It is dusty. There are flies everywhere, and my body is already covered in ant bites. The sun beats down relentlessly. And it is hot. Can you guess where we are?
We are happy to say that after a nearly two-month stay in Canada we have come back to our adopted homeland of Egypt. Due to all of the unrest in Cairo, our return seemed a bit uncertain at times over the past month. To be honest it was difficult not to have reservations after taking in all the news reports of chaos in Egypt. But now suddenly here we are.
Home safe and sound with neighbours in Beni Suef.
Overall it is amazing how ordinary everything feels. Despite being a world away from our recent surroundings in Southern Ontario- Egypt's sights, sounds and smells all feel quite normal. Signs of the current political unrest, however, are clearly visible. New graffiti is everywhere in Cairo, with antagonistic slogans too impolite to reprint here. The military's presence is visible throughout the capital, and tanks and barbwire sit imposingly at various streets and squares.
While much in the country did change with recent developments, the Egyptian character remains as warm and affable as ever. Our elderly cab driver, a Muslim man who had fought in both the 1967 and 1973 wars with Israel, spent much of our ride to the Cairo train station telling me how Muslims, Christians and Jews are all brothers and sisters. It was a viewpoint I have heard many times before, and was a nice reminder of the outward tolerance of most Egyptians.
Finally I can get a good cup of coffee again!
After a characteristically-inefficient train ride from Cairo we were back in quiet Beni Suef. Driving through the city's main square we saw the area where Muslim Brotherhood supporters hold their nightly sit-ins. But aside from that small and peaceful mobilization, Beni Suef apparently remains as calm as ever. Of course we will be completely cautious and vigilant over the coming weeks, and you can trust in our relative safety and well-being.
A proud expectant mother (or has someone been eating too much basbousa?).
Our happy news has many implications, however, and thus brings about a second announcement. Due to the recent pregnancy and the ongoing unrest, MCC has decided that we will finish our term early (October 2013 rather than March 2014) in order to have the baby back in Canada. Their main concerns center on the unpredictable transportation and security situation in Cairo (where we would go to have the baby). We understand the decision, though the thought of our lives in Egypt coming to an end already brings about a wave of emotions.
And so there are just two months- and one more set of English courses- left in our time in Beni Suef. We intend to make the most of this stretch, with plenty of work to do and people to see. After that we will be back home for good.
Soon to be three.
We would like to conclude this entry with a thank you to everyone back in Canada. Over the past two months we were hosted and embraced more warmly than we could have imagined. Time and time again people showed a genuine interest in our lives and work in Egypt. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful and supportive community of family and friends. It is a happy thought to think of seeing you all again soon.
