It is the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution. It began last year on the new holiday, Police Day, and ended with the President (/tyrant) of Egypt stepping down 18 days later. Jan. 25, 2011…
But not only is it the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution but also the anniversary of my stay in Egypt last year. I was studying abroad last year in January in Cairo. So excited to finally be living out of the States, looking forward to learning Egyptology, and slightly overwhelmed with being there =P My 3rd week there we got a day off of classes and we were all looking forward to going out and sleeping in =) Little did we know that the peaceful demonstrations on Police Day would lead to a revolution!
A few days later we went to the boy’s AP (It is now the girl’s AP, and where I am living) for a Egyptian cooking lesson and then we were not allowed to leave for 4 days until we were evacuated to Greece and from there I went back to the States and lived at home for a semester…
Things had finally calmed down enough by the summer of 2011 that my program decided it was safe to reopen the program for Spring 2012…I immediately signed up! So here I am again, living in Cairo.
But don’t be fooled. This country is still unstable. Unfortunately, power corrupts. The military that the people loved when they took power last spring have not lived up to the people’s expectations. Free elections to elect a civilian leader still have not taken place, so the Egyptian people take to the streets once again in protest…
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| Hooreayah = Freedom |
There are deaths and violent conflicts but most of Cairo is peaceful, calm, and safe. So no need to worry! I respect the Egyptian people and their struggle for freedom but I know it is not my fight. Insha’allah (God Willing) the people will prevail and democracy will finally begin in Egypt =)
It is officially, now, the longest I have ever been in Egypt/abroad! I am beginning my 4th week in this amazing city and even though I am remembering the past I am also looking forward to the future!
Congratulations, KC, on staying 4 weeks in Egypt! ....and getting to pet a street kitty.
ReplyDeleteBe careful. Don't do anything dangerous - like go to a sports event. Just stay in your apartment and cook desserts.
:)