Weekend Review

(Ugh, I'm having computer problems, so it's taking me a while to get things posted.)

I spent the weekend pursuing rather "American" activities... went to the mall and spent a day by the pool! In actuality, each had its own special Egyptian-ness...

FRIDAY: I went to the CityStars, the mall out in Heliopolis (a suburb of Cairo). It's a huge place and, like any mall, filled with teenage girls--but it's a strange mix of Western fashion (i.e. tank tops and short skirts from European stores) and the more conservative dress preferred by the average Cairine. I went looking for a swim suit, having forgotten mine at home. Either because it's still relatively cool here (temperatures in the 70s) or because Egyptians don't like to show so much skin, I had hard time of it. In the end, I found one store with a pretty meager selection, but beggars can't be choosers.

SATURDAY: Lest it appear I'm totally self-indulgent, I should report that I did some sight-seeing on Saturday. The school runs a number of day trips, and I went on one to the Citadel and Coptic Cairo. The Citadel sits atop a hill in the middle of Cairo. It was built as a fortress and residence around the 12th century, but is best known for housing the Muhammad Ali Mosque, which dates to the start of the 1800s. The picture that follows is looking out into the courtyard from inside the mosque.

We also visited the Mosque of Sultan Hassan (c. 1356) and the newer Rifai Mosque (late 1800s). King Farouk, the last king of Egypt (exiled in 1952) is buried inside the mosque, as is the last Shah of Iran.

We went next to Coptic Cairo, named for the Coptic Christians who have lived and prayed in the area since several hundred years after the death of Christ. Today, Coptic Christians number only about 10% of Egypt's population. While distinct from other branches of Christianity, the Coptic churches reminded me a lot of of Eastern Orthdox churches, due to the prevalence of icons.

Also in Coptic Cairo is the Ben Ezra Synagogue. The current synagogue dates to the 12th century, but the site has alternately served as a both a Christian and Muslim place of worship.

Saturday night I went out to a cafe in Mohandiseen with some friends from school. Turns out the cafe culture is alive and well in Cairo, one just has to know where to look--plenty of cigarette smoke, live music, and slow service... just like Tryst.

SUNDAY: The Marriott is like a little bit of paradise in the chaos that is Cairo... green, quiet, and (relatively) efficient. Spent the day by the pool with two of my flatmates (the girls to my left in the photo). I may even have a tan by the time I get home!