No surprise that we failed at the daily postings of small stories. Not all our fault, as James' computer has been breaking up with us (or more accurately just breaking). Evidently, we'll be computer shopping once we get back stateside.
No one but Morgan appreciated our witty post? We won't bother with such banter next time. But, to continue with stories from Egypt. Other highlights include finally finding a practical use for James' beard. James was repeatedly mistaken for an Egyptian-American that had come home after the revolution. It was actually a pleasant surprise as the locals paid far less attention to us for that reason, and whatever attention we did get, was about the revolution. Our theory is that tourism has not really rebounded (remember that empty picture?), and so the locals weren't overly bitter about their city being overtaken by foreigners. Either way, we had a lot of fun interactions with the Egyptians on the street. One particular highlight about this was at the Alexandria Library. We were just wandering around inside admiring the beauty of modern and warmth the library has (sorry no inside pictures - camera's weren't allowed) and three University students came up to us to welcome us to Egypt. In the end, we found out they are studying to become tour guides and offered to write our names in Hieroglyphics. It was utterly adorable scenario as they had only learned a bit, and it took serious debate amongst them to decide on how to write them. The best part, was after they finished, we thanked them, and walked away, they found us again to change one of the symbols, twice!
The weather has finally turned nice here - allowing us plenty of sunshine to go hiking and exploring the island. Our plan for tomorrow is to rent bikes to try and cover more area without a car. Plus I think mother is finally running out for household projects for us! :)
No one but Morgan appreciated our witty post? We won't bother with such banter next time. But, to continue with stories from Egypt. Other highlights include finally finding a practical use for James' beard. James was repeatedly mistaken for an Egyptian-American that had come home after the revolution. It was actually a pleasant surprise as the locals paid far less attention to us for that reason, and whatever attention we did get, was about the revolution. Our theory is that tourism has not really rebounded (remember that empty picture?), and so the locals weren't overly bitter about their city being overtaken by foreigners. Either way, we had a lot of fun interactions with the Egyptians on the street. One particular highlight about this was at the Alexandria Library. We were just wandering around inside admiring the beauty of modern and warmth the library has (sorry no inside pictures - camera's weren't allowed) and three University students came up to us to welcome us to Egypt. In the end, we found out they are studying to become tour guides and offered to write our names in Hieroglyphics. It was utterly adorable scenario as they had only learned a bit, and it took serious debate amongst them to decide on how to write them. The best part, was after they finished, we thanked them, and walked away, they found us again to change one of the symbols, twice!
The weather has finally turned nice here - allowing us plenty of sunshine to go hiking and exploring the island. Our plan for tomorrow is to rent bikes to try and cover more area without a car. Plus I think mother is finally running out for household projects for us! :)
I absolutely love the Heiroglyphics story! You know how much I adore linguistic encounters. Egypt sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteYour description and photos of Egypt reminds me of how I felt about Budapest. I was there in a whirlwind of a long weekend trip, but wish I could have lingered and explored the city(ies) for far longer. Budapest seemed like the most interesting mishmash of east and west, where I spoke only the second-most common language. Its neighborhoods struck me by turns very modest with roughness around the edges and very extravagant, with glorious parks, churches, and opulent architecture.
I can't wait to hear more in person!
Hahaha, that's funny. Sorry, I kept checking every day for a new post and didn't see one so I stopped looking and then you posted like 5 so sorry I didn't comment on the witty banter....please please continue the witty banter!! :)
ReplyDeleteI demand the witty banter continue or I'll stop reading...okay maybe I won't stop reading but I'll stop commenting...okay maybe I won't stop commenting but I'll just do it with a pouty face.
ReplyDelete