It's been a long time

So I don't know who reads this any more due to my lack of maintence. I was getting a bit down on writing things because...well sitting in one place doesn't provide a lot of things to write about...until recently. A few weeks back, as i mentioned, I went to Amsterdam after dealing with the wonderful people at Egypt Air and the Cairo airport. Day two was sucsessful and I met up with my parents at the airport. It was so good to see them after being away for 7 months or so. We enjoyed our time quite a bit. We had a good dinner the first night and then the second day I tried to find them at a flower park which was huge! Finding Older people at a Older people tourist attraction is like finding a flower with four pedals instead of five amongst 1000 flowers with five pedals. But alas...we found each other and enjoyed the day together looking at flowers and eating soup. I actually liked taking pictures of the flowers and landscapes. It was quite different from the rugged terrain of the desert.

I then met up with My sister There and her partner Jen while my parents finished their cruise. We did quite a bit of shopping and seeing the more urban side of Amsterdam. I really enjoyed their company as well. We said goodbye to the folks at the airport and then ate lots of frites and watched wolverine and had some real nice north African food. We also stayed in the original Harlem which was pretty cool as well. I realized that I must be Dutch somewhere in the blood line because everyone thought I was dutch and automatically spoke to me in the language. We took a tour of the red light district as well which I have to say is a really strange thing after being in Muslim countries for the past half of the year. I couldn't figure out whether to be happy that the women were in safer environments or be upset that prostitution exists at all. Ah well..I made it through all the pot smoke and peep shows and moved on to part two of my European side trip.

I hadn't told many people...but I met someone back in early February. Her name is Shaista. She currently lives in Sweden. She's Pakastani, speaks perfect American English, teaches, has a degree in Comparative religions and is very active in the Swedish community in dealing with interactions and awareness of the Islamic community. Man what a score! So as things move very quickly in Islam I decided to visit her in Sweden since I would be pretty close in Amsterdam. I should say more like visit her family as they have the biggest say so ... after her of course. But if Mom and Dad don't like you...it's a no go. Her brother and I hit it off well as we are both into music and such. And So did Shasita and I for that matter. That was the first time we actually saw each other. Things are done so differently in Islamic culture compared to the West. I am confident in how they are done now that i have been around the religion and culutre so much but it really is hard for the western mind to wrap around commiting yourself to some one you don't really know. I was so used to dating and the long process it takes for two people to be ready to commit to each other. But it doesn't work that way in Islam. Sure you'll find the spectrum of people and how they go about their lives but most Muslim sisters I know don't want to mess around with the potential for heart break. It can be a loaded gun as the man isn't always the dream the women thought he was going to be. But what I've found is that what Muslim sisters want most is commitment...and I think any woman really. Not just commitment but loyalty and devotion in the worldly sense of the word. To make a long story short...you all are invited to the wedding : )

Talk about a life changing journey huh?

blllaaaahhhhahaaarrrrggghhhh!!!!!!

In case you were wondering, this is the written form of the sound of frustration. Indeed frustration has set in today in dealing with the wonderful "system" that is the Cairiean airport and Egypt Air. But I suppose frustration is a good thing in this case because it got me off my butt to write this blog entery.

So I was headed to Amsterdam today to visit with my parents for a few days and then my sister Therese after that. I get to the airport this morning after the usual haggle with the cab driver and am welcomed by a swarming airport that has no apparent system whatso ever. There are a few different security entery points and screens to tell you which flights are to which entery point. Amsterdam was not on there. So I just entered after some Egyptian lady brought me to the front of the line just to as for a tip. I went through security and then saw the madness wich is the line for Egypt Air...ok no problem. Then I hear a man yelling Amsterdam. Ok so I follow him to the check out desk to spped things up. Apparently I didn't have my ever important e-ticket # which is different than a confirmation #. "Go to desk 23 and get your number and then come back." Fine. Desk 23: "YOur ticket has been voided" WHAT? "Voided" It was voided right after the purchase. I searched what's left of my brain these days and couldn't remember reading or recieving anyemail describing this event...and i just checked last night! He says to go to the Egypt Air Ticket agency tantalizingly placed on the other side of the security points to talk to them about getting a new ticket for the flight but to hurry! I go to the security entrance nearest to the office and the officer says "go to gate one to exit" There are only entrances and no exits. I had this problem in Jordan when I entered the wrond terminal by mistake...they have t clear you to leave and all this garbage. Ok I went to gate one. "Talk to the main officer" Talked to the main officer. "You must have an Egypt Air employee with you." Back to desk #23 I need someone to help me leave i plead. He said ok but buy now the check in was closing. Why he didn't get some one to exit with me the first time? The System. So this guy leads us out through two more security checkpoints...both insited on seeing the passport...and then through customs...yes customs, to the outside just to have to walk around the buliding to the main entrance and then all the way to the office.

In the office: I asked the woman about my situation. She said " oh but you are confirmed!" WHAT?! "Oh but you've been voided" Oh ok. How? "Maybe in the computer or something." Ah yes...ok. She was nice though and got me a new ticket and told me t rush. So I rushed. Through security...through the lines to the counter. Amsterdam! I yell. You have to yell in Egypt to get anyone to notice you...it is quite regular. "When does it leave," he says to his partner. He tells me to wait in the line. Line is taking way to long. Amsterdam! I yell. I'm sorry sir Amsterdam is closed now...there is a half hour till the departure. I was dizzy by this point with anxitey. Back to desk 23. "I told you it was closed" But she said....ah nevermind any flights open today. Not today....another day. "Talk to the Office again" Yeah right ok...On the way out the gaurds made fun of me because I knew the "system" of exiting.

BAck in the office: "Did you tell him your story?" It's closed story or not. Can I go tommorow "Oh yeah sure but it will be 890 egyptian pounds more beacuse the 2nd class is full." But I didn't caus any of this! Oh yeah I forgot to tell you...It's no one's fault but yours in Egypt. I then checked with other airlines but no flights today...so i went with the 890 pound upgrade.

I had bargined hard for a bag in the Egyptian market. I was real proud of the bargining skills. Yeah it broke today amongst the madness...just one of those days. Al humdulillah.

gettin hot here!

summer is upon is in Egypt and here it all the way into April! For this entry I'll let you have a peek into my personal journal:

April 6 2009

I am still in Sairo. I have been presented with both the thought and oppurtunity to work here which is somewhat appealing. the most appealing part right now is living in a Muslim land and learning Arabic continously. There is still a lot left to be desired in Cairo however.

I had some nice experiences yesterday which once again revived my drive to continue this trip. A friend of Jamie's who owns a store is deaf or just mute (I couldn't tell) and has to be one of the most loving creatures. He was using his hands to tell a story that had to do with Sadam Hussien I believe. What a feeling...I can understand Arabic and yet here he was communicating in a completly different means. He wouldn't take our money for some bottles of water either. These types of experiences revive my love for humanity espically after the friday prayer.

We (all the students) gathered in front of the center after the prayer and a bit of lunch for a visitation to many of the graves of the great Awliya (saints if you will) in Cairo. It was very nice to be with the brothers and sisters outside of class and all of us with the intection to visit the various holy sights. We visited names like Suyuti and Ibn Atta Allah. It was so nice to be with my teacher Sayeed in his full Sufi form. (He keeps it hidden a bit in the center : )) After leaving Ibn Atta Allah's grave we came across a game of soccer in the street and we ended up running over the ball with our van! We were all very sad so I told the driver to stop and I ran out to give the boys money for a new ball, but they wouldn't take it. I'm not sure if it was good manners or pride, but I lean toward the first...I was astonished they refused since it was a very poor part of town.

So that wraps up this entry...more to come!

Ping Pong!

So I found something to distract me from learnig arabic...ping pong! One of my roommates bought a set we set up on the kitchen table and our syrian roommate who is a very serious student turns out to be a competitive monster! Well, the good kind of monster but he is totally addicted to ping pong and the ball hitting the table can be heard late into the night. We also have a rice or grean bean in play rule...if the ball hits a grain of rice or a green bean it is still in play! Quite frustrating if your side of the table had the messy eaters for dinner.

We've also been getting out of the nieghborhood for friday prayers and that has been enjoyable as well. I bought a camera last week and so I'm looking forward to getting back to taking pics again.

Still having a bit of anxiety about continuing the trip but I have gone into planning mode and and am preparing to push off in a month or so...looking forward to India and malasia espically! But Thursday nights help with the anxiety because all of the american brothers get together and eat together and then play basketball. It is a nice touch of home. But I have made a lot of good friends here and at the language center so I am not looking forward to breaking away from them but...the show must go on. But a few more thursdays first!

Stuck between a rock and a loud place

So I have some decsion making to do. I'n trying to decide if I want to go to Jerusalem next weekend and risk the Isralie stamp which would block me from visiting other places in the Middle East. I'm also trying to decide whether or not to go to Yemen next or later in the summer when there is a gathering which includes a lot of western Muslims learnig about sufism. But it is a forty day deal and that would put me into august...Ramadaan will be starting up in the end of August and it is really hard to travel and fast. So...I'm not sure. I'm looking forward to seeing India and the rest of the east but it is a bit intimidating because of the language thing once again and I'll have to go back to my akwardness of calling strangers for help and...well I'm just tired of that. But once again, the benifits of seeing these places while I am so close is winning right now. I'm in the middle now and I have to go one way or the other to get home....might as well see some new stuff is my thinking!

I had an experience in the cab the other night that reinstated my faith in people and the reasons for visiting places like this. The driver was an old man...hard of hearing. I bargined hard but felt bad because he didn't seem like he was hustling but needed the money more. When he found out that me and my friend were American Muslims he almost crashed the car in delight! ok...that was a bit scary but the beam in his grin was all worth it. He wished on me 10 babies! Wow...what a gift! ha ha ha. But he was so nice and sweet I gave him some extra money and left the cab feeling really good about meeting him as he drove off hanging out of the window (not watching in front of him) yelling his salaams and well wishes half way down the road. He would have givin us the ride for free I am quite sure...but I insited he took more than the fare.

My Egyptian friend Muhammed has invited me back to his home as well to visit with his kids who call me uncle! Home cooked meals and good family fun...I need to get married soon ha ha ha. But not with 10 babies.

So admist the horns honking, stomach ills, sinus issues, arabic struggles and planning anxiety I find myself still enjoying the whole experience so far...that's a good sign.

The stomach chronicles

Well folks, I have officially turned 32 in Cairo the other day. I went to watch a movie and get a burger from "Fudruckers" in reemberence of the day. It was nice. There is a really big, craziely over the top mall here called city stars. It really puts most of the US malls to shame if you are into the over the top materielest thing. But still it is a sniff of home and I couldn't help enjoy the familiarity of it all even if the clothes are way more expensive than our US ccounterparts. I have been pretty busy with school and extra curricular classes that I have even been to tired to focus on planning the next part of the trip. I still have doubts about continuing on but moreso because of the unfamiliarity of the eastern half of the world. And I will have to go back to calling people I don't know and being in unfamilar places everyday....but i do know the benifit of this so...

But first thing first...I have to heal my stomach. It has been messed up for about a month now...which I am glad in a way, that it waited until I am settled a bit. But yeah uncomfortable. I went to the doctors the other night but nto with out pulling a popular Thomas move and going all the way in just to turn around and leave because I just didn't want to go to the doctor. But it was al good and I have some meds...so I hope this clears up soon. I have to stay away from junk food though : (

Stuffed to the brim!

So I just left the downstairs neighbors house who stuffed my flatmates and I clear to the top! Homemade Egyptian food is the bomb! (good stuff: )) In fact I hadn't had any yet and it reminded me of Turkey which was a month and a half ago now. Where does the time go?!? I went to the Pharm. and got some meds I don't know...but I took them and the tummy is a bit better now. Just in time for the feast! Still digesting funny but there are doctors who specialize in stomach stuff right around the corner. I still can't believe that the meds were only 30cents! It is amazing.

I realized that I am very homesick these last few days but after seeing everyone...I don't know what I would be doing so I am content with studying Arabic. By the way the craziest product I have ever seen belongs to the Egyptians...or Arabs in general. "Be White" It is a cream that acctually lightens the skin! The picture is of a woman with olive skin and then an after pic with white skin! SubhanAllah! Very sad. There are these guys that come around the neighborhood and yell "bakiya" out really loud all the time too. They pick up recycles (anything including a kitchen sink) and the cotton candy man has an air horn and the gas can guys bang on the empty tanks. My point...Cairo can never and should never be called a quite place! ha ha.

Still haven't made around Egypt very much...I think I need to at some point...I am also having troubles deciding when to push off. I think I know that the middle east section of my journey is coming to a close (at some point) and therefor don't really want to leave yet. I'm quite sure I'll enjoy the rest but...I really do like it here.

ugggghhhh my stomach

Hello all,

So I lost my camera if I didn't tell you last time and am still sad about losing the pictures to Jordan and the originals to Turkey. But what can you do? Cairo has been great though. I have caught up with old friends made lots of new ones and have had a chance to settle in for a bit a study arabic again. It is nice to have a schedule again, and cook at home and such. But for the last few days my stomach has been ginving me problems and I will either go to the doctor tomorrow or starting taking cipiro! Ahhhh Cairo you get me every time! 6 months and no problems until now, that is tough to swallow but all is well give thanks.

My flatmates are fun...two pakistani guys from Canada and a Chinese American guy...and we just took on a Syrian guy who has memorized the entire Quran and is heping us by teaching us the reules of reading properly! The neighborhood is nice, a bit out of the cnter of Cairo so traffic is AS bad but it always is bad in Cairo. I've made friends with the entire neighborhood which I always tend to do and am feeling a bit at home.

I have been contemplating the next moves of this journey...I am a bit tired of traveling but am not ready to go home yet as I really do like living in the middle east. I'll stay here for another month god willing and then decide. I might move through the east fairly quickly but there are some things happening in these parts in the summer I would like to attend so we will see.

I really am happy though...this whole process has been amazing. I am studying arabic 5 hours a day in the classroom as well as studying varied religious subjects on the side. I haven't been doing a lot of traveling within Egypt because I have been here before but I did make it to Alexandria with my friend from Seattle which was nice. Like I said...it is nice to come bace to the same bed every night after six months of moving around!

The drivers in Cairo have to be the craziest ever! I have almost been hit many a times while walking and have almost been in a few accidents in the taxis as well. I literally say prayers while I walk!!! ha ha. Well I am off for now. But will start cheking in more often.

King Tom uncommon is back!

Well I am back in Cairo now...with dissapointing news. I lost my camera! All the Jordan and Turkey pics are gone! Ouch! But whatever it really doesnt mean anything all said and done. My perspective on life has already changed soooo much.

I have settled into Cairo once again and am studying Arabic here as well as living in an apartment with some cool guys and visiting griends from the past trip here. It is a great place but very large and lots of traffic. My stomach is well accostumed to many kinds of microbes by now so the battle with the street meat is being won by me!

I traveled to Alexandria with my friend from UW and his family and that was quite a nice trip. We also met a really nice young guy stuyding at Al Azhar and we have been touring around quite a bit...visiting the graves of Imam Shaffi and others.

I am going to keep this one short as quite catch up and then write a bit more about my thought about being six months into this crazy thing tommorow inshAllah!

Indiana Bones and the Fast Crusade

Petra was a highlight of my entire trip. I have always wanted to see this place since I was a kid watching Indie try to get the Grail! And now I ve seen it! It was amazing. I spent an evening and a full morning hiking around the whole canyon which is much more than just the Treasury buliding. I met the leader of a mosque in the town of Wadi Musa and it just so happened that his brother worked at the entrance to the park and got me in for free both days! I sat and had tea with him in the morning and then headed back off into the park just after sunrise and hiked to comanding views of the whole area. I also stopped and had tea with some Bedouins who were trying to sell the tea but I didnt have change so they gave it to me anyway...and then I gave them ten dollars because they were just too nice. Then around the bend was a little girl who was selling trinkits who at age 6 or so had amazing selling techniques. She also made tea in a cave and managed to sell me a rusty spoon from "nabatean" times for another ten dollars. THese things were only a gew dinars/dollars or so but I gave them gifts because not many tourists make it out that way...it was well off the beaten path. I loved the time to be in nature by my self. I like to share experiences with people but nature is one place I like to be alone. It was a recharging experience.
At the same time I heard angry speeches in the mosques...it is not that they were bad but people are fed up with the situation in Gaza. Everywhere the TV is showing the carnage and I had a few tear a few times. It is very difficult being so close to the disaster which is taking place in Palestine. I pray that ends soon...like now.
On the way back to Amman I made freinds with a buch of studnets on the minibus which was a good time. It made the three hours go by faster. Then that was followed by the craziest cab driver ever! Not in driving skills just in bat shit crazy! This guy was wild. He was saying...in very fast colliquial arabic...that he loves Bush because with high fuel prices he gets more customers because they don't want to drive! He was also saying let the Palestinans die...he was plain crazy...at least I hope so. I was glad to get out needless to say.
I have been laying low in Jordan and resting alot. I'm excited for Egypt on Sunday and seeing my friends from back in the day and from UW. People are blown away by this trip and quite frankly so am I. almost 6 months now! Pics coming soon from JOrdan on Facebook.

Jordan almonds

So I hae since moved on to jordan and back into the middle east. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand I feel very comfortable in these countries...espcially this one for some reason. I like speaking arabic and I am familar with the food etc. On the other hand the situation in Gaza makes being so close to Palestine very tough. A day doesn't go by with our getting a lump in my throught. I hate the thought of war and people dying for silly reasons and the thought is inescapable here. But rightfully so. Life isn't all Turkish house and meal to fill your belly is it. The media here does what it does best and innindates you with images at every chance...but I can't help to have much sympathy for all of the innocent people who are dying because of military prowess. If militaries fought militaries...this would be different but it is not the case.

i took a visit around to some places and visited some of the companions of the prophet Muhammed (pbuh) grave sights and at one point was able to look straight into the West Bank. On another day we were at the dead sea and once again was hit with the fact that Palestine whas just Kilometers away. I felt excitment on one hand and then the crushing pain of reality on the other that just south of us there was termoil and death. Quite a juxtaposition. This did not deter our plans however. Us being me and two pakastani brothers I met at the guest house of Sheikh Nuh's Zawia. They were great...from the UK ...one of them had planned a tour to Syria and was now doing research for a posible tour to Jordan. It was nice to visit these places with knowledgeable lads and it was nice to hae the company as well. We visited many graves in two days as well as the supposed tombs of the prophets Joshua, Shuyab and Noah (pbut). We topped the trip off with a visit to these wonderful hot springs under waterfalls in the middle of a desert canyon! Nice way to relax the mind.

amman is very relaxed to me. I love the company here at the zawia and being around Sufis again is very nice. The quality of education here is top notch. The city itself is not extremely exciting but it seems like a decent place to live. The people at the zawia all dress ery traditional and so the driver did not recognize me when I got off of the plane in my western clothes.

The land is very beautiful in a desert fashion and I hope to head off to Petra tommorw and wee the famous rock dwellings from Indiana Jones and the last crusade. Looking forward to that. Other than that I am taking it easy a bit and eating lots of delicious shwarma! Missing all of you.

End of the Turkish road

The last week in Istanbul and Ankara went very smoothly. I arrived back at the dorms in Istanbul, and one thing I loved about these places was that I had many press confrences! Meaning, all these young guys gater around me and a translator and I re tell the same stories oer and over! I love it. I felt like a super star ha ha. The program continued and the people I was with, espically my shining star Utku planned trips to the topkopi palace and other places including more pleaples house and thier food! I gained some necessary pounds in turkey. (I'm afraid they are already gone though.) I also made it back to Ankara to say goodbye to my many new friends there and was welcomed by snow. It was cold! but I have to say that it was nice to get a proper winter. I have never met such warm and wonderful people before in my life. It took me years to gather friends like these and now I gained at least a hanful if not two more in one month! I'm am going to miss Turkey for the rest of this journey and until I return I am quite sure.