Genocide

After a long week of avoiding the kitchen, Anna, Jess and I decided it was high-time we attacked the variety of "friends" occupying our cooking area. Although a relatively peaceful occupation, our rivaling families could simply not coexist, and being the chief bug-catcher, I took the liberty of starting a genocide of all trespassers. I can proudly proclaim that I did a fine job of executing the invaders, and have in fact, become quite murderous (with proper weaponry). I took great delight in protecting dear Anna and Jess (who dutifully assisted me), and was pleased to hear the slew of obscenities released as our co-residents dissolved (perhaps this imagery is too literate).

Although I don't plan on selling my talents on the market, it's nice to know that I can handle this notorious creeper sans anxiety. I may have killed useable brain cells, but my Raid overuse has left us with a beautiful kitchen -- Bon Appetit!

Egypt fact:

Those fortunate (or, arguably, unfortunate) enough to own a car in Egypt typically outfit their cars with the gaudiest accessories available: colorful fur, stuffed animals, sparkle beads, black lights, stickers, etc. The most conspicuous (and naturally, the most popular) seems to be the oversized Tweety bird headrest cover.

Apologies

This is the last apology I'll make for my lack of blogging: I have food poisoning - again - and I'm feeling a bit uncreative at late (among other terrible feelings).

I've moved into a new place, which is quite lovely despite several critters that have made our kitchen their neighborhood.

My recent travels have provided me with amusing stories for those of you that rely on my Egypt recounts as a source of escapism. As soon as the poison leaves my body and midterms finish, I will write to our hearts content. In the meantime, peruse my photos at your leisure.

Simon says:

Simon says: MOVE OUT

In this case, Simon is a our landlord. Details about said move and vacation to the Red Sea soon.

Khan al-Khalili bombing

Hello friends!

I just wanted to update you quickly to let you know that I am safe and away from harm, as Cairo's famed Khan al-Khalili was bombed this evening. As you probably could have guessed from my previous Khan post, I have no intention of ever stepping foot there again. 

I appreciate your concern - hopefully my existence here will remain bomb-free. 

Karma

It appears that I am eating my words about AUC - I have quite a bit of homework due this week, which will be taking up most of my time. I won't be available for lengthy conversations until Thursday; I hope you can last.

Egypt fact:

Egyptian men can shake their ass[ets] better than I can ever hope to.

Ibn Tulun tiptoe

There are various ways we roommates seek vengeance against AUC for their lack of consideration and fondness for picking the pockets of their own students. We've recently taken to placing stray toilet paper rolls into our purses, and today I jumped at the opportunity to sneak onto a private field trip to the Nileometer and Ibn Tulun mosque. 

Both Jess and Anna (in addition to many other friends) are enrolled in a class covering the art and architecture of Cairo, which takes students to interesting locales throughout the semester. The first field trip, which was today, included two of Cairo's more notable tourist attractions, the Nileometer and Ibn Tulun mosque. The Nileometer is a measuring column used to predict droughts and floods for the coming year; Ibn Tulun is reputed to be the oldest mosque in Cairo and is the largest in terms of land area. Both of these sights are worth seeing and it was clear to me upon first hearing of the trip that I must attend. To my dismay, sneaking onto the bus was quite easy; I had spent several long minutes devising many ways to avoid detection and was pleased with my cleverness that unfortunately would never be employed.

Regardless of my false cunningness, the trip was amazing. The Nileometer was very interesting (and cavernous), but Ibn Tulun was truly breathtaking. A few of us lagged behind the tour in order to climb to the top of the minaret (a tall slender tower with a balcony from which a muezzin calls Muslims to prayer), and we had the most astounding panoramic view of Cairo. The ascend was slightly unnerving, as the very last few steps were extremely narrow and rail-less, but I'm very pleased I made the climb. After admiring the view, we rushed down (carefully) to catch up with the group and this is when we actually entered the mosque. As we walked in the call to prayer sounded, which I previously posted as a video. The whole experience was quite magical - I highly advise readers to peruse my flickr account for photos.

Future sneaks are certainly in order; despite the ease of tiptoeing onto the trip, I'll continue to admire my guile to rectify AUC's blunders.

Call to prayer at Ibn Tulun