A Trip to Egypt

I was fortunate enough to travel to Cairo, Egypt as a part of my organization for a convening regarding Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace. It was put in part by the Ford Foundation, IISC and others in the background who worked hard to make the convening a reality. My time there was one of perspective-building and self-learning.

In Egypt, I experienced for the second time in my life, a feeling of being limited by language. The first time being a child, simply learning language to begin with, and in fairness I have little recollection of it. Sure, I have traveled to places where English and Spanish are not spoken as the primary language (Norway for example). And yes, in Egypt (and Norway), especially at the hotel we stayed, many people speak English. However, this time, I felt completely lost. Emotions of shame, dependence, intrigue and confusion clouded me simultaneously. Shame for not having studied the language appropriately before hand. Dependence on those around me who could translate and convey questions and answers. Intrigue for the beauty of the language and the content of what was being said. Confusion, because, apparently, we base a lot on language. Needless to say, to experience a truly foreign language was interesting and humbling.

In fact, the entire trip was interesting and humbling. The mixed feelings almost any Westerner might feel when traveling to the Middle East these days is shocking. I found out just how deeply the media has affected my psyche. It was difficult to distinguish at times, which projections I had seen in the States were true to the area and culture, and which were the result of ignorant stereotypes and perceptions. For example, the view from my hotel room was of the city of Cairo. The buildings were brown, neutral, square with shattered windows and sand with palm trees interspersed at street level. All I could think was "this is just what it looks like on CNN when they are showing footage of bombings in the Middle East." My next immediate thought was defensive. I was surprised I equated brown buildings with bombings. And though I realize Cairo is not riddled with missiles, I can't help but think that different parts of the Middle East might have many buildings that are brown and neutral in color. I think in the US, like New York City or Boston, I see gray in the skyline. In Argentina I see gray as well. In El Salvador and Mexico I see multiple colors with rust intertwined. But these views are particular I guess, and not absolute.

I also noticed the sad discomfort that has been instilled within me as a result of all that is said in the United States about Arab countries. Unfortunately, it takes a great deal of positive energy to right the wrongs that passivity and fear-minded media has developed in my mind.

The Egyptians I met were very kind, and the children who try to sell souvenirs at the pyramid are very pushy. When I stepped off our bus to walk to the pyramid, I was told twice within a minute and a half that I looked Egyptian, and as a result I should buy from them. Fifteen seconds later, when told by a third child I looked Egyptian, I quickly reassured him I was well aware. I mention something about Argentina and the world speaks of Maradona. Soccer really is the most popular in the world, the messages that can be shared on pitch do inspire hope. The outskirts of the city are visibly poor in an economic sense, and just like anywhere, many have to bend laws for their benefit, such as housing tax laws in Cairo. Apparently, a homeowners must pay a tax on a house if it is complete. So, parents build a home and begin a second floor but do not complete it. When their children grow up, they complete the floor and begin another, leaving it unfinished. So the cycle continues and the taxes are left unpaid.

Egypt, is a wonderful place. And, in a sense a place that is dependent on it's past and more importantly, the world's perception of their past. Now, I don't know the concrete facts here, but these are just some thoughts. Our tour guide made many comments as we saw the pyramids and the Egyptian Museum about Egypts past and it's connection to today. The main one I remember was the Egyptians created paper, the result of papyrus, and writing. A papyrus sheet confirmed the thought. When I mentioned that to my girlfriend of Mexican decent, she reminded me that indigenous tribes in Mexico were doing the same thing at the same time. Possible that there was a connection between both cultures sure, but not necessarily likely. But she made a great point, one I won't forget, and it is how we have grown up. Here in the States, we spend a good deal of time in elementary and middle school learning about the Pharaohs, pyramids, the Sphinx, papyrus and Egypt in general. (Just as we spend a large amount of time on the Greek and Roman gods). But we RARELY, often until we seek it, get the history of the world right next to us, which was completing the same marvels and developments. A number of indigenous tribes in Mexico were building pyramids, developing writings, materials to work on, and we know very little of it. Again, I do not know all the facts and so there may be error in what I am writing, but it is things to think of. Back to the original point though. It seems as the tourism industry in Egypt banks on this early recognition of Egyptian history. THE PYRAMIDS!! So distant, and mysterious and marvelous, and they are. And, there is equal wonder just south of the US-Mexican border. One could make many arguments about which are more impressive, the pyramids in Egypt or Meixco, and to remember too that there are pyramids all over the world. Simply put, it is interesting the way we are funneled towards partiuclar histories and perspectives in ways we don't catch right away.

So that is part of the trip to Egypt. A beautiful place with a rich history and worth a visit if given the opportunity. I am grateful for the experience, for challenged a many number of things within me, including how to deal with severe jetlag.