I've just returned from the final events of AUC's "off-campus orentation," which consisted of a two night stay at a beautiful five star Red Sea resort in El Gouna, about six hours south east of Cairo. It was nice to be able to finally catch up on some sleep and completely relax on the beach and in the sun, however, I also found it somewhat strange being back in a place so different from Cairo. The two places are really worlds apart. While Cairo is endlessly noisy and crowded with all kinds of people ceaselessly busting about, El Gouna is situated on the coastline amidst miles and miles of golden desert sand and mountains. People who visit these type of resorts are completely Westernized, whether they are Egyptians, Israelis, Europeans, Arabs from other countries, or anything else possible. Everyone speaks English quite well, among their other talents. One of the most interesting aspects of the resort I found, aside from discovering how much the salt from the Red Sea really burns your eyes (although I hear it does wonders for your skin), were the people who were employed at the resort. I've learned that the best way to both practice my Arabic and also learn about the people and culture of Egypt is simply to talk to anyone and everyone who is around you. Most people immediately greet me in English, seeing that I'm a blonde-ish white girl, but I've learned to get around this by initiating conversations in Arabic. One thing I really love about the Arabic language and the culture in which it is spoken is the way that certain phrases and expressions, both religious as well as non-religious, are woven into everyday language. For example, my favorite greeting to anyone is "asalaam wa alekum," which means "peace be upon you." Not only do people respond in kind," wa alekum salaam," or "and upon you be peace," but speaking in this manner also conveys a warmness and welcomness understood by all. I've learned that by saying this not only does this alleviate any possibility of so called "harassment," but Egyptians will take further interest in speaking and sharing with me because I have taken interest in them and their culture.
Anyhow, what I found most fascinating about the people whom I met at the resort was their backgrounds. Nearly every single waiter, receptionist, store keeper, or even towel guy there had undergone an extensive secondary education, held at least a bachelor's degree if not graduate experience as well, and spoke in the least four languages. Certainly not something you see back at Ocean City. They often said that they came to work at the resorts because these jobs provided the largest money-making opportunities, especially in dealing with foreigners who come to vacation. Though some had held seemingly higher level and more intellectually challenging jobs back in the city, they found much better opportunities at the resorts. The education system in Egypt is actually quite fascinating; it will be interesting to see how students differ from those in the states.
On another note, the first day of classes are tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting back to my studies, though I suppose they are actually quite low on the list of reasons why I came to Egypt.
A lot of other new thoughts have been rolling around in my mind as of late, namely changes I've already seen in myself through interaction with both the international students here as well as the local Egyptians. I love it here so far, though I wouldn't say I'm anywhere near comfortable. It will take a while for this to be home. I also already see in my path quite a few conflicting thoughts and feelings yet to be sorted out; not only about how to live in a very different place and culture, but also how to learn to see myself through a new lens. I've been here for less than two weeks but already find new ideas sliding in and out of my mind about issues and concepts that have been previously ingrained in my mind for many years. But I suppose this is a large part of why I am here--to call into question what I know, or believe I know, think, and feel. I guess I'll just see where it leads me.
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