had a traditional light supper of grilled vegetables, tahini & bread in the small village nearby. As we walked by the Temple of Mendin at Habu, many children ran out to greet us so I had them form a circle & we played Ring Around the Rosie..laughing as we fell. I wonder what made children laugh 3500 years ago in this same place??
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When we tired of being enclosed in tombs, we walked by the remains of a palace & the ruins of the storage bins Joseph (yup, the many colored robe guy) had built during the 7 years of abundant wheat harvest in preparation for the 7 years of famine that he'd predicted. Talk about a bible story coming alive!
We had a traditional light supper of grilled vegetables, tahini & bread in the small village nearby. As we walked by the Temple of Mendin at Habu, many children ran out to greet us so I had them form a circle & we played Ring Around the Rosie..laughing as we fell. I wonder what made children laugh 3500 years ago in this same place??
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Update 8
As we were leaving Refuge Egypt last night, we were told the office was closed till Monday...some holiday...so we figured it was time to get out of town....check out Luxor...so at 4 am we were up & off to the airport. Internet is amazing! So is Rog who booked us a flight & hotel in less than an hour.
We met a taxi driver at the airport who was a cousin of the owner of Nour El Gourna...where we'd booked a room...of course!! At 10:30 he was driving us to the Valley of the Kings. I've read about tombs many times..but being entombed in one in Egypt...one of those pinched me moments...is this for real?? 3500+ years old & still with such vivid colors & spectacular carvings with amazing details!! No doubt I'm in Egypt!
In awe we lingered in four tombs ...built in the time of Ramses'. Many tombs are not open to the public right now & there is excavating going on in many areas here. Most believe less than 10% has been discovered. I'm just in awe. But there was more! We taxied to the Al Bahari Temple. She sure built herself a nice place! Epic!!!
We came back to our hotel for a feast fit for a Pharaoh: bread, hummus, salad, rice, vegetable in a tomato sauce, fried egg plants, roasted chicken..and Coke Lite. Needing to walk that off, we took a stroll into the small village nearby conversing with many locals. When they asked about why we were in Cairo & hearing we are working with the refugees, two of them talked about loving that Egypt was open to refugees from all countries & that they did not make them stay in camps. Both spoke of their dislike of Trump.
We strolled by many donkeys & sheep that live within this village. On the hillside near us is another village with electricity & cable TV...but no water. The govt is closing it as it is probably on top of more tombs.
The sun set brilliantly behind the ruins of Colissi of Memon (60', 10000 ton statues )as it has for more than 3500 years...
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We met a taxi driver at the airport who was a cousin of the owner of Nour El Gourna...where we'd booked a room...of course!! At 10:30 he was driving us to the Valley of the Kings. I've read about tombs many times..but being entombed in one in Egypt...one of those pinched me moments...is this for real?? 3500+ years old & still with such vivid colors & spectacular carvings with amazing details!! No doubt I'm in Egypt!
In awe we lingered in four tombs ...built in the time of Ramses'. Many tombs are not open to the public right now & there is excavating going on in many areas here. Most believe less than 10% has been discovered. I'm just in awe. But there was more! We taxied to the Al Bahari Temple. She sure built herself a nice place! Epic!!!
We came back to our hotel for a feast fit for a Pharaoh: bread, hummus, salad, rice, vegetable in a tomato sauce, fried egg plants, roasted chicken..and Coke Lite. Needing to walk that off, we took a stroll into the small village nearby conversing with many locals. When they asked about why we were in Cairo & hearing we are working with the refugees, two of them talked about loving that Egypt was open to refugees from all countries & that they did not make them stay in camps. Both spoke of their dislike of Trump.
We strolled by many donkeys & sheep that live within this village. On the hillside near us is another village with electricity & cable TV...but no water. The govt is closing it as it is probably on top of more tombs.
The sun set brilliantly behind the ruins of Colissi of Memon (60', 10000 ton statues )as it has for more than 3500 years...
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Thursday, January 17, 2019
Update 7
We're in an island surrounded by the Nile. This morning we took a stroll around the north section. Passed lots of embassy's : Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, etc.. All were heavily guarded. Got in the line at what seemed like the hot spot for lunch and got our first taameya—delicious deep fried hummus mixed with shredded verges, chopped cabbage & carrots all stuffed in a pita bread—which we watched ladies form & back as we waited for our sandwiches. It's a very traditional sandwich & cheap...4 for $1.50. Headed off for "work" next where I helped in the fundraising office for a while while Rog conversed with refugees waiting. From 3-6, we did more assessments. Since I'm doing the oral testing, I get to spend time visiting (while assessing). It's fascinating hearing their stories & their dreams. They are so very eager to learn more so they can get better jobs. Many wish they could go home but feel it's too dangerous. Their eyes sparkle with hope. I think of those trying to get into USA and I hurt for them. A Brazilian minister we me was asked to pastor in a Texas church & US denied him twice. Really!?
Jeremiah 22:3 is found on the Refuge Egypt website: "The Lord proclaims, do what is just & right; rescue the oppressed from the power of the oppressor. Don't exploit or mistreat the refugee, orphan or widow. "
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Jeremiah 22:3 is found on the Refuge Egypt website: "The Lord proclaims, do what is just & right; rescue the oppressed from the power of the oppressor. Don't exploit or mistreat the refugee, orphan or widow. "
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Update 6
Today we were in prison for almost 6 hours. It was a tiny slice of the life of the woman prisoners we met...mostly because of the hours of boredom & cold as we wanted to be admitted & then were able to leave. We'd boarded a van with 4 other women at 8 am, arrived at the prison at 9, waited outside until 10, then waited in a holding room till 1:30 along with over 100 others...all of us with bags of clothing, food, TP, etc. Things they lack & the prison expects families to supply. The prison ministry of All Saints visits the women from other countries. We met a lawyer who specialize in int'l law & does what she can to help free the girls. She says she has to lie a lot. Women have little to no rights here. Most were in prison on drug charges or prostitution ...anyways that's what they are accused of and though have been there for years...no trial.
I asked about US prisoners—she said they were none as the US Embassy scoops them up quickly and they are never guilty. But not so with many other countries.
We spent most of the visit talking to a lady from Italy that had come to Egypt with a friend and accused of thinking of buying drugs. Now in prison 3 years...no court hearing...and her young daughter is growing up without her. She told me she will be brave & bold now...later she will get her revenge.
It was chaotic & noisy in the visitation room add the language barrier and so mostly what we did was give hugs and listening as best we could to their story. One girl smiled often and said prison has strengthened her faith as it is all she has now.
When the first whistle blew, the ladies we'd come with & the prisoners we'd visited formed a circle holding hands and the prisoners sang "You are close. Alleluia!" Since the prisoners were dressed in long white tunics...it was like a choir of angels singing. Surreal. Then they asked Roger to pray. He reverently said something few could hear or understand but his caring face was enough for them.
Getting out was a madhouse of shoving & pushing till you were barreled out of the one man door. WHEW!
We had a nice conversation with the women we were with on our ride back to church. As soon as we got back, we got busy doing English assessments. It 7:30 before we got back to our room. Tired but glad to have gotten in and out of prison!
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I asked about US prisoners—she said they were none as the US Embassy scoops them up quickly and they are never guilty. But not so with many other countries.
We spent most of the visit talking to a lady from Italy that had come to Egypt with a friend and accused of thinking of buying drugs. Now in prison 3 years...no court hearing...and her young daughter is growing up without her. She told me she will be brave & bold now...later she will get her revenge.
It was chaotic & noisy in the visitation room add the language barrier and so mostly what we did was give hugs and listening as best we could to their story. One girl smiled often and said prison has strengthened her faith as it is all she has now.
When the first whistle blew, the ladies we'd come with & the prisoners we'd visited formed a circle holding hands and the prisoners sang "You are close. Alleluia!" Since the prisoners were dressed in long white tunics...it was like a choir of angels singing. Surreal. Then they asked Roger to pray. He reverently said something few could hear or understand but his caring face was enough for them.
Getting out was a madhouse of shoving & pushing till you were barreled out of the one man door. WHEW!
We had a nice conversation with the women we were with on our ride back to church. As soon as we got back, we got busy doing English assessments. It 7:30 before we got back to our room. Tired but glad to have gotten in and out of prison!
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, January 14, 2019
Re: Update 3
Thanks for the update! Guess all is not smooth sailing now...
Jean
On Sat, Jan 12, 2019 at 12:43 PM Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com> wrote:
We'd arranged for the same taxi driver who'd picked us up to return us to the airport...at 5:15 am. He again was a well of interesting tidbits @ Athens...home to 6 million. Our flight snack was a nice goodbye to Athens: spinach pies & Greek yogurt with a side of honey. All was hunky dory until there wasn't any internet at the Cairo airport. I found a place to buy a SIM card. Since our Airbnb host had not contacted us, we called him & he told the taxi driver where to find our room...well...far from the room or building pictured online & to add insult to injury...the host said it wasn't paid & we needed to pay him...though we knew Airbnb doesn't do it like that. We decided to find something to eat, see the neighborhood & think it about it. Seems we were in the car repair area as the crumble, littered sidewalks were filled with vendors selling every possible car part, new & used. The side streets were crowded with cars with hoods wide open & men working on them. Most of the tall buildings were quite dilapidated & dirty. Eventually we found a street with food & tried the shawarma type sandwich with lots of extras...Guess who liked it & who didn't. We did eventually find a KFC & McD ...but too late. And besides they were kinda dirty too. We got back to our room & the host came knocking demanding $$. We paid. I contacted Airbnb and over the next couple hours, they said they'd give us a full refund & we booked another spot for tomorrow! Then we huddled down in the thick blankets...it was a cold room...& spent time flipping TV channels. We both felt it had actually been a worthwhile experience as many of the refugees we will be working with probably stay in places much worse. We had hot water & toilet. We had options for tomorrow!
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Re: Athens pictures
Great pictures, Jane. I especially like the first one of you and Rog. Looks rather chilly there. It's really nice here (she lied).
Picture #2: did Rog pick up anything from the Aphrodite Gold/Silver shop?
Picture #3: What exactly are we seeing here? The strata underneath the current floor?
Jean
On Sat, Jan 12, 2019 at 2:34 PM Terri Keppler <tlk1972@gmail.com> wrote:
These are great!On Sat, Jan 12, 2019 at 1:35 PM Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com> wrote:
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Update 5
We were in the think of it today. First met with the priest in charge of prison ministry & got info needed for tomorrow's visit. Then registered refugees & later signed them up for English classes. Did some English assessments. Sorted clothing & helped distribute. And in between, visited with the refugees whenever & however possible. Many spoke a little English. They were from Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and many from Eritrea...a country I'd never heard of! When I told a young man that...he laughed & said his chat box friends say the same thing...he also said he'd learned English on chat box. Who'd a thunk?? Another young man from there said he left home because everyone, girls & boys, had to join the military for their entire life. Met a young man from Sudan who'd left his University where he'd been studying engineering & on the soccer team. Said it was just too dangerous. A fellow from Syria was headed home. I asked how he felt about USA pulling out & he shook his head & said ISIS will get much stronger. I loved hearing the young girls giggling & visiting & seeing them help each other answer my questions. It was interesting to note that often they were not from the same country but seemed to be friends. Some wore hijab, some burqa & others nothing...seemed not a problems for them. Why to so many in this war torn world????
It was a long, busy day...but so rewarding!
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It was a long, busy day...but so rewarding!
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Update 4
Believe it or not we slept till 11 and then quickly packed up and quietly left...good riddance ! We hopped a taxi & crossed over the Nile...that seems weird to say. Our new room is much improved, though still cold, & very close to Refuge Egypt where we'll be volunteering. We went on a hunt to find the office & Monica who's are contact person...turns out she's from Pittsburgh ! She was eager to get us busy after a quick tour & overview of all they'd like us to do...all under the umbrella of the All Saints Episcopal Church. We left there feeling we'd found a good spot to volunteer...also left Hungary. Found a great spot close by where Rog ate 1/2 chicken & I had a hot dish of cannelloni ...great on another cold day! We picked up a few groceries then went back to our room to read, write, watch news & do a bit of laundry. Also booked this room for 8 more nights. Next morning breakfast was brought to our room...hard boiled eggs, bread, cheese & coffee. Then off we went to church...the young priest was from Ohio. Next we met the head of many of the outreach programs, Francine. The funding comes from many sources and part of what I will be doing is helping create letters requesting funds...a job I've enlisted help from my big hearted FIA friend, Sarah:). Also am trying to make a Michigan connection for funding for the deaf school Refuge Egypt would like start. (Currently deaf are put in a room with no teacher/no lessons.). ***Please feel free to jump in with suggestions!!!***. Rog & I will be teaching English classes starting next week. We've also been asked to visits prisoners ...many from Sudan, some USA...put there for no Visa or minor offenses. With no family in the area to support them, they get minimal service. Several have finished their sentence but have no $$ to fly home. Last month this church raised $$ so four could go home. Another side job we learned to day was how to scan documents & add them to files. We'll be doing that in our spare time...that looks like a never ending job...one girl, Monica from Egypt has been doing it full time for 3 years! Think we'll be busy. Ate left over breakfast in our room and then happened on a movie in English...the story of Lee Strobel who authored A Case for Christ. Ironic find since we're so close to the birthplace of Christianity . Can't plan these things...they just happen!!
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Saturday, January 12, 2019
Re: Cairo pictures
Great pictures!
On Sat, Jan 12, 2019 at 1:51 PM Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com> wrote:
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Re: Athens pictures
These are great!
On Sat, Jan 12, 2019 at 1:35 PM Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com> wrote:
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Update 3
We'd arranged for the same taxi driver who'd picked us up to return us to the airport...at 5:15 am. He again was a well of interesting tidbits @ Athens...home to 6 million. Our flight snack was a nice goodbye to Athens: spinach pies & Greek yogurt with a side of honey. All was hunky dory until there wasn't any internet at the Cairo airport. I found a place to buy a SIM card. Since our Airbnb host had not contacted us, we called him & he told the taxi driver where to find our room...well...far from the room or building pictured online & to add insult to injury...the host said it wasn't paid & we needed to pay him...though we knew Airbnb doesn't do it like that. We decided to find something to eat, see the neighborhood & think it about it. Seems we were in the car repair area as the crumble, littered sidewalks were filled with vendors selling every possible car part, new & used. The side streets were crowded with cars with hoods wide open & men working on them. Most of the tall buildings were quite dilapidated & dirty. Eventually we found a street with food & tried the shawarma type sandwich with lots of extras...Guess who liked it & who didn't. We did eventually find a KFC & McD ...but too late. And besides they were kinda dirty too. We got back to our room & the host came knocking demanding $$. We paid. I contacted Airbnb and over the next couple hours, they said they'd give us a full refund & we booked another spot for tomorrow! Then we huddled down in the thick blankets...it was a cold room...& spent time flipping TV channels. We both felt it had actually been a worthwhile experience as many of the refugees we will be working with probably stay in places much worse. We had hot water & toilet. We had options for tomorrow!
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Update 2
Day 2 in Athens started in the Acropolis Museum...which is cleverly built around a correctly sized Parthenon so walking around the glassed outer walkway you see the bits & chunk remains & reconstructed temple frieze of the Parthenon and at the same time get a fabulous view of it majestically sitting on the mountain top...Acropolis. The galleries in the museums of seemingly endless sculptures & artifacts from the Acropolis & surrounding Athens. Next to many of the sculptures was a video which added the layers of details & colors that had been striped away due to weather, time and damage. It was like seeing them come alive...after almost 2500 years! Though a massive amount of artifacts are housed here...they truly lament that over the years so much has been stolen (lots by Lord Elgin) and destroyed when the Parthenon was made into St. Mary's and later a mosque, then a German arsenal ...which exploded & totally destroyed the rear section. The bottom floor of the museum had a glass floor so you could see what lies below...the remains of many earlier Athens...first in 8th century BC. That's old!!! Fascinating. Actually we were treated to many more glass floor exhibits as we meandered through Athens. Just 15 years ago when the Metro was built, the discoveries were extraordinary and so they just put glass walkways over them. It seems the entire city is sitting on a ancient goldmine! Hunger pangs forced us to leave the museum & a pot of mussaka was totally enjoyed. My sweet tooth called for a dish of frozen Greek yogurt that had a delicate hint of lemon. We tried to visit two other museums but because it's off season here, both closed early. But just strolling around the city was sort of museum of people, shops & traffic. Hearing music& smelling the food was a treat for the senses. Seeing & smelling the many Turkish tobacco smoking bars not so much. Sad to see kids & girls just sitting there as the man smoked away. It was amazing how many sidewalks are made out of marble...a cheap product here...much cheaper than wood so most everything is built out of marble. When we tired of walking, we hopped on the Metro & rode it till the end & then returned. Looking out the graffitied window, we got a peek of the outskirts...densely populated, 4+story buildings with small balconies filled with tables ,plants & laundry & covered by awnings. Mini cars & motorcycles parked in every nook & cranny. A few trees...their favorite the bitter orange. What struck me most was the lack of color. Tan, gray & white overwhelmed the view only dotted by bits of blue & green awnings. These blank buildings were like a canvas for graffiti which was everywhere. When I asked about it, I only got scowls & head shakes. We passed the Olympic Stadium, a massive white building crowed with curved metal rods. Also interesting was watching the people ...everyday folks coming & going. Most women with bright red lipstick, scarves covering their hair & well dressed. Younger ones with nose rings & a variety of hair colors. Men both casual & suits. About 1 in 4 were on phones. I saw little communication between the riders & the overall feel was quiet & somber. We struck up a conversation with a young girl who seemed happy to talk. It had been a rich afternoon. We picked up a couple souvlaki to eat when we got back and that's all folks!Yesterday I mentioned seeing Mars Hill where Paul preached so last night I read Acts 17:22-31. Now I can picture Paul clearly. What a vision. Thanks Elsi for suggesting it!
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Update 1
After a few delayed flights and a great view of Iceland's northern lights, we landed in Athens. A taxi driver (arranged by our Airbnb host) was waiting for us. He dropped us off at a lovely & well stocked condo with a view of the lighted Parthenon. Our friendly host provided us with homemade wine, olives soaking in olive oil, fresh baked cookies & bread & fruit. What's not to love about that! Since we'd been en route around 20 hours, we fell into bed. Next morning we took a short subway ride to meet our guide & took off exploring & learning about this spectacular city with a fascinating past dating back to Neolithic period. Our guide was especially good at explaining the layers of history that Athens has been through: original Greece, then conquered by Romans, next Turks, then England colonized, attacked by the German in WWII killing/starving 20% of their population & now part of EU. Through it all, they remained Greeks at heart & saved what they could of their historical buildings built around 450 BC. The Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Theater of Dionysus, Erechtheion, Temple of Arthena Nike. Just WOW! Though many times grossly damaged in wars & stripped by greedy men, they remain a vision of AWE. Our guide pointed out how much of the Greek language lives in our language today: Nike shoes; polis in politics, police; muse in music...etc. She proudly reminded us that Greece is where democracy began and St. Paul preached. So also said she could teach us to read Greek in an hour but speaking it takes decades. Also interesting that both our guide & taxi driver lamented that today's young Greeks don't want to get married, have children or take on so much responsibility. The young girls are controlling & young men are pushed around. Most get good education here but then leave to get better pay. 2008 was a tough year. Homeless first appeared. Over 2 million immigrants are straining the economy. Taxes are high & wages low. Our guide & taxi driver are worried about the future of Greece. But tourism is strong with over 1500 cruise ships stopping by each year. The Athens we saw was clean & well kept. And fortunately since it's the lowest tourist season, it was not crowded either. However, it was cold (@50F) & windy so we were glad we had lots of layers on. Last night it snowed, first time in 2 years. After our tour, we dined on a tasty Greek Gyro & scrumptious baklava. We spent the rest of the daylight seeing what was left of Planka, Roman & Ancient Agora (old cities) & Hadrian's library and the St. Nicholas Cathedral. We picked up some cheese & Coke Light that along with what our host provided made a nice Greek supper. Now that's a full day!
(**Disclaimer: I don't take the time to check spelling & grammar as there's so much I'd rather be doing...and I write mainly so we have our trip memories when we get home. Feel free to respond, correct, share or ignore!!)
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