Jet lagged bodies and eyes are suddenly awakened through the comfort of familiarity. Traffic that would send many in the west into fits of frustration over “inefficiency”, crowds of people, and the sun and pollution hanging heavy over the city of Cairo have instead sent us into a state of contentment in that which is familiar. “Ah – this city, we love this city” If we don’t say it audibly, we think it so loudly that others can hear.
Arriving in early afternoon is the perfect time to arrive. We settled into the Diocesan guest house and were ready for the rest of the day. Initial glimpses of the city show old and beautiful American University of Cairo buildings with windows smashed in, other buildings and restaurants burnt during the revolution, and a car a few feet away from our daughter’s building crisply torched, an empty shell remaining. All is evidence of a city and country that are resilient and continue to hope and long for a better future, despite the obvious obstacles. I will never be a political commentator; but when a “trusted commentator” of the New York Times talks about Egypt and wonders if they are ready for democracy, I want to throw up from the imperialism that flavors their words. Already we have heard from Egyptians two things – that no one wishes Mubarak back and that there is still legitimate concern and awareness that the future is uncertain. But for all of us, the future is a hope, never a certainty.
In the midst of the drugged mind of jet lag, we looked over Annie’s rooftop at glimpses of the city to the sounds of the Call to Prayer, echoing from mosques throughout the area. These glimpses are best captured through the camera lens so here is Cairo – a city that is so much more than the pyramids and King Tut.
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Marilyn R. Gardner 
Makes me want to visit!
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Marilyn your best pictures ever and one of your best blog posts too! How on Earth can you write with such clarity with a jetlagged mind. Really enjoyed reading it. Have a wonderful time with Annie and the family. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all once again! Love you my friend.
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Thanks so much – best post?? I need to be jet-lagged more often. A funny thing about blogging isn’t it? Some of the posts I whip out with no thought but a lot of passion are my best. Thank you so much for your affirmation throughout this year of blogging. So delighted to meet you through this medium and can’t wait for a face to face meeting!
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Beautiful photos. I can feel your heart beating with excitement and satisfaction as fill your senses with all that is around you. Cairo for Christmas. How wonderful!
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Thank you Cathy! It was – all my senses fully alive. Oh and I bought you two wonderfully fun things that go with the spirit of our work and friendship!
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Wahoo….I get to go to Cairo this Christmas! Marilyn, thank you SO much for taking us along on your trip. The photos are glorious. Are they with your iPhone? As always, your words paint lovely pictures; despite the jet-lag!
Please do give Annie a big hug and thank her for sharing her experiences this past year with us all.
Christmas blessings and joy to your whole clan!
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Isabella – thank you so much for this lovely comment and for coming along for the ride. It’s the first time that I have been able to use a medium and venue like this when I travel and I found it helped my Third Culture kid heart. I’ll have to think more on this one. And yes – these photos were with my iphone – unbelievable right?!
Will head to your blog to give my Christmas greetings there but Merry Christmas a bit late to you and yours.
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LOVE it!!!!
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Dave – did you ever get to Cairo in your travels? I think you would love it!
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hey you — no having fun without me! you know the rules! xoxo
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Marty – would have so loved to see you …it was a whirlwind and I didn’t even get to see Ann …which I am regretting big time! More in your inbox.
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looking forward to it! xoxo
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