AH!? How do I explain the greatest city in the world?... this is my problem.
Dan and I have finally, finally arrived in Cairo. To be completely honest, in the beginning, the reason I wanted to travel for a year was to eventually end up back in Cairo- the city I fell head over heals in love with over two years ago. We have traveled, seen a small chunk of the world and visited many, many capital cities. When the time came to return to Cairo I was nervous- would my travel experience change Cairo for me? My nervousness was doubled by the fact that our first stop in Egypt was Dahab. Yes, I liked it enough but it freaked me out. Had Egypt turned into a knock off version of Thailand? Luckily, when we finally entered the Cairo city limits I was bombarded by smells, crazy traffic and a beautiful orange, pollution tainted sunset. Things were looking up but how will the revolution have changed Cairo? Would I walk the streets feeling unsafe? Would hooligans be terrorizing the streets?
I couldn’t be more surprised, more excited, and simply more happy. Yes, Cairo has changed for me- on my last visit I was a tourist. Touts were after me, the streets were busy, the buildings were towering and I felt as if I would be engulfed - the sensation made me feel alive. Now we are here as travellers and for a short while we will live here. We have a flat, a neighbourhood, friends and local hangouts. The buildings have shrunk to normal size or maybe I have just gotten that much more confident. The revolution has awakened the Egyptian people- the city is alive again with a much needed freedom, a breath of fresh air and a hope for the future. As I walk the streets, off to buy groceries or to meet a friend for tea and sheesha I try to take in all the city has to offer because unlike every other city I have visited, Cairo alone has a life and a history like no other. I love this city- it is my home away from home and to me, it is better than all the rest.
Dan and I have finally, finally arrived in Cairo. To be completely honest, in the beginning, the reason I wanted to travel for a year was to eventually end up back in Cairo- the city I fell head over heals in love with over two years ago. We have traveled, seen a small chunk of the world and visited many, many capital cities. When the time came to return to Cairo I was nervous- would my travel experience change Cairo for me? My nervousness was doubled by the fact that our first stop in Egypt was Dahab. Yes, I liked it enough but it freaked me out. Had Egypt turned into a knock off version of Thailand? Luckily, when we finally entered the Cairo city limits I was bombarded by smells, crazy traffic and a beautiful orange, pollution tainted sunset. Things were looking up but how will the revolution have changed Cairo? Would I walk the streets feeling unsafe? Would hooligans be terrorizing the streets?
I couldn’t be more surprised, more excited, and simply more happy. Yes, Cairo has changed for me- on my last visit I was a tourist. Touts were after me, the streets were busy, the buildings were towering and I felt as if I would be engulfed - the sensation made me feel alive. Now we are here as travellers and for a short while we will live here. We have a flat, a neighbourhood, friends and local hangouts. The buildings have shrunk to normal size or maybe I have just gotten that much more confident. The revolution has awakened the Egyptian people- the city is alive again with a much needed freedom, a breath of fresh air and a hope for the future. As I walk the streets, off to buy groceries or to meet a friend for tea and sheesha I try to take in all the city has to offer because unlike every other city I have visited, Cairo alone has a life and a history like no other. I love this city- it is my home away from home and to me, it is better than all the rest.
A shot taken in our neighbourhood. So many people, so much traffic, I am in love- for now :)
A Egyptian on his cell phone in Tahir Square. I love the Egyptian pride in this square. You can by badges, t-shirts, flags or even have the Egyptian flag painted on you. Egyptians love their country.
lovely post. i may give cairo a chance after all (:
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