tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91336342024-03-07T12:00:58.914+02:00In the Shadows of the PyramidsMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-61207296467290815272011-02-02T12:32:00.000+02:002011-02-02T12:32:39.271+02:00The Egyptian Revolution<div>Egyptians have never felt so empowered in all their lives. When the police quit on Friday, the people took it upon themselves to form neighborhood watch groups, clean up the trash, help each other out. I have been living in Egypt for nearly 6 years now and have never seen people come together as they have in the past week. </div><div><br />
</div><div>What you watch on TV is just a microcosm of what is taking place. All the satellite channels show Tahrir Square and Alexandria along the Corniche, they don't show the neighborhoods, the suburbs, the small villages where neighbors help neighbors. A military truck was in our development yesterday selling water to anyone interested in buying it. Cigarettes were the first commodity to go, followed by eggs, bread, sugar, flour. There still seems to be plenty of water available in the stores.</div><div><br />
</div><div>More to follow soon.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ma'salaama,</div><div><br />
</div><div>~Marian</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-72903165875502926182011-01-26T15:49:00.000+02:002011-01-26T15:49:15.954+02:00January's Winds of Change<div>When January 2011 began I thought - what a great year this will be. On the morning of January 1, 2011 I awoke to the news that a bomb had detonated at a Coptic Church in Alexandria, Egypt. I was in complete disbelief. I thought this can happen maybe in another country but not in Egypt. Sure enough someone or more than one person set off a bomb that has killed 24 innocent human beings to date, not to mention those who are injured, and their families. Protests ensued following the church bombing Christians and Muslims together as one, as Egyptians.</div><div><br />
</div><div>A lot of news was swirling around the discrimination of Coptics in Egypt, how Coptics are not given the same rights as Muslims. This was entwined with the recent police action in December 2010 that stopped a Church from being built so the parishioners took matters into their own hands and started building the Church. The police in turn arrested those parishioners who disobeyed the police. As it turned out the government only gave permission for a parish hall to be built and not a church. No one reported this in the news - they only reported that Christians were being arrested. Alhamdulillah everyone was released so they could celebrate Coptic Christmas with their families.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then not long after that some police officer or former police officer had "mental issues" and opened fire on a train in Upper Egypt, killing one man. There are rumors as to how he went about doing this. Some say he separated the Muslims from the Christians, or maybe he separated women and girls in hijab from those not in hijab. </div><div><br />
</div><div>It is sad that these events are taking place in Egypt, in a country where people are peaceful, welcoming, and friendly.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Following the recent events in Tunisia, activists used twitter and facebook to call for a protest the January 25th (Police Day) holiday downtown. Protest the government's actions, lack of actions, cost of food, lack of services, and high unemployment. Maybe the government didn't take the calls to protest seriously but the 25th saw an unprecedented amount of people from all walks of Egyptian society turn out for the peaceful, nonviolent protest. Protesters remained in the streets well into the night. Because of the protests, the Egyptian government blocked, twitter, Facebook, mobile service in certain areas as well as other media outlets. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I knew this was going to be quite a January because we've had three ice storms, thunderstorms, with extremely cold temperatures for this time of year. The coldest and most violent weather in my close to six years in Egypt.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I don't know what will happen next, in the next few hours, days, weeks. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I pray for peace.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ma'salaama,</div><div><br />
</div><div>~Marian</div><div><br />
</div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-86233998175749652852010-07-16T18:07:00.001+03:002010-07-16T18:11:00.762+03:00Summer Days and Summer Nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgsqIP43iV7SftDlhu5vWTuGOm2s5CCOMSJ7VmcshgwloXeS7vCeURLfNIpuI1FcfmP_6EYHBtlU-Eh2lBaLFYIPJkBIEjQZ4BX2zhSY8LM8OSmOpm6ewMOF-j5u6DjypxUzacw/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgsqIP43iV7SftDlhu5vWTuGOm2s5CCOMSJ7VmcshgwloXeS7vCeURLfNIpuI1FcfmP_6EYHBtlU-Eh2lBaLFYIPJkBIEjQZ4BX2zhSY8LM8OSmOpm6ewMOF-j5u6DjypxUzacw/s320/IMG_2721.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Life in Alexandria, Egypt is much different than Cairo life. The people are different, the food flavors are different, the weather is different. Because of the way the streets are laid out in Alexandria, you can be at the sea within a matter of minutes depending upon traffic of course.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">We have been spending most of our summer in Alexandria. The cool weather is relative to Cairo because while Alexandria is cooler, it is very humid compared to Cairo which is stinking hot without any humidity. In any event, most people stay up all night and sleep the heat of the day away until late afternoon arrives only to repeat the night before and so on and so on.....I have never been able to adapt to this summer schedule and will not even try to keep up at this point. </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5xx0j8Q4Gmv05q112js1X1WFDJCZEmOgI2XWzjO8-f2h3oRomWoXHJA-kWejQcZSmKntAgcHqQa1sQk4_8OQiudvYhTEm3EnXWoGjqEJdnZEsEp0daHZ6lzkk1q-zMyIT0-YsA/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5xx0j8Q4Gmv05q112js1X1WFDJCZEmOgI2XWzjO8-f2h3oRomWoXHJA-kWejQcZSmKntAgcHqQa1sQk4_8OQiudvYhTEm3EnXWoGjqEJdnZEsEp0daHZ6lzkk1q-zMyIT0-YsA/s320/IMG_2705.JPG" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I have been overdosing on fresh figs from the North Coast while Mira has been overdosing on the 57 varieties of mangoes. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">We managed to spend one day downtown with Hassan's family. We started the day at 3 p.m. by having "breakfast" consisting of fuul and tama3a (falafel) followed by Brazilian coffee, and winding up with a late night dinner of kebab. It was too much even though I didn't eat much. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">We left Alexandria and came back to Cairo two days ago because it was just too humid for us in Alex. We need our air conditioner "fix" until we can go back and get the a/c installed in our flat. Hopefully, we will be able to cool off.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Ma'salaama,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">~Marian</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div></div></div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-23885586066039882462010-06-09T22:53:00.000+03:002010-06-09T22:53:21.265+03:00Isn't the school year over yet?!!Tomorrow is Mira's last day of regular school. It's been one long exhausting disappointing school year. I am restraining myself from writing about the school and everything that went wrong this year. Mira is finishing 6th grade. She starts her "exams" next week so she will go to school from 8:00 to 10:00 everyday with a different exame everyday. I just want her to finish - get it over with - begin summer vacation. I'm tired of the school. I'm the one burned out. The school year was very strange. It was almost the school year that wasn't because of the swine flu. Hopefully the next school year won't begin until after Ramadan, which will be mid-September. <br />
<br />
Come on summer vacation - I want to sleep in!!<br />
<br />
Ma'salaama,<br />
<br />
~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-72602420609143895102010-05-23T10:48:00.001+03:002010-05-23T10:51:37.912+03:00My Photography ObsessionEver since my wonderful husband bought me a professional digital camera, I have been shooting photos everywhere we go. I have been thinking about how best to display the photos: Facebook, Flickr, my blog. I have decided to use Flickr for the most part, but post some here as well. My personal photos are on Facebook mainly to share with my family and friends in the US. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here are some of my favorite photos.<br />
<br />
Sunset in February on a Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc8ACaBmwbajo1N1jtZXzgz7eAerFmmcyMlpuyjMwcG5gdqcvda5Lloc2I5vKvAqy3AcRMAtb8RBGEpc_wB0PzhFdiJ7-hghqS3H7sHbPpM4x3u0FHxVPlxOL2KrIFxx35qBjPg/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKc8ACaBmwbajo1N1jtZXzgz7eAerFmmcyMlpuyjMwcG5gdqcvda5Lloc2I5vKvAqy3AcRMAtb8RBGEpc_wB0PzhFdiJ7-hghqS3H7sHbPpM4x3u0FHxVPlxOL2KrIFxx35qBjPg/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Philae Temple, Aswan, Egypt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ePxG0RMas92XBMFAmNvx5uHu2wU0Zya7pKJ0eT1uTRQ2iYqpn0OwiYPuadf8OZYRH-gR3taVhfV05yL69uJrlW5JiqHyr7V2LokhEP_M5-JgrLbPec0C_Eh1NiFapBH3pCSZYQ/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ePxG0RMas92XBMFAmNvx5uHu2wU0Zya7pKJ0eT1uTRQ2iYqpn0OwiYPuadf8OZYRH-gR3taVhfV05yL69uJrlW5JiqHyr7V2LokhEP_M5-JgrLbPec0C_Eh1NiFapBH3pCSZYQ/s320/IMG_1875.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Valley of the Queens, Aswan, Egypt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk9dUHQWk-Ccj8Zv4J3Oz2NKbEpKyWJVS_zsIpXa5lqKMSm2-MsRPFXQPhM0bbkqpuVB59WB2FZNqgCFzxFbCug1LAvVMSl3_8awLPnvlghHWiVcF8tDpnKWWR0Ahi3pRfoz_bA/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk9dUHQWk-Ccj8Zv4J3Oz2NKbEpKyWJVS_zsIpXa5lqKMSm2-MsRPFXQPhM0bbkqpuVB59WB2FZNqgCFzxFbCug1LAvVMSl3_8awLPnvlghHWiVcF8tDpnKWWR0Ahi3pRfoz_bA/s320/IMG_2083.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Karnak, Luxor, Egypt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK60tEXbbkJjVlVAtBHS3h6QQnmFCVwe9kASylTBseShI3yJWlUAfmHq5gHEpmumAHKWzaxcQvm9zY3k7hVXdDq57xbqkm4IUDkp9SRLeT37rbAqD0MISjniyD-RleBQTn-F5xw/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqK60tEXbbkJjVlVAtBHS3h6QQnmFCVwe9kASylTBseShI3yJWlUAfmHq5gHEpmumAHKWzaxcQvm9zY3k7hVXdDq57xbqkm4IUDkp9SRLeT37rbAqD0MISjniyD-RleBQTn-F5xw/s320/IMG_2197.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Mira won a Galabayya contest on the Nile Cruise. How lovely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBqMQDLJw0LcJUuzYJUpUDvH1yESvUj__yIJqdOVZ3Ci4Acb75ebEzipaMqmEYgTOTrZ2Mg5YUV3hV2y29vOMveVywLKV2IplmwhrZguIpmrdGBLU8E3x5gQB8sKkGmeZt6q1Qw/s1600/IMG_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBqMQDLJw0LcJUuzYJUpUDvH1yESvUj__yIJqdOVZ3Ci4Acb75ebEzipaMqmEYgTOTrZ2Mg5YUV3hV2y29vOMveVywLKV2IplmwhrZguIpmrdGBLU8E3x5gQB8sKkGmeZt6q1Qw/s320/IMG_2081.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sultana Ahmet (The Blue Mosque), Istanbul, Turkey<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6IBtDITgh4byYFHne5xxMJJOyBacwsoqE-EsKBaaSkeckMifINcZRlGV_DVguPYbYlOAAS2vKRPk1-qezGyYyXodPU2MgOubBwn30td5k7CjIdihI-K70g5hwUxUccc2skSz-A/s1600/IMG_1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6IBtDITgh4byYFHne5xxMJJOyBacwsoqE-EsKBaaSkeckMifINcZRlGV_DVguPYbYlOAAS2vKRPk1-qezGyYyXodPU2MgOubBwn30td5k7CjIdihI-K70g5hwUxUccc2skSz-A/s320/IMG_1566.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Anyone interested in viewing my photos can access them at www.flickr.com/photos/marianamin<br />
<br />
<br />
Ma'salaama,<br />
<br />
~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-48675890882736439042010-05-02T17:10:00.000+03:002010-05-02T17:10:53.254+03:00A Day at the Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifar71hNjuR1GVDYp81D4B16d6IV9rsAWGaSlttH102Oq0DjlUDYqMP5xzzHnfjbbnVA4RNBLlkL3TqPDvU6d7XnXiQVUUxN5Th5Cr0_LbY85pDIQI6cDzYARf3SvywPYpNZMfVw/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifar71hNjuR1GVDYp81D4B16d6IV9rsAWGaSlttH102Oq0DjlUDYqMP5xzzHnfjbbnVA4RNBLlkL3TqPDvU6d7XnXiQVUUxN5Th5Cr0_LbY85pDIQI6cDzYARf3SvywPYpNZMfVw/s320/IMG_2497.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A warm spring day at the beach in Alexandria, Egypt. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather is great this time of year in Alexandria. Actually, the weather in Alexandria is great every time of year. The sun is hot already so sunscreen is a must, even though you might forget about it when you feel the cool sometimes cold breeze sweep across your face, carrying with it the sea mist which makes you want to sit on the sand forever, forgetting all your responsibilities. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On any given day at the beach you will experience all sorts of things for sale on the beach including: seafood, sweets, beach toys, clothes, and even fresh tea (shay) served in Egyptian porcelin. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7cBFWN_Sht0kS18b7i0dAMpnb9IDoMSTLB5RrIhtaSdPu3QS5m_M8a86ecQBTx6z_-B2guQeT89MUIG0rgxcu0pEVmxX3S6EUySfaLGBQhxj89rEigDcJGGAIw6ot1ZnxgYrMQ/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSuh6jfEOH5oa9BFKWPsQ23xauomiznNQDWpCBOzBMKCFzysDwEv7DeWGwXOjBuWLjh466SxKhGaVgV5YfDbepAfuopIMyye3F8cebJJNBDF-YIKdL5CBD9yZRjlI9KXIg_czkw/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSuh6jfEOH5oa9BFKWPsQ23xauomiznNQDWpCBOzBMKCFzysDwEv7DeWGwXOjBuWLjh466SxKhGaVgV5YfDbepAfuopIMyye3F8cebJJNBDF-YIKdL5CBD9yZRjlI9KXIg_czkw/s320/IMG_2487.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7cBFWN_Sht0kS18b7i0dAMpnb9IDoMSTLB5RrIhtaSdPu3QS5m_M8a86ecQBTx6z_-B2guQeT89MUIG0rgxcu0pEVmxX3S6EUySfaLGBQhxj89rEigDcJGGAIw6ot1ZnxgYrMQ/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7cBFWN_Sht0kS18b7i0dAMpnb9IDoMSTLB5RrIhtaSdPu3QS5m_M8a86ecQBTx6z_-B2guQeT89MUIG0rgxcu0pEVmxX3S6EUySfaLGBQhxj89rEigDcJGGAIw6ot1ZnxgYrMQ/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fisherman walk up and down the beach selling fresh fish (samak) and shrimp (gambari). (Photo left) People are negotiating the price of the seafood with the fishermen. (Photo right) The particular fish that is being sold is quite sweet.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbviWRvswfPjrgnRbsbB6BsFCmmOPC1ZWRqWfVUEvkgmQc7D-JJWN0hffRLWjOnOS8fuQ4YIVr8SAJeSIw8uuPIZEAFRaUZTAumTgLiQKVSre8frQhnAMmA459x-CMho5TUgCVg/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbviWRvswfPjrgnRbsbB6BsFCmmOPC1ZWRqWfVUEvkgmQc7D-JJWN0hffRLWjOnOS8fuQ4YIVr8SAJeSIw8uuPIZEAFRaUZTAumTgLiQKVSre8frQhnAMmA459x-CMho5TUgCVg/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mira and Sara buying fresca sweets. The big round wafer is similar to an unsweetened old fashioned ice cream cone with a light slather of honey in between layers. It is very light and refreshing. Many of the sweets sold include honey and coconut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never look forward to going home. The only consolation I have is the knowing that I will return to the Mediterranean very soon. Insha'Allah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ma'salaama,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~Marian</div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-23967301756396633932010-01-14T11:25:00.000+02:002010-01-14T11:25:43.180+02:00I am moving......I have shared so many personal thoughts on this blog over the past five years, and I am so sad to say I have to move it to another site where it will be password protected. I am being harassed and threatened by someone I don't even know. If you are interested in viewing my blog in the future, please send me an email.<br />
<br />
Ma'salaam,<br />
<br />
~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-42751646677716093882010-01-04T12:21:00.000+02:002010-01-04T12:21:56.454+02:00"It is not the possibility of returning home which feeds nostalgia, but the impossibility of it."I have been trying to figure out how I've been feeling lately about so many different things. I am trying to deal with continuing to live in Egypt - if I go back to the US how will I fit in, how will Mira fit in? I think Hassan would fit in better than any of us. This morning on Facebook I found a terrific article posted by a group I belong to named "Cross Cultural Kids Everywhere." They posted an article by The Economist where they talk about trying to fit in - and how being away from one's home country makes them feel more like an exile rather than a foreigner in another country. <br />
<br />
Anyone who has ever lived in another country can identify with this article. It really makes me cry.<br />
<br />
Please read the article and maybe you will understand what I am going through.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.economist.com/world/international/displayStory.cfm?story_id=15108690&source=hptextfeature">http://www.economist.com/world/international/displayStory.cfm?story_id=15108690&source=hptextfeature</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Ma'salaam,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">~Marian</span>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-73834800001073808002009-11-21T23:02:00.000+02:002009-11-21T23:02:20.649+02:00The Essential Egyptian Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebvyDWzPjLuF5ZgP11OGfzBUUK2QSls4Kpudc7lhd4KMZLOKSMWew1HzrvzqzFl8gLd5ydO3JXjmdb4UJ4P-tw2eFQfU1Av6u07hFx-VdbTLyaGY1Q7o0sHhk-X81e-lsWgwcFA/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebvyDWzPjLuF5ZgP11OGfzBUUK2QSls4Kpudc7lhd4KMZLOKSMWew1HzrvzqzFl8gLd5ydO3JXjmdb4UJ4P-tw2eFQfU1Av6u07hFx-VdbTLyaGY1Q7o0sHhk-X81e-lsWgwcFA/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Our cleaning lady, Manal, comes once week to our flat. Alhamdulillah we found someone we can actually trust and clean well and is a decent person at the same time. Two things living in Egypt we cannot go without: fuul (fava beans) and tama3a (falafel). It can also be the most monotonous food if one isn't creative. The tama3a (falafel) is made of green vegetables and sometimes hummus (chick peas) fried in oil and served with ayesh baladi (pita bread) alongside salata (salad consisting of fresh khiar (cucumbers), tomatoes, onions, garlic and a vinegar based dressing with lemon juice. <br />
<br />
It was Friday morning and Manal arrived on time at 10 a.m. As she was cleaning the kitchen, Mira was still sleeping and Hassan and I were watching TV wondering how we were going to make our way to the kitchen to make some fuul (fava beans). Not ten minutes later, Manal walked in with a tray of food, without us even asking her to make us anything.<br />
<br />
It was such a pleasant surprise to see breakfast right before out eyes. And it was delicious too. Fuul is never made the same way twice. Most of the time I just make it with EVOO and salt and pepper, however, Manal made it with tomato paste, onions, garlic and cumin. It was very Mexican-like and very satisfying. Manal even made bittengen mekhelen (pickled eggplant). It was delicious. Hassan and I couldn't get enough of the food and wished she had made more. <br />
<br />
Just as we were finished I smelled something sweet coming from the kitchen. Manal was baking sweet potatoes. But not just any sweet potatoes -- Egyptian sweet potatoes. These sweet potatoes need absolutely nothing but time to let them cool off enough to eat.<br />
<br />
Ma'salaam,<br />
<br />
~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-260785885751265082009-11-14T19:55:00.000+02:002009-11-14T19:55:02.769+02:00An Egyptian Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtY5Ri2sG_0g6HFZsXFhyT2Y_2cg7AdJ8caqCF4IkYmiwLc1-h5JHBfK_RpV823fcDvyLsibUxuncNtzcX4su3PzWGWmzveEC3I_S2sXOoX_-gwrE2uD84_PH0fGVbOZawPHTow/s1600-h/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtY5Ri2sG_0g6HFZsXFhyT2Y_2cg7AdJ8caqCF4IkYmiwLc1-h5JHBfK_RpV823fcDvyLsibUxuncNtzcX4su3PzWGWmzveEC3I_S2sXOoX_-gwrE2uD84_PH0fGVbOZawPHTow/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
We attended our first wedding in Egypt the other night. It was a Coptic wedding that began at a church with the reception downtown at a club along the Nile. Hassan's friend's brother-in-law got married and we were invited to attend. Since Ehab is such a good friend, how could we refuse?<br />
<br />
The wedding ceremony took place in a church. The priest chanted the prayers with bakhoor (incense) burning throughout the ceremony. I have a lot of bakhoor (incense) at home, but quite honestly it always smells better in a church. As the ceremony progressed he explained the most important part beforehand: where the Holy Spirit descends upon the couple to bless them. Then he said a recited a prayer that the priest being God's representative is the only one who can place the rings on the finger. And no human can remove them. Divorce is not allowed in the Coptic church.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhlqz0JWqpV43GyXmR2tOHSalJqu1HlfpDQy2OzM4UfXbUwYcEPajX2cIBT4jHteKZwupJH7nedepk7YJXOXki9wG2SmllKdwQlKC5MCoy2O6MREXu0QullzLkFI0I1-U1Pbq_w/s1600-h/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhlqz0JWqpV43GyXmR2tOHSalJqu1HlfpDQy2OzM4UfXbUwYcEPajX2cIBT4jHteKZwupJH7nedepk7YJXOXki9wG2SmllKdwQlKC5MCoy2O6MREXu0QullzLkFI0I1-U1Pbq_w/s320/IMG_1275.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
Just as there are Stations of the Cross in the Catholic Church, there are what seems to be an equivalent to the life of Mary. It starts on the far right (since Egyptians read from right to left) with the Annunication, followed by the birth of Jesus, the Holy Family on the move to Egypt, and ending with the descent of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw2Z30bhWKiaF7P45fUW2QGU2sPw4N-8g5PWdxffTZr7MVdOcHtm5Pi-BWbjMZvUEd-pBxLpS89n30_vw9kmINvO9aP7VtqnVpA4oDUoA3DxFP6F9IXbnZgywVwIeQTN0x9RuMg/s1600-h/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw2Z30bhWKiaF7P45fUW2QGU2sPw4N-8g5PWdxffTZr7MVdOcHtm5Pi-BWbjMZvUEd-pBxLpS89n30_vw9kmINvO9aP7VtqnVpA4oDUoA3DxFP6F9IXbnZgywVwIeQTN0x9RuMg/s320/IMG_1285.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze4vqBRR8kHObgnSp9rvKtnfcd8I8iMRRFhqy7KljTxybNbtZ8cWd-Ujc92IoobriaOMNoAv8_ezajYyBSQ7GxxGfaasJNwFwQ39yVQFqpvU8XKGz2XLsGerTunCV18DFamwrqQ/s1600-h/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze4vqBRR8kHObgnSp9rvKtnfcd8I8iMRRFhqy7KljTxybNbtZ8cWd-Ujc92IoobriaOMNoAv8_ezajYyBSQ7GxxGfaasJNwFwQ39yVQFqpvU8XKGz2XLsGerTunCV18DFamwrqQ/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnG0YTMZP1O-s-WmPvRouQjlqR6PmqrutFiQBlgqWFI1aLur7BbPbCkVZXVFRv0OxT7wTpfGnOFDpPbFYo2kA8iLj-elo-XbhF7ihS4VFsvq5kZLafYInrcnhwysZ107aTYICFQ/s1600-h/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnG0YTMZP1O-s-WmPvRouQjlqR6PmqrutFiQBlgqWFI1aLur7BbPbCkVZXVFRv0OxT7wTpfGnOFDpPbFYo2kA8iLj-elo-XbhF7ihS4VFsvq5kZLafYInrcnhwysZ107aTYICFQ/s320/IMG_1281.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PIpWYXpK5lEkV-p0Fd6r7IigCM3hP1tjB1rJ9LLl0CeXMmqhkCiNpNRcPOOonB3bWsdrya2WGgH0ckeVUDJEiUcg_ZLAOUOA963jZDCMeE2kHDqpD-EQKlIe3yUiLWsz5RHqtg/s1600-h/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PIpWYXpK5lEkV-p0Fd6r7IigCM3hP1tjB1rJ9LLl0CeXMmqhkCiNpNRcPOOonB3bWsdrya2WGgH0ckeVUDJEiUcg_ZLAOUOA963jZDCMeE2kHDqpD-EQKlIe3yUiLWsz5RHqtg/s320/IMG_1284.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
The work is hand-carved and quite extensive. I captured only four of the hand carvings that span the width of the church.<br />
<br />
<br />
The reception then moved to a club along the Nile. There was a lot of music, dancing by the bride and groom, and various actors portraying Egyptians throughout history. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclFwbDDhzGBQkAFEkI_6CYl1h9GLpAzJA0tcbfym4M8evVpqSnIiqaKPbn7qtV5RZfCJ4EyqJlyjr2Z6z2hyphenhyphen_DYibY4k3_xDF7Gj3BWicfSMkIuF8ogf_NOxHdFgzTywmMCqIQA/s1600-h/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclFwbDDhzGBQkAFEkI_6CYl1h9GLpAzJA0tcbfym4M8evVpqSnIiqaKPbn7qtV5RZfCJ4EyqJlyjr2Z6z2hyphenhyphen_DYibY4k3_xDF7Gj3BWicfSMkIuF8ogf_NOxHdFgzTywmMCqIQA/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v13RV7o0LjxCAB9MQo3VuwgRStR3PIEJm3d1z12e4UATngAjuCSh8FLnu-MnBGqoX6lnTKI2b7ZiA4vdQuArK79po-pDTpGxSpibg3yCcgAXOSpZZEVJNaTJgUQVlrwPJCYunQ/s1600-h/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v13RV7o0LjxCAB9MQo3VuwgRStR3PIEJm3d1z12e4UATngAjuCSh8FLnu-MnBGqoX6lnTKI2b7ZiA4vdQuArK79po-pDTpGxSpibg3yCcgAXOSpZZEVJNaTJgUQVlrwPJCYunQ/s320/IMG_1344.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PiCX8r2Kj8CbPD9SWPh7uewWTMMLcebDonxDB8K2xqDnErnX4luh7ojqxgp9UwRYeoyXssw2RaNE7JLBtGbGMc0AABqZdglSgHjNhmBedc08hSyxLQsZtf7WJwBDgxoZ1cxOVQ/s1600-h/IMG_1339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PiCX8r2Kj8CbPD9SWPh7uewWTMMLcebDonxDB8K2xqDnErnX4luh7ojqxgp9UwRYeoyXssw2RaNE7JLBtGbGMc0AABqZdglSgHjNhmBedc08hSyxLQsZtf7WJwBDgxoZ1cxOVQ/s320/IMG_1339.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI-yLofxZDKUHYSKlsW91mR56vCdfCTgghoab5o_t1AZaUMIcdg0_z-9HcFXtM9K0WjddCgPT-z1UPX_MRA5CL1adl5ualKx4AReEI7NxLQrBhzHI-vtRUp3GYoGQrhBbMSiEDQ/s1600-h/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQI-yLofxZDKUHYSKlsW91mR56vCdfCTgghoab5o_t1AZaUMIcdg0_z-9HcFXtM9K0WjddCgPT-z1UPX_MRA5CL1adl5ualKx4AReEI7NxLQrBhzHI-vtRUp3GYoGQrhBbMSiEDQ/s320/IMG_1271.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mira all dressed up.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFb62xrti-qkH-80ydsMo3jk3p7bAnyO34YdlypcMBwOdmo2ty4LBrgj53cPvRGGaXvVkWrGOTS-ljtNJhCu0EyWz7ZoyD48OmVXQsOHttaG5FjwLASEJxBpnxpr63uuPjyvjxw/s1600-h/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFb62xrti-qkH-80ydsMo3jk3p7bAnyO34YdlypcMBwOdmo2ty4LBrgj53cPvRGGaXvVkWrGOTS-ljtNJhCu0EyWz7ZoyD48OmVXQsOHttaG5FjwLASEJxBpnxpr63uuPjyvjxw/s320/IMG_1276.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hassan.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ma'salaam,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~Marian<br />
</div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-80868648744981838602009-10-26T18:09:00.000+02:002009-10-26T18:09:54.464+02:00What to do when your child gets sick in Egypt#1 - Do not self diagnose. Take your child to a pediatrician.<br />
<br />
I have been very fortunate with Mira's health. Alhamdulillah she is healthy, although she gets sick this time every year with the same upper respiratory infection. I have always taken her to a doctor where we live in Al Rehab City, and I have been fairly satisfied.<br />
<br />
There are new medical centers here with many different doctors. Mira goes to a group of doctors that are affiliated with a children's hospital in Cairo, Tabarek Hospital. While I am satisfied with the doctors, I am disappointed that the doctors don't keep individual files on the children they see. While the doctors know Mira because she stands out for being from an American mother and an Egyptian father, I wish they would keep individual records. <br />
<br />
Mira wasn't feeling well last week. I kept an eye on her and did something that most people do in Egypt - go to the pharmacy and buy an antibiotic from the pharmacist without having seen a doctor first. I bought her zithromax because I thought it was the same type of bacterial infection she had in the past. I gave her the three day dose the pharamcist told me to give her, even though I think it should have been five. He said if she doesn't get better after three days take her to the doctor. Well, she didn't get better after three days, even though her appetite proved otherwise. She stayed home from school for two days, and even though she might have been feeling a little better overall, she didn't sound any better. So I took her to the doctor.<br />
<br />
Usually doctors in Egypt are only open in the evenings and at night, but I thought I would take a chance while I'm out. My instinct was right on. I took her to the doctor's office and he saw her immediately - very unusual for a pediatrician in Egypt this time of year. He said that the zithromax wasn't working because it wasn't strong enough. He said she has a throat infection and needed a stronger antibiotic so he prescribed augmentin. I knew I shouldn't have given her the zithromax but I did anyway.<br />
<br />
I asked him about the flu and he said while the swine flu is not a major concern right now, many different influenza viruses are beginning to surface, and will be prevalent in all schools within two weeks.<br />
<br />
In the meantime Mira is on her new antibiotic and building her immune system by eating a lot of fruits.<br />
<br />
Do not self diagnose and self prescribe medicine in Egypt. It is bes to see a doctor before heading to the pharmacy. And remember to finish the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better.<br />
<br />
Ma'salaam,<br />
<br />
~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-29339440812390837492009-10-20T19:45:00.000+02:002009-10-20T19:45:03.161+02:00Here's What's Happening in My Neck of the WorldThe heat has been unbearable. Usually in late October we have experienced some cooler weather, relatively speaking of course, by this time of year. Unfortunately this year has been extremely hot. Not only has it hit 40 C a few times in the past week, it is impossible to breathe. The air consists of the black cloud (stagnant pollution) and dust which creates a miserable yellow haze that stays all day, without any breeze to blow it out of the city. At night there is the smell of fields burning, which the farmers were not supposed to be doing anymore, but I guess it just is not enforced.<br />
<br />
Some sort of ILI (influenza-like illness) has gripped the school where I am working. Yesterday we sent home eight students with fevers in the high school alone. Today we had a drop to three students going home ill. I was relieved, however, I know with the intense heat this time of year and lack of air circulating, germs don't move. There are air conditions at the school - each classroom is equipped with its own air conditioner. However, one of my daughter's teacher told the class that leaving the air conditioning on during class promotes swine flu. Maybe if one was on an airplane and continued to inhale recirulated air for hours on end, then yes, it is possible. But nothing in Egypt is air tight. As far as I am concerned, it is more sanitary than breathing the thick yellow haze.<br />
<br />
There is no autumn in Egypt. The weather moves from summer to winter overnight. I am waiting. The winter in Cairo feels like November in the Washington, DC area without the snow, rain, and frost. <br />
<br />
In order to stay healthy, I am taking every precaution. I wash my hands all the time - more than usual, wipe my desk and computer with disinfectant wipes, and try to get enough rest, take my vitamins and eat healthy. I also read online that eating raw lemons or drinking apple cider vinegar boosts the immune system. I love lemons, but it must be with a lot of sugar. So I think I will try the apple cider vinegar. I am addicted to vinegar these days; actually it is the imported pickles that is feeding my addiction these days.<br />
<br />
Ma'salaam,<br />
<br />
~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-47472482052350592832009-10-08T22:45:00.001+02:002009-10-08T22:46:02.527+02:00Rumors and Hearsay About Swine FluWhen I first moved to Egypt, I relied on information that was factual, not rumor or hearsay. I have to admit that over the years I have become one who relies upon hearsay and rumors. There have been many rumors swirling around Cairo with regards to the swine flu and how it will hit Egypt, when it will hit, when schools will be closed and for how long.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Mira came to me at the end of the day today and told me that the swine flu is at an American school in Cairo. I didn't believe her because I was sure that one of my colleagues would have told me. Interestingly enough, Mira was right. <br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Because of the dense population in Egypt, there can be as many as 50 students in one classroom, especially in the government schools. However, the swine flu has hit Egypt in the private schools, a foreign school in Alexandria, at the AUC, and now at Rajac American School, a private school on the outskirts of Cairo.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>The Ministry of Education announced that if there are three or more cases of swine flu at school, the school will be closed for one month. There is tremendous hysteria in regards to the swine flu in Egypt. While some of the madness makes me crazy, I am relieved that people are more aware of their health and cleanliness.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>From what I understand there will be 20,000 vaccines available at first, in Egypt. I hope those whom I know who are at risk are among those first to receive it. <br />
<br />
Ma'salaam,<br />
~Marian<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-16695113194989433732009-09-11T10:57:00.001+02:002009-09-11T10:57:11.063+02:00Khaleej Times Online - Egypt school start delayed week in swine flu fear<a href=http://shar.es/1XjEG>Khaleej Times Online - Egypt school start delayed week in swine flu fear</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-29158466332530830732009-02-27T22:05:00.003+02:002009-02-27T22:13:22.119+02:00It's "Amsheer" - The Windy MonthAmsheer has arrived. It is the month of windy, sandy, dusty, and sometimes rainy weather. It reminds me of "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day" x 30. Maybe not a lot of rain, but considering that there are no storm drains on the roads, a small shower can add up to road closures.<br /><br />It's ok. I enjoy this weather. It reminds me of the changing weather in Maryland which occurs about 11 months out of the year - just kidding. It's the March weather with the wind. The October wind without the leaves blowing.<br /><br />The clouds are amazing. Although I absolutely adore the sun and blue sky in Egypt, I also enjoy the rain, clouds rolling in, and clearing out. There is something about the air after a rain no matter how short or long; it seems fresher.<br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-61465302309580181312008-11-26T14:26:00.003+02:002008-11-26T14:41:45.785+02:00Sometimes it's ok to be sickI think being sick is a sign of weakness. I haven't been sick in four years and all of a sudden, bam! I returned to work 1 1 2/ months ago and here I have been sick for two days with the flu. I hate this; why me, why now? I'm not particularly stressed more than usual. Although I have to admit I have many things on my mind - but who doesn't.<br /><br />Mira is doing extremely well at school this year, El 7amdolelah (thank God). I went back to work after being home for one year. And while I really enjoy working - I am having second thoughts for different reasons I cannot elaborate on right now. It remains to be seen if I make it through the entire school year; and after telling a friend of mine in an email not to be hasty in decision making it turns out that perhaps I have been hasty myself.<br /><br />I have friends who are going through their own challenges and while I want to help all of them it seems as though I am limited in what I can do - except listen and support them. While I support them by listening to them, I am honest with them, because in the end I would appreciate any friend of mine being honest with me.<br /><br />Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the US and I am homesick as hell this year. I can't figure out why this year in particular. If there is one holiday I love the most it's American Thanksgiving. The food, the frangrances of the house, the fire, the families getting together. All of it. The good and the challenging.<br /><br />So yes I have my own stressors that mostly likely contributed to making me sick; some good and some bad. I have to realize that there is only so much I can do about everything. I have to let go of the rest and realize it's out of my hands. I thought by now I would understand - but I like to hold onto everything and control every outcome in my life. <br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-47830781798119908032008-08-10T21:59:00.003+03:002008-08-10T22:28:47.998+03:00The Universality of MusicI have been feeling very blue lately.<br /><br />I don't believe in coincidence. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, fate, destiny, whatever you wish to call it. I also believe that life travels in a full circle.<br /><br />As I opened the laptop today I saw an article on Yahoo's homepage: NPR's weekend edition and The Gospel According to Bruce Springsteen. I have been a long, long-time Bruce Springsteen fan. In the mid to late 1980's one of my sister's and I slept in line - yes, a line of people waiting for Bruce Springsteen tickets to go on sale. I can't remember what number I was in line, but I remember I was in the first five in line. And of course being the person I am, I kept the line organized by taking names and assigning numbers for people so everyone would be treated fairly. This was long before the internet. As it turned out the wait was worth it and my sister and I were on the floor of his concert within the 1st couple of rows....it was one of the best experiences of my life.<br /><br />The world has changed a lot since 1988 and I have changed a lot as well. I am no longer that irresponsible 20-something year-old who thought I was immortal and nothing bad could ever happen to me. <br /><br />Somehow Bruce Springsteen's music has this ability to show the listener that no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and there is always a chance to become a better person.<br /><br />I have my complete collection of Bruce Springsteen CD's at home in Cairo, just waiting for me to pop in my car stereo and drive through Cairo singing my heart out, remembering the days when I thought I was immortal, and knowing now how mortal I am and how important it is to enjoy everyday. Bruce Springsteen's lyrics don't change but the meaning can change - metaphors can change, and hearts can change too.<br /><br />Please visit the following link to listen to NPR <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93437259">http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93437259</a><br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-30879118532242249122008-08-07T04:09:00.002+03:002008-08-07T04:26:39.127+03:00Islamaphobia is alive and well in the United StatesI am posting an article I just received from CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), a non-profit organization in the United States that promotes Islam in a positive light. Unfortunately, thanks to the right-wing Republicans in this country, they are making endless attempts to emphasize Barack Obama's Islamic heritage in a negative light. I am really trying to keep my composure here, but honestly I think its about time a lot of Americans get their heads out of their asses. There is an undercurrent and sometimes a strong overt in your face current when people hear my name and see me - Arabic, Muslim, hijab . . . the strange looks, the whispers. What hurts most is that sometimes these comments and looks come from people I know very well. I will be honest and say that I have had my moments this summer where I seriously thought about moving back to the U.S., and then I realize how ignorant people can be when it comes to Islam, Arabs, and the spreading of democracy in the Middle East. Moreover I have dear friends in Egypt that I just cannot live without.<br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~Marian<br /><br />CAIR: Muslim’s Resignation Part of Marginalization Campaign<br />Posted 8/6/2008 4:49:00 PM<br /> <br />(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/6/2008) – A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said today that the resignation of a recently-appointed Muslim community liaison for Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign is symptomatic of a nationwide effort by Islamophobes who seek to deny Muslims access to the political process.<br /><br />The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said it is “ironic” that Chicago attorney Mazen Asbahi resigned following Internet attacks on his ties to the mainstream Muslim community, an attribute that would seem to be a requirement for his position.<br />SEE: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/06/AR2008080601081.html" target="_blank">Obama Muslim Coordinator Resigns</a> (Washington Post)<br />“Muslim-bashers play a ‘six degrees of separation’ game of guilt by association with any Muslim who dares to engage in positive social or political activism,” said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR’s Chicago chapter. “As Americans, we should not allow intolerant and agenda-driven extremists to succeed in their tactics of exclusion based on smears and mischaracterizations of leaders or institutions at the forefront of civic engagement.”<br />He said CAIR chapters nationwide promote Muslim voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns. Rehab added that CAIR maintains a website devoted entirely to encourage American Muslim political participation.<br />The CAIR election site offers the latest news and opinions relating to Muslims and elections nationwide. It also outlines positions of the presidential candidates, provides examples of anti-Muslim rhetoric from candidates for all levels of public office and links to the websites of Muslims running for public office.<br />SEE: <a href="http://www.cair2008election.com/" target="_blank">CAIR 2008 Elections Website</a><br />Rehab also noted Muslims’ concern over recent congressional hearings at which Islamophobic speakers, including the controversial self-described “terrorism expert” Steven Emerson, urged government officials to avoid dealing with mainstream American Muslim groups, but failed to name any credible alternatives.<br />For background on Emerson’s history of anti-Muslim bias, see: “<a href="http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1443" target="_blank">Steven Emerson's Crusade</a>” (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting)He suggested that the rise in rhetorical attacks on Islamic leaders and institutions may be the result of increasing Muslim political activism and involvement.<br />CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.<br />- END -<br />CONTACT: CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857; CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.comMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-25785305552009141452008-08-07T03:35:00.009+03:002008-08-07T05:20:05.306+03:00Tying up loose ends - finally!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0zk6DKi2jtHt4IrOAaOmJtPvrdo3WpswAZUK2p7hzDFF9a9Huxw_kXmWRs8QzGVU4l2oRtDWo3uGwZVF-keHkk84vaow74Nf2mvJdL5noUNs8EuuxLjdHLQy7dRPtp0Ickx47w/s1600-h/DSCF0021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231587781482093234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0zk6DKi2jtHt4IrOAaOmJtPvrdo3WpswAZUK2p7hzDFF9a9Huxw_kXmWRs8QzGVU4l2oRtDWo3uGwZVF-keHkk84vaow74Nf2mvJdL5noUNs8EuuxLjdHLQy7dRPtp0Ickx47w/s200/DSCF0021.JPG" border="0" /></a>We went to Bush Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia last week. Mira is in her rollercoaster phase - and not the rollercoasters I grew up with but the nauseating corkscrew coasters. The rollercoasters are really a lot of fun especially when they race through the track turning upside down with your feet dangling below you, but going through the corkscrew turns are something else. Oh, and as Mira told me they're not rollercoasters they're "hyper-coasters." Ok, I thought, whatever that means. Well I found out as I rode my first one. They are much smoother, much faster and much more nauseating than what I was used to riding when I was oh so much younger. But the one that scared the hell out of me was Apollo's Chariot. If you get a chance you can check out the ride at <a href="http://www.buschgardens.com/">http://www.buschgardens.com/</a><a href="http://www.buschgardens.com/">s.com/</a>. I only rode it once and remembered why I was riding it -- with a special someone in mind. On the ride all I could think about was getting through the ride alive. I didn't scream, didn't yell, didn't say anything. That's how I knew the ride was too much for me. Yes, I was speechless. <div><br />Prior to Busch Gardens, Mira and I spent one week in western Pennsylvania with my youngest sister and her family. We had a wonderful time. It was so nice we hope to return in the next few days. It was great spending time with my sister. We managed to have a Polish Christmas dinner in July -- I walked her through the steps of making holupki (stuffed cabbage). Hopefully on this visit we will make pierogi ... mmm. My brother-in-law Jeff is the winner because he gets to eat our cooking. I really miss the essence of the Polish food. It was very bittersweet to show my sister how to make the holupki. When my mother was sick already, and after she died, Lainie and I would split the Christmas Eve meal, we would take turns making the soup, and we would usually make the pierogi together. But the Christmas day centerpiece was all mine. I guess I remember my Grandma Bezilla making the holupki and how it would smell when I would walk in her house, and in later years how our mouths would water when we would smell the holupki -- somehow Mom always had volunteers to test the food. In my family, the women didn't use measuring cups too much in cooking, but they went more by the fragrance of the food. Aside from the food, and shopping, we went to the Pittsburgh Childrens Museum which is a completely hands-on museum. I think Lainie and I had more fun than Mira and Maggie.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvArahJqjoVUwOyvz0wry02thsMk_21_HCcL3XUR1HQyMf-nW7Rb2WmZzlBnFLG-OVVVPZnAzCNexRvGh-bupilT3o5Mqr4iJ9MIfS9Wqh23JIBYvXMduaGphqgtyUKeADdQo7lw/s1600-h/DSCF0049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231581766496872866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvArahJqjoVUwOyvz0wry02thsMk_21_HCcL3XUR1HQyMf-nW7Rb2WmZzlBnFLG-OVVVPZnAzCNexRvGh-bupilT3o5Mqr4iJ9MIfS9Wqh23JIBYvXMduaGphqgtyUKeADdQo7lw/s200/DSCF0049.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Mira on "Trolley" at the Pittsburgh Childrens Museum's </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">exhibit of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. We had a blast.</span></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RDImLmemKpCX4Xe4EiysZfmjq-enCaLMo_YpeNs4bNK8_C9CRbGGjsVSdPaz1ykNbl5C1KDlI_s9CwL0aYWeHDoGweyUkINJMzsB3QYlTpGAfDXpBf08PWu_bL4QdzxLkJSnWw/s1600-h/DSCF0039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231581769634884978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RDImLmemKpCX4Xe4EiysZfmjq-enCaLMo_YpeNs4bNK8_C9CRbGGjsVSdPaz1ykNbl5C1KDlI_s9CwL0aYWeHDoGweyUkINJMzsB3QYlTpGAfDXpBf08PWu_bL4QdzxLkJSnWw/s200/DSCF0039.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Mira and her cousin Maggie.<br /></span><br />I am a planner by nature and even have a book I used for my trip, what to bring, what to buy, what to do, etc. to prepare for the trip and things to do when I'm here. So today Mira and I spent the day going over our lists and getting our suitcases together to return to Egypt; figuring out what we still want to buy and how to go about finishing our shopping -- the essentials -- jeans, sunglasses, books and quiltig fabric. I thought shopping this summer would be very expensive, but honestly, overall the prices have been quite low and I have been able to find amazing bargains. Of course living next to Marshall's and Burlington Coat Factory helps, not to mention Gabriel Brothers in Pennsylvania. Gabe's has the absolute best bargains I have ever found and terrific quality - not to mention limitless amounts of my favorite - 1928 Earrings. We even managed to get our Pittsburgh Steelers t-shirts. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been an interesting summer in the US. It was great to see Mira have so much fun. At the same time, Mira and I miss our dear friends too much and cannot wait to return home just in time for Ramadan.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Zk5-5VMAw2iHsWjURX6MtDme_er7I10YxhI066yoqry_ZxYxTXBW-wNywaPxnL3_Pz-sYBklLZT6vPdgmh5qA9xnCmyhakCZzTkvfRBGFL9Qck_lxWuaK0lo6MDYZHUgcEqzqw/s1600-h/DSCF0078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231581771790515330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Zk5-5VMAw2iHsWjURX6MtDme_er7I10YxhI066yoqry_ZxYxTXBW-wNywaPxnL3_Pz-sYBklLZT6vPdgmh5qA9xnCmyhakCZzTkvfRBGFL9Qck_lxWuaK0lo6MDYZHUgcEqzqw/s200/DSCF0078.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Hassan and Mira in Hassan's office.</span></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOZAJhNl0do8TUN2W3Lh3NSlzwKNvXquxTNVlu6BWJrpeiy-3ToidI8TfaZXxoIkWQtGVbyc0ryK3CPjG02cAxNATWZ58kxS5HijTn5MeDXMjSH31jfoOr7KqS5-i2xV79TsLbQ/s1600-h/office.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231581774025471746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOZAJhNl0do8TUN2W3Lh3NSlzwKNvXquxTNVlu6BWJrpeiy-3ToidI8TfaZXxoIkWQtGVbyc0ryK3CPjG02cAxNATWZ58kxS5HijTn5MeDXMjSH31jfoOr7KqS5-i2xV79TsLbQ/s200/office.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Yes it's me in Hassan's office pretending to be a rocket scientist. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Actually I'll leave that work to the engineers. I was probably on </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Facebook or chatting with my friends in Egypt, but don't I</span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">look smart with all those computers around me?</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cuZBN5z_FAOhbmpJE0k7tfqat7fVhxjlnE4MqMqWL-8Z09iA8yFav8oZDHYSj5dDDi1rtByHivjIpA-m5ARuDdGf_SaMdidI_-rqV74QVvJoQdL0M8xfw-WXaE3ee7YXf-w3_w/s1600-h/DSCF0069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231581771380068370" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" height="150" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cuZBN5z_FAOhbmpJE0k7tfqat7fVhxjlnE4MqMqWL-8Z09iA8yFav8oZDHYSj5dDDi1rtByHivjIpA-m5ARuDdGf_SaMdidI_-rqV74QVvJoQdL0M8xfw-WXaE3ee7YXf-w3_w/s200/DSCF0069.JPG" width="150" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Mira was putting on a fashion show with her new clothes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Notice the cowboy hat. My current "thing" is for Egyptian men </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">in cowboy hats. Go figure. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /> </div></span><div></div><div>Alhamdulillah for everything, especially my dear friends in Egypt who are in my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ma'salaam,</div><div><br /></div><div>~Marian</div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-22693582652358589302008-07-14T05:11:00.007+03:002008-12-11T17:06:39.304+02:00"Sick as a dog but havin' the time of my life"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnC2Ip5RMhsiT3AVtRRoCzT_bsad4Z0t13wUEea3YWI_L3EYWEjJRjS7_gRqR_bZ92LItiJTrkC3hR4UUh4RhHs2BFUHEKMQ0XG1X2ozBljl-9xF1s8y9zsRncsBYeFtxnsXvow/s1600-h/DSCF0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222689847016410258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnC2Ip5RMhsiT3AVtRRoCzT_bsad4Z0t13wUEea3YWI_L3EYWEjJRjS7_gRqR_bZ92LItiJTrkC3hR4UUh4RhHs2BFUHEKMQ0XG1X2ozBljl-9xF1s8y9zsRncsBYeFtxnsXvow/s320/DSCF0002.JPG" border="0" /></a>Hassan and I took Mira to Six Flags last week. While I was praying for the daily afternoon thunderstorms to start at 10 am that morning, I knew early in the morning I would have to take one for the team.<br /><br />I stepped inside an amusement park and actually went on a rollercoaster for the first time in 17 years. It's amazing what was running through my head as I rode the easy rollercoaster last week at Six Flags - maybe something like "I'm doing this for Mira" repeatedly going over my head. Nope, no time for prayers or my life flashing before my eyes - only Mira.<br /><br />I would like to say that "we" went on a lot of rides, but in reality "we" only went on the big water rides and one rollercoaster together. Hassan and Mira went on the thrilling rollercoaster rides while I sat and watched from below queasy and dizzy from just watching them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciqt2mZXZIUFTK-opW6P18Mjxnj0iPmlIjdnnLGkveSxWifqifYL6cUKW8p5pKgTMRb3qyHgflLtUsjqN_pN9LLjJawpiE822fHL-ghlID42c2Kh89VjtOchT3AbxcSrg6peHrg/s1600-h/DSCF0020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222690173895588978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" height="267" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciqt2mZXZIUFTK-opW6P18Mjxnj0iPmlIjdnnLGkveSxWifqifYL6cUKW8p5pKgTMRb3qyHgflLtUsjqN_pN9LLjJawpiE822fHL-ghlID42c2Kh89VjtOchT3AbxcSrg6peHrg/s320/DSCF0020.JPG" width="240" border="0" /></a> Don't get me wrong, I love rollercoasters, but unfortunately due to my migraines and the vertigo that comes along with it, my days of rollercoasters and rides are greatly diminished. I have to say though the rollercoaster was nothing compared to the one raft ride that went down a huge slide as we sat in a big innertube and spun around like ice cream in a blender.<br /><br />I knew it was going to be a great day when Mira looked at me after the first couple rides and said "Mom, this is the best day of my life."<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuacaDwMQQN4bU1gGNtIfCY65YD9dWz8_w5PEL0yT2RDclI4cvqAoBiZMNbgk8AKpzIlx7u_Jh_C_arXQCYKeXk6AfR4Oadhlvgt_QRSbQ9Q4rgk6SqwXgp6SfoqN0xgLftYhrQ/s1600-h/DSCF0027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222691430509043282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" height="302" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuacaDwMQQN4bU1gGNtIfCY65YD9dWz8_w5PEL0yT2RDclI4cvqAoBiZMNbgk8AKpzIlx7u_Jh_C_arXQCYKeXk6AfR4Oadhlvgt_QRSbQ9Q4rgk6SqwXgp6SfoqN0xgLftYhrQ/s320/DSCF0027.JPG" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />The day ended with Mira riding a rollercoaster several times by herself. She was very hesitant at first, but after Hassan went on it two times with her and had enough, she rode it an additional three times by herself.<br /><br />I told Mira now that she's been on all these rollercoasters she can ride anything. I knew she was adventurous but I didn't realize how adventurous.<br /><br />I always thought God was going to get me back. I better get ready.<br /><div></div><div>Ma'salaam,</div><div></div><div>~Marian </div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-13007193386004619032008-07-06T17:52:00.003+03:002008-07-06T18:08:57.612+03:00The RealityI cannot believe the reverse culture shock I am experiencing right now. It is overwhelming to think how we used to live our lives -- how isolated we were from the rest of the world; thinking a certain way; acting a certain way. I want to run right back to Cairo where I feel more at home and at ease even though I am the foreigner. Right now I feel as though I am a foreigner in my own country - I never thought I would feel this way.<br /><br />We are staying in Hassan's apartment which is a 1 bedroom flat in a decent urban area of Maryland less than 1 mile outside Washington, DC. It is rather small, and while I thought I had a difficult time adjusting to life in Egypt moving from a house to an apartment, staying in Hassan's apartment has given me a new appreciation for my apartment in Cairo.<br /><br />The weather here has not been cooperating with my wishes - in fact the weather is behaving exactly the opposite of weather in Cairo. It has been cloudy everyday with rain off and on. While I haven't seen many thunderstorms, I wish it would storm to break the humidity. All of this is wishful thinking of course because if we do get a thunderstorm the heat and humidity will just build up again to produce another storm. Ah the great weather cycle of the mid-Atlantic States of July.<br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-91397904151831209772008-06-29T02:03:00.004+03:002008-06-29T02:15:03.221+03:00Is there anybody out there who reads my blog anymore?Wow, I am sooooooooo embarassed to say that I have not posted for ages, and even more embarassed to say that I forgot my password to access my blog for no reason other than I am still addicted to Facebook and have been preoccupied with other activities lately......<br /><br />Mira and I are in the US for the next two months. Since it is my first summer in the US in three years, I thought being here would be a great opportunity to give my blog new life by writing about my reverse culture shock (Egypt to US instead of US to Egypt). I think moving to Egypt was an easier culture shock to overcome, with the major issue being language. Right now it seems as though the only thing I have in common with people here is the language.<br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-937547151976296672008-04-21T14:06:00.004+02:002008-04-21T14:22:26.118+02:00Catching Up on LifeBecause it's been quite awhile since my last post I thought I would spend this post just writing about a little bit of everything.<br /><br />1. The Democratic Nominee in the US Presidential Campaign has not yet been decided. I keep asking myself when it will all be over.... well tomorrow, the Pennsylvania primary will take place so one way or another it will all be come to a close. I just want the democrats to know that as they fight with each other John McCain is gaining ground against both of them.<br /><br />2. My friend Layla moved to the US two years ago now (?) to give birth to her beautiful son. I am happy that life is getting better for Layla. No more to be said.<br /><br />3. Hassan was here for 2 1/2 weeks and brought me a laptop. I didn't ask for it and honestly didn't know if I wanted one, but now that I have it I absolutely love it. So if I hit the wrong key just know I'm still getting used to the new keypad. I get frustrated because it is very sensitive but there is no way I will ever return it.<br /><br />4. Layla recently wrote in her blog that she is addicted to myspace. I will not even venture into myspace because I am completely addicted to facebook. It's terrible. I play games, chat, send all sorts of things to friends and all that good stuff. But the best part of being on facebook now is that I am getting to know the many women with whom I became friends when I was in the planning stages of moving to Egypt. They are absolutely wonderful.<br /><br />5. I finally got bafta (fiber) for quilting so I have no more excuses in terms of not finishing the quilts I started 1 1/2 years ago. The downside of the bafta (fiber or batting) is that it is sold by the roll and not the meter. So I have 8 meters of it sitting in my flat.<br /><br />6. Lisa has been very patient while Hassan was here. Thanks Lisa.<br /><br />7. If you are in the US reading this, please look beyond the US media to get your news. So much is going on around the world that the US media does not report. It is important to form your own opinions -- don't let the US media feed you what THEY want U to know. Finding a variety of news sources on the internet from all different perspectives is a good thing.<br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-17147937501518623202008-03-05T13:13:00.002+02:002008-12-11T17:06:39.540+02:00Now here's a REAL American politician<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTk6M8e7CDTfyBet93TFwe6bhEC4JPomGUVpw3YmfeNKNvHCe4T2y03KVamXnT4S4qihVxLwX0Oho8PKWlHkmk4ssqKmgjNdjjEcU0x-5toEfV4SxPSGR79PeUYzKCjpkLenrYA/s1600-h/xcaricature-obama-lyin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174183044668911954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTk6M8e7CDTfyBet93TFwe6bhEC4JPomGUVpw3YmfeNKNvHCe4T2y03KVamXnT4S4qihVxLwX0Oho8PKWlHkmk4ssqKmgjNdjjEcU0x-5toEfV4SxPSGR79PeUYzKCjpkLenrYA/s320/xcaricature-obama-lyin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Thanks to Eva at <a href="http://www.peacenik2k.blogspot.com/">http://www.peacenik2k.blogspot.com/</a>, I just couldn't help myself. Eva and I wrote about Barack Obama without knowing about the other's blog entry. </div><div> </div><div>As we say in Arabic, "SobhanAllah". (Only something God can explain.)</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Enough about Barack Obama, I will get off my high horse, I mean, my high camel.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Ma'salaam,</div><div></div><div> </div><div>~Marian</div><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNlKiYzFYn1ExxqTqcfX6iQdQBXSMskLaMNmY-ykgvj3iLpw1J5k6QFuFvTaYOJ08d7qj1f6NEWPvjq9LcxBuFM5FWygB7lkTR_q-s96XmUHXKtkev0HUhih6sZ9A8gGRgZorMQ/s1600-h/xcaricature-obama-lyin.jpg"></a></p>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133634.post-50380903945529931122008-02-21T13:13:00.003+02:002008-03-04T12:57:36.261+02:00Being MuslimI don't think being Muslim is a bad thing. On the contrary Islam teaches compassion and understanding, tolerance and recognizing peoples differences. Islam does not discriminate on the color of skin or one's ethnic background. In Islam, people are all the same.<br /><br />According to the latest American presidential election, however, being Muslim is a very bad thing. Barack Obama is trying to distance himself far from Islam even though his father was Muslim and he still has family in Africa that is Muslim.<br /><br />So what is wrong with the recent photos of Barack Obama being shown wearing Arab-style garb or Hilary Clinton in a hijb-style scarf? Nothing at all. I see it as being used against Muslims rather than showing tolerance, understanding and respect.<br /><br />This has really been bothering me lately, especially with Hilary Clinton being on the talk-show circuit on the American news channels saying that Barack Obama is in fact a Christian. So what? Does it matter if one is a Christian, Muslim or Jew? I guess it does matter if the candidate is trying to win the votes of the American majority to gain the Democratic party's nominee.<br /><br />I can't help but think how many Muslim Americans are looking for the best candidate that shares their values and wants their children to grow up in a country and world that understands and respects their religion -- Islam.<br /><br />It doesn't matter whether one is Republican or Democrat because I think that Islam covers both areas. Muslims are socially democratic at the base, but at the same time have a lot of Republican qualities, which leaves them somewhere in the middle.<br /><br />In a world that is shrinking by the hour in terms of communicating with people from all over the world, it would do the candidates a world and universe of good to cater to ALL people; not just singling out one's Muslim family and trying to band-aid it.<br /><br />Ma'salaam,<br /><br />~MarianMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13548462809738122591noreply@blogger.com11