Almost the end…

Well, everyone, I’m back – to Cairo that is. It was a long time of travel, but we made it safely without ny problems. It isn’t often that I look back and realize that, to relate everything in an experience would be impossible, but this is definitely one of those situations. After seeing so many different places, meeting different people, discussing politics, history, culture, religion, seeing historical sites and national monuments, hanging out with everyday people, participating in what came to be known as “hacky-sack diplomacy”, engaging in current issues and listening to stories and viewpoints of a wide variety of people from state department officials, government leaders, college professors, tour guides, priests, muslims, students, and shop-keepers, I am realizing how invaluable and life changing this experience really was.

Among the most recent events are the two weeks we spent in Jerusalem through both easter and passover. This time of year is one of the craziest with so many different people vying for space to follow their religious traditions. Observing the diversity as we roamed around the city and visited the sites I could begin to see why there is so much conflict over this area. We stayed outside the old city for a few days before moving to a hostel in the heart of the old city in the Muslim quarter. I could begin to sense the constant tension surrounding the place as I watched petty fights break out among teenagers and safely observed from a distant the protests of the people who lived in such close proximity to each other.

Our time here was spent trying to understand the nature of the conflict, reading about and listening to individuals as they shared both sides of the story. After hearing so many stories and personal testimonies, the convoluted history the director was trying to get across to us started making sense. We learned of the faults on both sides and external factors that have hindered peace in the past, and how difficult it really is to find any footing from which to begin a discussion of peace. Mainly, however, we discussed what it means to truly live as an outsider observing such a conflict, and what our role is in supporting and seeking peace.

After such an intense time of travel, though, we really hit it off with a soccer game last night, and oh, what a night. It was between two Egyptian teams, Ahly and Zamalek, two rivals of Cairo. It was one of the best sporting events I have ever been to. We left four hours early, arriving and finding seats at around 5:30 – the game didn’t start till 8:00. That didn’t stop the crowds though, for the cheering and jeering went on for the full 2 1/2 hours until the game started, and continued until the game ended at around 10:00. It was a tie. There is nothing like seeing an international soccer game to make you realize how tame American sports really are.

Now, however, it back to work. We have several papers to write, and when someone commented on the fact that we only have four papers left till the end of the year, I realized that I only have four papers until I graduate. No finals. What a semester to end on. So, in another week, I will officially be done with my undergraduate, provided I don’t fail any of these classes. Thank goodness I have enough to keep me busy that I don’t have to think about it too much. But what also excites me is that in another week and a half I will be home – I will get to see my family and friends in the states. With how active things have been here, it seems like I have been gone a long time. It will be bitter-sweet, leaving here and arriving home. It is almost the end to this semester and to my college days.

Advertisement