This Souks!

a clip of  the siouk

Travel days take a toll but they build group solidarity if they are not too unbearable. As we leave Egypt, we fly to Amman and then stay the night and wake up to drive to Jerusalem. Don’t as we too explain our circuitous routes, perhaps we are following one of the “possible” Exodus trails.

Before leaving, we stopped at a papyrus museum which was a pleasant surprise because of the quick witted Fatimah who showed us the remarkable traits of papyrus and how it is made from the plant. She was practically a comic who had a great schtick. Most of the pilgrims, bought beautiful designs including the story of lovers and the beautiful family tree where birds represent different members of the family.

Then we stopped at a downtown Souk in Cairo which was great sightseeing. Rev. Margaret and I quickly walked down the narrow areas looking at the brightly colored clothes, the containers of fruits, nuts and spices which looked like an artist’s palate and the piles of tchockes. Shopkeepers beckoning at us, using lines like “It doesn’t cost to look?” or “I only want your money”; they pointed to must have scarves, blouses, bookmarks and pyramid paperweights which most likely were made in China.
Despite being recommended not to (for worry of getting lost), we ducked down a side street that opened up to a beautiful ancient mosque. We watched a young boy lose a handful of pita from a box on top of his head. We were dismayed to see him pick them up and place them back in the box with the help of a man. Worse, he did it again as he lost balance . Margaret and I debated whether the 20 second rule applied on a dirty street. I think not!

It has been great to have a friend like Margaret on the trip who sees the world with both clarity and complexity. She is brilliant, has an infectious laugh that can be heard blocks away and because of this she is always good for a laugh: giving and a receiving.

The group then went on a river Nile sailboat. Needing some space I stayed on the bus and Rev. Jill stayed with me where upon we had a great conversation about progressive approaches to Judaism and Christianity. People had a great time on the boat and was grateful for a nice breeze since Cairo was unseasonably hot--10 degrees celsius higher than normal.

I worked on the blog as we waited for our flight which was tolerable. I sat next to a sheik in a white robe. The people further back were tormented by loud and rambunctious teens. It enraged Carolyn to no end, which while not fun for her is entertaining to hear her colorful description of the children and what she hoped would happen to them.

The hotel room was tiny but oh the workout room! It was great.