Since childhood, I have read about the pyramids. School has built up stories of exotic structures that stand solitude from any civilization. In reality, the pyramids are built in the outskirts of Cairo. Some have the privilege to waking up to the Egypt's most famous history only within a few miles of their homes. With this, I pictured myself living in one of these Egyptian homes and every morning opening my blinds to history. Instead I have the Rocky mountains but have no complaints.
At the pyramids, I rode a camel. They are much bigger than I thought they would be! A tour guide rode next to us on a horse and we were hovering over her. My camels name was Moses. Ironically, we were in front. Moses is always leading people through the desert!
In Egypt, people are more fascinated with Americans than in Cyprus. I was asked to get my picture taken with multiple people. This included marriage proposals. One man offered to give me 10,000 Egyptian pounds to marry him. In USD, this is $1,800. To his dismay, I refused.
After the pyramids our group went on a dinner cruise on the Nile. Before the cruise, we were told there would be belly dancing but what we did not expect was a wedding reception. They were enthused to include us in the dancing. The mother was especially attracted to my roommate's, blond hair. She took pictures of our group. The dinner on the Nile was a cultural experience. I was able to interact with the methods of a Muslim wedding.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Egypt part one
I had few expectations for my trip to Egypt. My mind was in limbo over the extremes of Middle Eastern culture but the modernization through politics and even tourism. With this, I went to Egypt with an open mind.
Surprisingly, my biggest concern was flying with a big group of people. "What?" you ask... "How could that be your biggest concern?" Well, I am used to flying alone. I have developed routines and timing. Flying has become my control freak characteristic. Stressing about everyone else, it took me by surprise when I became the problem child. On our flight back to Egypt, I went to the bathroom. This may sound innocent, but apparently no one heard when I said I was going. After being with a large group of the same people for 4 days, I did not put in as much effort as I probably should have. With this, the group asked "where's Gillian?" for the rest of the night to tease me. I was glad to have my own row on the flight back.
The flight there was much more pleasant though. It was each of our first times in Egypt. In arriving, we had to buy a visa at the airport. It now remains the most flourished decor in my passport. We had no problems getting through and met transportation people that worked for the hostel outside of security. As part of our stay, they brought us to and from the airport. It was nice to be welcomed when arriving in a busy and unfamiliar, foreign country.
Driving in Cairo is out of control! There is no such thing as lanes. Two lane roads turn into three lane roads and there is no such thing as a speed limit. Our driver was going onto an on-ramp to a highway and apparently realized he was making a wrong turn. Among the traffic, he backed down the ramp. Other cars swerved around us. Nicosia has a very low crime rate but is high in traffic accidents. While I thought they were crazy, Cairo acts like a bulldozer over Nicosia's sand box. The only good thing is, Cairo drives on the same side of the roads as in the states.
Somehow we made it to the hostel. We were greeted my the owner, Abraham. He told us a plan for the weekend he made up for us and offered us tea. According to Abraham, we needed to talk before we drank the Egyptian tea because afterward we might not be able to understand him. Did this make me hesitant to drink the tea? Most definitely. Did I drink it anyway? Yes, I did. After waiting anxiously through every sip and surveying my body's tendencies, I finished the cup without any affects. The Egyptians are big-talkers.
In comparison to hostel standards, I think ours was up to par. The only controversial figure was the bathroom. The room was a giant shower, containing a toilet and sink. This would not have been a problem but the hostel had a horrible draining system. Throughout the trip, we walked in bath water from our stay. I did not walk in the room without shoes.
That night we walked around town. The heavy population was overwhelming. Children walked the street without parents. We were stared and pointed at. As we were unfamiliar with the area, our group only walked for a few blocks. In one night, I received more culture shock than my stay in Cyprus so far. Egypt is a country that involves a slow transition. Compared to America, there are few similarities.
Surprisingly, my biggest concern was flying with a big group of people. "What?" you ask... "How could that be your biggest concern?" Well, I am used to flying alone. I have developed routines and timing. Flying has become my control freak characteristic. Stressing about everyone else, it took me by surprise when I became the problem child. On our flight back to Egypt, I went to the bathroom. This may sound innocent, but apparently no one heard when I said I was going. After being with a large group of the same people for 4 days, I did not put in as much effort as I probably should have. With this, the group asked "where's Gillian?" for the rest of the night to tease me. I was glad to have my own row on the flight back.
The flight there was much more pleasant though. It was each of our first times in Egypt. In arriving, we had to buy a visa at the airport. It now remains the most flourished decor in my passport. We had no problems getting through and met transportation people that worked for the hostel outside of security. As part of our stay, they brought us to and from the airport. It was nice to be welcomed when arriving in a busy and unfamiliar, foreign country.
Driving in Cairo is out of control! There is no such thing as lanes. Two lane roads turn into three lane roads and there is no such thing as a speed limit. Our driver was going onto an on-ramp to a highway and apparently realized he was making a wrong turn. Among the traffic, he backed down the ramp. Other cars swerved around us. Nicosia has a very low crime rate but is high in traffic accidents. While I thought they were crazy, Cairo acts like a bulldozer over Nicosia's sand box. The only good thing is, Cairo drives on the same side of the roads as in the states.
Somehow we made it to the hostel. We were greeted my the owner, Abraham. He told us a plan for the weekend he made up for us and offered us tea. According to Abraham, we needed to talk before we drank the Egyptian tea because afterward we might not be able to understand him. Did this make me hesitant to drink the tea? Most definitely. Did I drink it anyway? Yes, I did. After waiting anxiously through every sip and surveying my body's tendencies, I finished the cup without any affects. The Egyptians are big-talkers.
In comparison to hostel standards, I think ours was up to par. The only controversial figure was the bathroom. The room was a giant shower, containing a toilet and sink. This would not have been a problem but the hostel had a horrible draining system. Throughout the trip, we walked in bath water from our stay. I did not walk in the room without shoes.
That night we walked around town. The heavy population was overwhelming. Children walked the street without parents. We were stared and pointed at. As we were unfamiliar with the area, our group only walked for a few blocks. In one night, I received more culture shock than my stay in Cyprus so far. Egypt is a country that involves a slow transition. Compared to America, there are few similarities.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Hello Reality!
Today was my first day of classes. While it has been fun running around, exploring, it will be nice to have a routine. My class tonight was photography and I think it will be an easy A. The professor's name is Nicholas Constantinou. Greeks do not make their names simple! My plan is to look at him and talk. Or maybe I can call him Dr. C. Is that okay past middle school?
He showed us how to focus SLR cameras today. Since not everyone brought one, people took turns using his. Thankfully, I have my own! So I got a chance to be creepy during class and take pictures of everyone. What they don't know won't kill them!
This weekend I will have an amazing opportunity to take pictures! I am going to Egypt with a group of students in the GLS program. We found the nicest eight dollar hostel we could find! I never expected to be able to just spend the weekend in Egypt!
He showed us how to focus SLR cameras today. Since not everyone brought one, people took turns using his. Thankfully, I have my own! So I got a chance to be creepy during class and take pictures of everyone. What they don't know won't kill them!
This weekend I will have an amazing opportunity to take pictures! I am going to Egypt with a group of students in the GLS program. We found the nicest eight dollar hostel we could find! I never expected to be able to just spend the weekend in Egypt!
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Troodos Mountains
As an event for the GLS program, we went to the Troodos mountains. We were warned that it may be cold but as an Alaskan, I scoff at cold weather. This may have been a mistake in this circumstance.
We went to three different towns. The first two were each pouring rain to the point to when I found out there was a third, I considered staying in the bus. Even though the weather was miserable, Troodos introduced cultural traits of Cypriots that I had not experienced yet. Each town was very small and while there were signs of civilization, the towns were far from busy.
Cyprus is famous for their wine. In the first town, we went to a wine tasting. One of their most famous wines is called Comadaria. It is a thick, syrupy wine. Rather than wine, Comadaria reminded me of a heavy liquor. While it was good, I felt like I was swallowing a balloon.
Cypriots hospitality emphasized in these small towns. Walking through the third town, we came upon a mini supermarket. Pausing outside to take a picture, we were instantly welcomed by an elderly man. My roommate and I were not planning to go inside but he dragged us in. The supermarket was in shambles. It looked like it came out of a horror film but the man could not have been prouder. After taking a lap around the store, we were met by his wife. They questioned us of what we were doing in this small mountain town and we found out that their son studied in America. When we were about to leave, the wife gave us chocolate. Cypriots appreciate giving gifts and will do it often at markets and situations such as this, if one is friendly.
We also met one large language barrier on this trip. My roommate and I were walking through an alley when we were met by a woman who did not speak English. She motioned us to follow her and brought us to a church! Our first impression was that she had noticed the melted, black halo, dripping from our heads. Grabbing Lauren's hand, she led us into the church and showed us fabric. This is when we were really confused. Was she giving us something? After much deliberation, we found out that another GLS student had left the fabric at the church. This was my first struggle with a language barrier.
Each town was beautiful, while they were hidden behind clouds. It was as green as Alaska in the summer. We saw a butcher shop with sausage hanging outside and met a dog named Taz. It was the first dog I met that I could say "okie" to and it meant no! Flowers lined the roads, along with lemon and orange trees. These secluded towns are hidden treasures.
We went to three different towns. The first two were each pouring rain to the point to when I found out there was a third, I considered staying in the bus. Even though the weather was miserable, Troodos introduced cultural traits of Cypriots that I had not experienced yet. Each town was very small and while there were signs of civilization, the towns were far from busy.
Cyprus is famous for their wine. In the first town, we went to a wine tasting. One of their most famous wines is called Comadaria. It is a thick, syrupy wine. Rather than wine, Comadaria reminded me of a heavy liquor. While it was good, I felt like I was swallowing a balloon.
Cypriots hospitality emphasized in these small towns. Walking through the third town, we came upon a mini supermarket. Pausing outside to take a picture, we were instantly welcomed by an elderly man. My roommate and I were not planning to go inside but he dragged us in. The supermarket was in shambles. It looked like it came out of a horror film but the man could not have been prouder. After taking a lap around the store, we were met by his wife. They questioned us of what we were doing in this small mountain town and we found out that their son studied in America. When we were about to leave, the wife gave us chocolate. Cypriots appreciate giving gifts and will do it often at markets and situations such as this, if one is friendly.
We also met one large language barrier on this trip. My roommate and I were walking through an alley when we were met by a woman who did not speak English. She motioned us to follow her and brought us to a church! Our first impression was that she had noticed the melted, black halo, dripping from our heads. Grabbing Lauren's hand, she led us into the church and showed us fabric. This is when we were really confused. Was she giving us something? After much deliberation, we found out that another GLS student had left the fabric at the church. This was my first struggle with a language barrier.
Each town was beautiful, while they were hidden behind clouds. It was as green as Alaska in the summer. We saw a butcher shop with sausage hanging outside and met a dog named Taz. It was the first dog I met that I could say "okie" to and it meant no! Flowers lined the roads, along with lemon and orange trees. These secluded towns are hidden treasures.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Cypriot Cuisine
Every Greek person I have met so far has spoken English. This may sound like a good thing but their accents are so deep that sometimes I can't decipher if they are speaking Greek or English. I have never asked "what?" more in my life! When I can't figure out what they are saying, I just smile and say yes. This is dangerous at restaurants but at least I am trying new things!
A few blocks from campus there is a gyro restaurant. Continuing to just nod when I don't understand, I ended up with a gyro filled with fries. Surprisingly, I had no complaints even though the fries were radioactive yellow.
Today, our global semester group went to a cooking class. The chef made raviole, stuffed with halloumi cheese, Keftedes (fried meatballs), and bread, sandwiched with more halloumi. Being American, one of the girls on the GLS program asked how fattening halloumi is compared to other cheeses. The chef answered with a story of a girl who came to him at the end of the semester a couple years ago. She had gained 25 pounds and didn't want to go home because she was a "whale"! haha. The chef asked what she had been eating all semester and she answered halloumi cheese! haha.
The food can't be that awful though because every Cypriot looks good! Leggings are a big deal in America but they are a huge deal in Europe! Girls wear shirts, leggings, with nothing covering their butts. And than they wear boots. I would feel super awkward. And living in a flash back when I was a child and only wore leggings all the time. But I do wear tights again so who knows!
A few blocks from campus there is a gyro restaurant. Continuing to just nod when I don't understand, I ended up with a gyro filled with fries. Surprisingly, I had no complaints even though the fries were radioactive yellow.
Today, our global semester group went to a cooking class. The chef made raviole, stuffed with halloumi cheese, Keftedes (fried meatballs), and bread, sandwiched with more halloumi. Being American, one of the girls on the GLS program asked how fattening halloumi is compared to other cheeses. The chef answered with a story of a girl who came to him at the end of the semester a couple years ago. She had gained 25 pounds and didn't want to go home because she was a "whale"! haha. The chef asked what she had been eating all semester and she answered halloumi cheese! haha.
The food can't be that awful though because every Cypriot looks good! Leggings are a big deal in America but they are a huge deal in Europe! Girls wear shirts, leggings, with nothing covering their butts. And than they wear boots. I would feel super awkward. And living in a flash back when I was a child and only wore leggings all the time. But I do wear tights again so who knows!
Sunday, 24 January 2010
In the beginning...
This is my third day in Cyprus and it has definitely met expectations!
Yesterday we went on a tour of Nicosia. The city is over 5,000 years old. It is split between old city and new city by a Venetian wall. Much of it has been torn down when the Brits occupied Cyprus. Their goal was to develop the town and build roads. Our tour was on the old city side (undeveloped side).
The tour led us to the oldest church in Cyprus. The walls on the inside were decorated with wood carvings plated with gold. Super beautiful and easy to appreciate.
When we were walking out, the call of Allah was on a loudspeaker over Nicosia. Kind of ironic! Nicosia is a border for the Greek and Turkish. Even though we were on the Greek side, we could see the flag of Turkey. From our apartment we have a view of the flag lit into a mountain.
Nightlife in Greece starts late! This is the custom night for young people on the weekend... 9-11 pm dinner, 11-1am bar or coffee, 1-4am club! Either these people just don't sleep or sleep in all day. Last night we went to a club. We did not see any other Americans there! We definitely stood out! We were stared at and Greeks are not subtle at all!
But did you know pepper spray is against the law in all of Europe?! They consider it a weapon. I guess a couple years ago, a girl from my study abroad program got arrested and had to spend a night in jail for it! I guess it's good I didn't bring any!
Goodbye for now! miss you all
Yesterday we went on a tour of Nicosia. The city is over 5,000 years old. It is split between old city and new city by a Venetian wall. Much of it has been torn down when the Brits occupied Cyprus. Their goal was to develop the town and build roads. Our tour was on the old city side (undeveloped side).
The tour led us to the oldest church in Cyprus. The walls on the inside were decorated with wood carvings plated with gold. Super beautiful and easy to appreciate.
When we were walking out, the call of Allah was on a loudspeaker over Nicosia. Kind of ironic! Nicosia is a border for the Greek and Turkish. Even though we were on the Greek side, we could see the flag of Turkey. From our apartment we have a view of the flag lit into a mountain.
Nightlife in Greece starts late! This is the custom night for young people on the weekend... 9-11 pm dinner, 11-1am bar or coffee, 1-4am club! Either these people just don't sleep or sleep in all day. Last night we went to a club. We did not see any other Americans there! We definitely stood out! We were stared at and Greeks are not subtle at all!
But did you know pepper spray is against the law in all of Europe?! They consider it a weapon. I guess a couple years ago, a girl from my study abroad program got arrested and had to spend a night in jail for it! I guess it's good I didn't bring any!
Goodbye for now! miss you all
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