The Ultimate Send-Off

So Egypt is trying to kill me before I leave. I've only had mild stomach issues for the whole 9 months I've been here...up until about a week ago. I basically spent all last week feeling like I wanted to vomit along with some other fun stuff I won’t bother grossing you out with. By the end of the week I was curled up in the fetal position sucking down as much water as humanly possible to put out the fire that was coursing through my abdomen. I finally decided enough was enough and went to the doctor, which was far easier than I could have hoped for, and it only cost me $18 (did you hear that America? 18$ without insurance!). The doc poked around at me a bit, and said I basically ate or drank something yucky, or somebody’s yucky hands touched my food or drink...bleh. So now the searing pain in my abdomen is gone, but the antibiotics are making me want to yack. If I wasn't homesick before, I certainly am now! Hah!

Well the time is getting neigh for me to leave...I say that with a heavy heart. It's been such a great experience. I have days where I feel ready, and others where I feel like clinging on to something for dear life. There will be so many things I'll miss, and going back to the states just feels like stepping into a big black void of who knows what. I've made so many absolutely, positively, wonderful friends, and its going to be a sad, sad day when they aren't just a short cab ride away. I'm going to miss that the sun is almost always shining, the call to prayer, Egyptian hospitality, traveling by cab, felucca rides on the Nile, the constant bustle, and the sheer vibrancy of this city. That said, there are some things I won't miss...the trash, the pollution, the constant harassment from men, having to haggle over every little purchase...plus, coming home this summer means I can look forward to wearing tank tops and shorts without causing a scene, woohoo!

Friends, family....America....I look forward to seeing you!
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Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!

"The White House announced on Friday that President Obama planned to give a major policy speech on relations with the Muslim world in Egypt on June 4."

Paul and I have been anxiously waiting for Obama to set the date to speak in Cairo...but two days after we leave...C'moooonnn!

Regardless, I think it's great that Obama decided on Cairo as the destination for such a speech. Egypt is one of the more tolerant of all the Muslim countries, populous, an American ally, and most definitely Arab. I was worried when the New York Times made a big fuss about his speech in Turkey. I thought maybe it was going to be his big Muslim "hurrah!", but it wasn't and he's keeping his promise.

The speech sounds like it will be a tricky one. Although Egyptians are incredibly positive about Obama, and even more enthusiastic to have Bush out of office (and who isn't), he's really going to have to tip toe around some pertinent subjects. First and foremost, the Israel-Gaza conflict will be on the agenda, and considering America has always backed Israel without hardly a slap on the wrist, Egypt is going to be looking for sincere change. Iran isn't making things any easier for Egypt either, condemning the country's allegiance to the peace treaty with Israel, and further condemning the country for forsaking it's Muslim brothers. Still, Egypt has dutifully maintained that adhering to the peace treaty is the best way to help the Palestinians and to preserve their own national security. But I get the feeling Egypt is tired of tip-toeing and watching as the U.S. tries to protect a country that's being a kind of a bully. So, it leaves me wondering how Obama plans to attack the situation in such a way that will appease all parties.

Obama will also probably address the issue of democracy and human rights. Mubarak is 82 years old and has been the "president" for more than 30 years. While democratic elections are held, 30 years in office leaves the population wondering about the legitimacy of said democratic elections. But the "presidency" is only the tip of the iceberg. He may be able to side step ridiculing Mubarak directly though by discussing something like making reforms that would encourage an autonomous civil society, allow free media, and gender equality.

Anyway, Paul and I won our disagreement with the school and have been allowed to work until the end of May (it was in our contract!). It wasn't quite the tooth and nail brawl I thought it might be. Apparently, yours truly has just been so amazing that Ussama sought to resolve the situation based on his respect for my being such an amazing intern/teacher. Yay! Thank Allah the teachers in the KG section were so amazing and helped me become the amazing teacher I am. Thank you Ms. Samar and Ms. Dana for being awesome, you will never know how much your help and understanding saved this experience.

Now that we know we've got at least another paycheck on the way, Paul and I have considered paying the fee to move our flights back so we can attend Obama's speech...that is, if security would allow us to go. But if tickets were to become available, it might just be worth it.

Friends, you have no idea how much I have been missing you. I can't wait to see all of you. 3 weeks!

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