I had planned to write daily, but it seems that life here in Cairo doesn't really allow for such a regular schedule. Sleep is apparently not so important here, even on work days. So what have I been up to? Well...
Three days ago I visited the pyramids at Giza with my friend Ma'andi, who I met in the states while he was working in Boston. You don't realize how big they really are and how difficult it must have been to build them until you actually stand next to one of the huge stones. The museum was one of the most incredible things I've seen because inside they had reconstructed one of the original boats used to carry stones down the Nile from the mountains. Overall it was a wonderful experience, but the heat was a little intense. It was 100 degrees and the sun was intense. Walking around in the sand was not so pleasant that day! It made me really sick. For two days I had a horrible headache and a fever. Next time I'll be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat!
Today I finished up my third day at work with SilverKey Technologies. The first day was a little slow getting things set up in the office and whatnot, but since then it has really picked up and I'm very much enjoying it. I'm still training, which means reading books about Google, internet marketing, persuasive language and creating training materials for future interns. Soon I'll be able to start work on an actual account, writing content for redesigned webpages.
Most everyone in the office is Egyptian, except for one Australian woman who works with me. They all speak English, of course, so communication is not a problem, and hopefully I will be able to pick up a lot of Arabic from them. Everyone in the office is headed to Ismalia, a city on the Suez Canal, on Saturday, so I think I'll join them...it should be fun.
I've gotten a lot of experience with Egyptian culture in my first couple of days hanging out with the AIESECers here. They took me out for fellukah--a night time boat ride on the Nile, which was beautiful. That same night I had liver, brains, and fatihr (mashed meat and vegetables wrapped inside of a pancake-like dough)--it was really good! Just walking around the streets I've had a number of interesting encounters...Old women looking for money tend to grab me a lot as I walk down the street. One little boy asked if I was a donkey after Ma'andi and I helped him push his car out of the middle of the street. And once a little girl (maybe 7 years old) ran up to me and hit me in the face with a wet bouquet of ful (jasmine flowers). She punched me in the stomach and screamed at me to buy one...so I did for 1 pound (about $0.20). She was sweet, but I wonder where her parents were?
Last night I went to a dinner party for the Egyptian national AIESEC staff at a friend, Hend's house. They're home was perfect and the food was awesome...it was like Thanksgiving times ten. I'm still a little jetlagged, and getting over various fevers, colds and stomach illnesses, so I think I'll try to rest this weekend.
Thank you everyone for your comments! It's so nice to hear from you all. I will admit to getting a little homesick at times, but your comments help!
posted by James Knable @ 11:16 AM
7 Comments
7 Comments:
Say, I've got a capital idea: What's up with CM and OCP selection?
IM wonders if you like Egypt? What is the hottest that it gets there?
DK says hi and have fun in the blistering heat.
BC thinks your post is pretty cool and wonders if you have seen any sphinxes?
KB says your trip sounds very interesting and can you send him a Nile croc?
From 6th graders!
ITHACA
When you start on your journey to Ithaca,
then pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
Do not fear the Lestrygonians (*)
and the Cyclopes and the angry Poseidon.
You will never meet such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion
touches your body and your spirit.
You will never meet the Lestrygonians,
the Cyclopes and the fierce Poseidon,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not raise them up before you.
Then pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many,
that you will enter ports seen for the first time
with such pleasure, with such joy!
Stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony,
and pleasurable perfumes of all kinds,
buy as many pleasurable perfumes as you can;
visit hosts of Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from those who have knowledge.
Always keep Ithaca fixed in your mind.
to arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for long years;
and even to anchor at the isle when you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would never have taken the road.
But she has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not defrauded you.
With the great wisdom you have gained, with so much experience,
you must surely have understood by then what Ithaca means.
-- Constantine Cavafy (translated by Rae Dalven)
(*) Lestrygonians, Cyclopes and Poseidon are all "monsters," popular in Greek mythology. The poet is telling us to not be afraid of these or other imaginary Gremlins.
Sounds amazing. You can imagine yourself in the footsteps of Herodotus, who thought that Egypt had the most wonders, worthy of record, of any land. He recorded them on papyri, and you are recording them in your blog...
I am so thrilled for you to be doing this, Knable! I can't wait to keep up with your adventures via your blog--awesome! Good luck with your job, have fun, and know that I am cheering you on!
Love,
Humey :-)
Hey James,
your grandfather is here and gave us this site. Aunt Barb, Brent, Shannon and I are crowded around the computer screen to read your postings.
What a wonderful experience. Enjoy every moment!
Our love!
Kitty Lee
TW:Your trip sounds really interesting.
DK:Have fun on your trip and don't get hurt.
IM:Have you visited any ancient tombs?
AL:I can't believe you ate chicken and liver and brains.
BC:I thought it was hilarious when the little girl hit him with flowers. KB:I thought it was funny too.
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