Friday, January 11, 2008
Humerous Primary Coverage
A video-blogger who was in New Hampshire for the primary...apparently to make fun of Mitt Romney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, and Chuck Norris. (link from kottke.org)
Emily Rocheleau's 15 minutes of fame.
Emily's a friend of mine. She worked for a group called the Carbon Coalition. Emily's a great organizer. Emily saw all the candidates multiple times when they were in New Hampshire. She could probably give their stump speeches for them. *grin*
Last week, Emily was interviewed by the New York Times and they included a few of her comments in an article.
The Times took things way out of context and put her comments into an article about Undecided voters.
Emily told them all about how McCain was talking about Global Warming and how that was a great thing. Because of that, people should consider voting for him if they really want to keep that issue out there.
So, a Portland, OR blogger made this comment:
Emily Rocheleau*, 22, is the stupidest person in New Hampshire
Emily was sad.
But Emily has wonderful friends and one of them wrote to the Blogger to explain the situation. (no, it wasn't me. I would have defended her, but I didn't hear about all this until after the fact)
His response:
Update: Emily Rocheleau is NOT the stupidest person in New Hampshire
Ah, I love Happy Endings!
Last week, Emily was interviewed by the New York Times and they included a few of her comments in an article.
The Times took things way out of context and put her comments into an article about Undecided voters.
Emily told them all about how McCain was talking about Global Warming and how that was a great thing. Because of that, people should consider voting for him if they really want to keep that issue out there.
So, a Portland, OR blogger made this comment:
Emily Rocheleau*, 22, is the stupidest person in New Hampshire
Emily was sad.
But Emily has wonderful friends and one of them wrote to the Blogger to explain the situation. (no, it wasn't me. I would have defended her, but I didn't hear about all this until after the fact)
His response:
Update: Emily Rocheleau is NOT the stupidest person in New Hampshire
Ah, I love Happy Endings!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Jan. 8 -- Awesome Global Warming and Climate Change folks!
I needed to be in my office on Primary Day, so I wasn't out-and-about doing things. I was OK with that b/c most of the action was at polling locations with candidate campaign volunteers standing out with signs. Candidates stopped by different spots with no notice given, so it wasn't possible to plan to see them.
Even so, the wonderful people who I volunteer with in the Carbon Coalition (with funding from the League of Conversation Voters which put together HeatIsOn.org) were able to keep doing good stuff! I haven't talked with them yet to hear all that they were up to, but I saw signs during news broadcasts, so they were out there!
For me, it had been a late night on Monday. After all these months, I was finally able to make it to a Hillary event. Even better than that, Bill and Chelsea were also there! Most of the events are done with the "divide and conquer" technique so it was great to see them all together. Of course, this was the same day that we saw our first glimpse of a softer Hillary, so that made it even more exciting!
The event was badly planned in terms of parking and logistics, but inside things were done alright. They said 8pm, so we got there around 7.15 to avoid some of the trafic and to try to get a decent spot to stand. Usually at events, you just wait and wait and wait for the candidates to come and this was no exception, but...there was a warm-up band. Apparently, Hillary wasn't to be outdone by Huckabee's bass playing (frequently) and Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt playing some John Edwards events awhile back.
So, some local band played for awhile as we waited. Not great by any stretch -- but they were a decent distraction and it was a refreshing change from recorded music or no music at all!
About 9pm the Clintons arrived! Very cool to see them all together. Hillary gave a strong speech with Bill and Chelsea looking on behind her. At times, it looked like Chelsea was going to cry, but she kept her composure and cracked a smile every now and then.
Even so, the wonderful people who I volunteer with in the Carbon Coalition (with funding from the League of Conversation Voters which put together HeatIsOn.org) were able to keep doing good stuff! I haven't talked with them yet to hear all that they were up to, but I saw signs during news broadcasts, so they were out there!
For me, it had been a late night on Monday. After all these months, I was finally able to make it to a Hillary event. Even better than that, Bill and Chelsea were also there! Most of the events are done with the "divide and conquer" technique so it was great to see them all together. Of course, this was the same day that we saw our first glimpse of a softer Hillary, so that made it even more exciting!
The event was badly planned in terms of parking and logistics, but inside things were done alright. They said 8pm, so we got there around 7.15 to avoid some of the trafic and to try to get a decent spot to stand. Usually at events, you just wait and wait and wait for the candidates to come and this was no exception, but...there was a warm-up band. Apparently, Hillary wasn't to be outdone by Huckabee's bass playing (frequently) and Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt playing some John Edwards events awhile back.
So, some local band played for awhile as we waited. Not great by any stretch -- but they were a decent distraction and it was a refreshing change from recorded music or no music at all!
About 9pm the Clintons arrived! Very cool to see them all together. Hillary gave a strong speech with Bill and Chelsea looking on behind her. At times, it looked like Chelsea was going to cry, but she kept her composure and cracked a smile every now and then.
An audience?
Wow...there might be people reading this now (beyond those of you who I emailed). Thanks to David for talkin' me up!
Tired! (updated with news footage of me)
I'm running on not nearly enough sleep! I think that each night since my return on Jan. 3rd, I've gotten less sleep than I'm used to getting. But it's been worth it!
Last night the Hillary campaign had their Primary Night event at Southern New Hampshire University (the place good enough to issue my paychecks). It wasn't my first choice on an event to attend but logistics made it a good choice and it was a historic night!
I worked all day at SNHU and then had the opportunity to take part in some televised interviews about the Primary. ABC News Now wanted 6 students (that includes me, since I take classes) to talk about their opinions on various parts of the Primary process. We basically did a videoconference with the on-air personalities. Sam Donaldson was firing off questions and it didn't matter who got in his way! *laugh* He did say that our group had "a good grip on things". Nice to hear that!
First interview session (I respond to a question)
Second session (2 staunch Democrats who crossed over to vote for McCain talk, I sit)
In the end, we didn't have much time on-air and I only got to speak during the first segment, but it was quite an experience. They promised to send us links, DVDs, and goodies later so stay tuned!
When that wrapped up, I walked over to the Hillary primary party that was happening in our fieldhouse. It was the Hillary party. With the returns coming in slowly and media outlets refusing to call the outcome, you could feel the energy in the room building. I was in the overflow room, not even the main venue -- but people where I was at were really getting excited. With Hillary off to the early lead in the returns, I kept wondering if the numbers were going to start to turn -- but it just never happened.
When the Associated Press gave their prediction, the crowd erupted! Then just a few minutes later CNN chimed in and again the crowd came through with loud cheers and lots of smiles.
I had to watch Hillary's victory speech on a video screen, and people in the crowd really responded to it, but that was nothing compared to when she came out to see us. Granted, we had to wait until nearly an hour after she finished her speech.
First, Bill Clinton came through to work the crowd and keep us occupied while we waited for Hillary to finish up with the media. He looked drained -- it had been an emotional night and he probably hadn't been sleeping much! I was able to get close enough to say "congratulations" and he took the time to sign an autograph for me, along with items for probably 50 others near me. The room had maybe 200 people, but unless you were in the first 2 rows of people standing near the ropes, you weren't able to get close...
After father, came daugher -- Chelsea. Immediately, people started talking about what year she could run for President. She was full of smiles and very warm and energetic but she didn't look healthy. Her hands were overly-thin and she looked like a celeb in one of those "why is she so thin?" features.
To complete the hat trick, Hillary entered to a huge ovation (from the 200 or so in the room). Interestingly enough, the combined number of supporters was around 700 supporters in attendance as compared to about twice that number when Howard Dean had his event at SNHU 4 years ago.
So, Hillary took some time with the crowd and seemed very appreciative of people's support. A young woman beside me had made telephone calls for the campaign with Chelsea's roommate and another young man must have been very active in things too -- both got some special words on a few extra moments to talk.
I'm not moving over to the Hillary camp, but she's better now than she was a couple of days ago. I think a "kindler, gentler Hillary" is going to win over a number of people. Hopefully, she continues talking about environmental issues and in the few seconds that I had to say something to Bill, Chelsea, and Hillary, I asked them to keep that issue as a major one in the election.
A great photo essay from the night (with various candidates) by CBS news. This is the best compilation I've come across this morning.
Last night the Hillary campaign had their Primary Night event at Southern New Hampshire University (the place good enough to issue my paychecks). It wasn't my first choice on an event to attend but logistics made it a good choice and it was a historic night!
I worked all day at SNHU and then had the opportunity to take part in some televised interviews about the Primary. ABC News Now wanted 6 students (that includes me, since I take classes) to talk about their opinions on various parts of the Primary process. We basically did a videoconference with the on-air personalities. Sam Donaldson was firing off questions and it didn't matter who got in his way! *laugh* He did say that our group had "a good grip on things". Nice to hear that!
First interview session (I respond to a question)
Second session (2 staunch Democrats who crossed over to vote for McCain talk, I sit)
In the end, we didn't have much time on-air and I only got to speak during the first segment, but it was quite an experience. They promised to send us links, DVDs, and goodies later so stay tuned!
When that wrapped up, I walked over to the Hillary primary party that was happening in our fieldhouse. It was the Hillary party. With the returns coming in slowly and media outlets refusing to call the outcome, you could feel the energy in the room building. I was in the overflow room, not even the main venue -- but people where I was at were really getting excited. With Hillary off to the early lead in the returns, I kept wondering if the numbers were going to start to turn -- but it just never happened.
When the Associated Press gave their prediction, the crowd erupted! Then just a few minutes later CNN chimed in and again the crowd came through with loud cheers and lots of smiles.
I had to watch Hillary's victory speech on a video screen, and people in the crowd really responded to it, but that was nothing compared to when she came out to see us. Granted, we had to wait until nearly an hour after she finished her speech.
First, Bill Clinton came through to work the crowd and keep us occupied while we waited for Hillary to finish up with the media. He looked drained -- it had been an emotional night and he probably hadn't been sleeping much! I was able to get close enough to say "congratulations" and he took the time to sign an autograph for me, along with items for probably 50 others near me. The room had maybe 200 people, but unless you were in the first 2 rows of people standing near the ropes, you weren't able to get close...
After father, came daugher -- Chelsea. Immediately, people started talking about what year she could run for President. She was full of smiles and very warm and energetic but she didn't look healthy. Her hands were overly-thin and she looked like a celeb in one of those "why is she so thin?" features.
To complete the hat trick, Hillary entered to a huge ovation (from the 200 or so in the room). Interestingly enough, the combined number of supporters was around 700 supporters in attendance as compared to about twice that number when Howard Dean had his event at SNHU 4 years ago.
So, Hillary took some time with the crowd and seemed very appreciative of people's support. A young woman beside me had made telephone calls for the campaign with Chelsea's roommate and another young man must have been very active in things too -- both got some special words on a few extra moments to talk.
I'm not moving over to the Hillary camp, but she's better now than she was a couple of days ago. I think a "kindler, gentler Hillary" is going to win over a number of people. Hopefully, she continues talking about environmental issues and in the few seconds that I had to say something to Bill, Chelsea, and Hillary, I asked them to keep that issue as a major one in the election.
A great photo essay from the night (with various candidates) by CBS news. This is the best compilation I've come across this morning.
The New Hampshire primary is over -- now I can Blog
Such is my luck -- I finally had a ton of exciting things going on in my life (all related to the New Hampshire primary), but I didn't have the time or energy to write about it. Well, there were plenty of other people doing that anyway. *grin*
What a crazy time, especially the 4 days following the Iowa Caucus. Darn you, Michigan! I could have had 4 weeks of fun like this, but you forced New Hampshire to move up its primary! *laugh* It's probably for the best that it was only 4 days of events all the time and not sleeping much -- I don't think I could have survived much more of it!
So, in an effort to share with people and to not forget fun things I've experienced, I'm going to take time over the next few days to Blog. Stay tuned!
The first thing is "New Hampshire Rocks the Vote" which is a YouTube clip made by Rock the Vote. The young people featured in the video are the crew who I've been volunteering with over the past few months to help raise awareness of Global Warming and Climate Change. They're standing in front of the "Action Center" in the middle of downtown Manchester. I'm going to miss that place and all the great people when they close their doors on Thursday night! *sniff*
What a crazy time, especially the 4 days following the Iowa Caucus. Darn you, Michigan! I could have had 4 weeks of fun like this, but you forced New Hampshire to move up its primary! *laugh* It's probably for the best that it was only 4 days of events all the time and not sleeping much -- I don't think I could have survived much more of it!
So, in an effort to share with people and to not forget fun things I've experienced, I'm going to take time over the next few days to Blog. Stay tuned!
The first thing is "New Hampshire Rocks the Vote" which is a YouTube clip made by Rock the Vote. The young people featured in the video are the crew who I've been volunteering with over the past few months to help raise awareness of Global Warming and Climate Change. They're standing in front of the "Action Center" in the middle of downtown Manchester. I'm going to miss that place and all the great people when they close their doors on Thursday night! *sniff*
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Fun to write things again
Now...I just need to tell people that I'm back to actively sharing here.
Tired.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights I attended a "First-time homebuyer" education program. The mortgage for my condo has some special incentives to help someone with my income level and b/c of where it's located. So...they want accountablity and one way to do that is for people to attend classes. They were helpful, though targeted more toward people earlier in the saving/buying process.
The major drawback was that each night it was 3 hours and a 1 hour drive each way. They are offered closer, but I had to take the class before I close on my Condo (which is sometime between now and Aug. 24).
Now it's over and I'm moving to a new place on Friday. Not to _my_ place (yet) but somewhere different. We've managed to find a dorm room for me to stay in for the next 2 weeks. Hopefully it's less than that! I'll hear more on Friday about the closing date for my condo.
Well, I want to enjoy the sunshine and nice evening.
Tired.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights I attended a "First-time homebuyer" education program. The mortgage for my condo has some special incentives to help someone with my income level and b/c of where it's located. So...they want accountablity and one way to do that is for people to attend classes. They were helpful, though targeted more toward people earlier in the saving/buying process.
The major drawback was that each night it was 3 hours and a 1 hour drive each way. They are offered closer, but I had to take the class before I close on my Condo (which is sometime between now and Aug. 24).
Now it's over and I'm moving to a new place on Friday. Not to _my_ place (yet) but somewhere different. We've managed to find a dorm room for me to stay in for the next 2 weeks. Hopefully it's less than that! I'll hear more on Friday about the closing date for my condo.
Well, I want to enjoy the sunshine and nice evening.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Checkin' in from New Hampshire
Well, I have a web-related job again and lots to write about. Maybe I'll start posting every so often. I was told to "start blogging again (expletive removed)". *laugh*
More to come, but not over the weekend. I'll be out and about walking and hanging out with folks at the ReEnergizeNH event.
More to come, but not over the weekend. I'll be out and about walking and hanging out with folks at the ReEnergizeNH event.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
I feel wonderful tonite!
Yes, I'm quoting Clapton! (but that's how I feel...and also happened to hear a cover of the Clapton song in an Egyptian movie tonight)
Big day with the last of my exams and my final time in my classrooms. *sniff* I also ran around Tanta on errands, saying goodbyes, trying to get some photos printed, etc.
The only downer was an email waiting for me when I got back. *sigh*
Months ago, I applied for a volunteer program called "The Climate Project" which is a program to get Al Gore's word out about the environment. They wanted people to be trained as presenters of his message and then do talks. I thought my skills/interests were perfect for it. Unfortunately, the folks at the program seem to feel otherwise. *frown*
They emailed today to say that I will _not_ be invited to the training sessions, but that I can host some small group discussions about a DVD of "An Inconvenient Truth, and Al Gore’s award-winning documentary". So...don't be surprised if I invite you to a showing in January!
I'm disappointed, but at least I know the situation now. I had been really looking forward to the possibility of going to these training sessions and then traveling around a bit to make presentations. Now, I just need to swich gears and put my energy in a different direction.
Big day with the last of my exams and my final time in my classrooms. *sniff* I also ran around Tanta on errands, saying goodbyes, trying to get some photos printed, etc.
The only downer was an email waiting for me when I got back. *sigh*
Months ago, I applied for a volunteer program called "The Climate Project" which is a program to get Al Gore's word out about the environment. They wanted people to be trained as presenters of his message and then do talks. I thought my skills/interests were perfect for it. Unfortunately, the folks at the program seem to feel otherwise. *frown*
They emailed today to say that I will _not_ be invited to the training sessions, but that I can host some small group discussions about a DVD of "An Inconvenient Truth, and Al Gore’s award-winning documentary". So...don't be surprised if I invite you to a showing in January!
I'm disappointed, but at least I know the situation now. I had been really looking forward to the possibility of going to these training sessions and then traveling around a bit to make presentations. Now, I just need to swich gears and put my energy in a different direction.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
First exam = finished
Got back from a great weekend around Fayoum.
Fun with friends last night, then tonight gave an exam and said goodbye to a group of students. *frown*
I'll try to write this week b/c Internet access will be a bit unpredictable after I move on Thursday.
Fun with friends last night, then tonight gave an exam and said goodbye to a group of students. *frown*
I'll try to write this week b/c Internet access will be a bit unpredictable after I move on Thursday.
Friday, November 24, 2006
American Football!
So, would you believe I got to watch the first half of the Lions game LIVE on TV on Thursday?
*laugh*
Yes, really!!!
*laugh*
Yes, really!!!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I'm thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I'm off to Cairo in a few minutes, but wanted to give you a bit to think about while I'm gone. In getting ready for Thanksgiving and my return to the US, I've been thinking a lot about how blessed I am.
I have friends/family scattered all around the world who love/care about me and I feel the same way about them. Some of you, I haven't seen in years (or years and years) but that doesn't matter. I'll see many of you soon and work to get to know each other better again.
For the past 4 years, I've been in a wonderful country surrounded by fantastic people who have tried to help me with almost anything I have needed. There were difficult times, but I always knew that I had people to turn to.
I love this place and I'm going to miss it.
Enjoy your time with loved ones!
Oh...I can't forget this: Tanta in the news! (from the Christian Science Monitor)
I'm off to Cairo in a few minutes, but wanted to give you a bit to think about while I'm gone. In getting ready for Thanksgiving and my return to the US, I've been thinking a lot about how blessed I am.
I have friends/family scattered all around the world who love/care about me and I feel the same way about them. Some of you, I haven't seen in years (or years and years) but that doesn't matter. I'll see many of you soon and work to get to know each other better again.
For the past 4 years, I've been in a wonderful country surrounded by fantastic people who have tried to help me with almost anything I have needed. There were difficult times, but I always knew that I had people to turn to.
I love this place and I'm going to miss it.
Enjoy your time with loved ones!
Oh...I can't forget this: Tanta in the news! (from the Christian Science Monitor)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Back in Tanta...
Good weekend with friends in Cairo for my Going-Away party and MCC meeting. Wow, am I going to miss people here!
I also attended a 2-day conference on teaching and a lecture by William Dalrymple. The lecture was very intersting and MCC was nice enough to buy his book, From the Holy Mountain: A Journey among the Christians of the Middle East, which I'm now reading. It's about travels all around ancient monasteries and Christian spots. Dalrymple is an amazing writer!
I also attended a 2-day conference on teaching and a lecture by William Dalrymple. The lecture was very intersting and MCC was nice enough to buy his book, From the Holy Mountain: A Journey among the Christians of the Middle East, which I'm now reading. It's about travels all around ancient monasteries and Christian spots. Dalrymple is an amazing writer!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A Better Blog?
If you're reading this, then you got your invitation to read the Blog and made it over whatever hurdles Blogger put up. It's now "private" and inaccessible unless I invite people.
As you may have noticed, one recent post from this week has been heavily edited (including the deletion of 3 pictures). In addition, I removed nearly a dozen other pictures that I had uploaded with Picassa and to Flickr.
Some of the discussions I mentioned in a previous post are happening. Continue to pray for understanding and forgiveness.
As you may have noticed, one recent post from this week has been heavily edited (including the deletion of 3 pictures). In addition, I removed nearly a dozen other pictures that I had uploaded with Picassa and to Flickr.
Some of the discussions I mentioned in a previous post are happening. Continue to pray for understanding and forgiveness.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
I've hurt people
It seems that I have hurt some people in Tanta with the things I have written in this Blog and some of the pictures have put up.
I hope that they will forgive me and I hope that they will talk with me about the problems they see. I won't say more than that at this time, but I will tell you more personally. If you're in Tanta and understand what I am writing about, please call me to discuss this or talk with me face-to-face.
So...this is the last post for awhile, at least until I can talk with people. Instead of writing anything new, I will be going through what I have put up in the past, to see where the problems could be.
I know it is painful for those people, but this is also very painful for me. It feels like with this one mistake, I've erased all of the work I've done in Tanta. This is a very difficult situation for me right now because I don't know who I've hurt or how, really. I need their help to help me learn and understand.
I hope we (people in Tanta and myself) can all learn from this.
I hope that they will forgive me and I hope that they will talk with me about the problems they see. I won't say more than that at this time, but I will tell you more personally. If you're in Tanta and understand what I am writing about, please call me to discuss this or talk with me face-to-face.
So...this is the last post for awhile, at least until I can talk with people. Instead of writing anything new, I will be going through what I have put up in the past, to see where the problems could be.
I know it is painful for those people, but this is also very painful for me. It feels like with this one mistake, I've erased all of the work I've done in Tanta. This is a very difficult situation for me right now because I don't know who I've hurt or how, really. I need their help to help me learn and understand.
I hope we (people in Tanta and myself) can all learn from this.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Clowns Without Borders
I want to bring an organization to your attention. Awhile back, I met 2 people in Cairo who were visiting to share their clowning abilities.
Well...they're coming back soon as part of Clowns Without Borders -- "no child without a smile". Give if you can.
Well...they're coming back soon as part of Clowns Without Borders -- "no child without a smile". Give if you can.
Great weekend with Tons of Friends! (heavily edited)
(several pictures removed, out of respect for people shown in them)
What a fun time! Early Friday morning (7.15am), my friends Amber and Ben arrived from Cairo. From the train station, we had the good fortune of meeting up with a priest who was going to the same village we were, so he offered us a ride. There were 4 of us, so we squeezed into his big station wagon, along with 3 other men. I recognized the priest, but my Egyptian friend was the one who made the connection -- it was her family's home in the village that we were heading for...
The short ride was OK for me, but Amber, Ben, and my friend had to deal with the gas fumes coming into the back of the car. Thankfully, we were able to clear the air by opening a couple of windows...
Once in the village, we met my friend's parents and started our day. We had lots of tea, a lovely lunch, and 2 nice walks around the fields. On the walks, we saw lots of my friend's extended family -- a cousin, uncles, 2nd/3rd uncles and cousins, etc.
Earlier in the week, I told my friend that I had one big wish for the trip:
Yeah!!!! My wish came true! (picture of me riding a donkey removed)
Then, once we were back in Tanta, we went out for a nice dinner and back to my place to play games (just Amber and Ben, b/c they were staying the night with me).
Saturday morning, we had a pleasant breakfast together at my apartment and then I showed them around Tanta a bit before their train back to Cairo.
After that, I had just a few hours to get ready for my going-away party. *smile* I knew nothing about who was invited, or any of the plans. My director and everyone kept the secrets very well and I was very surprised by things!
For starters, my director invited 2 of my really good friends who now live in Alexandria and Tanta to the party. Micho and Mina were guys who I spent tons of time with before they moved so it was wonderful to have them with me at the celebration! My friends Mikel and Fady joined us in the car for the drive over.
At the party, I spoke, plus my director, 2 of the other teachers, my boss James, my friend George, and the Bishop. During some of the talks, I laughed...while during others, I cried. Some people were very serious about things, but there was also a "roast" and video montage from my time in Egypt. This solved the mystery of why there were so many recent visitors to my Blog from Egypt -- people were reading it and finding pictures to use in this presentation! *laugh* I will get a copy of it and show people when I get back to the U.S. *smile*
Now, the "roast" part was done by one of my former students and the younger brother of one of my good friends. He likes acting and was also the class clown when I had him as a student! Well...he took my mannerisms and way of dressing and just nailed it! In this pic, you can see the style of sandals I often wear and wrinkled khaki pants with the cuffs rolled up! I never realized people noticed these things or found them so funny! I wish I had video of this, but I'll have to settle for the memories and a few digital pics!
What a fun time! Early Friday morning (7.15am), my friends Amber and Ben arrived from Cairo. From the train station, we had the good fortune of meeting up with a priest who was going to the same village we were, so he offered us a ride. There were 4 of us, so we squeezed into his big station wagon, along with 3 other men. I recognized the priest, but my Egyptian friend was the one who made the connection -- it was her family's home in the village that we were heading for...
The short ride was OK for me, but Amber, Ben, and my friend had to deal with the gas fumes coming into the back of the car. Thankfully, we were able to clear the air by opening a couple of windows...
Once in the village, we met my friend's parents and started our day. We had lots of tea, a lovely lunch, and 2 nice walks around the fields. On the walks, we saw lots of my friend's extended family -- a cousin, uncles, 2nd/3rd uncles and cousins, etc.
Earlier in the week, I told my friend that I had one big wish for the trip:
Yeah!!!! My wish came true! (picture of me riding a donkey removed)
Then, once we were back in Tanta, we went out for a nice dinner and back to my place to play games (just Amber and Ben, b/c they were staying the night with me).
Saturday morning, we had a pleasant breakfast together at my apartment and then I showed them around Tanta a bit before their train back to Cairo.
After that, I had just a few hours to get ready for my going-away party. *smile* I knew nothing about who was invited, or any of the plans. My director and everyone kept the secrets very well and I was very surprised by things!
For starters, my director invited 2 of my really good friends who now live in Alexandria and Tanta to the party. Micho and Mina were guys who I spent tons of time with before they moved so it was wonderful to have them with me at the celebration! My friends Mikel and Fady joined us in the car for the drive over.
At the party, I spoke, plus my director, 2 of the other teachers, my boss James, my friend George, and the Bishop. During some of the talks, I laughed...while during others, I cried. Some people were very serious about things, but there was also a "roast" and video montage from my time in Egypt. This solved the mystery of why there were so many recent visitors to my Blog from Egypt -- people were reading it and finding pictures to use in this presentation! *laugh* I will get a copy of it and show people when I get back to the U.S. *smile*
Now, the "roast" part was done by one of my former students and the younger brother of one of my good friends. He likes acting and was also the class clown when I had him as a student! Well...he took my mannerisms and way of dressing and just nailed it! In this pic, you can see the style of sandals I often wear and wrinkled khaki pants with the cuffs rolled up! I never realized people noticed these things or found them so funny! I wish I had video of this, but I'll have to settle for the memories and a few digital pics!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Friends on Friday
I have 2 American friends from Cairo (Amber and Ben) coming to visit on Friday, so I'm trying to get my apartment around. It's clean, so mostly I'm just trying to pick things up and get things looking nice.
Thankfully, the the weather has gotten a bit warmer today. We're planning to go out to a farm in a village outside Tanta for the day. Amber and Ben are coming on a 6am train, so I'm betting they'll be tired at the end of the day -- that means an early dinner and early bedtime.
They'll stay with me Friday night and then go back to Cairo Saturday morning. Then just a few hours after that, James and Linda are coming to Tanta for my going-away party.
Hmmmm....I guess I should prepare some things to say. *sigh*
I hate goodbyes.
Thankfully, the the weather has gotten a bit warmer today. We're planning to go out to a farm in a village outside Tanta for the day. Amber and Ben are coming on a 6am train, so I'm betting they'll be tired at the end of the day -- that means an early dinner and early bedtime.
They'll stay with me Friday night and then go back to Cairo Saturday morning. Then just a few hours after that, James and Linda are coming to Tanta for my going-away party.
Hmmmm....I guess I should prepare some things to say. *sigh*
I hate goodbyes.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
New (to me) travel site
Well, maybe other people have known about this site for awhile, but I just stumbled across Wcities Destination Guide which has a nice section on Cairo. It's a nice mix of edited reader-submitted content and writing that comes straight from the company. Look elsewhere for blunt opinions, but I like the style of this one.
They cover major cities in countries around the world. Worth checking out for background information before a trip or to figure what to do and where to stay once you get to your destination.
They cover major cities in countries around the world. Worth checking out for background information before a trip or to figure what to do and where to stay once you get to your destination.
Traffic Control!
Riding in around with a friend in his car today and saw something truly amazing!
-- an Egyptian police officer actually controlling traffic! *laugh* (and boy, was he)
This was at an intersection near the train station where traffic comes from about 5 different angles and there are also cement barriers in place to move you in the right way. But people still try to do anything they want.
So...a guy with his donkey cart starts coming through the intersection and wants to veer to the left. Apparently, the police officer didn't agree b/c he reached out, grabbed the reigns, and pulled the donkey to the right! Wow!
-- an Egyptian police officer actually controlling traffic! *laugh* (and boy, was he)
This was at an intersection near the train station where traffic comes from about 5 different angles and there are also cement barriers in place to move you in the right way. But people still try to do anything they want.
So...a guy with his donkey cart starts coming through the intersection and wants to veer to the left. Apparently, the police officer didn't agree b/c he reached out, grabbed the reigns, and pulled the donkey to the right! Wow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
