Egypt the Extraordinary

Lauren Ashley here: Where does the time go? I had every intention to write more in this historically rich land of Egypt and now I am here in Dahab on debrief. We have had so many different opportunities since arriving here two weeks ago to work and socialize among many different types of people here. Within the first few days we were in full swing going to a children’s home, hospital, Sudanese refugee camps and a couple of children’s programs. We were even invited to an engagement party for the sister of one of the kids who were at our program. While we were soaking up the Egyptian style party Beau was asked to sing so he broke out into “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys on his guitar. As soon as Beau and the rest of us were done singing one of the Egyptians lead us into “Hosanna in the Highest” in Arabic, we could not stop laughing at the whole thing when we left.

Sarah, our main translator was completely amazing in helping us communicate clearly and really get to see Cairo like a native. She also brought her friends around which was great because it allowed us to get to really know some people instead of see them once that is all. Now each of us has five or six Egyptians that we will be able to stay in contact with and hopefully see again one day. They taught us catch phrases in Arabic that we have used to make others laugh or just lighten the mood, like: “YA-LA-WHO-EEEE!!!” which is “OMG!” or “Yo teeka schwanna!” meaning “It gives you wiiings!” off of the Red Bull commercials. You would be surprised how quickly people will warm up to you just for saying “YA-LA-WHO-EEEE!” our camel guides thought it was hilarious.

My absolute favorite thing I experienced was on our last day when we went to Islamic Cairo in the major mosque. Lena, one of Sarah’s friends, went inside with us to translate for us if we wanted to talk or someone was talking to us and I am so grateful she did. We went in and I was sitting up against the wall observing the ritualistic prayers and journaling about the whole thing. While writing about how I felt and such I sensed that someone was hovering over me watching me and when I looked up there was this lady there in full garb with her veil lifted just staring at me; I smiled and waved and she went at sat back down. I knew she was still watching and so I said “hello” and Lena started talking to her. To my surprise she told Lena that I was like a light in a dark place and she couldn’t stop staring at me; then she went on to say that she was praying that her daughter would look like me, which I am told is a very high compliment in their culture. I was completely floored and I don’t think I could have dreamt up a better finish for this time of my life.