tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69873027301503755862024-02-06T23:52:58.757-06:00What do you mean I look "out of place"?Amil eeh?! This is Starr Brainard's online travel journal for her studies in Egypt. I have received a Boren Scholarship to study Arabic 06/2012 - 12/2012 (EEK!). This is my second time to Egypt on a government scholarship, and I look forward to more magnificent, frustrating, awkward, and life-changing experiences. Keep up with my latest adventures here.Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-91988910371068155902015-07-07T15:59:00.001-05:002015-07-07T15:59:40.921-05:006 Months Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Still going strong at AUC ;)</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-78618637502479095152015-01-25T02:41:00.002-06:002015-01-25T02:41:46.173-06:00Hello, Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello, Internet world. I am back in Egypt, again. (Third time's the charm, right?) I am working with AUC's Research Institute for a Sustainable Environment for at least 6 months. I have officially left the student life, and am living as a professional adult in Cairo (whose profession just happens to take her daily to an institution of learning...). I have recently shut down my facebook, and have been enjoying having my personal life removed from the virtual realm, so no promises on regular blog updates. However, I may start a subject blog (rather than this travel journal) to keep myself motivated in my self study of Permaculture. While this blog would be more informational and professional in nature, it will still recount my environmental pursuits in Egypt. We'll see what happens. For you out there who are hungry for updates, just know that things are going well, and I am very happy :)<br />
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Happy Jan 25th.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-80925282533788982272013-07-05T13:30:00.000-05:002013-07-05T13:30:01.354-05:00Deja VuOnce again Egypt is fraught with political unrest and protest. And not I am further away from Egypt and people who know any thing about Egypt than I have every been in my life. Thanks goodness for the internet. In less than a week the elected president of just one year was ousted after widespread protest (the biggest of all recorded human history), and what has been characterized as a military coup. My friends are safe, and most of them are pretty happy. Morsi (the former president) was not doing the most democratically minded things, but I am kept up at night by the fact that he was democratically elected. This article sums up my concerns much better than I can, and illustrates why I have yet to celebrate with the majority of my friends. Keep Egypt in your thoughts.<br />
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<a href="http://ARABIST.NET/BLOG/2013/7/5/THE-TROUBLE-WITH-A-COUP-FOR-DEMOCRACY">THE TROUBLE WITH A 'COUP FOR DEMOCRACY'</a></h1>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-27040943933225152042013-03-08T19:57:00.000-06:002013-03-08T19:58:12.748-06:00International Women's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is International Women's Day, and I have a few things I would like to say to my international female friends, especially my Egyptian friends. Culturally, we are all subject to cultural pressures, but women as a whole experience these pressures to a higher degree, and I know Egyptian society can be strict. Between age-old family traditions, your immediate peers, and modern media, we have a lot to deal with and a lot of people telling us what to do with our bodies. Many of my Egyptian friends are reaching that age when people start to pair off and get engaged. So many young Egyptian women are trying balance social and cultural pressures. I just want to tell you, your body is no one's business but your own. More specifically,<b> it is no one's business if you're a virgin or not.</b> I am not promoting promiscuity or abstinence. I can't tell you if having sex before your marriage is better or worse for your relationship, or what is right in your religion. That is up to you. You need to make the choice that is right <b>for you</b>, and you can't do that if you're worried about how others will judge you.<b> </b> You<b> </b>should not have sex because someone is pressuring you, and you should not <i>not</i> have sex because someone is pressuring you.<b> </b>I know how much pressure you're under, and I know that not being a virgin can have serious consequences, so as your concerned friend, <b>I</b> <b>give you permission to lie</b>. This choice is<b> yours</b>, and if you need to protect that choice by lying, I support you. Here are some things you might like to consider:<br />
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<b>Not everyone bleeds their first time. </b>The hymen doesn't cover the opening of the vagina. It's not something you have to "break" to have sex. It is more like a stretchy ring of skin around the vaginal opening. Hymens sometimes bleed the first time, because they are tighter/tougher. But some people's hymens' are naturally stretchy or just out of the way. Sex can loosen or tear a tighter hymen, but everyday life, and friction from clothes, menstruation, or just biology can wear away a hymen as well. And sometimes a hymen doesn't stay loose, and if you have sex, and then wait a long time till you have sex again, you might bleed again. In other words, "bleeding" doesn't prove your virginity.<br />
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<b>There is no medical definition of virginity. </b>It's all just culture. It changes through history. There is no real test to prove your virginity. Many modern women define their virginity differently. There are many types of sexual activity. Some people count all experiences as "sex," some believe they can do everything but penis-to-vagina sex and still be virgins, and some still consider themselves virgins until they have sex with someone they really care about. It's up to you.<br />
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<b>Men aren't forced to prove their virginity. </b>They aren't subject to the same pressures as we are. It's just not fair. They can do scandalous things just as easily (if not easier) as we can.<br />
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<b>No body has to live in your body, but you.</b> duh.<br />
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-55229137909877627222013-02-23T09:28:00.000-06:002013-02-28T09:38:59.997-06:00CityScape<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4370979234230.2149079.1280460240&type=1&l=6931799c1e">Check out the whole collection on Facebook.</a><br />
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I just submitted a bunch of photos to AmLit, American University's Literary Magazine. For some reason it's feels really important to share how beautiful Egypt is, particularly from my perspective. I'm awed by Egypt in many of the same ways as any tourist through the ages, but my aesthetic is slightly different. While the pyramids are amazing and I love a good tomb painting, I think the most beautiful thing I've seen in Egypt is CAIRO in all of it's tan, unfinished, falling apart, littered, lively wonder. As an environmentalist, I have no idea why it appeals to be so, but literally find it break-taking. <br />
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Here are some highlights, some Cairo, some Garbage City, some Siwa:<br />
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-5690789756381671302013-02-22T22:16:00.001-06:002013-02-23T09:28:43.459-06:00Graceful Fall from Grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There was a time when this blog would get more than 40 hits a day, and now I don't even know if my mom reads this blog anymore. What can you do? I'll just have to repromote this baby next time I go to Egypt. While my Egypt-themed Blog's fame my waver, by love for Egypt is steadfast. I don't know if you've ever been distraught and moved to tears over a country to which you have no right, but let me tell you, it is a terrible and magnificent all at once. My latest instance if this was in preparation for February 12th's "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/150788335077948/">Global Protest Against Sexual Terrorism Practiced on Egyptian Female Protesters</a>." I just can't describe the sympathy I feel for these women who are trying to enact change. I can't explain how frustrating it is that I can't express how wearing it is to be harassed even on the most superficial level. So I can't even fathom the horror of violent sexual assault. I am overwrought when others don't understand how important these issues are, and how truly and fundamentally all Egyptians deserve dignity. So though I latest foray to Egypt may be over I wanted to take this protest as an opportunity to at least try to make a difference. It isn't my place to protest in Egypt. It is dangerous and mostly likely I would just cause issues with the opposing side saying I was proof of "foreign hands at the wheel." It isn't my government's place to tell the Egyptian government what to do, because you know that's worked <i>so</i> well in the past (please note sarcasm). I also think it is absurdly presumptuous to think that any US policy maker would know more about what the Egyptians want or need than anyone who's actually Egyptian. So this protest, in my country, in my city, was the one place I thought it was appropriate for me to have a voice. It was a small protest with a friendly family-oriented vibe. I met some great people, and got some closure and a sense of accomplishment for myself. There were a few media people there and several non-Egyptians who just thought it was good to show solidarity, so I like to think those people and cameras brought some attention to the issue. Of course one always wishes that they could do more. It is hard to acknowledge how little power you have, and it's even harder to acknowledge when something not your fight, or simply beyond you.<br />
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While it might not be my place to be the screaming activist on the Egyptian front lines, I can do my best to spread knowledge and understanding. Women's History Month is coming up in March, and I am organizing a belly dancing lesson for students at my university. I hope to use this lesson as a platform to discuss the vehicles of soft power and empowerment women of patriarchal societies can use in the private sphere. I hope to use belly dancing as an example. When in Egypt, I saw the most belly dancing, not in bars or in any seductress context, but in private gatherings of female friends. It was a unique experience of sensuality and expression for one's self, instead of for the consumption of another. I'll keep you updated as the event develops.<br />
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-72903550920048338902013-01-31T15:47:00.005-06:002013-01-31T15:47:49.222-06:00OPI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In less than an hour I have my OPI or <b>Oral Proficiency Interview</b> (read those words with spooky ghost noise for proper emphasis). This is an Arabic test for the end of my scholarship, to see how much I've improved. Technically, the results don't mean nothing to me directly, because I have my grades for my classes, and I have already spent the money from this scholarship, but STILL, I would like to do well. I don't suffer from test anxiety too badly, but here is something about these speaking Arabic tests that lead to me panic attacks. Like seriously. But right now I am in a good place, and I want to note that here. I have been studying, computing on Rosetta Stone, listening to my Arabic music, and watching Arabic movies this last week to prepare. I might not be naturally talented with languages, but you know what? I am happy with what I have learned. I was able to hold my own on a practice conversation with my friend. I skimmed through a whole Arabic text book and a half, and I was happy with my grasp on the material. I want you and all the Internet to know, before my confidence is destroyed by this test, that I have learned a lot, a lot, and even if I'm not the best Arabist in the world, I really love the language, and I view it's acquisition as a lifetime venture. Thank you for your attention.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-4007136582950463192013-01-23T11:46:00.001-06:002013-01-23T11:46:34.315-06:00Street Art<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So very slowly, I am taking steps towards closure in my Egyptian experience. I have finally posted my collection of photos of graffiti I came across in Egypt. I am very proud of the selection I have acquired. I was often made fun of for taking photos of walls while my group was touring, but I really wanted to have these photos to share with you. The people's art! So earnest and so Egyptian, born from the revolution. Cheesy, I know, but I find it inspiring. Check it out at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4230329758081.2148042.1280460240&type=1&l=cd1ae9ba32">this link</a>. Here are a few of my favorites:</div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-19296773339484437982012-12-31T17:09:00.002-06:002012-12-31T17:09:42.682-06:00Living in the Past<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Funny. I just published that last post, and then called Sherif to wish him a happy new year. I thought I was reaching him before midnight, but it turns out it's already 2013 over there! <br />
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Me: What time is it there?<br />
Sherif: One<br />
Me: What?! Oh my God, Happy New Year. You're already in 2013! That's crazy.<br />
Sherif: Yeah, Starr, you've got to stop living in the past.<br />
Me: *awkward pause as I don't get the joke* What?<br />
Sherif: Cuz you're still in 2012!<br />
Me: Ah! I get it.<br />
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Sherif is out at a bar with friends in the exciting metropolis of Cairo, while I am underage and planning on staying in with my mom and drinking sparkling pear juice as we watch TV in our living room. I love my mom, but I can't help feeling as though my life becomes notably less glamorous when I return stateside. Who knows, maybe I should take the "stop living in the past" comment more seriously :P<br />
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Happy New Year<br />
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-18768229481312030582012-12-31T16:52:00.002-06:002012-12-31T16:52:58.007-06:00HOME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey, all. I'm sorry for leaving anyone out there hanging. I'm home! I made it. My trip to the Red Sea was lovely. We rode a huge yacht and jumped off its top, maybe three stories high, into the red sea. It was amazing. Then I had a few days at home to pack up and say goodbyes. I saw who I could, but I had to keep reminding myself that the good times we had together are more important than a frantic goodbye. Hit my favorite restaurants. Went to a party. Visited the Agricultural Museum (CRAZY place you guys, crazy), and the oldest Mosque in Cairo. I had a small NSLI-Y reunion with three other students who studied with me in Egypt in high school and happened to be in Cairo on my last days. I tried to keep my head. I don't leave Cairo well. I tend to panic when traveling, especially when moving, but I have been known to have full scale meltdowns when leaving Egypt. I did alright this time. I guess. That last day was pretty awful just waiting at home for my taxi to come at midnight, but I just had to remind myself: nothing I could rush to do on my last day would do any justice to the experience I had. I couldn't fix anything or redo anything, and trying anything new would undoubtedly not be enjoyed in my stressed-out state. I just tried to stay calm. I give myself a C+ in that venture. And then I flew home. I watched a chick flick and a samurai movie while flying over the Atlantic, and was stuck in the Chicago airport for over 6 hours due to customs and full flights, but I made it just in time for Christmas Eve.<br />
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Now I'm home, and though I've only been here a week sometimes I wonder, "Did Cairo happen?" It is such a different life and experience here than in Cairo. It is so easy just to fall back into my patterns. My family likes the presents I brought home and I see Cairo paraphernalia all over my house, but it feels so distant. Last time I came home all I wanted to do was talk about my experiences and share everything about Egypt with anyone who would listen, but this time... I don't know. I don't really want to think about it. I feel as though I need to reflect, but I am reluctant. I have yet to go through my pictures because doing so requires me to confirm that yes, Cairo did indeed happen, and I am no longer there. Life is overwhelming enough here with holidays, family ups and downs, preparing for my grandpa's memorial, and figuring out logistics for next semester and my summer internship. Dealing with reverse culture-shock and home-sickness just seems like too much sometimes, but I think working through those things is important. I hope to us this blog to work through all that in the weeks to come. If I don't get distracted, expect photos and reflections coming soon.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The NSLI-Y gang. Some of us just can't help coming back to Egypt.</span></div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-31820638718565626802012-12-19T00:40:00.000-06:002012-12-31T16:53:52.282-06:00Finished the Final Final and Left for the Sea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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KHALAS! I finished my finals. I honestly didn't know if I could do it, but I did. (I did have to get extensions on my papers, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't even think I could do those by the extended deadline.) Only goodness know why, but then I decided to take an official computerized gage your Arabic level test, and that of course destroyed my self esteem. A three to four hour test is a pretty lame prize for finishing finals, but now I'm done! I'm trying to get last visits and Christmas presents in. I had a calligraphy lesson. I met my British friend from the summer and went out to my favorite Sudanese restaurant. I met Salma and went to my favorite Yemeni restaurant. I finally made it to the used clothes market. I swear to jeebus, the used clothing market is possibly the most hipster place in the world. There are literally just racks and racks of cheap used clothes blocks and blocks and blocks. The thrift store of dreams. Most of the clothes are western style, but I did find a pretty sweet galabaya :) I can't wait to show my absurd purchases including the most bi'a shebab pants in the world!!! If anyone is interested the market is right outside the nasser metro station and under the 26th of July Bridge. And now I am at my program's final retreat at Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea. Swimming. Drawing. Reading. And this hotel is <i>fancy</i>. Next we go on a yacht. I won the program award for "Most Perseverance & Suggestion of the Week Champion." Gots to run!!!</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-75493264581361043602012-12-07T02:14:00.001-06:002012-12-07T02:14:28.163-06:00Presidential Decree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night was a rough night for me (and a rough day for my family), so instead of watching the Presidential Decree, or working on my papers, I watch a cartoon called "Avatar." <a href="http://deliciouslywholemilk.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/the-moment-weve-all-been-waiting-for/">This</a> is a good rundown of the Decree by one of my peers. A meeting of all parties sounds like a good idea, but who can say if anything will come of it. Other than that his speech said lots of nothing, with a lot of blame on the old regime, and maybe a little on the opposition? My Development professor (who actually founded a political party) has been protesting with the opposition. His description shows a bleak picture: a small group of peaceful protesters being ambushed by bus loads of Muslim Brotherhood supporters brought in from villages down South, and then a police presence that is clearly biased against the opposition. Though my Development class isn't my favorite, I think this teacher might be, so I worry about him being out there. Also, Sherif, usually not a very political fellow, decided he didn't like bullies beating people up and so went to the Presidential Palace during clashes. I was informed yesterday evening that he is covered with wounds, external and internal apparently, but he continues to go to work. (AH!?!?) He says he went to the doctor and he's fine... I continue to worry. Today has become entirely work day (one of the reasons being we aren't allowed to leave our area) so hopefully I can make up any work that didn't happen yesterday. Unfortunately, in addition to everything, I'm feeling under the weather. I wish I could say it was just stress, but usually stress doesn't induce hoarse voice and sore throats. Yesterday, I as feeling straight up nauseous, but I think that was due to several long rides in smelly taxis. Whatever this is I hope I can nip it in the butt by staying in and sleeping as much as possible. At very least I pray to the final gods that this illness doesn't become so that it hinders my essay writing ability. </div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-73660019797617658732012-12-06T15:17:00.001-06:002012-12-06T15:18:10.952-06:00SOL ER UPPE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Look to this day:</div>
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For it is life, the very life of life.</div>
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In its brief course</div>
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Lie all the verities and realities of your existence</div>
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The bliss of growth,</div>
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The glory of action,</div>
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The splendor of achievement</div>
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Are but experiences of time.</div>
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For yesterday is but a dream</div>
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And tomorrow is only a vision;</div>
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And today well-lived, makes</div>
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Yesterday a dream of happiness</div>
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And every tomorrow a vision of hope.</div>
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Look well therefore to this day;</div>
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Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!</div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-90551759464292652012-12-06T10:44:00.000-06:002012-12-06T10:56:03.272-06:00Worried?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow, I haven't posted in a while. You guys must be worried! I've heard from all my sources outside of Egypt that Egypt is blowing up right now. To an extent that is true-ish. There have definitely been protests. Take for example these pictures taken from my balcony of Muslim Brotherhood supporters marching to Cairo University:</div>
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My roommate described the sound of these protests on Saturday like that of Orcs. But everything was fine. We were restricted to our apartment, but that would have happened anyway since we are all in the midst of intense final paper writing. Yesterday, there were pretty violent classes at the Presidents Palace, but that is very far away from where I live. It's actually amazing how easy it is to just keep trucking in the wake of whatever is happening right now, even when it is happening closer to me. Life just keeps going. Sometimes I'm allowed out of my neighborhood and sometimes not, but I always feel safe. Final essays now.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-38406463932012975992012-11-29T05:35:00.001-06:002012-11-29T05:35:48.185-06:00Slam Poetry and Fish Gardens!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">WOW. <a href="http://arablit.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/dont-miss-first-ever-arabic-english-translation-slam/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;">TRANSLATED EGYPTIAN SLAM POETRY</span></a>. I hope I am in town for this, but between final papers and a postponed trip to Alexandria, I'm not sure if this is going to happen. Keep your fingers crossed for me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Favorite place in Cairo at this moment: Aquarium Grotto Garden. The first thing someone might tell you about this garden, commonly known as "The Fish Garden," is that there aren't many fish there. A few feeble aquariums, some crocodiles, and some pickled creatures in jars. What people won't tell you is that half the park is a huge grotto! As in a huge man-made stalactite-y cave complex, complete with a colony of bats! I went with the only other science major (biology!) in my program, so we nerded out for maybe an hour watching the bats. While we watched them, a man came up to us and asked if we wanted a cappuccino or tea. He had a nice shirt and a little notepad and everything.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My response: "No, thank you."</span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"This is cafeteria. What do you want to order?"</span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"... This is a cafeteria? There is bat poop on the ground."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"Yes," (oh, language gap, sometimes you are beautifully hilarious) "What would you like?"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I just laughed, "No, thank you," again to him and he realized that his poorly thought out scam wouldn't work on these white girls. There were also some pretty magnificent trees that grow down as well as up. It is my quest to find out what kind of trees those are!</span></div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-53859589065974460672012-11-28T10:05:00.000-06:002012-11-29T07:35:34.106-06:00Garbage City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
a.k.a. Manshiet Nasser, home of the Zabbaleen<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a church? A hanging church lantern!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hardcore garbage collecting</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hardcore sorting and recycling</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gtq3uhYdRARtpczctodqyxV8d4w9kiaIaQbqyj-Yi6f18ApRMsXZLLWTp_nI-hp-izfBFDHi5no5jEmRL9M9Ghom0g7LoCNPzBd73nXMczvc6XoTSw9Zou81Z-Lhk5kpXvz6XCitdurU/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Gtq3uhYdRARtpczctodqyxV8d4w9kiaIaQbqyj-Yi6f18ApRMsXZLLWTp_nI-hp-izfBFDHi5no5jEmRL9M9Ghom0g7LoCNPzBd73nXMczvc6XoTSw9Zou81Z-Lhk5kpXvz6XCitdurU/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Largest Church in the Middle East</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUlTBQiMSPZF8bAbs1ogAaFpKA-RLHEBEVXvOry9yvYB2IL60cjLUM6WbPgSPDDKKy5wgR4nMIaROH46JrHCiRkUJIN8-TnKR4W0fcf7KprVeXGZJ6oIu2LJJUwI6AwlOFYhqDuQqQV_p/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUlTBQiMSPZF8bAbs1ogAaFpKA-RLHEBEVXvOry9yvYB2IL60cjLUM6WbPgSPDDKKy5wgR4nMIaROH46JrHCiRkUJIN8-TnKR4W0fcf7KprVeXGZJ6oIu2LJJUwI6AwlOFYhqDuQqQV_p/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Most Christians in Egypt have small cross tattoos on their hands or wrists. At one point in Egypt's history Christan children would be taken from their families and raised as Muslims, so parents would tattoo them very young in the hope that they would rediscover the religion into which they were born. Of course no one steals Christan babies anymore, but the tradition stuck around, and many are tattooed before being old enough to remember the event. I saw <a href="http://observers.france24.com/content/20101118-egyptian-christians-tattoo-faith-religion">this guy</a> in action at this tattoo stall.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is a cage where pigeons are kept. Yum, pigeons.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cairo is so beautiful, it takes my breath away</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Passive solar water heaters, and a converter of biomass to methane made from materials the Zabbaleen collect.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWVxx_mw8Q49ZcoL_wDS7B1CxZBbhYMjBuofY2YOpQTIruws1TM1Pzt-YqyJh7a6aGQf82EzgUUcRWFuvB7dKrDyfZGgbtjIonrDbuw0OuZ6bou_RjVCjETRDZq-DuNN6iWfs3mIpR8cY/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWVxx_mw8Q49ZcoL_wDS7B1CxZBbhYMjBuofY2YOpQTIruws1TM1Pzt-YqyJh7a6aGQf82EzgUUcRWFuvB7dKrDyfZGgbtjIonrDbuw0OuZ6bou_RjVCjETRDZq-DuNN6iWfs3mIpR8cY/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The view from Solar Cities, the NGO that sets up those fantastic contraptions on the roofs</span></span></div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-7945851367069706502012-11-27T07:28:00.003-06:002012-11-27T07:28:59.204-06:00Protests Today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Classes were canceled because of protests today. It's just precautionary measure, and hopefully I can use the time to get some work done... but that hasn't happened yet. The last month panic is starting to set in. Anyway, the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists actually canceled their protests late last night, but I assume people will still turn up. The secularists and liberals are still camped out in Tahrir. <a href="http://dailynewsegypt.com/2012/11/24/mr-president-you-win-this-round/">READ THIS ARTICLE</a>.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-34431622411630784242012-11-26T01:11:00.002-06:002012-11-26T01:11:37.872-06:00Dreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had a dream in Arabic last night. The dialogue was pretty simple, but Arabic it was. I was also wearing a sailor dress, and being chased on a bicycle by a puddle bog monster.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-7837454616288761702012-11-26T01:10:00.000-06:002012-11-26T01:10:15.185-06:00Another perspective<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've heard another perspective on the prez's latest actions. Some argue that this is the only means by which Morsi could have supported the revolution. The Judiciary disbanded the Parliament earlier this year, and supposedly were planning on disbanding all popularly elected bodies, leaving Morsi the lone representative of the revolution against a government of the old regime. Apparently, the attorney general was appointed by Mubarak and Morsi had tried to fire him several times, and he refused to leave, so this was why he chose to lessen the power of the Judiciary. His back was up against a wall. Some are complaining that the liberals, who have called for protests are being babies, and need to accept when things don't go their way, if it is a result of fair elections. The issue is clearly complicated. I personally am still very concerned, about the fact that Morsi has no checks to his power. Muslim Brotherhood or not, that isn't how democracy works, for anyone. But it is reassuring that he may have good intentions. Maybe. As for the liberals being babies, Egypt has a strong recent history of politicians boycotting things when they don't like the rules or results on both sides of the spectrum. I often question how productive this tactic is, but it looks to me like the liberals turn has come around.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-12815722022455374812012-11-23T06:31:00.000-06:002012-11-23T06:43:47.079-06:00No, Morsi, no<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday, <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/20121122161830842641.html">Morsi</a> pulled a Mubarak-esque move, and granted himself more powers in the name of "protecting the revolution" and "national security." That isn't how democracy works, Morsi. Protests are amping up. Nothing huge yet, but I would say this action is deserving of some Egyptian outrage. I am safe in 6 October staying with some family friends, but everyone is concerned as to what this means for the future of the revolution and Egypt. Many of the powers Morsi granted himself put him above the traditionally strong judiciary, which is currently the only check to his power. Additionally, all women, liberals, and secularists have walked out of the constitutional committee (in charge of writing the new constitution), because Islamist refuse to debate or compromise, and since they make up the majority, always pass their motions. Despite this Morsi decreed that the constitution will be finished on time, with the current members (in other words, a stubborn Islamist majority). Though Morsi and other members of the Muslim Brotherhood, have been talking up democracy through this whole process, this latest decree suggests that it was all a front in order to obtain power and hold onto it. Is this how dictatorships begin? I don't think the Egyptian people will stand for this. It is an insult after all they sacrificed in the revolution the first time around.</div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-50650072357441761702012-11-22T03:54:00.000-06:002012-11-22T03:54:07.538-06:00Citadel Pics!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0BDRoU-9192uQt0dqpBTqu_EwodqrfJ-MdcBLOqKpVuYoqaXjwuYp2ACL9njGnfX-ePb0uSDtMiX3If4q3h76a2I7QctiT8_lXPuaioCMm91kcSs02W_9sr6PIlGBgcCDreejDRb7dLf/s1600/IMG_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0BDRoU-9192uQt0dqpBTqu_EwodqrfJ-MdcBLOqKpVuYoqaXjwuYp2ACL9njGnfX-ePb0uSDtMiX3If4q3h76a2I7QctiT8_lXPuaioCMm91kcSs02W_9sr6PIlGBgcCDreejDRb7dLf/s320/IMG_0069.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">THE CITADEL. (Sort an odd-ball Ottoman addition to Cairo's architecture, but very famous with tourists)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"Al-Maser Mohamed Ibn Qalawoon Mosque"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"The military and the people in one hand"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Military Museum and other mosque on Citadel campus</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Muhammed Ali Mosque</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"God"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The clearest day I've seen so far in Cairo.</span></div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-63125141441790190552012-11-21T05:47:00.000-06:002012-11-21T05:47:38.153-06:00Arab League Pics!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-10762069044504628032012-11-21T05:20:00.000-06:002012-11-21T05:20:27.087-06:00Seed Bombing Pics!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here are the pictures to accompany the map I posted earlier!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Starting in Zamalek</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bizoor Balady Bombs!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Tahrir!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I met this woman at the event. She had a knee injury and I had my back injury, so we made a good team.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">And then we finished at Abdeen Palace downtown.</span></div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-28395431767305974412012-11-21T00:48:00.001-06:002012-11-22T02:12:45.557-06:00Siwa was too quiet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The atmosphere was too serene in Siwa. Now I'm having trouble sleeping. The square on which I live in Dokki is SO LOUD. I don't know how I didn't notice this before. At ungodly hours of the morning I keep being woken by car alarms, dog fights, construction, and the call to prayer. We tried closing our window, but yet again I was woken this morning. We're on the 15th floor for goodness' sake! My roommate wondered yesterday, "How did we ever sleep through the call to prayer? It's so loud!" This chant is sang and amplified for surrounding areas to hear at 4:55 am. During the day, the call to prayer is one of the most beautiful sounds I know, but if you are awake or woken up by the morning call to prayer, it's one of the worst!!! </div>
Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987302730150375586.post-63888402203804681352012-11-19T07:07:00.003-06:002012-11-19T07:08:27.276-06:00Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I spent my weekend at the BEAUTIFUL Siwa Oasis. It was an amazing trip. I am still struggling with my photos, but plan on posting the best selections soon. Siwan culture is fascinating, they have their own language! Siwan history is vibrant, I got to climb around the old fortified city of Shali and star gaze. Siwan desert is awe-inspiring, we sand boarded in the Great Sand Sea. Hot-springs. Salt Lakes. Palm trees. Couscous. Hospitality. Gosh golly gee. As a teaser here are some watercolors I did at our beautiful hotel. They are photographed on my beautiful new Siwan rug. (Please forgive any flaws in my first ever attempt at watercolor painting.)</div>
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Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11818270001657142788noreply@blogger.com0