Islamic Cairo

It is hard to believe but I am starting to grasp the tiniest bit of Arabic.  It has been extremely helpful and I am planning on getting an Arabic workbook to continue learning more.  However, the past 2 days have been easter holidays- who woulda thought?- so I have been slacking off on my development.  Everything is still going well- especially now that I am over my Egyptian tummy.  I must admit my face in the toilet of this hostel was not pleasant- but it could have been worse.  Just a short episode and I am good as new for a while ensha allah- god willing :)  I have spent more time touring the city the past 3 days, mainly in Islamic Cairo aka Old Cairo.  I attended a free performance of Sufi musicians and dancers.  I was blown away.  The musical talent was insane and the dancing was hypnotic.  The best thing I have done in Egypt so far.  I thought I had filmed a few minutes to post but apparently I can't work that function of my camera yet ;)  I saw a few more sights in the area too, below are some pics.  I have finally committed to leaving Egypt for a few weeks.  On May 2 I will fly to Amman and visit the sights in Jordan, head over to Israel and Palestine, then fly back to Cairo.

I have been wanting to give a breif update on the political vibe in Egypt for a while but obviously hadn't gotten around to it.  It appears the people of Egypt have won their battle now that the most corrupt have been put in jail including Mumbaric and his family.  If the stolen money is ever returned I think the people here will have a party like no other.  In the meantime, Egypt is exploding with ideas of how the New Egypt should look.  People have such enthusiasm for the future and take great pride in themselves for creating this opportunity.  "It's the revolution baby!" my Egyptian friend Gaser tells me time and time again...
 
On a serious note, the events in Syria are painfully real over here.  I meet people all the time from Syria who tell me about their past, the present and their hopes for the future.  I can't imagine having to fight so hard for basic rights and freedoms.  Egyptians believe the Syrians can do what they did.  I hope so, and I hope it happens soon.  Please do what you can to support the Syrian people in their protest for change.  I know it seems a world away but it is so important.

I hope all is well with each and every one of you.  Thinking of home but happy abroad,

Carrie