In case you didn't know, soccer is the sport of choice for most in the Middle East. I was not particularly fond of the sport prior to my travels here, but it is near impossible to escape the hype once your here for an extended period of time. All that to say I've become quite the fan.
Last night was the much anticipated match between Egypt and Algeria. It was a match of revenge for the unsportsmanlike conduct of the Algerian team towards Egypt in the previous match between the two.
Egypt destroyed Algeria with a final score of 4-0. After that, all of Egypt went into celebration mode. Celebrations in Egypt consist of people from many different walks of life coming together to bang on drums, wave Egyptian flags, sing and chant, dance, paint their faces, block the streets, and light steel wool on fire to make sparklers. It was very cool to be apart of the excitement. However, it can become somewhat of a nuisance to those en route to their home or jobs. I wish I could have taken pictures, but I thought I'd at least describe the evening as best I could.
I begin classes on Sunday and anticipate an exciting and very educational semester on many levels. Thanks for taking the time to read and please feel free to comment!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Smooth Move
Masaa' il-Kheer! (Good Evening)
Today I took the train from Alex to Cairo in order to move into my dorm. When I came here in 2007, I don't remember ever taking the opportunity to really savor the views through the train car window as we made our way down the Nile. The river transforms from a delta, as many of you probably know, to a very big river once you get close to Cairo. I loved watching the children playing soccer in a make-shift soccer field while others tend their fields of rice, citrus orchards, and many different kinds of vegetables. These things are very plentiful in the within the delta.
The move into the dorms was very uneventful, thankfully. In fact, I've already made friends with many students, many of them in similar or the same field of study. We headed to a café and exchanged stories. To top the evening off, we had a wonderful and educational conversation with our cab driver. After, I had to assure my dumbfounded dorm-mates that their comprehension of Egyptian Arabic would eventually improve, slowly but surely. I am just starting to get used to the accent, and I have so far to go.
In case you're wondering, the Egyptian people love Americans and have many good things to say about them. :)
*** in response to one of the questions asked: I'm not sure of the exact percentage of particular nationalities at AUC, but so far I've only met Americans at the dorms. We'll see.
Ma'assalama
Today I took the train from Alex to Cairo in order to move into my dorm. When I came here in 2007, I don't remember ever taking the opportunity to really savor the views through the train car window as we made our way down the Nile. The river transforms from a delta, as many of you probably know, to a very big river once you get close to Cairo. I loved watching the children playing soccer in a make-shift soccer field while others tend their fields of rice, citrus orchards, and many different kinds of vegetables. These things are very plentiful in the within the delta.
The move into the dorms was very uneventful, thankfully. In fact, I've already made friends with many students, many of them in similar or the same field of study. We headed to a café and exchanged stories. To top the evening off, we had a wonderful and educational conversation with our cab driver. After, I had to assure my dumbfounded dorm-mates that their comprehension of Egyptian Arabic would eventually improve, slowly but surely. I am just starting to get used to the accent, and I have so far to go.
In case you're wondering, the Egyptian people love Americans and have many good things to say about them. :)
*** in response to one of the questions asked: I'm not sure of the exact percentage of particular nationalities at AUC, but so far I've only met Americans at the dorms. We'll see.
Ma'assalama
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Arrival
Well, the long anticipated transition from America to Egypt has officially arrived. The flight over did not incur very much obstacles with the exception of an unappreciated checking of one of my carry-ons. I'm just thankful that I made my guitar my first priority in finding a spot on the crowded Delta flight.
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by two amazing friends of mine who took the two hour train ride from Alexandria to Cairo so I didn't have to make my way on my own. I have been spending the last few days in Alex(andria) with amazing friends, slightly chilly weather, and pleasantly less-crowded atmosphere; ingredients for a smooth transition into my new life here.
Tomorrow I depart for Cairo where I will move into the AUC dorms and hopefully meet my roommate(s). Then, I have a long week ahead of me, full of orientation, advising, registration, placement tests, and adjusting to the more chaotic but exciting environment of Cairo.
I hope to update you all often, however I anticipate a very challenging semester. Until then, Ma'assalaama. (Goodbye in Arabic)
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by two amazing friends of mine who took the two hour train ride from Alexandria to Cairo so I didn't have to make my way on my own. I have been spending the last few days in Alex(andria) with amazing friends, slightly chilly weather, and pleasantly less-crowded atmosphere; ingredients for a smooth transition into my new life here.
Tomorrow I depart for Cairo where I will move into the AUC dorms and hopefully meet my roommate(s). Then, I have a long week ahead of me, full of orientation, advising, registration, placement tests, and adjusting to the more chaotic but exciting environment of Cairo.
I hope to update you all often, however I anticipate a very challenging semester. Until then, Ma'assalaama. (Goodbye in Arabic)
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