On the Move

I realize it has been awhile since posting a blog entry.  I have intended to write, but it is simply a more complicated task that I would like to admit.  My classes here are very demanding, much more than I had experienced at UC. 

I'm taking three classes - Intro to Refugee Studies, International Refugee Law, and Migration in North Africa and the Middle East.  Each class demands between 150 and 200 pages of reading per week on top of several tedious papers/presentations throughout the semester and one major research paper at the end.

Most of the students enjoy the Law class the most, as it provides the most directly practical information regarding the International Conventions, Bi-lateral Treaties, and National Policies that structure refugee status, the rights of asylum, and the implications of human rights. However, I personally find the Introductory course to be the most satisfying, as it is structured in a dynamic interdisciplinary manner, starting with fluid discussions pertaining to the theories of displacement. 

I've also been working on expanding my social circle around here, although it is much more difficult to make friends here than within the states.  First, those Americans and Europeans who are looking to spend their time in the Middle East are admittedly not a typical reflection of most western individuals (I'll accept that I fit into this category).  However, you really never know what kind of person this is, and as a result, it makes for difficult communication.  Not to mention, Cairo is a very stressful city to live in, even for people who have lived here their entire lives.  The noise, the traffic, the pollution, the constant crowds, and the strict Islamic expectations all collide so as to make the simplest tasks, such as going to the internet cafe, a dramatic procedure.  Clearly, this is not an environment conducive toward establishing relationships.

I have however found a section of Cairo that is a minor escape from the hustle and bustle of the middle east.  The City Stars Mall is a massive, 7 story, shopping center complete with 2 Starbucks, a Ruby Tuesday, Chilis, T.G.I. Fridays, and many of the trappings of Americana.  Although I really despise places such as Fridays, it is nice at least to engage something familiar.  More importantly, the greatest news of the last few days is the discovery of Salsa, Nacho Cheese, and Tortilla Chips at a grocer near my house!!! 

Unfortunately I just recieved a phone call from my roommate Moss, and I have to go home immediately.  We had asked our landlord to remove some of the furniture (its mostly broken)  and now there are some movers at our place. Of course there was no appointment or anything, they just showed up, and no one is home. So I have to go.  This might sound crazy, especially for the movers to suddenly show up at 8 pm, but actually this sort of chaos is the norm here.  Everything happens at random, mostly at night, and always when its least convenient.  So I Will write more ASAP. Later ... Gotta Love Egypt!