No really. Think about it.
"wherever you are, be there"
Showing posts with label relaxation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relaxation. Show all posts
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, October 5, 2009
MISR! Mountian! Mummies!
Okay, well.... I've been up a mountain and back.
This weekend (the weekend here is Friday/Saturday) Khalda and Anwar treated me a nice vacation on the Sinai Coast. I went with a tour bus of about 20 people - a wonderful mix of Americans, Europeans, and Egyptians, etc. Mostly comprising of students, interns, journalists, volunteers, human rights activists - ma people! It was utterly exhausting and relaxing at the same time.
We drove all night to arrive at Mount Sinai around 3AM and started our trek. Thank God I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Otherwise I probably would have never signed up. Little did I know that the "nice hike" mentioned in our trip agenda was actually a hike up the second largest peak in the Middle East. Mount Sinai is the mount in which Moses is said to have spent his 40 days and 40 nights to receive the 10 commandments. It is 7,500 feet high ...
7K and 2.5 hours - of a rocky/sandy, dark, cold, camel filled path & 700 "steps" of small steep steep steep rocks, shaking legs, and a racing heart - later I reached the top with my new insta-friend/motivator/partner in panting/hotelmate Tilde (a sweet, sweet, woman from Denmark who is interning at the embassy). We made it just in time to see the sunrise. Even through it was a hazy sunrise dulled by sand, dust, and my own hunger- it was definitely one of those "life moments".
This weekend (the weekend here is Friday/Saturday) Khalda and Anwar treated me a nice vacation on the Sinai Coast. I went with a tour bus of about 20 people - a wonderful mix of Americans, Europeans, and Egyptians, etc. Mostly comprising of students, interns, journalists, volunteers, human rights activists - ma people! It was utterly exhausting and relaxing at the same time.
We drove all night to arrive at Mount Sinai around 3AM and started our trek. Thank God I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Otherwise I probably would have never signed up. Little did I know that the "nice hike" mentioned in our trip agenda was actually a hike up the second largest peak in the Middle East. Mount Sinai is the mount in which Moses is said to have spent his 40 days and 40 nights to receive the 10 commandments. It is 7,500 feet high ...
7K and 2.5 hours - of a rocky/sandy, dark, cold, camel filled path & 700 "steps" of small steep steep steep rocks, shaking legs, and a racing heart - later I reached the top with my new insta-friend/motivator/partner in panting/hotelmate Tilde (a sweet, sweet, woman from Denmark who is interning at the embassy). We made it just in time to see the sunrise. Even through it was a hazy sunrise dulled by sand, dust, and my own hunger- it was definitely one of those "life moments".
I felt pretty proud of myself too... until I saw a group of elderly people with canes reach the top- no problemo.
The way down? Well I wasn't thinking about life then...mostly just my demise if I stepped badly on one of the 3,000 "steps" on the "stairs of redemption". At least on the way down there weren't any camels in my face.
We spent the rest of the weekend in Dahab - relaxing by the Red Sea. I've never seen clearer water. It felt SO good. Think - paradise ... with no green. Mountains, sea, and tourists everywhere. I probably should have snorkeled or diving, but I was having too much fun laying without the sound of dogs, people, or car horns.
It was really nice to have some down time and meet some people working in Cairo. Talking to people who could understand me at normal talking speed was indescribably comforting. Being back in the city isn't too bad though. I missed Khalda, the pushing, and adventures of crossing the street.
- I've been spoiled -
Last week Khalda and company brought me to an Egyptian football game. Egypt is hosting the U20 World Cup right now, and it is seriously the only thing people are talking about. So we headed to Cairo Stadium to check out the Egypt (Misr)- Paraguay game. SO. MUCH. FUN. Spirits were so high (until we lost...), everyone had painted faces, a flag and/or drum in hand, lots of chip eating, cheering, and I've never done the wave so many times. In Egypt football is life- and I could feeeeeel it. It was such a fun experience. ... that I think is going to be repeated sometime this week.
I also got to check out the Egyptian Museum. In true Egyptian nature its mostly a chaotic maze of ancient unlabeled artifacts. More like our 6th grade rendition of ancient Egypt rather than a world known museum. No matter, it was somethin'else to be able to wander around such old pieces. Some of my personal highlights were the ancient royal jewelry room, any/everything King Tut, and the mummy rooms. I made fun of Khalda for being too scared to go in the mummy rooms, but I can't lie- they were pretty freaky.
Next week I'm going to start tutoring English at St. Andrew's Refugee Services I'm pretty excited to meet some more refugees, help out, and see how another program works. In just two visits I can the staff is over their head in work, but I hope I can steal them away for a bit to get some advice and conversation.
More later, Khalda is home from work - Alhamdulillah - (a common Arabic expression that means "Thank God")
All the Love,
Jeannnnnnna
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Dance like an Egyptian
I've been trying to mentally recap everything I've been doing in the last few days but it is a hard task when you don't know when yesterday ended and today started.
Saturday was the last day of Ramadan and Sunday marked the beginning of the Eid. So it was new PJs (a tradition I love) and a frightening amount of toy cell phones and guns (a tradition I kept my mouth shut about) for the kiddies. Sunday was filled with naps (we didn't sleep on "Eid eve"), spankin' new clothes, visiting relatives, and eating. Lots of eating. Basically all of Sunday I was lost in Arabic chatter, but during my daze of nods and smiles (when I heard my name) I was able to think a lot about the ways holidays are celebrated in the US (my simple conclusion: the same, excpet we add alcohol). Celebrating the Eid made me excited that I'll make it back to the US in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I feel really fortunate that I was able to take part of such a special time of the year for billions of people worldwide.
Even staying up all night on Saturday wasn't too difficult- I was on quite the culture high. Khalda, her friend Nabib, and his daughter Amira and I went to the Suez Gulf and walked around. We smoked Shisha, drank cokes, and chowed on some street food - it was some kind of hot tomato soup like liquid with beans (since then- I've fallen in love with street food; I've had a gyros, falafel, kushari, and bamboo juice).
After our relaxation by the gulf we checked out the pier (which was deafening/beautifully sounded by drums ... and techno). There were so many people hanging out, selling tea, riding bikes, and listening to the music. There were also lines and lines of decked out boats full of more rope and dangle lights than the tackiest of houses during Christmas. Nabib treated us to a ride on one, and that's where it happened- my FIRST encounter with Egyptian dancing. Oh my Lord do they dance. It was SO fun - all the drums, hips, techno, and snaps - I felt like I had my first surreal moment of culture. So when we went home, naturally I gathered all the women and children - and we danced. Frankly, I don't think I've got enough sass and sex in me to mimic Egyptian dancing (I do better walking like an Egyptian- har har), but alas, I'm trying- and in the process giving Khalda and friends a good laugh.
Saturday was the last day of Ramadan and Sunday marked the beginning of the Eid. So it was new PJs (a tradition I love) and a frightening amount of toy cell phones and guns (a tradition I kept my mouth shut about) for the kiddies. Sunday was filled with naps (we didn't sleep on "Eid eve"), spankin' new clothes, visiting relatives, and eating. Lots of eating. Basically all of Sunday I was lost in Arabic chatter, but during my daze of nods and smiles (when I heard my name) I was able to think a lot about the ways holidays are celebrated in the US (my simple conclusion: the same, excpet we add alcohol). Celebrating the Eid made me excited that I'll make it back to the US in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I feel really fortunate that I was able to take part of such a special time of the year for billions of people worldwide.
Even staying up all night on Saturday wasn't too difficult- I was on quite the culture high. Khalda, her friend Nabib, and his daughter Amira and I went to the Suez Gulf and walked around. We smoked Shisha, drank cokes, and chowed on some street food - it was some kind of hot tomato soup like liquid with beans (since then- I've fallen in love with street food; I've had a gyros, falafel, kushari, and bamboo juice).
After our relaxation by the gulf we checked out the pier (which was deafening/beautifully sounded by drums ... and techno). There were so many people hanging out, selling tea, riding bikes, and listening to the music. There were also lines and lines of decked out boats full of more rope and dangle lights than the tackiest of houses during Christmas. Nabib treated us to a ride on one, and that's where it happened- my FIRST encounter with Egyptian dancing. Oh my Lord do they dance. It was SO fun - all the drums, hips, techno, and snaps - I felt like I had my first surreal moment of culture. So when we went home, naturally I gathered all the women and children - and we danced. Frankly, I don't think I've got enough sass and sex in me to mimic Egyptian dancing (I do better walking like an Egyptian- har har), but alas, I'm trying- and in the process giving Khalda and friends a good laugh.
I saw more dancing today when on my boat ride down the Nile. Its just so fun to see everyone come alive with the music and dancing! Some of the kids started break dancing, and although I almost got kicked in the face it was definitely a highlight (and I've got a decent video). The views were amazing on the boat ride- if only the country wasn't full of liter!
Another highlight of my weekend happened after the dance lesson (remember- it's like- 3 AM now :)), I got to go to the hair salon! It was literally a hole in the wall jam packed with women. Khalda and her friend got hair removed from their faces and brows with string- once I saw tears I turned down their offer of taking a go at me. (Eventually I let them 'sting' a side burn- it wasn't too painful) I also turned down Khalda's offer to pay for me to get my hair straightened... the iron, well, it was a metal rod that sits over a flame until it touches your hair. No thank you. I'll keep my hair, even if Khalda thinks its crazy.
Oh Khalda, Khalda, Khalda... I love her. I think one of these days I'll write a entry specific to her. If it wasn't for her generosity and bubbly nature- I'd probably be home with y'all already. Things are getting better everyday. Although, we are back in Cairo now and it's size is really intimidating! I'm trying to use the Arabic I've learned more often (the whole 10 words of it) my "Thank You", "Hello", and "Water" in English need to stop coming so naturally!
I hope all is well in the States, people here ask about you often.
All the Love,
Jeanna
Another highlight of my weekend happened after the dance lesson (remember- it's like- 3 AM now :)), I got to go to the hair salon! It was literally a hole in the wall jam packed with women. Khalda and her friend got hair removed from their faces and brows with string- once I saw tears I turned down their offer of taking a go at me. (Eventually I let them 'sting' a side burn- it wasn't too painful) I also turned down Khalda's offer to pay for me to get my hair straightened... the iron, well, it was a metal rod that sits over a flame until it touches your hair. No thank you. I'll keep my hair, even if Khalda thinks its crazy.
Oh Khalda, Khalda, Khalda... I love her. I think one of these days I'll write a entry specific to her. If it wasn't for her generosity and bubbly nature- I'd probably be home with y'all already. Things are getting better everyday. Although, we are back in Cairo now and it's size is really intimidating! I'm trying to use the Arabic I've learned more often (the whole 10 words of it) my "Thank You", "Hello", and "Water" in English need to stop coming so naturally!
I hope all is well in the States, people here ask about you often.
All the Love,
Jeanna
Monday, May 19, 2008
Muzungu's In the Mist
On average it takes us about an hour and a half to get any food around here, and just as I was warned the Internet really doesn't always work, but "Hakuna Matata" (it REALLY DOES mean "No Worries"). I hope you haven't all missed me too much during this week of limited communication. :)
Since last Tuesday we have visited:
The Gisimba Orphanage:
I saved this section for last, as my heart is filled with love for Gisimba. But now it is time for dinner. So I will have to write later about this wonderful place.
The Gisimba Nursery School:
Unlike in the States, there is very little daycare in Rwanda. So many times, when families can afford it, they send their children to nursery school. The kids are typically 3-6 years old. We were able to visit the nursery school located at Gisimba Orphanage. The school is for both orphans and children in the community.
Jess and I were put in charge of a classroom for two min. by the time the teacher was present again- we had: a handful of children running outside, two children writing on the chalkboard, no one sitting, nearly all the kids sitting on top of their desks, every child screaming... all but one, the one who was crying in the corner. The teacher just laughed.
We all were more successful at recess, when all of us had a wonderful time playing with the kids.
The Kigali Institute of Education (KIE):
This is one of the biggest Universities in Rwanda, we didn't get to have much interaction with the students because they were taking exams. But it was a beautiful campus. We are going there a few more times in the next few weeks.
Green Hills Academy:
Is a nursery- secondary school run by a Canadian woman and her husband. It is in the top three schools in Rwanda. Its very prestigious and a lot is expected of the students. Our group was split and given tours by Mimi and Tony, the Head Girl and Boy. They were both great guides and knowledge gained was great on both ends. (The food there was good too). For about two hours in the afternoon, we were all put into different classrooms. I was with 3 year olds. There was a lot of snot, crying, confusion, and "Teacher Jeanna! Teacher Jeanna!" ... but they were cute. And I do still think so even though I think after my time with them, is the most tired I've been this whole trip.
Dominick's Secondary School (I cannot remember the name):
It was really interesting going to this school because there were so many similarities between high schools in the US and their secondary school. The only difference was that our schools have more "stuff". Jess and I went in front of the class, it was mostly students who have 1-2 years left until University or graduation. They had a lot of great questions about universities in the US and our experienecs at ISU and in high school. Oh, and they really wanted to know who I was going to vote for.
If I ever want to find a Rwandan hubbie- this is where I need to go back to. As I seemed to have picked up an admirerer somehow. He begged that I never forget him, and called Dominick soon after we left to tell him, "Wish her a safe trip, and ask her never to forget me" ... I do not remember his name. The story is pretty funny/cute, remind me to relay when I return.
Kinigi:
This city is about two hours of Kigali, its much colder when you're closer to the moon ;) . The view just outside of our hotel room were green hills and huge volcanoes.
Kinigi is home also to the Rain forest where the gorillas live. With D as our guide, Peter as our porter, and two mysterious guys with guns as our guards... After a three hour trek, uphill, in the rain forest (I'll admit, I fell once- in the mud. AND I had a few lovely minutes of ants - biting ones- in my pants) I was able to see one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen- Gorillas. So, the animal itself maybe not the best looking, but the way they live is extremely interesting to watch.
They way that they play, and use their hands and feet. The way they communicate... it is shockingly human like. We got to watch them for about an hour. During that time the Hirwa group was snacking and getting ready for 'nap time'. We were lucky enough to see the group that has five babies! Ohmygoodnesscute.
Thankfully, some unknown but wonderful people cleaned my shoes for 500 Francs or 1 US dollar- they are cleaner then they were when I packed them. My white backpack maybe permanently brown and I may never get over my new fear of ants- but I can now say I am one of the few people who has seen (up close and personal) 12 of the 300-400 gorillas left in the world.
Gisenyi/Lake Kivu:
Paradise is only two hours and one loooong bumpy, pot hole filled road away from the Gorillas. Aloys* so kindly took us to the town of Gisenyi after we "wet ones" ourselves apres les gorillas. Gisenyi is home to the Primus beer plant, Lake Kivu, and the Congo boarder in the distance. We were spoiled and were able to relax all of Sunday. I successfully got sun burnt through two applications of sunscreen. (SPF 30 m'dears). But I'll take the newly appearing freckles and red nose with a smile as they remind me of my day on the beach and two nights of falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing into the shore.
OH! and after a nice dinner Aloys drove us to the nearby 'airport' and we were able to see a 'glowing' volcano. Its actually located in the Congo, it hasn't errupted since 2005, but you can see the red in the sky.
A rural primary school:
Rwanda claims that their education is equal throughout the country. It has not taken long to see that is not true. One our way back to Kigali this morning we stopped by a rural primary school. By the way, when I say "stopped by" I mean, we drove up the steepest, most narrow road I've ever encountered with cliffs of green and lakes on both sides. (The Plum City snowmobile path doesn't even compare to this mess).
The kids were beautiful. Although there is always the barrier of trying to communicate with mixes of messy French, Kinyarwanda, and English- a smile means the same in each language. Like in the other schools we were able to pair up and sit in on different classrooms. The P3 (about the same as 3-4 grade) students were learning "In Front of", "Behind of", "In", "In Between", etc.
After we presented the school with some gifts of books, pens, pencils, etc, the kids danced for us. Oh, they danced and they danced. ( I cannot wait to come home and show you the videos).
We've also been fortunate enough to have meals with people such as:
Robin, a women from the US who is opening a secondary school in Rwanda.
Craig, my new BFF who works for Joint Aid Management helping bring awareness of AIDS, nutrition, orphans, and women's rights in African countries.
* In addition to Aloys' previous duties, he is also: our money exchanger, our phone card buyer, our alarm clock, the pot hole/speed bump avoider, reservation maker, our French/Kinyarwanda teacher, our personal "hurry up with the food" man, body guard, and according to Leah our "Faithful Friend" (I feel as if this list needs to be a reappearing segment in my blog as every day this man finds more and more ways to save us)
Since last Tuesday we have visited:
The Gisimba Orphanage:
I saved this section for last, as my heart is filled with love for Gisimba. But now it is time for dinner. So I will have to write later about this wonderful place.
The Gisimba Nursery School:
Unlike in the States, there is very little daycare in Rwanda. So many times, when families can afford it, they send their children to nursery school. The kids are typically 3-6 years old. We were able to visit the nursery school located at Gisimba Orphanage. The school is for both orphans and children in the community.
Jess and I were put in charge of a classroom for two min. by the time the teacher was present again- we had: a handful of children running outside, two children writing on the chalkboard, no one sitting, nearly all the kids sitting on top of their desks, every child screaming... all but one, the one who was crying in the corner. The teacher just laughed.
We all were more successful at recess, when all of us had a wonderful time playing with the kids.
The Kigali Institute of Education (KIE):
This is one of the biggest Universities in Rwanda, we didn't get to have much interaction with the students because they were taking exams. But it was a beautiful campus. We are going there a few more times in the next few weeks.
Green Hills Academy:
Is a nursery- secondary school run by a Canadian woman and her husband. It is in the top three schools in Rwanda. Its very prestigious and a lot is expected of the students. Our group was split and given tours by Mimi and Tony, the Head Girl and Boy. They were both great guides and knowledge gained was great on both ends. (The food there was good too). For about two hours in the afternoon, we were all put into different classrooms. I was with 3 year olds. There was a lot of snot, crying, confusion, and "Teacher Jeanna! Teacher Jeanna!" ... but they were cute. And I do still think so even though I think after my time with them, is the most tired I've been this whole trip.
Dominick's Secondary School (I cannot remember the name):
It was really interesting going to this school because there were so many similarities between high schools in the US and their secondary school. The only difference was that our schools have more "stuff". Jess and I went in front of the class, it was mostly students who have 1-2 years left until University or graduation. They had a lot of great questions about universities in the US and our experienecs at ISU and in high school. Oh, and they really wanted to know who I was going to vote for.
If I ever want to find a Rwandan hubbie- this is where I need to go back to. As I seemed to have picked up an admirerer somehow. He begged that I never forget him, and called Dominick soon after we left to tell him, "Wish her a safe trip, and ask her never to forget me" ... I do not remember his name. The story is pretty funny/cute, remind me to relay when I return.
Kinigi:
This city is about two hours of Kigali, its much colder when you're closer to the moon ;) . The view just outside of our hotel room were green hills and huge volcanoes.
Kinigi is home also to the Rain forest where the gorillas live. With D as our guide, Peter as our porter, and two mysterious guys with guns as our guards... After a three hour trek, uphill, in the rain forest (I'll admit, I fell once- in the mud. AND I had a few lovely minutes of ants - biting ones- in my pants) I was able to see one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen- Gorillas. So, the animal itself maybe not the best looking, but the way they live is extremely interesting to watch.
They way that they play, and use their hands and feet. The way they communicate... it is shockingly human like. We got to watch them for about an hour. During that time the Hirwa group was snacking and getting ready for 'nap time'. We were lucky enough to see the group that has five babies! Ohmygoodnesscute.
Thankfully, some unknown but wonderful people cleaned my shoes for 500 Francs or 1 US dollar- they are cleaner then they were when I packed them. My white backpack maybe permanently brown and I may never get over my new fear of ants- but I can now say I am one of the few people who has seen (up close and personal) 12 of the 300-400 gorillas left in the world.
Gisenyi/Lake Kivu:
Paradise is only two hours and one loooong bumpy, pot hole filled road away from the Gorillas. Aloys* so kindly took us to the town of Gisenyi after we "wet ones" ourselves apres les gorillas. Gisenyi is home to the Primus beer plant, Lake Kivu, and the Congo boarder in the distance. We were spoiled and were able to relax all of Sunday. I successfully got sun burnt through two applications of sunscreen. (SPF 30 m'dears). But I'll take the newly appearing freckles and red nose with a smile as they remind me of my day on the beach and two nights of falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing into the shore.
OH! and after a nice dinner Aloys drove us to the nearby 'airport' and we were able to see a 'glowing' volcano. Its actually located in the Congo, it hasn't errupted since 2005, but you can see the red in the sky.
A rural primary school:
Rwanda claims that their education is equal throughout the country. It has not taken long to see that is not true. One our way back to Kigali this morning we stopped by a rural primary school. By the way, when I say "stopped by" I mean, we drove up the steepest, most narrow road I've ever encountered with cliffs of green and lakes on both sides. (The Plum City snowmobile path doesn't even compare to this mess).
The kids were beautiful. Although there is always the barrier of trying to communicate with mixes of messy French, Kinyarwanda, and English- a smile means the same in each language. Like in the other schools we were able to pair up and sit in on different classrooms. The P3 (about the same as 3-4 grade) students were learning "In Front of", "Behind of", "In", "In Between", etc.
After we presented the school with some gifts of books, pens, pencils, etc, the kids danced for us. Oh, they danced and they danced. ( I cannot wait to come home and show you the videos).
We've also been fortunate enough to have meals with people such as:
Robin, a women from the US who is opening a secondary school in Rwanda.
Craig, my new BFF who works for Joint Aid Management helping bring awareness of AIDS, nutrition, orphans, and women's rights in African countries.
... Only my memories and my journal can remember all the other little ways in which my five senses have experienced Rwanda. I am in love with a country. Its been hard to process everything, because are on constatnly on the go... but in the last week, everyday has brought so many wonderful experiences, I fear that soon my heart, my brain, and my body are going to fill up with too much... too much, I don't know, happiness, kindness, love, growth, knowledge ...
I hope all is well in the States. Remember to keep appreciating the litle things.
Love Love Love.
* In addition to Aloys' previous duties, he is also: our money exchanger, our phone card buyer, our alarm clock, the pot hole/speed bump avoider, reservation maker, our French/Kinyarwanda teacher, our personal "hurry up with the food" man, body guard, and according to Leah our "Faithful Friend" (I feel as if this list needs to be a reappearing segment in my blog as every day this man finds more and more ways to save us)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)