Muslim-Christian Unity

Often, our perceptions of a place are shaped by the headlines that make the front pages of the newspapers. While sectarian tensions are on the rise in Egypt, for every conflict that is publicized there are numerous unsung stories of tolerance and living-side-by-side that don't make the headlines.

Following the bombing of the Coptic church Alexandria this past New Years (which initially prompted me to write this blog), many Muslims went to Church with their Coptic friends and either stood outside barricading the church or went inside acting as human shields. In Tahrir Square, Christians stood over their Muslim counterparts defending them as they prayed. This sort of solidarity has a historical precedent in Egypt which should not be ignored as Egypt works now towards constructing a new future for itself, in which religious freedom and minority rights will hopefully be enshrined.

Should I stay or should I go? You decide!

Living in Egypt, you learn to navigate choices. You learn that really, at bottom, there is a choice behind everything we do. In Egypt, the message is somehow more explicit than elsewhere...

A traffic light inside Heliopolis Cairo.
Lighting BOTH red and green at the same time.

The best things in life are free

Today I went shopping, and I went to a fruit and vegetable stand and wanted to pay for a handful of cilantro. The guy kindly laughed and told me I could take it for free (I guess 2 big batches of herbs is sold for about a quarter of a pound). Anyhow, Egypt has overall been a country that has taught me how the best things in life are for free. Not just the thrill of getting a freebee, but somehow a deeper lesson in simplicity that separates monetary value from value.
Despite poverty, despite hardships, the Egyptians laugh and love with such big hearts and compassion, proving that even amongst the poorest people, the greatest light can shine -- with a vitality that can spice up life and color it with fabulous flavors.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Freedom Bus

Get on the bus!





The freedom bus is an initiative started by a friend of mine who was concerned about Egypt's upcoming elections and wanted to do something to improve education about rights. Manned by groups if volunteers, the bus travels around Egypt and delivers educational presentations, videos, role playing, and engages the citizens in the street in informed dialogue about the election process and democratic citizenship.





To learn more or support this incredible initiative, visit the group's Facebook Page for Freedom Bus

Sandal Weather - ALL YEAR ROUND

Fabulous Freedom of Toes

I think the vast majority of Egyptians really don't know how good they have it when it comes to the weather. As a Canadian, I can attest - its "milla/milla" (perfect!).

In Canada, we would LOVE to wear sandals all year round. There are some who even try (nearing the sanity of those who do the Polar Bear Plunge). Unless you are living in Vancouver, then it's really not a good idea; instead of your toes being happy, they will just have frost bite.

In Egypt however, your toes are uber-happy from the royal treatment they receive: fresh air, sun tanning, freedom to move and not be cloistered by socks. Flaunt them with rings, pedicures, lovely leather Egyptian sandals, strappy high heels, you can wear your sandals ALL YEAR ROUND.