My good friend, Kate, is on a solo trip in Egypt. On March 16, she wrote:
Got a late start today as I was tired from touring pyramids and shopping. So today (Thurs.) I went to the Egyptian Museum. What a magnificent collection of statuary, furniture and jewelry. Boy, the pharaohs loved jewelry. This is the best museum in my opinion. I wandered around leisurely and saw everything.
A young woman (21yo) came up and asked if she could converse with me in English. Her teacher recommended this approach. We spoke for awhile and she invited me to come to her home. I explained I was leaving in the morning, we talked a bit more and she said come to my home this afternoon. She called her mama who said yes and then I agreed. I had no other plans and what an experience to visit an Egyptian home. Haanan was a pretty, enthusiastic young woman. She had her younger brother and sister with her.
So after taking pictures outside the museum, we were off to have an ice cream. I bought her mama a kilo box of cookies as a gift. We took the subway, a young woman immediately offered me her seat (it's the silver hair). We then took a tuk tuk (small crowded bus). Trip took about 40 minutes. The family lives in a 3 bedroom apartment, kitchen and bath, down a dusty side alley.
On the way I am introduced to the neighbors and shop
keepers. Haanan has 5 brothers and 1 sister. Mama is 46 yo, Baba owns a
kosher resturant. The brother, Magdy (mid 20s) was home. He wants to come
to America and work as a chef. It was agreed I would look into writing
a letter of invitation to help get his green card. The mamma served me
fresh squeezed orange juice and tea. She also gave me prayer beads
from Russia. When I told her we are sisters of the heart she pointed to
her eyes as if to say I have tears, me too.
Then it was time to take pictures and they all walked me to a cab. Cab driver assured he knew the way and only had to ask twice but I got home at 9:30 safe and sound.
The Egyptian people are beautiful. Another amazing
experience.
Tomorrow I leave for the Nile cruise.
KATE
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