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Summaya and Ahmed
Summaya and Ahmed This is a short story inspired by Cairo, aiming to be a metaphor for the difficulties of navigating individual lives against an oppressive and rigid government. Summaya appreciated Ahmed most for his honesty. If there was no food to be eaten that day, he would tell her straightforward. He was strong enough … Continue reading
Kudos to Cairo
By: Julijana Englander Helllloooooo! Greetings from Cairo! To say the last few days in Cairo have been quite historic would be a major understatement. Today, June 18th, 2012, marks a day that Egyptians and the world alike will not soon forget. Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood has been elected the next president of Egypt … Continue reading
Honesty Goes a Long, Long Way
Nicholas Grace, Ayan Salah, Ellen Frierson I remember when I was child that whenever I did something wrong, my parents knew about it. I would often attempt to lie my way out of potential punishment, thinking that I could get off Scott Free. To my dissatisfaction, I would always find myself in … Continue reading
TaxiTalk
“Let them elect Shafik. Hell, let them elect Morsey. I have one more hour, then I’ll be waiting for them in Tahrir. The Revolution has just begun.” My taxi rides are never boring. Everyday I am inclined to take several taxis. In the span of one week, I have been proposed to, serenaded by Spanish … Continue reading
Tensions and Opinions
(Picture thanks to: http://www.kelmetnamag.com/index.php) I would like to think that I am a veteran of Cairo, a master of the winding streets, chaotic traffic, and constant noise. But, although I was in Cairo almost exactly a year ago, I have come to realize that I am still quite the newbie. I may have … Continue reading
Democratic Dilemma
Today we visited the Arab & African Research Center in Cairo, which is one of the rare groups in Egypt that think of Arabs and Africans as one in Egypt. We met with the Vice President and other professors who work there for light refreshments and conversation. With the new presidential elections coming up our … Continue reading
Museums to Protests
Today we had the pleasure of viewing two different sides of Egypt. We visited the Egyptian museum that is full of artifacts from the Pharonic period. The artifacts included mummies, shrines, and assorted devices displaying Ancient Egypt’s advanced technology. Our instructor, Dr. Mbaye Lo, mentioned to me that these technological achievements outdated those of other … Continue reading
The Night to Remember
Have you ever been in a situation that seems too unreal? Almost as if it is too perfect or too coincidental? Qatar is definitely a land of many surprises, but I would have never been able to fathom the events of tonight under any circumstance. During our first nights here, we were invited to the … Continue reading
Dateline Doha!
Duke in the Arab World Students visit the Museum of Islamic Art (below, first photo) and Al Jazeera Headquarters (next photo) in Doha, Qatar May 2012. (photos courtesy JJ Englander)