History in the making...

This is something I wrote yesterday but could not post due to internet problems. Enjoy.

It is 5am and I am returning to the hostel.  Because there is curfew between 2am and 5am waiting until 5am is the smarter option.  Unexpectedly, there is a military blockade preventing my friend from driving directly to the hostel which is steps away from Tahrir Square.  As we drive around the back we see multiple army trucks, the army on the street and protestors in the street.  When we arrive at the entrance to the hostel the door is closed with a chain around it which is unusual (security lets me in).  In my room I listen to alot of commotion on the street below before falling asleep... 

Earlier that day I attended the protest in Tahrir Square which had been planned for a number of days.  I was accompanied by my friend Ayman and was able to learn the purpose of the demonstration.  The protest was large- apparently nothing compared to The Revolution- but tens of thousands of people were there showing outrage for the current situation.  Here are the problems as I understand them:

·    Mumbark has commited a terrible crime against his people including years of corruption and the recent murders of innocent civilians.  The demonstration was filled with pictures of family and friends who were killed in The Revolution, people who were injured and lives forever changed.  Egyptians want justice brought to the ousted president who now hides in Sharm El Sheik.

·    Egyptians want real change to the constitution and sweeping change to the people who are in the government.  The previous referendum was a joke- not for real change only for superficial appeasement.  But the Egyptians are far too intelligent and they have a momentum of patriotism in their favour to create a New Egypt.

·    The protestors are saying if there is no move to meet their requests this week they will hold another demonstration on Friday April 15.  At that point the people will stay and protest until they get what they want.

Listening to the Egyptians and seeing the demonstration first hand I am truly inspired.  Here are real people who want to see great things for their country and all others who are in a similar state of oppression.  Amoungst the huundreds of Egyptian flags are also Palestinian flags and Lybian flags.  The demonstration is peaceful but very energetic.  I am moved by their passion and determination- never before have I experienced anything like it.  What you see on TV and read in the newspaper could never do justice to the real thing...   

As I write this I learn that people were killed and injured during the night.  It is a sad day and the hope I felt yesterday is replaced by fear that the current regime will use violence instead of diplomacy. Many of you are reading this in Canada.  I encourage you to join demonstrations and speak up about what is happening in Egypt, Africa and the middle east.  It may seem a world away but the people here are no different than you or I.  

I will be in Cairo at least another week.  I now have a mobile (thanks Ayman!) so if you feel like calling please do:  002-017-593-8501.  Also, check out the link below as well as some random pics.  Thinking of home but happily abroad,

Carrie   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=EG&v=3AXZ8dFvkFk