reflections on eygpt

very nice people, but it's hard to distinguish those who are trying to make a buck off the white guys (can you blame them?) and those who are genuine. 'baksheesh' is a word you hear often (it means 'tip').

cairo is crazy! ...just a massive city. 8 lane roads are crossed by walking wherever, whenever. the key is to walk without hesitation...drivers here see the fear in your eyes and cut you off.

islam is such a presence. it's inescapable. it's hard and sad to see women dressed in a total black outfit with just a slit for their eyes (an extreme form of muslim dress). along with islam is the strong sense of "the law". matt and i both coincidentally read galatians in which paul lays out abraham's lineage and history (and in turn the history of christians, jews, and muslims). paul was writing to these galatians who were slipping back into "the law's" mode of thinking...and it's certainly easy enough for us to do the same. it is very powerful to see that lived to the extreme here in eygpt. interestingly, we feel quite safe in this muslim country. in many ways, "the law" seems less messy than christianity...less messy and less free.

...and the smells (indescribable)...and the music (so stereotypical)...and the language (written right to left)...all so very different. we're blessed to have been able to experience it.