Nothing Says Date Night Like a 3D Ride to Hell

Such was the advertisement for a movie here in Egypt.

But on to more important matters, our school was shut down a week ago do to H1N1 cases that arose in our student body. We are scheduled to go back to school on Thursday of this week, but there are still rumors floating around that perhaps we will not go back until after Eid el Adha. Speculation also suggests that schools throughout Egypt may be closed for 2nd term, so, December and January. We are all in the ever continuous waiting game that seems to be the nature of life here.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my mother and two aunts in the coming weeks. I'm particularly excited that they will be here for Eid.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me living here in Egypt, is the rhythm and breath with which things move when a society largely believes in and lives their religion together. There is a pulse, a beat, a unity. The call to prayer is music played on heartstrings. The assembly of men standing and kneeling, standing and kneeling, is pure movement, connected and bound in brotherhood. The kindness and hospitality of women, swept up in the Higab like a crown upon their heads, is pure religion.

I never commented on the month of Ramadan. I'd like to do so now. I think that in years to come, when I am back in the States living the life of a typical American, when I recall my time in Egypt, specifically the month of Ramadan, I will smell dates in date trees and the flowers still blooming in El Rehab. I will hear the stillness of the evening as entire families have sat down at their tables to share a meal. There aren't cars on the streets honking in familiar patterns of communication, there isn't the sound of conversations amongst businessmen, or young teens and adults socializing on the streets. No, there is a stillness as the sun descends, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware again dishes inside homes. The sun continues its decline, the calmness of the evening sets upon me as a physical comfort, and the colors and shapes of the Ramadan lamps light our world. It is a beautiful time.

A final comment for my roommates. Chan, you are much more than my roommate from England. :) You are my friend. A best friend at that. love you!