Growing and learning
I haven't blogged in forever... in web format, that is. I moved my journaling to the older, more traditional pen and paper format where scratch outs denote brain farts and a change from block letters to script signify an intensified passion for the subject at hand. Interestingly enough, I felt the need to come back to this web-based thing and write on here as well - if not to double divulge, then to catch up on the lives of my blog-friends whose writing have inspired me over the years. So here it goes:
Egypt was inspirational. Men are affectionate to one another openly but never a woman (in public). You can find two Egyptian men holding hands as they walk the strip, or even sit on one another's laps if only one seat is available. Blew my mind yet intrigued me nonetheless. Tons of cars but no very few traffic lights. You can only imagine what midday traffic looks like. A traffic cop stands front and center and lets the pressure honks of traffic dictate which lane will progress through a busy intersection. I got over this quickly, especially not having seen one wreck the entire time. Still, I was unnerved every time cars passed to the left or right of one another. They haven't quite captured the concept of using headlights to see as opposed to warning oncoming motorists of a change in driving. Of course the women were covered, unless they chose not to follow this tradition. Most fairly stylish, matching their gahabeya with a neat sweater or trendy shoes. They walk behind the men, carrying the kids and laundry and burdens of life.
The sites were absolutely amazing. The pyramids are only a wonder if viewed up close an personal. Every previous picture I had seen did an injustice to the magnificence of the pyramids. The tombs and catacombs were beautiful, intelligently built structures that induced bouts of claustrophobia and nausea. Pharoahs built them with the intention of their secrecy being withheld generations after their transfer into the after life. 1 ton blocks set atop one another by people who had no internet, complex machinery or electricity for that matter. And New Orleans still doesn't have adequate levees.
I ate kofta, and shish taouk, tahini and tabhoola. Drank Sakkara beer and freshly produced strawberry juice. All were light and filling, yet rich and tasty. We snorkeled, dived into the Red Sea, and hassled merchants in the local markets. The pinnacle of the trip was our ascent to the top of Mt. Sinai - an experience that was spiritually connective, painful, delightful and mystic. I have never convinced myself of my ability to survive more in any other situation. I was my own coach, my own motivator and the athlete who had to complete 3750 steps to the top. And I did it! The 30 degree air was refreshing and tasted of pure victory.
I take back so much from Egypt. A new set of traveling buddies, friends from all around the world, and experiences that little black boys are only supposed to witness on television. Boy, am I blessed.
Next on the radar - Japan and Germany this summer. BOLO BOLO - Joh has officially become international.
Egypt was inspirational. Men are affectionate to one another openly but never a woman (in public). You can find two Egyptian men holding hands as they walk the strip, or even sit on one another's laps if only one seat is available. Blew my mind yet intrigued me nonetheless. Tons of cars but no very few traffic lights. You can only imagine what midday traffic looks like. A traffic cop stands front and center and lets the pressure honks of traffic dictate which lane will progress through a busy intersection. I got over this quickly, especially not having seen one wreck the entire time. Still, I was unnerved every time cars passed to the left or right of one another. They haven't quite captured the concept of using headlights to see as opposed to warning oncoming motorists of a change in driving. Of course the women were covered, unless they chose not to follow this tradition. Most fairly stylish, matching their gahabeya with a neat sweater or trendy shoes. They walk behind the men, carrying the kids and laundry and burdens of life.
The sites were absolutely amazing. The pyramids are only a wonder if viewed up close an personal. Every previous picture I had seen did an injustice to the magnificence of the pyramids. The tombs and catacombs were beautiful, intelligently built structures that induced bouts of claustrophobia and nausea. Pharoahs built them with the intention of their secrecy being withheld generations after their transfer into the after life. 1 ton blocks set atop one another by people who had no internet, complex machinery or electricity for that matter. And New Orleans still doesn't have adequate levees.
I ate kofta, and shish taouk, tahini and tabhoola. Drank Sakkara beer and freshly produced strawberry juice. All were light and filling, yet rich and tasty. We snorkeled, dived into the Red Sea, and hassled merchants in the local markets. The pinnacle of the trip was our ascent to the top of Mt. Sinai - an experience that was spiritually connective, painful, delightful and mystic. I have never convinced myself of my ability to survive more in any other situation. I was my own coach, my own motivator and the athlete who had to complete 3750 steps to the top. And I did it! The 30 degree air was refreshing and tasted of pure victory.
I take back so much from Egypt. A new set of traveling buddies, friends from all around the world, and experiences that little black boys are only supposed to witness on television. Boy, am I blessed.
Next on the radar - Japan and Germany this summer. BOLO BOLO - Joh has officially become international.