BTW I got hitched

Salaam!
Well its been almost exactly a year since I last blogged... Not that I have been very good at blogging in the first place. But I need to update the cyber world on whats going on in Fah's life.
December 24th 2009 I got married. :-) His name is Tammer... He's from Al-Arish, the city I have lived in the past 2 years here in Egypt. He's a dreamy, kind, laid-back businessman. Totally different than me in every way... Those who know me know that I am not laid-back at all. And maybe thats what keeps us strong. He claims he met me almost a year before we officially met. He saw me at work and thought it was intriguing to see a woman in a suit... managing a staff of men. So from the get go he knew I was bossy. LOL.
I was pretty sure my dad would not approave. But love prevails over all... and we got married! Is it strange to say that I knew from the day I met him I would be his wife.? And within 3 months we got hitched... We probably would have wed quicker if I was back home, but I waited for my dad and brothers to come and get the party started. Ofcourse!
I have to say alhamdullah for everything that has happened this year. Maybe the moment I began writing I wanted to talk about how work sucks and I don't want to eat bamia for dinner or how I was making Tamar Hindi yesterday and the pitcher blew up in my hands. But writing about the wedding makes me smile. (And that never happens at Sinai University).
We honeymooned briefly in Sharm and then got back to working. We both took tons of time off from work. Not that we are independently wealthy individuals... but you only get married once!
Maybe my lack of updating has been due to wedding planning, honeymooning and getting back into the swing of work. I surely want to share with everyone how happy we are. And how I want everyone back home to meet the Mr.
I have 15 minutes till I get to go home and watch the French Open Final.: Nadal vs. Soderling. Definitely a Nadal fan (since Federer is out)! And eat Bamia. (Say it: Bil Hana Wa Shifa!)

Observations from the Arab World: President Obama's Address to Muslims

Politics this century have too often been about differentiating and alienating. President Barack Hussein Obama took a different approach towards resetting Americaís relationship with Arabs and Muslims last Thursday. He has defined his politics as being about inclusion and cooperation. 

I personally can speak to how his message was received in the Arab Republic of Egypt in Al-Arish, a small coastal town located in the Sinai Peninsula. From the beachfront to the business district every single person was watching or listening to the address. Universities, schools and government offices all closed officially on Thursday to welcome the US President. 

By now everyone has commented on President Obama's seven points. I imagine that someday the issues will be put in bulleted print in a high school history textbook. The chapter headline will read something like: "The Beginning of Peace and Understanding." But right now, right here in Egypt the headlines inquisitively ask if he will fulfill his promises. Muslims here have reasons to be fearful and distrustful of US foreign relations. This region is tainted by war, sanctions and bad politics. Regardless, Arabs and Muslims were all ears.

Before the speech my family was making dinner plans. We decided to order prepared and delivered fish from the market so that we can all watch the live broadcast. Five minutes after the speech, we wondered where dinner was. When called, the cook apologized for the delay as they were watching the broadcast as well. Every single Egyptian was watching.

Growing up as a Muslim in America, I knew what our Politicians didn't; that my people were contributing to the nation. Kansas City in particular is blessed with a large, diverse community based in interfaith work, understanding and respect. I was ecstatic to hear my country's president recognize the efforts that have long gone unnoticed. These words weren't just relationship-building for Muslims abroad; they also reset the damaged relationship with Muslims back home in the US. 

President Obama visited a mosque and respected it by removing his shoes. When he spoke he began with a traditional "Salaam Alaikum" (Peace be with you). He went so far as to say "Peace be upon him" when he said the name Prophet Mohammed as a sign of respect for our religious leader. And when he spoke of values like peace, honesty and respect he quoted from our holy book, the Qur'an. Throughout the day every Egyptian citizen I came across could be found quoting from his speech. 

He also opened up several topics never-before discussed in this manner. Speaking about stereotypes, democracy, Guantanimo, Iraq, Iran, women's rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict he opened up debate amongst Arabs. He didn't solve the issues, but the theme for his visit was accomplished. It is definitely a new beginning for the relationship between the US and the Arab world.

President Obama learned firsthand that we are listening with open minds. Egyptians want to know if he will quell the ongoing violence in the West Bank and Gaza - violence that threatens Egypt's borders. Americans want to know if they will be safe to practice their own religion within America without being stereotyped. We are all listening and waiting to see what is the next step for President Obama.

Ramadan Fever

Growing up in a country where my holiday was always a side note, its strange to turn on the TV and see advertisements geared towards me. The ads promote new drinks, snacks, religious books, etc. And then a shopping trip that would be menial and annoying on any other hot, sweaty August afternoon became... so refreshing to experience. The hustle and bustle of getting ready for the holiday season is very exciting for me. 

I've always been an extreme participant in the Christmas season working in retail. I was there Thanksgiving night preparing for the mad sales. I usually didn't get to experience a day off until ten days after Christmas. But this is my first time to be really a part of the holiday season.

For once I don't need to request off to celebrate my holiday. 

The market today was packed. Everyone was stocking up on suhur (before fast meal) items and iftar (after fast meal) treats. After hitting up three spice shops we finally made it through a crowd to buy black pepper. And hailing a taxi was a feat today. Every single one was busy taking somebody who bought something somewhere. Two days ago I bought 3 pairs of shoes and 2 cute tops for very cheap. The before Ramadan Sales here are great. I'm told the Eid sales will be even better. 

But the shoppers here aren't consumerist enough for me. They buy essentials for the holiday season. I'm more interested in the fun things that make it a festive holiday. So I bought string lights and hung them in the living room. My two-year old cousin is estatic. And around the outside of the house I am hanging colorful streamers, from our balcony to the neighbor's. We never got around to these types of decorations in the states. Hanging lights in the off-season is definitely inexcusable and probably a violation of some city ordinance. 

I'm sure that I'm feeling a little nostalgia for the Ramadans of America I am accustomed to. No one has called me yet to say "Did you see the moon?" or "Will you be at the mosque tonight?" or "Will you break your fast here or there?" I haven't had the chance to be super excited internally. I haven't had an opportunity to plan how I will celebrate, fast, repent and purify while outwardly appearing the same to my coworkers and neighbors. 

Instead I'm outlining my spiritual plan for the month. This month will be the first in almost 10 years when I want to finish reading the Quran cover to cover. This year I won't break my fast on the run via a frozen TV dinner at work or a Snickers bar during class. (I will, however, miss the PF Changs and Buca di Bepo deliveries.) This year I want to breath in all there is to breath in around this holiday. Every aspect of being the majority faith is mine now to treasure. Everyone else around me seems to take this for granted because they have always had it.

I have a quarter century worth of lanterns to light, prayers to read, visiting, fasting, cooking, shopping, etc. to catch up on. I am going all out with Ramadan Fever, at least this once. 

Kitty Blog

My precious Nuqta won't eat. She hasn't in a few days. She hasn't eaten well in a few weeks. And today she won't drink water. 

I spent an hour online reading what everyone says about feline anorexia or other eating disorders related to feline illnesses. I'm not completely sure what to do. But I guess she really can't control her life lately, because I am barely in control of my own. I still am not in a place of my own and so Nuqta is always subject to a random kid petting her, which she hates but tolerates. And more terrible (to the cat) than her expanded social network is her choice of cuisine. She is usually so happy with Alley Cat or Friskies. But we don't have the luxury of cheapo catfoods. Instead she only gets tuna or sardines or some other assortment of fresh fish. 

But she doesn't want fresh fish. I can't blame her though I am the big fan of fish who now hates to smell them or eat them. So today I wanted to get a vet to look at her. Maybe she has worms (haven't seen any) or fleas (nope) or something else (please no). But whatever is wrong I want to fix it and I don't want my kitty wasting away. Her chubs have all melted and now you pet a boney spine when you want to cuddle. Yuck. But yeah, the vet no-called. And he's the only one in this town.

So I got a syringe and some gerber baby food and mom gave me advice over the net; and dad helped me squirt it down her throat. So she has 6mg of Gerber in her as of 1:45am and another 3mg of baby vitamin juice. Around 4am we'll try to get another 6mg of Gerber down.

So far so good. I will keep you posted. I'm sure everyone is on the edge of their seat and praying for my kitty to get well soon. Don't send flowers, send dry cat food. ;-)

Teen Shoka (Cactus Fruit)

My uncle has a farm where you can literally get lost. I know this because I got lost yesterday on it. I was in a state of panic because my family has ways of pranking each other. I was pretty sure that they left me behind. It was getting dark and the rows and rows of olive trees looked the same and so I wandered. I also had little hair-like thorns all over my hands and face and somehow on my tongue. I'm the silly bum who thought you could bite them off.

We were so careful when we pulled the thorny fruit off of its large cactus. Poking it with a stick and keeping a distance from the large thorns that protruded from the plants we thought we would have a nice little treat. So much for that idea. Apparently the little teeny tiny thorns aren't really visible to the human eye until they have gotten all over your clothes. 

Growing up in the midwest I definitely got to spend time on some farms and get lost picking apples at Stephenson's Apple Orchard. But this is a first. I actually did the thing you see in cartoons and old westerns. I got beat by a plant. I green thorny cactus plant that was angry I stole its fruit.

My family didn't leave me. They were waiting by the car and laughed hysterically at my painful mistake and the fact that I got lost. I guess it was a funny sight to see. Victoriously I showed off the fruit wrapped in paper. At the moment I was sure I wanted to eat it just to prove that I won. But, I probably won't even look at it again. Now that I have finally gotten all of the thorns out of my fingertips I am a little fearful of getting hurt again.

An apology

After 3 weeks of being too happy with life and busy to publish an update I am moved to blog. I have to first say that there are a million things I have wanted to write about but instead just made rough drafts. Now I really regret not publishing all the happy things that have happened because this blog is a very sad one.
Today I found myself crying again. A few weeks back I cried because I visited the graveyard where most of my family has been burried for generations. I was sad because I felt so distant from my grandfather. I wished that I had been around to absorb his personality and ethics. But the sadness was mixed with so much happiness. I was part of a family of revolutionaries. Each individual had a story of fighting for freedom or against colonization or oppression. Each one was religious and political and was a leader in their own way. I was part of a dynasty perhaps. Death is the only things that really moves me to tears. Today again I think about those who have been lost over the years.
Today I cried because another family friend passed away. I was unhappy with myself for not being there by Sarah's side at the Jinaza (funeral). Hassan was young and did not live up to his dream. I can't blame Allah (God) because ofcourse we all come from him and we all will return to him. Allah has plans that we don't know and so we all must put out trust in him.
But I can blame myself for not being a better friend to Sarah. I wish I could be there for her right now to mourn the loss of her youngest brother. Sometimes people let stupid things get in the way of the big picture. I always thought I looked at the big picture, that I wanted to be a leader and to leave a positive impact in this world. Right now I don't feel as though I have lived up to my expectations.
I am on the other side of the world right now. But I hope all my friends can forgive me if I ever wronged them. I know its a sad way to look at things... but at this point two people have died while I was travelling. So if I didn't say goodbye to you, if I ever offended you or if maybe I owe you 5 dollars, please forgive me. A lot of the time we take eachother for granted and expect things to be the same next time we meet.
I am not planning on going anywhere if you need me. So please don't go anywhere. And please take care of yourselves and eachother.

Egypt Smoothie

Imagine for just one moment that you have an extremely large blender. If you were to put the traffic, smog, old buildings, history and pride of Cairo into a blender you would create something tinted gray. I think the nutrional value may be high but the taste bitter and so uninviting to someone who hasn't experienced it before. Making the same cocktail of Leawood, Overland Park and the greater Kansas City area would provide a greener, fruitier taste. The manicured lawns and well-paved streets would perhaps make this drink more thirst-quenching. But the best smoothie of all would have to come from Al Arish. The old city, the salty Sea, the simple life of fishing or farming would make the most colorful, tasteful and coveted drink of all.

I haven't invented the super-sized blender yet. Instead I take in each part of the experience separately and allow them to mix in my head. I grew up on the Leawood/OP/KC cocktail and never felt thirsty because I had what I needed. Going to Cairo gave me too much big city in one sip.

I think I always longed for the simpler life. I can go almost anywhere and close my eyes and hear the waves hitting the coast. A 5 minute jaunt can take me to Reesa beach or an outdoor cinema or to the shopping district. And 5 minutes later I can be back in my grandmother's living room listening to her sing or pray.

I guess the point of this posting was that I was sorry for not posting more frequently because I don't want any one memory to fade. I just wish everyone I knew could have a chance to live in Al Arish, for one week even. Changing your surroundings really is the karmic gatorade you need to jump start your life.

Every suburban kid needs to take a breather in a small city so that they can really appreciate the things they take for granted. I am beginning to see what life is really all about.

Its all just sand

I am in Al Arish now; which was once a beduin camp that grew into a common tourist destination. How funny that the wandering Fatimeh is now living on the grounds of a beduin camp. Al Arish is also a small coaster city located 25 miles to the East of the Palestine border. As far as finding a calling, this is closer to being in a hotspot than ever. When Palestinians broke the borders this was the city they came to in need of medicine and supplies. This is the city that was sold out of many things for months to come because the Palestinians were unable to buy it in their own county... their own strip of land. Many young Araishees sport the Palestinian Kafeya.  The symbol of pain and ongoing relentless struggle.

Those who know me may hear me speak my mind freely. This is actually a common trait of Egyptians and usually leads to a negative result. Egyptians have opinions. But in the subject of Palestine, many stay silent. Al Arish itself was under Israeli military occupation from 1967 to 1979. Since 1979 Israel and Egypt have abided by a peace treaty. However, I think being over 4 hours away from Cairo makes the residents of Al Arish more Palestinian than they are Egyptian.

Al Arish is full of other little discoveries. Electricity usually works seamlessly, but not always.

And there is not one wireless connection in this city so far.

And running in the morning on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is an amazing experience.

And I think no one wakes up at all before noon in this city except me. I'm told that I'm crazy to be awake so early... there is a first time for everything.

And now its time for breakfast.

Over and Out.

The Fiat and Fatimeh of Arabia

On Thursday my cousins that I am staying with in Cairo, Egypt took their TOEFL exam and then were free in the afternoon. While they were gone we went out with another cousin to visit two aunts whom we have not had the opportunity to visit so far this week. I must say this has been my favorite day so  far, that must be why I blogged it. Unlike my usual sleep schedule in Kansas City, I am the first awake every day around 8 or 9 am. Generally my cousins leave for work at about this time. The rest of the house sleeps until the Adhan of Dhuhr (the call to noon prayer). 

Many who travel the world boast of a host's hospitality and generosity. My trip has exceeded expectations. Everyone is so generous with their time and efforts here. Every home that we have visited has offered for us to stay for a night or two. Everyone begs that we take our lunch with them, or dinner. Every aunt has presented to us the candy stash from the freezer and plethora of fruit on a platter. My brothers are extremely sick of Pepsi and Coke because everyone offers it and of course they drink it. I make excuses and drink water.

The point of this posting isn't necessarily the unending hospitality from our family and this host country. Rather I noticed something very interesting about these generous people yesterday when I was cruising Cairo with my cousin Leena. More than half of the cars I saw on the street were Fiats, like hers. And of those we guessed that almost all of them were built in the 1970s. The car I was crammed into, with two brothers, an aunt, Soha and Leena sported shag carpeting on the dash and a super keen aftermarket Sony stereo cassette player.

I spent the day thinking about how Egyptians were so generous. The Fiats were always jammed in traffic and crammed with people beyond their threshold. In Kansas City the average person seemed to drive a Chevy Yukon or Ford Explorer that would seat 10 Egyptians comfortably but usually only took one person to and from work.

Was it generosity to seat more people in a car that you barely keep running as it is? Somehow I went back and forth on this. At moments I felt so selfish.  Leena shouldn't have to make this car treck 6 people across the city in stop and go traffic. We could have easily hailed a taxi with more room. I pondered, everyone here seems to have a Fiat or similar and I can't imagine that they are all mechanics. So I concluded that it was perhaps the selfessness of  Leena and others that kept the old Fiats running. I'm sure there are more logical explanations, but I really like this one.

In the evening I took an hour and a half drive smashed in VW Beetle with 6 other family members to get to the pyramids. Poor planning made it impossible to go inside like we had on previous visits. However, this trip had to be the best as I didn't do something so touristy and investigate the graves of people long since deceased and removed. 

Instead we road Arabian horses in the old city and in the sand dunes that surround the pyramids. Aside from the random 4-wheeler who's headlights rudely broke our darkness, we road like explorers. I was Fatimeh of Arabia, with soar butt, back and hands I felt proud. Not only had I not forgotten how to ride a horse, I mastered my horse. I road fast into the darkness disturbing the sand. I had  illuminated pyramids at one side and sand as far as I could see at the other.

Perhaps other tourists have ridden the horses around the pyramids.  I saw locals riding near us and so it seemed as though I may have belonged. Then I had the epiphany of the day.

If I was in the right place at the right time and atop an Arabian stallion, I would discover something great.

Reporting live from Cairo, Egypt

CAIRO, Egypt: My journies have begun. For some reason borrowing my cousin's laptop to type my blog makes it seem impersonal. Like I'm out of place. As if being in a foreign country doesn't do that enough.
Well here goes on the travelling recap. I was set to leave Thursday from Kansas City to Minnessota to Amsterdam to Cairo. The plan was to spend a day in Amsterdam to do the Netherlandanese thing. I was supposed to be in Cairo Friday night / Saturday morning (2am)... instead I wasn't here till Tuesday night. Minnessotta had rain and apparantly planes can't go through rain like cars do. So we missed the flight to Amsterdam and slept on the floor in Minnessota. And got rerouted to Paris. And, well, it stunk. Literally.
But for real. I am not disheartened. I am so happy I got here in one piece, and when they lost my luggage they found it the next day. And my cat successfully made the 3-day treck here and will stay with me forever so long as I can find a grocery store that has cat food and she will figure out that Egyptian sand is just as good as the store-bought kitty litter.
I intend to keep this as a way to share some short stories and keep you updated on my quest to do whatever it is I am doing. I won't be twittering as often as planned because apparantly you can't e-mail from phones here. As soon as I figure out a fix, you will know.
Oh and in other news, Cairo won today. One step closer to the World Cup.
Over and Out.
Fah

don't give it to someone bored

For the first time in my life I have absolutely nothing to do. Last Friday I walked across the stage to receive my Masters Degree and on  Tuesday I worked my last shift with Sharper Image. Up until this point in my life I have always had something important to wake up to do or stay up late to finish. Maybe this moment of emptiness is good, but I will argue that it isn't.

I waited forever to be done with school. Now I can't call myself a student anymore. I won't have the excuse that I have tuition and books to keep me broke. I won't even get a discount at AMC anymore... technically.

The other downfall to this newfound freedom is that  now I have no excuse not to finish the ever-growing to-do list. I have always been a list-writer and have lived by what my Palm Centro (or its ancestors, may they rest in peace) has announced as the day's task. Now that there are no tasks as time frames in my day there isn't much to get me awake before noon. It also means that posting a list of items to Craigslist.org didn't get done because... I had too long to do it.  

The moral of the story is that if you have something that needs to get done... I highly recommend you don't give it to me. I have too much time on my hands and am likely to get nothing done.