I haven't posted in awhile because I've been too upset about what's going on with Lebanon and Israel.
Beirut has always been called the "Paris of the Middle East."
I know someone who traveled to Lebanon over this past winter and she returned to Cairo saying that Beirut was an absolutely beautiful city with the best nightlife in the Middle East.
Now parts of Beirut and greater Lebanon are being blown to bits. Why? Because Hezbollah kidnapped Israeli soldiers, and Israel in return is bombing the hell out of Lebanon. Everyday there are reports that Israel has bombed another city, with civilian casualties, and the Israeli Army responds (paraphrasing) . . . "it is never our (Israeli) intention to hurt civilians." OK, so is that why they are using heat guided missiles to take out apartment buildings? Is that why there are severe phosphorus burns on childrens' bodies?
Hezbollah should not have taken Israeli soldiers as prisoners. I don't think Israel knows how else to respond other than with military power.
I realize I am being one-sided.
I believe Israel has a right to exist. I also believe Palestine has a right to exist as its own nation without being caged like prisoners in the concentration camps during WWII.
I believe Lebanon should be left alone without being invaded by Israeli soldiers.
There is a reason Syrias soldiers were in Southern Lebanon for so long -- to keep Israel out of Lebanon. Now that Syrian troops have left, Israel seized an opportunity to re-enter Lebanon with no clearcut exit strategy. I don't think they have any intention of leaving Lebanon.
Hezbollah is not innocent by any means either. They are just as guilty as the Israelis in bombing Israel, in the taking of prisoners and the killing of innocent civilians.
I found out that Hezbollah takes care of the poor in Lebanon. They provide shelter, health care, education. And now with Lebanon at war, the refugees in Syria are being aided by Hezbollah. They are doing this because no one else is taking care of the refugees fleeing Lebanon.
While the Middle East war continues, innocent Iraqis are being bombed by "insurgents."
In Iraq it is Sunni vs. Shia. Nowhere else in the world are Sunnis and Shias against each other. Here in Egypt one is "Muslim" regardless if one is Sunni or Shia.
The Quran says that if one takes the life of an innocent human being it is as if they have killed the whole world.
Pray for Peace in the world.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Went Back to the North Coast
We just returned from an 11 day stay on the North Coast again. We took Aunt Olfat, who is very ill with breast cancer, to see Fawzeyya's apartment at the beach. Olfat was thrilled that we were taking her, seeing as her children are not able to take her on a vacation for whatever reason (no comment here).
Hassan and I spent most of our time making sure Olfat was comfortable and had everything she needed, including making sure her medicine was taken at the appropriate time and her dermagesic patch for pain was changed every three days.
Mira met a girl at the beach, Noura, who was staying two apartments away and played with her almost all the time. When Mira wasn't playing with Noura she was playing with her cousin Munno (Mohamed) who is 4 years old and the new cousins we just met.
We had a chance to meet cousins from Mansoura who arrived during our vacation time. Mahmoud and his wife Hoda have three sons; I mean three young men (I thought they were much younger before I met them): Ahmed (20), Mohamed (17), and Osama (14) -- very well rounded, bright guys. They were very friendly and quite tolerant with Mira's behavior, even though Hassan and I were embarassed at times. Mira's into her "I hate boys" stage.
So with Aunt Fawzeyya, Aunt Olfat, the cousins from Mansoura, Uncle Yehia, Aunt Fatma, and their daughter Maya (her husband Osama was there for a few days) and son Munno, we always had something to do, and more than enough to eat. We even were able to see Hassan's other uncle, Hillel, and his family at times during our stay.
Whew! That's enough, don't you think?
I came to the conclusion that all families are the same, with the same dynamics and personalities. Yes, the same holds true here in Egypt -- avoid religion and politics when you get together with family. It is probably a blessing I didn't understand what they were talking about - seeing as my understanding of Arabic is still very lacking.
We are back at home for a week or so before we head over to Ain Sokhna for a few days.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Hassan and I spent most of our time making sure Olfat was comfortable and had everything she needed, including making sure her medicine was taken at the appropriate time and her dermagesic patch for pain was changed every three days.
Mira met a girl at the beach, Noura, who was staying two apartments away and played with her almost all the time. When Mira wasn't playing with Noura she was playing with her cousin Munno (Mohamed) who is 4 years old and the new cousins we just met.
We had a chance to meet cousins from Mansoura who arrived during our vacation time. Mahmoud and his wife Hoda have three sons; I mean three young men (I thought they were much younger before I met them): Ahmed (20), Mohamed (17), and Osama (14) -- very well rounded, bright guys. They were very friendly and quite tolerant with Mira's behavior, even though Hassan and I were embarassed at times. Mira's into her "I hate boys" stage.
So with Aunt Fawzeyya, Aunt Olfat, the cousins from Mansoura, Uncle Yehia, Aunt Fatma, and their daughter Maya (her husband Osama was there for a few days) and son Munno, we always had something to do, and more than enough to eat. We even were able to see Hassan's other uncle, Hillel, and his family at times during our stay.
Whew! That's enough, don't you think?
I came to the conclusion that all families are the same, with the same dynamics and personalities. Yes, the same holds true here in Egypt -- avoid religion and politics when you get together with family. It is probably a blessing I didn't understand what they were talking about - seeing as my understanding of Arabic is still very lacking.
We are back at home for a week or so before we head over to Ain Sokhna for a few days.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
World Cup Fever
First it was the Africa Cup of Nations, now it's the World Cup. I know I miss American football, but nothing beats the World Cup. I remember watching it for the first time many years ago with Maggie's Mom and another person (who shall remain nameless), at a restaurant in Chincoteague, VA where my family used to vacation. We were in the middle of nowhere and we found ourselves at a restaurant/bar just to watch the World Cup. None of the local yahoos seemed too interested except for the three of us. I went because I didn't have anything else to do that day and in the end I was a soccer, or should I say, football, fanatic.
Hassan and I have been watching as many games as we can, but since it is more of a pay per view event here, we've missed out on many of the games. We were unable to watch the US game, ok, we caught a bit of it at a cafe, but had to leave. We were sorry the US lost, but continued on watching other games anyway.
The momentum of each game brought with it its own fan base. Many of the Egyptians here cheered for Ghana, Tunisia and France. I watched last night's game at home with Mira - we found the game after much searching on the satellite where it was broadcasted for all to see. Hassan was with his boys watching the game in Faisal.
I bought Mira a small needlepoint kit last night and she and I stitched our own projects for the entire soccer match. I was impressed with Mira's endurance in stitching during the entire game, even though she sang an Egyptian song for 2 hours (boosie wa wa) -- it's about a boo boo. The girl is very sexy and dresses quite revealing by anyone's standards, but Mira likes the little baby in the video. Yeah, the men probably like the baby too -- not.
Tonight we hope to go to Lilly Park, which is a large cafe/restaurant/small amusement park for kids, to watch France and Portugal. We will need to get there very early to get a table. I can't remember what game it was two weeks ago, where people were sitting in the grass watching the game. At least I know they'll have fresh hot cappuccino in the cool 82 F degree evening.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Hassan and I have been watching as many games as we can, but since it is more of a pay per view event here, we've missed out on many of the games. We were unable to watch the US game, ok, we caught a bit of it at a cafe, but had to leave. We were sorry the US lost, but continued on watching other games anyway.
The momentum of each game brought with it its own fan base. Many of the Egyptians here cheered for Ghana, Tunisia and France. I watched last night's game at home with Mira - we found the game after much searching on the satellite where it was broadcasted for all to see. Hassan was with his boys watching the game in Faisal.
I bought Mira a small needlepoint kit last night and she and I stitched our own projects for the entire soccer match. I was impressed with Mira's endurance in stitching during the entire game, even though she sang an Egyptian song for 2 hours (boosie wa wa) -- it's about a boo boo. The girl is very sexy and dresses quite revealing by anyone's standards, but Mira likes the little baby in the video. Yeah, the men probably like the baby too -- not.
Tonight we hope to go to Lilly Park, which is a large cafe/restaurant/small amusement park for kids, to watch France and Portugal. We will need to get there very early to get a table. I can't remember what game it was two weeks ago, where people were sitting in the grass watching the game. At least I know they'll have fresh hot cappuccino in the cool 82 F degree evening.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Egypt's North Coast
We went to the North Coast of Egypt to get away from Cairo and spend some time with Aunt Fawzeyya, Uncle Yehia and Aunt Fatma. We returned late last night, or should I say early this morning.
The North Coast begins about one half hour west of Alexandria and continues to the Egyptian/Libyan border. It is beautiful there. The air is clean, and it is always breezy and cool. The Mediterranean water is various shades of clear blue, and the sand is colored an off white a little larger than a grain of sugar.
Uncle Yehia/Aunt Fatma have a chalet (apartment) overlooking the sea. We have been looking for one for a short time, and in the time we've been looking to buy, Aunt Fawzeyya (Yehia's sister) bought one about three weeks ago also in the same development.
We arrived at the Coast on Wednesday afternoon. It was hot and humid, not much of a breeze. Hassan called the cleaning people and had them come and completely clean out Aunt Fawzeyya's chalet before her arrival. She is 80 years old (Mash'Allah) and although she is very independent and sharper than a tack so to speak, she still appreciates the help.
Yehia, Fawzeyya and Fatma arrived on Thursday so we had one whole day to ourselves. It was really relaxing.
Fawzeyya is very proud to have her chalet. As she should be. She has always talked about buying a place, but never parted with the money. No one thought she would; but she did this time.
One of the reasons Fawzeyya loves it there is because it's always quiet. In Cairo she lives in Ramses Square. It is always loud, hot, and polluted. Her apartment in Cairo is quite large (can't even describe how large it is) and the building is about 100 years old. There is an old elevator with the iron/steel gates. Her ceilings are about 13 feet high. There are even gargoyles adorning the exterior of her apartment, which can be seen and felt.
I guess I always loved old buildings, old furniture and lots of trinkets that people collect over their lifetimes. It says so much about them and what they were like when they were younger and more active.
Back to the North Coast.
There is a large souk (marketplace) on the one end of the development in which we were staying. (It remids me of the boardwalks and amusement parks that used to be in Sea Isle and the Jersey Shore along the US years ago.) Mira had a blast at the souk. She went on rides, stayed up late, and ate the favorite sweet of the sea - fateer.
Fateer is a pastry made up of many thin layers and stuffed with whatever you want. You can get fateer in pizza form, cheese form, or sweet form. Mira fell in love with the sweet form on this trip. She also got Uno cards, and a baseball cap -- never knew she wanted one, but we figured out quickly that each time we went to the souk she found something else she has been "looking" for (not really, but nice try Mira).
I finally found my pure gardenia perfume. There is a small store there that will mix pure fragrances into perfumes. The bottle I got cost 10 LE which is about $2.25 USD. I also found a "proper" bathing suit by Islamic/Egyptian standards - it was 63 LE or about $12 USD. I don't wear the hijab part of the bathing suit yet, but the rest felt quite comfortable on the beach, not worrying about anyone looking at me -- and by the way it's not psychological. It is a fact. I wanted to buy some hijabs I found there, but decided to wait until we return the next time, or I will buy them around here -- I like the cotton gauze kind for summer.
Before we left late last night, 11 p.m., all of us went to a shish kebob place along the side of the road. It didn't look like much, but once you walked in it was beautiful. Trust Uncle Yehia to find the best food around. We all ate shish kebob enough meat for at least a week, along with the usual snacks of tabboulah, tahina, baba ganoush, all kinds of vegetables stuffed with rice (grape leaves, green pepers, zucchini, etc.) and something called Turkish potatoes, which come to find out is a terrific vinegar/oil potato salad; good for me because I don't like mayonnaise.
There was a terrific playground for Mira to play, and she even ate all her macaroni bechamel that we ordered for her. She made some friends for the short time we were there.
Safety is never an issue in Egypt.
Yes, life is tough living in the "war zone."
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
The North Coast begins about one half hour west of Alexandria and continues to the Egyptian/Libyan border. It is beautiful there. The air is clean, and it is always breezy and cool. The Mediterranean water is various shades of clear blue, and the sand is colored an off white a little larger than a grain of sugar.
Uncle Yehia/Aunt Fatma have a chalet (apartment) overlooking the sea. We have been looking for one for a short time, and in the time we've been looking to buy, Aunt Fawzeyya (Yehia's sister) bought one about three weeks ago also in the same development.
We arrived at the Coast on Wednesday afternoon. It was hot and humid, not much of a breeze. Hassan called the cleaning people and had them come and completely clean out Aunt Fawzeyya's chalet before her arrival. She is 80 years old (Mash'Allah) and although she is very independent and sharper than a tack so to speak, she still appreciates the help.
Yehia, Fawzeyya and Fatma arrived on Thursday so we had one whole day to ourselves. It was really relaxing.
Fawzeyya is very proud to have her chalet. As she should be. She has always talked about buying a place, but never parted with the money. No one thought she would; but she did this time.
One of the reasons Fawzeyya loves it there is because it's always quiet. In Cairo she lives in Ramses Square. It is always loud, hot, and polluted. Her apartment in Cairo is quite large (can't even describe how large it is) and the building is about 100 years old. There is an old elevator with the iron/steel gates. Her ceilings are about 13 feet high. There are even gargoyles adorning the exterior of her apartment, which can be seen and felt.
I guess I always loved old buildings, old furniture and lots of trinkets that people collect over their lifetimes. It says so much about them and what they were like when they were younger and more active.
Back to the North Coast.
There is a large souk (marketplace) on the one end of the development in which we were staying. (It remids me of the boardwalks and amusement parks that used to be in Sea Isle and the Jersey Shore along the US years ago.) Mira had a blast at the souk. She went on rides, stayed up late, and ate the favorite sweet of the sea - fateer.
Fateer is a pastry made up of many thin layers and stuffed with whatever you want. You can get fateer in pizza form, cheese form, or sweet form. Mira fell in love with the sweet form on this trip. She also got Uno cards, and a baseball cap -- never knew she wanted one, but we figured out quickly that each time we went to the souk she found something else she has been "looking" for (not really, but nice try Mira).
I finally found my pure gardenia perfume. There is a small store there that will mix pure fragrances into perfumes. The bottle I got cost 10 LE which is about $2.25 USD. I also found a "proper" bathing suit by Islamic/Egyptian standards - it was 63 LE or about $12 USD. I don't wear the hijab part of the bathing suit yet, but the rest felt quite comfortable on the beach, not worrying about anyone looking at me -- and by the way it's not psychological. It is a fact. I wanted to buy some hijabs I found there, but decided to wait until we return the next time, or I will buy them around here -- I like the cotton gauze kind for summer.
Before we left late last night, 11 p.m., all of us went to a shish kebob place along the side of the road. It didn't look like much, but once you walked in it was beautiful. Trust Uncle Yehia to find the best food around. We all ate shish kebob enough meat for at least a week, along with the usual snacks of tabboulah, tahina, baba ganoush, all kinds of vegetables stuffed with rice (grape leaves, green pepers, zucchini, etc.) and something called Turkish potatoes, which come to find out is a terrific vinegar/oil potato salad; good for me because I don't like mayonnaise.
There was a terrific playground for Mira to play, and she even ate all her macaroni bechamel that we ordered for her. She made some friends for the short time we were there.
Safety is never an issue in Egypt.
Yes, life is tough living in the "war zone."
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Enjoying Time with Hassan's Family
On Saturday, we went to HyperOne a really large superstore in 6th of October City - on the other side of Cairo from where we live. We had a great time. I found more candles that I used to buy at Kohl's and they were only 12 LE a piece. It makes me feel a little better when I find in Egypt what I used to enjoy in the US - namely, candles.
After HyperOne, we took some fresh samak (fish) and went to Uncle Yehia's and Aunt Fatma's to eat. Maya was there with her husband and son, Mohamed, who is adorable. Also, Maya's brother, Ashraf was there, visiting from Sharm where he works, along with his Russian wife, Tanya, and their son Taimor (a type of mango in Egypt). We ate fish and enjoyed our time with them.
I love Aunt Fatma and Uncle Yehia. They are very welcoming and although sometimes there's a communications gap between the Arabic and English, we always manage to understand each other -- personalities communicate more than language sometime.
Ashraf's wife, Tanya, on the other hand, was very quiet. Hardly spoke at all. Tanya met Ashraf in Sharm, and I guess the only way they communicate is through English. Their son, Taimor, is two, and hardly speaks at all. I know he's processing the languages.
Hassan tried to talk to Tanya, saying, "What language to do you speak to Taimor, English? Tanya said "No, Russian of course, why should I teach him English. He has no need for it. He can learn it in school. Besides it's an easy language to speak." Whoaa! I didn't say anything, and caught myself in one of my "Martha" (one of my sisters-in-law) moments, and just ignored the statement. Other than that, Tanya didn't speak; not even to Aunt Fatma.
How could anyone not speak to Aunt Fatma (and Yehia for that matter). This woman welcomes everyone into her home, and even though she is very ill, she still insists on cooking for everyone, waiting on everyone, and shooing me out of the kitchen when I want to wash the dishes. If I were to wash the dishes she would say "I am very angry at you." And then smile at me.
After we ate and we were sitting in the living room, Aunt Fatma sat next to me on the sofa and leaned up against me so she could put her feet up. I hugged her and just relished the moment that we shared. Tanya was just staring at me.
I always got along with Aunt Fatma. I will never forget how she welcomed us when I first met her three years ago on vacation. She said to me, "Hassan is my son, and you are my daughter." How can anyone not love a woman whose heart is as big as the sky?
I enjoy the times we spend together and hold them dear in my heart.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
After HyperOne, we took some fresh samak (fish) and went to Uncle Yehia's and Aunt Fatma's to eat. Maya was there with her husband and son, Mohamed, who is adorable. Also, Maya's brother, Ashraf was there, visiting from Sharm where he works, along with his Russian wife, Tanya, and their son Taimor (a type of mango in Egypt). We ate fish and enjoyed our time with them.
I love Aunt Fatma and Uncle Yehia. They are very welcoming and although sometimes there's a communications gap between the Arabic and English, we always manage to understand each other -- personalities communicate more than language sometime.
Ashraf's wife, Tanya, on the other hand, was very quiet. Hardly spoke at all. Tanya met Ashraf in Sharm, and I guess the only way they communicate is through English. Their son, Taimor, is two, and hardly speaks at all. I know he's processing the languages.
Hassan tried to talk to Tanya, saying, "What language to do you speak to Taimor, English? Tanya said "No, Russian of course, why should I teach him English. He has no need for it. He can learn it in school. Besides it's an easy language to speak." Whoaa! I didn't say anything, and caught myself in one of my "Martha" (one of my sisters-in-law) moments, and just ignored the statement. Other than that, Tanya didn't speak; not even to Aunt Fatma.
How could anyone not speak to Aunt Fatma (and Yehia for that matter). This woman welcomes everyone into her home, and even though she is very ill, she still insists on cooking for everyone, waiting on everyone, and shooing me out of the kitchen when I want to wash the dishes. If I were to wash the dishes she would say "I am very angry at you." And then smile at me.
After we ate and we were sitting in the living room, Aunt Fatma sat next to me on the sofa and leaned up against me so she could put her feet up. I hugged her and just relished the moment that we shared. Tanya was just staring at me.
I always got along with Aunt Fatma. I will never forget how she welcomed us when I first met her three years ago on vacation. She said to me, "Hassan is my son, and you are my daughter." How can anyone not love a woman whose heart is as big as the sky?
I enjoy the times we spend together and hold them dear in my heart.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Fajr Prayer (Dawn Prayer/1st Prayer of the Day)
Mira spent the night at Jasmine's. This was quite an accomplishment for her because last time she was supposed to spend the night she ended up calling me at 11:30 p.m. crying saying she missed me and wanted to come home. We don't live far from Jasmine. We are literally at opposite ends of the sidewalk. So, Alhamdulillah she finally spent the night without us. While she was there, apparently, she woke up at 4 a.m. to do the Fajr prayer. SobhanAllah!
Mira asked me the afternoon before if we are supposed to get up for the Fajr prayer. I said, "Well, you can wait until you wake up." Actually, I was wrong. We are supposed to get up for the prayer then go back to sleep. I need to tell Mira the truth and not put my own spin on things.
Hassan was very pleased to hear Mira got up for the Fajr prayer. Actually, what I think happened was Jasmine and Mira stayed up all night and when Fajr rolled around, she heard the Adhan and wanted to pray. Anyone who is awake for Fajr prayer would want to pray.
There is peace whenever the Adhan is heard, but for some reason, especially at dawn.
The Adhan for Fajr is a voice crying out in the desert reminding us that God is ever present; and it is our duty to remember Him.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Mira asked me the afternoon before if we are supposed to get up for the Fajr prayer. I said, "Well, you can wait until you wake up." Actually, I was wrong. We are supposed to get up for the prayer then go back to sleep. I need to tell Mira the truth and not put my own spin on things.
Hassan was very pleased to hear Mira got up for the Fajr prayer. Actually, what I think happened was Jasmine and Mira stayed up all night and when Fajr rolled around, she heard the Adhan and wanted to pray. Anyone who is awake for Fajr prayer would want to pray.
There is peace whenever the Adhan is heard, but for some reason, especially at dawn.
The Adhan for Fajr is a voice crying out in the desert reminding us that God is ever present; and it is our duty to remember Him.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Summer Vacation
I finished work today around 2:30 and as I was walking out of the school, I asked the vice-principal, "I don't know what I'm going to do during my summer vacation. I'm used to schedules and timetables and now I have free time to do anything." He said, "Do you have a balcony?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Good, sit on your balcony." Then he said "Now go home!"
No alarms. No bells. No getting clothes ready for school. No asking Mira if her homework is finished; and if it is in her backpack. It sounds awfully boring, but quite relieving, to be honest.
From now on it's a pot of hot coffee on the balcony in the morning with Hassan, asking him how his "boys" are doing and what he did the night before. Mira rolling out of bed with her hair all curly and tangled, and listening to her never-ending mantra of "What are we going to do today?" Ahhh, I'm sure by the time August rolls around, I'll be parked outside the school ready to start working all over again.
I never had a job where I had summers off. Sure, when I was a child and we had summers off from school, I thought all parents had summers off too. It wasn't until I was in sixth grade that I realized my Dad worked everyday of the year -- day in and day out -- year after year to provide for his family. What a tremendous accomplishment. Thanks, Dad.
I am very fortunate to work in a school environment where I have time to spend with Hassan and Mira (well, I'm with Mira every day at school). Insha'Allah we will be in Alexandria for a couple of weeks. Actually, if we make it a week we'll be happy.
Our schedules will be changing too. We will be going out at night because it is too hot in the day, and we will be sleeping into the late morning. Since I am a time-oriented person (never was when I was a child), I have to get adjusted to putting my time management skills aside and just go where the wind takes me.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
No alarms. No bells. No getting clothes ready for school. No asking Mira if her homework is finished; and if it is in her backpack. It sounds awfully boring, but quite relieving, to be honest.
From now on it's a pot of hot coffee on the balcony in the morning with Hassan, asking him how his "boys" are doing and what he did the night before. Mira rolling out of bed with her hair all curly and tangled, and listening to her never-ending mantra of "What are we going to do today?" Ahhh, I'm sure by the time August rolls around, I'll be parked outside the school ready to start working all over again.
I never had a job where I had summers off. Sure, when I was a child and we had summers off from school, I thought all parents had summers off too. It wasn't until I was in sixth grade that I realized my Dad worked everyday of the year -- day in and day out -- year after year to provide for his family. What a tremendous accomplishment. Thanks, Dad.
I am very fortunate to work in a school environment where I have time to spend with Hassan and Mira (well, I'm with Mira every day at school). Insha'Allah we will be in Alexandria for a couple of weeks. Actually, if we make it a week we'll be happy.
Our schedules will be changing too. We will be going out at night because it is too hot in the day, and we will be sleeping into the late morning. Since I am a time-oriented person (never was when I was a child), I have to get adjusted to putting my time management skills aside and just go where the wind takes me.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Raising Children Muslim
Debbie is a Christian and Hani is a Muslim (Egyptian). They were raising their children Jasmine (8) and Karim (7) as Christians. This was the agreement they came to when they were in the US. Because Hani was not a practicing Muslim at the time, he agreed to let Debbie raise the kids Christian and take them to church with her. Hani even went on a few occasions.
The family moved to Cairo in January of this year and Hani found himself living apart from Debbie for work reasons. Though he was still in Egypt, he did not see his family that often.
Hassan and I never posed the question on what religion the kids were because let's face it -- it's none of our business. Debbie had told me early on that the kids were being raised Christian and I thought that was really strange, because if a Christian woman marries an Egyptian man the children must be raised Muslim -- no two ways about it.
Debbie is a real independent woman. She decided to start taking the kids to a community style church in Maadi where there are a lot of non-Egyptians. Debbie felt an instant bond and even commented on how uplifting it made her feel. I was pleased she felt a sense of belonging in her new church and with her new friends she had made.
Not too long ago, maybe a few weeks, Hani started listening to and corresponding with a sheikh or professor of some kind in Islamic Studies. Hani started talking to Debbie on the phone non-stop about how the children were to be raised Muslim now that they are in Egypt and how Debbie must be convinced to convert to Islam. Debbie had a really difficult time with Hani's behavior. She felt as though she was being beat down by something -- a battle between good and evil of sorts.
She asked me for advice. I told her that after all these years, and no matter what I thought in the past as free-thinking as I may have been, it is very important to raise the children in the same religion as the parents. To have parents of two different faiths confuses children who end up not believing in anything.
After Hani's persistence, Debbie agreed to let the children convert. And she felt she really didn't have a choice in the matter. I believe she did have a choice in the matter, but it is easier to be Muslim in Egypt than Muslim in the US.
Debbie asked for my copy of the Quran. How could I refuse? Someone long ago had been generous to give me their copy. It was now my turn to pass it on to someone else who searching.
Debbie doesn't know if she will ever convert to Islam, I just tell her, "take it slow. Be careful. Study." I told Debbie that Islam teaches tolerance, respecting "people of the book" (Jews and Christians). There is no compulsion in Islam, everything in moderation. As I try to find answers for Debbie, I am finding answers to many of my own questions about Islam.
I told Debbie that Hani's just trying to right a wrong he made in letting the kids be raised Christian in the US. He wants to make things right, and what better time than now? Hani's intention is right -- but perhaps he came on a little too strong for Debbie.
Maybe that's what it's all about. Sharing what one knows with another, and learning and growing along the way.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
The family moved to Cairo in January of this year and Hani found himself living apart from Debbie for work reasons. Though he was still in Egypt, he did not see his family that often.
Hassan and I never posed the question on what religion the kids were because let's face it -- it's none of our business. Debbie had told me early on that the kids were being raised Christian and I thought that was really strange, because if a Christian woman marries an Egyptian man the children must be raised Muslim -- no two ways about it.
Debbie is a real independent woman. She decided to start taking the kids to a community style church in Maadi where there are a lot of non-Egyptians. Debbie felt an instant bond and even commented on how uplifting it made her feel. I was pleased she felt a sense of belonging in her new church and with her new friends she had made.
Not too long ago, maybe a few weeks, Hani started listening to and corresponding with a sheikh or professor of some kind in Islamic Studies. Hani started talking to Debbie on the phone non-stop about how the children were to be raised Muslim now that they are in Egypt and how Debbie must be convinced to convert to Islam. Debbie had a really difficult time with Hani's behavior. She felt as though she was being beat down by something -- a battle between good and evil of sorts.
She asked me for advice. I told her that after all these years, and no matter what I thought in the past as free-thinking as I may have been, it is very important to raise the children in the same religion as the parents. To have parents of two different faiths confuses children who end up not believing in anything.
After Hani's persistence, Debbie agreed to let the children convert. And she felt she really didn't have a choice in the matter. I believe she did have a choice in the matter, but it is easier to be Muslim in Egypt than Muslim in the US.
Debbie asked for my copy of the Quran. How could I refuse? Someone long ago had been generous to give me their copy. It was now my turn to pass it on to someone else who searching.
Debbie doesn't know if she will ever convert to Islam, I just tell her, "take it slow. Be careful. Study." I told Debbie that Islam teaches tolerance, respecting "people of the book" (Jews and Christians). There is no compulsion in Islam, everything in moderation. As I try to find answers for Debbie, I am finding answers to many of my own questions about Islam.
I told Debbie that Hani's just trying to right a wrong he made in letting the kids be raised Christian in the US. He wants to make things right, and what better time than now? Hani's intention is right -- but perhaps he came on a little too strong for Debbie.
Maybe that's what it's all about. Sharing what one knows with another, and learning and growing along the way.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
"Alfa Shukran" (thank you, Egyptian Style)
Alfa Shukran! to Mody a friend of Gamal's who was able to get into my html and fix my blog by deleting the Links. I will have to slowly add one link at a time and figure out where the mistake was made. I know the mistake was made when I got too confident in playing with my blog. Some things are best left alone -- you know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I have never met Mody, but Gamal is one of Hassan's best friends and these guys would do anything in the world for anyone; and let us not forget Shabaan and Ehab as well. I count Mody as my new friend who helped me without knowing me, generously taking out of his own time to fix my ever so little and humble blog.
Thank you, Alfa Shukran Mody and Gamal!
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
I have never met Mody, but Gamal is one of Hassan's best friends and these guys would do anything in the world for anyone; and let us not forget Shabaan and Ehab as well. I count Mody as my new friend who helped me without knowing me, generously taking out of his own time to fix my ever so little and humble blog.
Thank you, Alfa Shukran Mody and Gamal!
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Afghanistan
I'm reading a book entitled "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. This book is what one would call a fictional biography.
The story begins in Afghanistan in the 1970's and follows through the Soviet invasion of the country, followed by the Taliban and the factions that were fighting up to June 2001 -- where I currently am in the book.
The story is about a boy whose name is Amir. He talks about his relationship with his father, how he lost his mother in childbirth and how he cannot live up to his father's expectations. Woven throughout the story Amir is reminded of a deep dark secret he holds inside his entire life, and how he wants to make everything right again by confessing his secret.
I borrowed the book from my friend, Debbie, since she just finished it and said that I have to read it -- Yeah, sure I thought. Well, let me tell you it is heart-wrenching.
I never thought this story would fascinate me in the least, nor did I think that I would identify with this story; not so much my relationsihp with my father, but more the secrets we all hold inside each and every one of us -- feeling bad about our past and hoping for redemption -- trying to make things right again with each other and with Allah.
Amir's father is not religious at all -- but raises his son on the right path to follow Allah.
The novel speaks of the horrendous conditions refugees endure on a daily basis and how they put all their hopes and dreams into escaping their countries they have called home their entire lives. Refugees do not become refugees by choice, but rather by force escaping their political, social and religious surroundings.
Pray for the refugees of this world.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
The story begins in Afghanistan in the 1970's and follows through the Soviet invasion of the country, followed by the Taliban and the factions that were fighting up to June 2001 -- where I currently am in the book.
The story is about a boy whose name is Amir. He talks about his relationship with his father, how he lost his mother in childbirth and how he cannot live up to his father's expectations. Woven throughout the story Amir is reminded of a deep dark secret he holds inside his entire life, and how he wants to make everything right again by confessing his secret.
I borrowed the book from my friend, Debbie, since she just finished it and said that I have to read it -- Yeah, sure I thought. Well, let me tell you it is heart-wrenching.
I never thought this story would fascinate me in the least, nor did I think that I would identify with this story; not so much my relationsihp with my father, but more the secrets we all hold inside each and every one of us -- feeling bad about our past and hoping for redemption -- trying to make things right again with each other and with Allah.
Amir's father is not religious at all -- but raises his son on the right path to follow Allah.
The novel speaks of the horrendous conditions refugees endure on a daily basis and how they put all their hopes and dreams into escaping their countries they have called home their entire lives. Refugees do not become refugees by choice, but rather by force escaping their political, social and religious surroundings.
Pray for the refugees of this world.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Saturday, June 17, 2006
"School's Out for Summer!" (Well for most people)
School finally ended on Thursday, June 15 for staff. Well, most staff. I was asked to work one additional week with the hours of 9-2 instead of the usual 7:30 to 3:45. OK, now how could I pass up this opportunity you ask? I don't like to leave my work unfinished in any way, so of course I agreed. Besides it eases me into summer vacation as well. You might think that it would be difficult to ease into summer vacation, but when I worked all year giving more than 100% of myself to the school, it is difficult to just take the summer off. I enjoy working with the principal, so we hope to get some additional projects completed without the usual interruptions from students saying "Miss, the bus left me." Or how about, "Miss, I want my mobile back."
I have been in somewhat of a retrospective mood over the past week. I have been thinking about those things I accomplished both professionally and personally this year. I enjoyed working full time although it took all my energy. I enjoyed being with Mira at school, and I enjoyed meeting people.
Getting to know my colleagues, both Egyptian and non-Egyptian, broke some stereotypes and made me more comfortable to say "Insha'Allah" instead of "hopefully", "Alhamdulillah" instead of "thank goodness" and "malish" instead of "it's ok." Alright so my Egyptian Arabic has a lot to be desired, I am still making progress. I understand why Egyptians speaking English leave some of the grammar out of their translations into English; they literally translate their Arabic into English; and I know now that I literally translate my English into Arabic, leaving out a lot of Arabic. (I hope this makes sense.)
I have learned how work with a translator, asking questions and patiently waiting for the answer to be translated. I have learned how to simplify my English to someone who speaks Arabic as their first language, using vocabulary that they would understand.
I have also learned how to stand up for myself, creating my own boundaries, admitting when I made mistakes, taking responsibilities, and dealing with parents who seem to think they own me because they pay for their child to be in the school.
With one year down already, I hope to build on the accomplishments I have achieved, and learn from the mistakes I have made.
As for Mira, she's home now and has all the time in the world to do whatever it is she wants -- including sleeping, watching tv and going to the club to swim. But most of all she wants to play with her friend Jasmine all the time.
Hassan's glad to have us home. We look forward to spending some much needed time together. All we need to do now is find a babysitter.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian~
I have been in somewhat of a retrospective mood over the past week. I have been thinking about those things I accomplished both professionally and personally this year. I enjoyed working full time although it took all my energy. I enjoyed being with Mira at school, and I enjoyed meeting people.
Getting to know my colleagues, both Egyptian and non-Egyptian, broke some stereotypes and made me more comfortable to say "Insha'Allah" instead of "hopefully", "Alhamdulillah" instead of "thank goodness" and "malish" instead of "it's ok." Alright so my Egyptian Arabic has a lot to be desired, I am still making progress. I understand why Egyptians speaking English leave some of the grammar out of their translations into English; they literally translate their Arabic into English; and I know now that I literally translate my English into Arabic, leaving out a lot of Arabic. (I hope this makes sense.)
I have learned how work with a translator, asking questions and patiently waiting for the answer to be translated. I have learned how to simplify my English to someone who speaks Arabic as their first language, using vocabulary that they would understand.
I have also learned how to stand up for myself, creating my own boundaries, admitting when I made mistakes, taking responsibilities, and dealing with parents who seem to think they own me because they pay for their child to be in the school.
With one year down already, I hope to build on the accomplishments I have achieved, and learn from the mistakes I have made.
As for Mira, she's home now and has all the time in the world to do whatever it is she wants -- including sleeping, watching tv and going to the club to swim. But most of all she wants to play with her friend Jasmine all the time.
Hassan's glad to have us home. We look forward to spending some much needed time together. All we need to do now is find a babysitter.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian~
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Mira's Birthday
Before I talk about Mira's birthday, I want to let you know that I am having difficulty fixing my blog. It seems as though I got a little too comfortable playing with the html and managed to screw it up. I am still trying to fix it and hope to do so today.
May 18th was Mira's 8th birthday. We decided to have her party this year -- ahem, she decided to have her party this year, at a small amusement park here in Rehab, called Lily Park. Since we had just moved here a year ago and had a small party for for her at our home, we promised her a larger party this year. Well, it definitely had all the bells and whistles an 8 year-old would want.
Mira invited her friends from school and the neighborhood along with Hassan's entire family, and his bestest friends in the world. It was wonderful. The party started in the evening and there was a lot of dancing with life-size cartoon characters, a magic show (which we still can't figure out), and a puppet show, followed by cake and kofta.
I wish my family could have been there to celebrate Mira's day with her. Maggie's Mom said she had a small cake for Mira and Maggie's 1/2 birthday (her birthday is November 18th -- ok Twilight Zone music plays now).
Happy Birthday, Mira my Sunshine!
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Saturday, May 13, 2006
True Humility
Mira has a friend at school, Jasmine, and Jasmine's mother's name is Debbie. Debbie is married to an Egyptian. Jasmine also has a brother, Karim, who is 6. Debbie's husband, Hani, works in Sharm, so almost all of their time is spent apart.
Recently, Debbie traveled with Jasmine and Karim to visit Hani in Sharm over Spring break. They seemed to have a wonderful time. Then the Dahab bombs hit the area. I was worried about Debbie, but knew that they were not in Dahab, so I knew they were ok.
When Debbie came home I talked to her on the phone and asked her how her trip was to Sharm. She said they had a wonderful time spending time with Hani and was glad to have the family together for a week. (Debbie lived in Sharm with Hani and the children were born there.)
The other evening Hani made a surprise visit to Debbie and the kids. They were all thrilled to see him, and he was certainly thrilled to see his family. Hassan, Mira and I met them at the club where the children were swimming. Debbie and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for Hassan and Hani to meet because they had never met before. We walked around the club, then went to a really good shisha bar in Rehab called "Amsterdam." Actually this had been only the second time I tried shisha, and it was really good. I took a few puffs, and that was it for me.
As the four of us were talking about Sharm and smoking shisha, and Hani was showing us a video of his "coffee shop" -- a rather large and beautiful one at that, Debbie casually mentioned that they went to the Sharm hospital the night of the bombings to assist the doctors. (Debbie is a dental hygenist, so she has a lot of medical training.)
Debbie described how the victims of the bombings were from all walks of life, and how it didn't matter if one was Christian, Muslim, or Jewish. She described how children and adults had burns all over their bodies, and she cleaned the patients, then delicately put burn cream on their charred skin to ease their pain. Remember, this was all said in a very casual fashion.
Hassan and I were in awe not just of Debbie's courage to assist those who had burns showing their knees, but moreover of her humility in not mentioning it before. She had never made mention her experience before about how they volunteered at the hospital, how they assisted the patients and doctors, or how they overcame language barriers to reach a common goal of helping their fellow human beings.
It just goes to show that in a crisis, people help out however they can -- sharing the gifts they have been given.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Recently, Debbie traveled with Jasmine and Karim to visit Hani in Sharm over Spring break. They seemed to have a wonderful time. Then the Dahab bombs hit the area. I was worried about Debbie, but knew that they were not in Dahab, so I knew they were ok.
When Debbie came home I talked to her on the phone and asked her how her trip was to Sharm. She said they had a wonderful time spending time with Hani and was glad to have the family together for a week. (Debbie lived in Sharm with Hani and the children were born there.)
The other evening Hani made a surprise visit to Debbie and the kids. They were all thrilled to see him, and he was certainly thrilled to see his family. Hassan, Mira and I met them at the club where the children were swimming. Debbie and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for Hassan and Hani to meet because they had never met before. We walked around the club, then went to a really good shisha bar in Rehab called "Amsterdam." Actually this had been only the second time I tried shisha, and it was really good. I took a few puffs, and that was it for me.
As the four of us were talking about Sharm and smoking shisha, and Hani was showing us a video of his "coffee shop" -- a rather large and beautiful one at that, Debbie casually mentioned that they went to the Sharm hospital the night of the bombings to assist the doctors. (Debbie is a dental hygenist, so she has a lot of medical training.)
Debbie described how the victims of the bombings were from all walks of life, and how it didn't matter if one was Christian, Muslim, or Jewish. She described how children and adults had burns all over their bodies, and she cleaned the patients, then delicately put burn cream on their charred skin to ease their pain. Remember, this was all said in a very casual fashion.
Hassan and I were in awe not just of Debbie's courage to assist those who had burns showing their knees, but moreover of her humility in not mentioning it before. She had never made mention her experience before about how they volunteered at the hospital, how they assisted the patients and doctors, or how they overcame language barriers to reach a common goal of helping their fellow human beings.
It just goes to show that in a crisis, people help out however they can -- sharing the gifts they have been given.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Updates
My Dad is home as of this posting. I called him a few days ago, and although we only spoke for a few minutes, I wanted him to know that we are all praying for him and his recovery. It was very emotional for both of us.
My colleague is recovering. She is at home and had surgery to remove the shrapnel that hit her during the bombing. I don't know when she will return, but it may not be for a couple of more weeks and we only have 4 more weeks of school (thank goodness).
I returned to work this past week after Spring Break and felt re-charged. But even though it was only a 3 day week, I went home on Thursday night (our Friday in Egypt) completely exhausted. I have no energy and seem to be missing the time I spend with Hassan. Contract renegotiations are supposed to begin in the next two weeks -- we will see . . .
Hassan, Mira and I went out with Aunt Olfat on Thursday night for dinner. Security is very tight around all of Egypt, but especially around military installations. We went to a military club where we ate dinner -- good food at a decent price.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
My colleague is recovering. She is at home and had surgery to remove the shrapnel that hit her during the bombing. I don't know when she will return, but it may not be for a couple of more weeks and we only have 4 more weeks of school (thank goodness).
I returned to work this past week after Spring Break and felt re-charged. But even though it was only a 3 day week, I went home on Thursday night (our Friday in Egypt) completely exhausted. I have no energy and seem to be missing the time I spend with Hassan. Contract renegotiations are supposed to begin in the next two weeks -- we will see . . .
Hassan, Mira and I went out with Aunt Olfat on Thursday night for dinner. Security is very tight around all of Egypt, but especially around military installations. We went to a military club where we ate dinner -- good food at a decent price.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Sometimes lifes throws us a curve ball . . .
I was enjoying my Spring break from school until I read an email from my stepmom (my stepmom is great by the way:)). It was Sunday morning and I was scrolling through Yahoo when I saw a message saying "Joe is in the hospital." Oh my gosh, my dad is in the hospital.
I tried calling my stepmom, and one of my sisters, but couldn't get any information; I knew they were probably at the hospital. I eventually received emails from my stepmom. In the meantime, as well, I called my one sister after she messaged me on the mobile (mobiles are great) and she informed me that Dad is still in the hospital in stable condition. Alhamdulillah.
I felt helpless and very isolated. The physical separation from my family just got an ocean wider.
Alhamdulillah as of this posting my Dad is on the mend and he hopes to be home in a day or so. As soon as the doctor gave the OK, my stepmom made sure my dad was up and walking around the hallways in the hospital. My stepmom and dad are very active individuals who live healthy lifestyles (there's a lot to be said for eating healthy and exercising).
Insha'Allah he will continue to get better.
As I returned to school today with my dad and stepmom on my mind, in my heart, and in my prayers, I noticed that my colleague with whom I share an office was absent. I asked the principal where she was and if she called in. The principal said "Didn't you hear it in the morning staff meeting?" (I didn't because I was busy printing out documents for staff.) "She was injured in the Dahab bombings." What!? Not only was she injured, and requested some time off from school - I mean who wouldn't, but one of her friends was killed by the bombs. This is just getting too much for me to hear. I then found out that a teacher she traveled with was OK, but isn't talking about it.
I'm sure we've all thought that tragedies don't take place in our cities, towns, countries, etc. But this time it hit home. Senseless acts of terrorism are not reported or reported incorrectly, and this was one more act of terrorism, by whomever it may be, will never be forgotten.
Everytime I read a story about illness, terrorism, or destruction, I will think of those who suffer and try to place myself in their situation even if just for a brief
moment. And then I will say a prayer for their safety and well-being.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
I tried calling my stepmom, and one of my sisters, but couldn't get any information; I knew they were probably at the hospital. I eventually received emails from my stepmom. In the meantime, as well, I called my one sister after she messaged me on the mobile (mobiles are great) and she informed me that Dad is still in the hospital in stable condition. Alhamdulillah.
I felt helpless and very isolated. The physical separation from my family just got an ocean wider.
Alhamdulillah as of this posting my Dad is on the mend and he hopes to be home in a day or so. As soon as the doctor gave the OK, my stepmom made sure my dad was up and walking around the hallways in the hospital. My stepmom and dad are very active individuals who live healthy lifestyles (there's a lot to be said for eating healthy and exercising).
Insha'Allah he will continue to get better.
As I returned to school today with my dad and stepmom on my mind, in my heart, and in my prayers, I noticed that my colleague with whom I share an office was absent. I asked the principal where she was and if she called in. The principal said "Didn't you hear it in the morning staff meeting?" (I didn't because I was busy printing out documents for staff.) "She was injured in the Dahab bombings." What!? Not only was she injured, and requested some time off from school - I mean who wouldn't, but one of her friends was killed by the bombs. This is just getting too much for me to hear. I then found out that a teacher she traveled with was OK, but isn't talking about it.
I'm sure we've all thought that tragedies don't take place in our cities, towns, countries, etc. But this time it hit home. Senseless acts of terrorism are not reported or reported incorrectly, and this was one more act of terrorism, by whomever it may be, will never be forgotten.
Everytime I read a story about illness, terrorism, or destruction, I will think of those who suffer and try to place myself in their situation even if just for a brief
moment. And then I will say a prayer for their safety and well-being.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Saturday, April 29, 2006
The days are definitely getting longer
I found out recently that Egypt changes time one month after the US, both in the spring and in the autumn. Since we changed time last Thursday night (we are now 7 hours ahead of the US), our body clocks are off to say the least.
We are adjusting to the new time change, and luckily we are still on a break from school. We return to school on Tuesday, May 2, and with that, we are all going a bit crazy here at home.
It is getting too hot to go outside during the day - it is currently 95F so we need to keep ourselves busy indoors until sundown.
Mira is bored senseless; she loves school, Alhamdulillah; she thrives on structure. And her friend Jasmine is off to Sharm for a week. Since Mira is bored, I pulled out the big guns to keep her occupied: my scrapbook supplies. Yes, I know, I shouldn't let her use them, but I haven't used them in one year since I've been here and she is thrilled when she is allowed to pick out her own photos to scrapbook. Mostly, she decorates pictures of herself when she was younger (I love watching her build her self-confidence and self-esteem), but once in awhile she includes pictures of Hassan and I when we were first married (she's currently working on one of our wedding photos). I would love to scrapbook, but it is process for me to start working on this craft. First I have to decide what photos to use, then I need to select the theme - yes I am very compulsive in this area. I am the only one I know who puts photos in chronological order.
I am trying to finish a cross-stitch cardinal afghan I started making for Hassan before we were married. It isn't difficult, it's on evenweave fabric, but I became complacent with it and put it down for many years. I'll post a photo when it is finished, which I hope is in the next two weeks. I refuse to start any other stitching project until the cardinal project is completed. After that, I will pick something much easier and quicker to stitch; maybe some guest towels.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
We are adjusting to the new time change, and luckily we are still on a break from school. We return to school on Tuesday, May 2, and with that, we are all going a bit crazy here at home.
It is getting too hot to go outside during the day - it is currently 95F so we need to keep ourselves busy indoors until sundown.
Mira is bored senseless; she loves school, Alhamdulillah; she thrives on structure. And her friend Jasmine is off to Sharm for a week. Since Mira is bored, I pulled out the big guns to keep her occupied: my scrapbook supplies. Yes, I know, I shouldn't let her use them, but I haven't used them in one year since I've been here and she is thrilled when she is allowed to pick out her own photos to scrapbook. Mostly, she decorates pictures of herself when she was younger (I love watching her build her self-confidence and self-esteem), but once in awhile she includes pictures of Hassan and I when we were first married (she's currently working on one of our wedding photos). I would love to scrapbook, but it is process for me to start working on this craft. First I have to decide what photos to use, then I need to select the theme - yes I am very compulsive in this area. I am the only one I know who puts photos in chronological order.
I am trying to finish a cross-stitch cardinal afghan I started making for Hassan before we were married. It isn't difficult, it's on evenweave fabric, but I became complacent with it and put it down for many years. I'll post a photo when it is finished, which I hope is in the next two weeks. I refuse to start any other stitching project until the cardinal project is completed. After that, I will pick something much easier and quicker to stitch; maybe some guest towels.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Friday, April 28, 2006
Living a Super Sized Life
No one can avoid hearing about or reading about the current high cost of oil in the US. It is difficult to believe that the US economy can be so strong that Americans can absorb paying $3.05 for one gallon of gas. I doubt many Americans have down-sized their super-sized vehicles for more energy efficient models, so I presume that gas can cost anywhere from approximately $46.00 on up for one tank full of gas (based on a 15 gallon tank).
Since living here, I have downsized my house, my car, and even myself. It is not out of choice, except for the weight loss, of course, but conforming to the society in which we live. Our home is much smaller than our last home in the US. Our two cars are much smaller than the three cars we owned in the US - and looking back, why, we ask ourselves, did we need three cars? We were just part of the American society that more is better and bigger is definitely better.
Yes, the US is more spacious, the ratio of human population to land mass is quite different than that in Egypt.
There are many things Americans can do right now to stop the price of oil from rising even higher.
First of all, the American media ought not blame OPEC and "the Middle East" for the cost of oil. I read today that ExxonMobil reported a record profit of $8.4 billion in the first quarter of this year alone. There are Republican Congressmen/women who want to let each State determine how to cut the cost of gasoline, and the Democrats want the Federal government to stop charging gasoline taxes for a 60 or 90 day period. These ideas are just band-aids for the larger problem of having oil corporations rake in record profits.
Weren't Americans told that when the US went into Iraq and Saddam was ousted from power that oil prices would fall dramatically because the US would have control of the oil fields? I don't recall anyone talking recently about the oil fields in Iraq. All I can recall is that the oil pipelines were sabotaged by "insurgents" in Iraq and the story ended.
Being a child of the 1970's, remembering the gas lines and only being able to get gas on odd or even days, I fear that those days could be repeated. Yes, there is a strategic reserve, but with one more Act of God such as Hurricane Katrina, there is no avoiding the inevitable.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Since living here, I have downsized my house, my car, and even myself. It is not out of choice, except for the weight loss, of course, but conforming to the society in which we live. Our home is much smaller than our last home in the US. Our two cars are much smaller than the three cars we owned in the US - and looking back, why, we ask ourselves, did we need three cars? We were just part of the American society that more is better and bigger is definitely better.
Yes, the US is more spacious, the ratio of human population to land mass is quite different than that in Egypt.
There are many things Americans can do right now to stop the price of oil from rising even higher.
First of all, the American media ought not blame OPEC and "the Middle East" for the cost of oil. I read today that ExxonMobil reported a record profit of $8.4 billion in the first quarter of this year alone. There are Republican Congressmen/women who want to let each State determine how to cut the cost of gasoline, and the Democrats want the Federal government to stop charging gasoline taxes for a 60 or 90 day period. These ideas are just band-aids for the larger problem of having oil corporations rake in record profits.
Weren't Americans told that when the US went into Iraq and Saddam was ousted from power that oil prices would fall dramatically because the US would have control of the oil fields? I don't recall anyone talking recently about the oil fields in Iraq. All I can recall is that the oil pipelines were sabotaged by "insurgents" in Iraq and the story ended.
Being a child of the 1970's, remembering the gas lines and only being able to get gas on odd or even days, I fear that those days could be repeated. Yes, there is a strategic reserve, but with one more Act of God such as Hurricane Katrina, there is no avoiding the inevitable.
Ma'salaam,
~Marian
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The Mediterranean
We went to Marikiah (pro. Mariah) for a few days with Shabaan, Hayam and their daughters, Maryam (older) and Malak (baby). Uncle Yehia and Aunt Fatma let us use their chalet. It was a nice get away - just long enough. The weather was not warm enough to swim in the sea, but Mira, Maryam, Shabaan and even Malak managed to swim in the pool alongside the sea.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Sunday, April 23, 2006
A Birthday Party - Egyptian Style
Last night we went to a birthday part for Munno - Mira's cousin who just turned 4. It took place at the Cairo University Rowing Club downtown on the Nile. There was a DJ, cartoon characters, and a puppet show for the children. It was a wonderful evening.
Donald Duck kept pulling Hassan to dance, and of course Hassan never turns down an opportunity. I was a little jealous, but after finding out from Uncle Yehia that Donald was a boy, I was ok with it.
Like most Egyptians, Hassan's family always talks about food. There was a huge birthday cake with fondant icing, and little sandwiches served alongside the cake. After everyone ate, we went upstairs on the boat which is stationed on the Nile, and everyone started talking about eating Tammayya or kufta. My stomach was reeling from the cake and I couldn't even stand to think about food. After deciding what to order, it was hot dogs and kufta for all, except me. I don't know how people can eat so much food, especially after such a sugary birthday cake. I always find it amusing how many people say they're hungry after being served food.
This is what memories are made of; and with Hassan's family quickly aging, we need capture all the memories we can.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Hijab
Since we have been in Egypt for one year, I have had many conversations with women and men concerning hijab, and their opinions. I suppose their opinions don't really count; what really counts is what I think and what is the right thing for me to do.
The Quran says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their women. . ." Sura XXIV Aya 31
The aya is vague and referencing how "beauty" and "ornaments" are defined, and by observing women wearing hijab in Egypt, every woman has her own interpretation. Some women believe that full coverage is best -- niqaab, but most believe that hijab is best.
After speaking with many women, and I would say that almost all women in Egypt wear hijab now, they say it is a personal preference. I do not want to be persuaded one way or another -- either to wear hijab or not wear hijab. And this reasoning has left me in limbo. I respect women who decide for themselves whether or not to wear hijab. What I do not agree with is having one person persuade another person to do or not do something (redundant, yes).
An American friend of mine who lives in Alex, moved to Egypt to marry her sweetheart, put on hijab a day after she arrived and has never regretted it since. Actually, I have not heard from any woman who regrets wearing hijab. I hear that women wish they could wear shorts, or short skirts or something like that - but hey, I have only seen one woman in shorts over the past year, and she was British. And her shorts were longer than most skirts in the US - just past the knees (at least as short as skirts were when I was in the US last).
Spouses have a part to play in all of this decision making. While Hassan said it's my decision, he also brings to light the fact that once I put it on it stays on. When a woman wears hijab and then decides to take it off and not wear it anymore, she is asked many questions as to why, what made her decide, etc.
A woman I work with wore hijab before I met her, and no longer wears it. Apparently she was influenced by her father to take off hijab because he told her something to the effect that her wear hijab was preventing her from getting married. I actually didn't hear it from her, but rather second and third-hand so it has to be taken with a grain of salt.
Hassan challenges me each and everytime the topic of conversation arises. He always asks me why. I tell him, it's not because of peer pressure (although at first it was), but because for me personally it holds me more accountable for my actions and my behavior. Then Hassan said it will change me. Well, maybe it will change me, yes, but for the better overall.
I know people will see me differently, but don't they see me differently already? I'm a foreigner in Egypt, not just a foreigner, but an American, who is trying to be a better example of a human being for my family.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
The Quran says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their women. . ." Sura XXIV Aya 31
The aya is vague and referencing how "beauty" and "ornaments" are defined, and by observing women wearing hijab in Egypt, every woman has her own interpretation. Some women believe that full coverage is best -- niqaab, but most believe that hijab is best.
After speaking with many women, and I would say that almost all women in Egypt wear hijab now, they say it is a personal preference. I do not want to be persuaded one way or another -- either to wear hijab or not wear hijab. And this reasoning has left me in limbo. I respect women who decide for themselves whether or not to wear hijab. What I do not agree with is having one person persuade another person to do or not do something (redundant, yes).
An American friend of mine who lives in Alex, moved to Egypt to marry her sweetheart, put on hijab a day after she arrived and has never regretted it since. Actually, I have not heard from any woman who regrets wearing hijab. I hear that women wish they could wear shorts, or short skirts or something like that - but hey, I have only seen one woman in shorts over the past year, and she was British. And her shorts were longer than most skirts in the US - just past the knees (at least as short as skirts were when I was in the US last).
Spouses have a part to play in all of this decision making. While Hassan said it's my decision, he also brings to light the fact that once I put it on it stays on. When a woman wears hijab and then decides to take it off and not wear it anymore, she is asked many questions as to why, what made her decide, etc.
A woman I work with wore hijab before I met her, and no longer wears it. Apparently she was influenced by her father to take off hijab because he told her something to the effect that her wear hijab was preventing her from getting married. I actually didn't hear it from her, but rather second and third-hand so it has to be taken with a grain of salt.
Hassan challenges me each and everytime the topic of conversation arises. He always asks me why. I tell him, it's not because of peer pressure (although at first it was), but because for me personally it holds me more accountable for my actions and my behavior. Then Hassan said it will change me. Well, maybe it will change me, yes, but for the better overall.
I know people will see me differently, but don't they see me differently already? I'm a foreigner in Egypt, not just a foreigner, but an American, who is trying to be a better example of a human being for my family.
Ma'salaam,
Marian
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