Another Trip to the Desert

Siwa: Tomorrow I'm headed for the Siwa Oasis in northwestern Egypt, 30 miles east of the Libya border. Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt's most isolated settlements, with 27,000 people, mostly Berber speakers, who speak a distinct language of the Berber family known as Siwi. So, I'm anxious for an opportunity to be outside Cairo and see an entirely different side of Egyptian life. Advertising by Felucca: In the U.S., a blimp flying overhead with a logo may get our attention.

Here, companies can rent feluccas (traditional sail boats) and have them hoist sails advertising their products. I saw about 8 light blue ones on the Nile from my window today. Couldn't make out the product or enterprise. Perfectionist Cleaning: I've tried to be laid back and be accepting of Egyptian lifestyles. However, today I went on a bit of a cleaning frenzy in my apartment. Not that it's flawless. But sometimes I need to feel I have some order or control over parts of my life. Retreating to a local higher-end hotel for coffee time is another way to achieve this.

Victories Claimed: President Muhammad Morsi gave a speech at Cairo’s International Stadium on Saturday October 6, to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Egypt’s military victory against Israel during the 1973 war. He claimed three victories for Egypt: 1) The 1973 war–as a historic victory that restored the dignity of all Egyptians. 2) The January 25 Revolution–when the people and the army united. 3) The subsequent parliamentary elections followed by the presidential elections–the latter being a rightful expression of the will of the people (no doubt because they elected Morsi himself). The lower house of parliament has since been suspended. The designated president has concentrated power into his own hands and translated that power into constitutional articles, making the president the source of all legislative and executive authority. After Morsi's 100 days in power, hopefully Egypt is not headed for another dictatorship.