Ma3salama Egypt!

Wow it has been ages since I last updated my blog, and for that I am deeply sorry! I actually stuck with it more than I thought at times, and I hope it has been fun for you guys to read. I am writing this post from my room back in Austin, Texas, USA, having arrived last night at midnight back home. So much has happened in the last few days that I doubt I can even express it in words, though I will try.

Saying Goodbye

The sun has set on my trip in Egypt. It has been the best experience of my life, hands down. I have met some amazing people along the way, made friends for life, and have grown personally as well... what more could one ask!?

After wrapping up my summer Arabic class at the American University in Cairo, my Egyptian brother Fouad invited me to the North Coast (Sahel) to stay with him and his wonderful family at the beach. We spent a few days lounging about, swimming, and having an incredible time.

I was so lucky to be their guest, and also got to spend my 23rd birthday with them :) What an incredible way to end my time in Egypt, I will truly miss my Egyptian family although I know I will be seeing them very soon...

After arriving back in Cairo, I began to pack and tie up my loose ends in Egypt. Gigi, a dear Egyptian friend born in America and raised in both Egypt and the US was amazingly supportive with her time, and helped me with packing and saying goodbyes. The evening before my departure Gigi, Dina, and Ahmed and I headed to Islamic Cairo for one last goodbye to Mo'ez Street, the most beautiful spot in Cairo. It was both heartwarming and sad to say goodbye to such a beautiful city.

On the morning of my flight Gigi, Ahmed, and Dina drove me the airport to say bye. These three (along with Fouad) have been some of my closest friends here in Egypt, and I will truly miss them. Their friendship was genuine, heartfelt, and supportive... While saying goodbye definitely sucked, I have a feeling I will be seeing my Egyptian friends soon :)

Traveling back home was probably the roughest time I've had traveling for a couple of reasons. Luckily I had great flights, one from Cairo to NYC, then a direct JetBlue flight from NY to Austin. After arriving in JFK Airport, Uncle Sam greeted me with a two hour wait in a special screening area, apparently reserved for those with nationalities such as Afghani, Iraqi, Pakistani, Egyptian, or white-boy-who-loves-Arabic-and-Middle-Eastern-Culture-a-bit-too-much-i. After being asked a couple of questions however I was let to go on my way, and I trudged through a couple of terminals to get on my JetBlue flight just in time. Nice airline by the way :)

Writing this from Austin is still somewhat surreal, and today my mother and I went out for a pastry and coffee in Dripping Springs (outside of Austin). It was a nice transition into what it will be like going downtown, but even there I was very overwhelmed by everything. I am literally at a loss for words. Maybe in a few days I will be able to articulate my feelings better.

With Love,

Eric