(1) Sherif, in his bed, 10PM.
It all started with a mediocre fantasy.
I got home, showered and slipped right into bed with Samaa. It had been almost a week since we were together. Admittedly after 4 years of marriage, our encounters are a little less but passion still remains.
In the heat of the moment, she suddenly came into my mind. A vivid image of Sara just materialised out of no where. She was wearing her black one shouldered blouse, and her brown eyes radiated. How come I never noticed before her incredible dark lean figure?
I shook my head to get her out of my mind. It did not work.
(2) Sara, Heliopolis Club, 3PM.
They say that life is full of choices. This is not true; at least for me. I did not choose my parents. I got bad grades in high school, so I did not choose my university and I met Tarek through the family. When I get pregnant I will not be able to choose whether it is a boy, a girl… You just do not choose anything that matters in your life.
Tarek, my husband, and Sherif are best friends. Although they share a lot of traits among them, they were also very different. While Tarek is always loud, always late and just loves to go out all the time and mingle; Sherif was more discreet, calm and reserved. In my opinion: more refined.
On any given day, I would have chosen Sherif.
3) Marwan, Grand Café, 8:30PM.
I saw them. I swear to God I saw them…
When we arrived at Grand Café, I said hi to Sara
- Where is Tarek? I asked
- He’s running a little bit late at work. He’ll be coming soon.
Right next to her sat Sherif and I saw it: For more than a couple of minutes their legs were leaning against each other. Only from where I was sitting this could be seen. At first, I could not grasp what’s happening and then I started to notice more. All so casually they touched a few times that evening. She would laugh and hold his elbow. He would be teased and punch tenderly her shoulder. No one seemed to notice, is it just me..?
Tarek and Sherif had it all: Money, wits and their own businesses. They do not wake up to their mobile phone alarm. They eat breakfast and have their own parking space. I run in panic every day at 7am and pray to find a squeeze for my old Calista 2 Km from work. As if all of this was not enough now they are hitting on each others wives; a typical businessmen drama if you ask me.
4) Sherif, his office, 1 PM:
I read in an article once that there are 3 major forces that control one’s actions: emotions (Love, hate, anger…), time and boredom. If you control your emotions and stand absolutely powerless to the passage of time one factor will remain: Boredom.
I opened my mail, 20 messages, all work.
For the last couple of months, once or twice a week I would receive an SMS or a call from her. What is happening? Or where are we from the thin red line? Sincerely, I did not know. I am completely intoxicated by her.
Just last week, we met at a wedding. While I was kissing her hi, I just twisted my neck slightly that I half kissed her lips. Perhaps one of the most stupid things I have done in my entire life. She smiled and walked away. She did not talk to me the entire evening and then, while I was standing on the edge of the dance floor, she came from behind me “Don’t stair at the girls, I’m watching you.”
5) Sara, her parents’ house, 11AM
Scented salt bath and then 15 minutes of Jacuzzi makes you totally rejuvenated. I rubbed my entire body with Victoria’s Secret lotion.
To do anything, all you need is the right timing and the right set of circumstances as I once heard in a movie. So, what should I wear?
- Hi Sherif, I’m at my parents’ house and there is a very strong smell of gas. I don’t know what to do.
- Close the valve and open the windows. Also, don’t touch the lights, I’ll be right there.
I wore a white tank top, white shorts and flip-flops. I looked at the mirror “girl you look fine!” A flash of fear squeezed my heart.
6) Marwan, in his car (Calista), Noon
My father was right about one thing “A career in accounting kills your soul” Today, I just had enough. “My sister is really ill and I have to go to attend to her” I told my alien-faced boss.
I was just getting to Le Café, “What is Sherif’s car doing here at mid-day?” I thought for a few seconds. This is Sara parents’ house, it hit me. Her pre-wedding party was there, I remember well. I’ll be damned. This is huge… Well, I’ll be damned if I care!!!
Out of no where, a strange Christmas carol came to me “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…”
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Fish that Rotted from its Tail
The Story:
The Egyptian Book Authority decides to re-issue a cultural magazine (Ibda3). The editor in chief of this publication is the renowned Egyptian Poet Ahmed Abdel Motie Hegazy. While the magazine is in print a worker realised -somehow- that the issue contains a poem that undermines God!! So, the print workers -acting out of pure faith- decide to stop printing the magazine. Furthermore they decide to take an extra step and attempted to BURN the, in stock, printed issues!!
The story does not end here. When this matter came to the papers, everyone wondered how could this be done by Print Workers who, obviously, are not qualified to assess literary works. The president of the authority decided to back-up the workers and stopped the publication. Here the News Story ends and begins the never ending story.
More and more prejudices and judgements are seeping into our quotidian lives. Everyone pretending to protect tradition or, more importantly, religion is judging -and sometime acting against- what is contrary to his own personal believes. What made it even worse and on the Verge of catastrophe is the people behind the judgments. Who are the people currently shaping our lives and believes?
- Simple workers with minimal or no education are all over tourism. They are judging and influencing everything from Tourists dress codes to beach drinking habits.
- Small employees and or clerks in National TV (yes it still exists!) are ultimately the ones deciding on the content of the Series/Programs produced. Also, they interfere to censorship old Egyptian movies produced back in the 1950's and 1960's.
- Cairo urban planning and traffic control plans are devised by junior police officers and municipality administrators.
The list goes on and on from education content, government schools, health, agriculture,... and ends up by the Print Workers who are now acting as my intellectual guardians.
Since the military rule began in Egypt (it is still ongoing by the way) and subsequent governments went through a very persistent effort to minimise the cultured/intellectual/ specialists roles in our society.
The regime always preferred "the people of trust over the people of knowledge."
After more than 40 years, this where we are: A country where the government only protects itself, a silent knowing minority with absolutely no input to the masses and a majority boiling with rage waiting to snap at anything.
Even if this thing is just a poem.
The Egyptian Book Authority decides to re-issue a cultural magazine (Ibda3). The editor in chief of this publication is the renowned Egyptian Poet Ahmed Abdel Motie Hegazy. While the magazine is in print a worker realised -somehow- that the issue contains a poem that undermines God!! So, the print workers -acting out of pure faith- decide to stop printing the magazine. Furthermore they decide to take an extra step and attempted to BURN the, in stock, printed issues!!
The story does not end here. When this matter came to the papers, everyone wondered how could this be done by Print Workers who, obviously, are not qualified to assess literary works. The president of the authority decided to back-up the workers and stopped the publication. Here the News Story ends and begins the never ending story.
More and more prejudices and judgements are seeping into our quotidian lives. Everyone pretending to protect tradition or, more importantly, religion is judging -and sometime acting against- what is contrary to his own personal believes. What made it even worse and on the Verge of catastrophe is the people behind the judgments. Who are the people currently shaping our lives and believes?
- Simple workers with minimal or no education are all over tourism. They are judging and influencing everything from Tourists dress codes to beach drinking habits.
- Small employees and or clerks in National TV (yes it still exists!) are ultimately the ones deciding on the content of the Series/Programs produced. Also, they interfere to censorship old Egyptian movies produced back in the 1950's and 1960's.
- Cairo urban planning and traffic control plans are devised by junior police officers and municipality administrators.
The list goes on and on from education content, government schools, health, agriculture,... and ends up by the Print Workers who are now acting as my intellectual guardians.
Since the military rule began in Egypt (it is still ongoing by the way) and subsequent governments went through a very persistent effort to minimise the cultured/intellectual/ specialists roles in our society.
The regime always preferred "the people of trust over the people of knowledge."
After more than 40 years, this where we are: A country where the government only protects itself, a silent knowing minority with absolutely no input to the masses and a majority boiling with rage waiting to snap at anything.
Even if this thing is just a poem.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
My Representative is from the Brotherhood
Mr. Representative,
To start with I would like to congratulate you on 5 years in the House. Also, I would like to tell you that I did not vote for you. I hope you don’t get upset as I am using the same freedom right that got you there in the first place. Albeit now you are there as the peoples representative, we would like to know your program and your opinion regarding some crucial issues for the well being of the very people whom you represent.
Economic Issues: What is the Brotherhood program regarding the following issues:
1) Unified tax/Corporate tax, will these be changed or left intact?
2) Double Taxation agreements with other Arab and African countries.
3) Custom duties and the program intended to keep customs in conformity with GAT and at the mean time minimize impact on local industries
4) Fiscal policy and the Brotherhood vision of interest rates on the Egyptian Pound (well if the Brotherhood is against Bank interest do you intend to ban it altogether?)
5) Do you intend to encourage tourism (one of the major resources of Egypt) and do you have a solid plan to increase DFI (Direct Foreign Investment)?
Political Issues:
1) Will the Brotherhood preserve this same democracy that got some of its people to power?
2) Does the Brotherhood believe in basic Human Rights like freedom of thought, expression, speech and belief? (ed. Please think before answering as throughout its entire history the M. Brotherhood had a firm stand against Human Rights)
3) Would you allow non-Muslims to become governors, ministers or even school principles or will you follow the principle stating that non Muslims cannot rule over Muslims.
Health and Education:
What is the Brotherhood stand regarding the following issues:
1) Liberal education and scientific research.
2) The mixing between boys and girls in schools and universities.
3) Organs donation and transplant.
4) Men gynecologists.
Women’s Rights:
The Brotherhood stand regarding women’s rights has been always ambiguous. We need the following clarified:
1) Would women be allowed to vote, equal opportunity employment and the right to drive their cars?
2) Would you allow women governors, ministers and judges?
Arts:
Egypt has been well known for its cultural contribution to the entire Arabic World, would the Brotherhood allow:
1) Creative Novelists whom their writings might prove enlightening?
2) The Cinema Industry, theatres and musical concerts?
3) Painting and sculptures of human or animal figures?
Sports:
1) Would men be allowed to wear shorts or only short pants while playing any sport?
2) Would women be allowed to play Gymnastics and/or swimming?
This is the 21st century; enough playing on religious tunes to lead us back to the swamps of ancient dark ages.
We are not afraid.
To start with I would like to congratulate you on 5 years in the House. Also, I would like to tell you that I did not vote for you. I hope you don’t get upset as I am using the same freedom right that got you there in the first place. Albeit now you are there as the peoples representative, we would like to know your program and your opinion regarding some crucial issues for the well being of the very people whom you represent.
Economic Issues: What is the Brotherhood program regarding the following issues:
1) Unified tax/Corporate tax, will these be changed or left intact?
2) Double Taxation agreements with other Arab and African countries.
3) Custom duties and the program intended to keep customs in conformity with GAT and at the mean time minimize impact on local industries
4) Fiscal policy and the Brotherhood vision of interest rates on the Egyptian Pound (well if the Brotherhood is against Bank interest do you intend to ban it altogether?)
5) Do you intend to encourage tourism (one of the major resources of Egypt) and do you have a solid plan to increase DFI (Direct Foreign Investment)?
Political Issues:
1) Will the Brotherhood preserve this same democracy that got some of its people to power?
2) Does the Brotherhood believe in basic Human Rights like freedom of thought, expression, speech and belief? (ed. Please think before answering as throughout its entire history the M. Brotherhood had a firm stand against Human Rights)
3) Would you allow non-Muslims to become governors, ministers or even school principles or will you follow the principle stating that non Muslims cannot rule over Muslims.
Health and Education:
What is the Brotherhood stand regarding the following issues:
1) Liberal education and scientific research.
2) The mixing between boys and girls in schools and universities.
3) Organs donation and transplant.
4) Men gynecologists.
Women’s Rights:
The Brotherhood stand regarding women’s rights has been always ambiguous. We need the following clarified:
1) Would women be allowed to vote, equal opportunity employment and the right to drive their cars?
2) Would you allow women governors, ministers and judges?
Arts:
Egypt has been well known for its cultural contribution to the entire Arabic World, would the Brotherhood allow:
1) Creative Novelists whom their writings might prove enlightening?
2) The Cinema Industry, theatres and musical concerts?
3) Painting and sculptures of human or animal figures?
Sports:
1) Would men be allowed to wear shorts or only short pants while playing any sport?
2) Would women be allowed to play Gymnastics and/or swimming?
This is the 21st century; enough playing on religious tunes to lead us back to the swamps of ancient dark ages.
We are not afraid.
Officer Down
Two days ago, a woman 27 years of age getting back home somehow late at night was abducted. The offenders were the public transport driver (the Microbus driver) (17 years old) and one of his friends (21 years old.) The woman screamed for help, a police car responded and gave pursuit. After some American style chase, the police car succeeded in stopping the Microbus. While the police officer was trying to arrest the suspects, one of them managed to take the officers’ gun, shot him as well as a police soldier. The officer died and the soldier escaped with only a wound.
As unusual as this story is (at least for Egypt), its details raised so many questions in my head to what have Law and Order in our country have become. Consider the following:
1) The public transport driver is only 17 years old. Although to obtain a driving license in Egypt one has to be at least 18. How could someone take driving as a profession without a driving license?
2) In his account of the story the police soldier said “I’m not a police man. I’m just drafted for service for 1 year. When the officer told me to chase the criminals, I was really afraid. Also, when the officer told me to arrest the suspects, I did not have any hand cuffs. I tried to use my wool scarf. The offenders escaped me, attacked the officer, got his gun and shot us both.”
3) The officer is 25 years of age while the offender is only 17 and without any prior criminal record. How a young driver could take a trained officer gun and shoot him? Do we have any procedures to arrest offenders?
One conclusion could be made: Our respect for the Law and our Law Enforcement forces are just as poor as anything in this country. We are more or less brought up in an environment where the law is merely a word read in books and papers; without any existence in the real world. As for the police forces, they only bully the helpless. They do not have equipment, staff or training. The elite forces are solely dedicated to protection of the existing regime. But we, the people, we are only protected by untrained soldiers and officers equipped with woollen scarves.
As unusual as this story is (at least for Egypt), its details raised so many questions in my head to what have Law and Order in our country have become. Consider the following:
1) The public transport driver is only 17 years old. Although to obtain a driving license in Egypt one has to be at least 18. How could someone take driving as a profession without a driving license?
2) In his account of the story the police soldier said “I’m not a police man. I’m just drafted for service for 1 year. When the officer told me to chase the criminals, I was really afraid. Also, when the officer told me to arrest the suspects, I did not have any hand cuffs. I tried to use my wool scarf. The offenders escaped me, attacked the officer, got his gun and shot us both.”
3) The officer is 25 years of age while the offender is only 17 and without any prior criminal record. How a young driver could take a trained officer gun and shoot him? Do we have any procedures to arrest offenders?
One conclusion could be made: Our respect for the Law and our Law Enforcement forces are just as poor as anything in this country. We are more or less brought up in an environment where the law is merely a word read in books and papers; without any existence in the real world. As for the police forces, they only bully the helpless. They do not have equipment, staff or training. The elite forces are solely dedicated to protection of the existing regime. But we, the people, we are only protected by untrained soldiers and officers equipped with woollen scarves.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
In Cairo Traffic
Being stuck in the Big City traffic is not a pleasant experience by all means. However, if your experience with Cairo and Egyptian traffic stays limited to being stuck then you should consider yourself very lucky.
Consider the following:
- More than 7000 people die every year on Egyptian Roads. This is more than the number of American soldiers who died from the start of the Iraqi war 3 years ago.
- During the last month (February, 2007) it is estimated that more than 50 people were stabbed by Taxi and Micro bus drivers for numerous reasons. More than 10 died.
- Last week, a young guy of 16 (who does not hold a driving license) lost control over his car and crashed killing 5 people waiting on a bus stop.
- Yesterday, a truck carrying 1000 liquid gas cylinders flipped and burst in flame killing the driver and injuring a passenger and a pedestrian. Also, more than 20 cattle died in the incident.
So each time you leave your home, work or whatever and you decide to take the inculcated risk of driving in Cairo, just remember: Being stuck in traffic is probably the best thing that could happen to you...
Consider the following:
- More than 7000 people die every year on Egyptian Roads. This is more than the number of American soldiers who died from the start of the Iraqi war 3 years ago.
- During the last month (February, 2007) it is estimated that more than 50 people were stabbed by Taxi and Micro bus drivers for numerous reasons. More than 10 died.
- Last week, a young guy of 16 (who does not hold a driving license) lost control over his car and crashed killing 5 people waiting on a bus stop.
- Yesterday, a truck carrying 1000 liquid gas cylinders flipped and burst in flame killing the driver and injuring a passenger and a pedestrian. Also, more than 20 cattle died in the incident.
So each time you leave your home, work or whatever and you decide to take the inculcated risk of driving in Cairo, just remember: Being stuck in traffic is probably the best thing that could happen to you...
Monday, March 5, 2007
Daddy Forgets
It was just an ordinary day. I came back from work and you came running to me and hugged me. All what I did in response was a shrug.
Later on this afternoon, you got me my slippers and paper. Instead of thanking you I frowned, thinking and thinking about my work.
All throughout the evening I was complaining and yelling about the noise you are making, your toys scattered everywhere and that you are not paying enough attention to “your dad’s instructions.”
When I –“finally”- put you to bed you told me Good Night and smiled. I replied with a quick kiss on your cheek.
But I have to admit, Daddy forgets.
He forgets that you are only three and a half years old. He forgets that you are not yet burdened by work, taxes and life.
Daddy forgets that when you run to him and hug his knees there are no hidden intentions behind it.
You are not careless, disobedient or impolite. You are just a child.
Daddy forgot how it is to be a child.
Today is just an ordinary day. I took you to your nursery in the morning. As usual while you were going up the stairs you looked back, smiled and waved.
I waved back briefly and turned my back.
You did not see the one tear that escaped my eye.
Later on this afternoon, you got me my slippers and paper. Instead of thanking you I frowned, thinking and thinking about my work.
All throughout the evening I was complaining and yelling about the noise you are making, your toys scattered everywhere and that you are not paying enough attention to “your dad’s instructions.”
When I –“finally”- put you to bed you told me Good Night and smiled. I replied with a quick kiss on your cheek.
But I have to admit, Daddy forgets.
He forgets that you are only three and a half years old. He forgets that you are not yet burdened by work, taxes and life.
Daddy forgets that when you run to him and hug his knees there are no hidden intentions behind it.
You are not careless, disobedient or impolite. You are just a child.
Daddy forgot how it is to be a child.
Today is just an ordinary day. I took you to your nursery in the morning. As usual while you were going up the stairs you looked back, smiled and waved.
I waved back briefly and turned my back.
You did not see the one tear that escaped my eye.
8 Years Later
It is amazing how people change over time.
It was by pure coincidence that we got to be seated together at the same table that day.
When I shook her hand, it felt nothing like the hand I used to hold for so long.
- Hi, how are you?
She said it without looking at me or wanting to know my answer.
It had been almost a decade since we were together yet amazingly enough she looked just like she did on her freshman year, a complete stranger.
“Just looking at you makes me overwhelmed with happiness” This is what I always used to tell her. Our long talks, our long walks back and forth from down town to our campus, it all seems so oddly distant now.
I wonder what her husband does for a living.
- Sherif, stop teasing your sister; she suddenly came out loudly.
Unintentionally, everyone turned to her. She smiled timidly. Her smile was more or less the same but there was definitely something different in her voice.
One day, driven by teen foolishness as much as love we got into this building after classes has ended. We stood there kissing on the stairs. All of a sudden a security guard appeared from nowhere. We were completely taken by surprise and so was he. He looked rudely at us “what are you doing here? There are no classes now in this building, go!”
We just ran away smiling. We were saved (from probation or may be worse.)
- After the birthday, I’m meeting my friends for a girly outing.
That was my wife. I just mumbled back in affirmation. We were in a birthday of a one year old girl. The daughter of a couple I hardly knew.
Why do they make birthdays for such young babies? Obviously, the birthday girl doesn’t know it and more certainly most of us sitting here don’t care.
We were together for 5 Valentines (Well, actually 4 because during one Valentine we quarreled and did not go out.) However, I think people really in love do not need Valentine. We did not need any occasion to bring each other gifts. We did not need Valentine to go out, dine and dance. We went on Flouka rides and we had an agreement to say “I love you” at least once every week.
We did not even need to talk, that day in the farm, when I put my head on that magic spot just underneath her shoulder and stayed like that for hours.
We also knew that we will not end up together. Lovers from different religions in this part of the world normally don’t.
This did not make much of a difference. We had this implicit agreement that we shall remain together and savor our love as long as we could. “Our love and commitment are much more than a piece of paper”, she used to say.
- Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday…
I wonder where Karim is. He must be playing here or there. I looked around carefully till I spotted him beneath a table not far away from where I am.
As time passed, pressure from friends and family grew to put an end to our relationship. “So, what’s next?” everyone used to say. “You have to breakup and give each other a chance to move on.” On October 16th, we did.
- Sherif, we have to leave. The kids are driving me crazy.
She picked up everything in less than a minute. One kid in each hand waved goodbye and walked away.
My eyes followed her to the door. Then she turned and looked straight at me. I knew she was thinking to herself “It is amazing how people change over time.”
It was by pure coincidence that we got to be seated together at the same table that day.
When I shook her hand, it felt nothing like the hand I used to hold for so long.
- Hi, how are you?
She said it without looking at me or wanting to know my answer.
It had been almost a decade since we were together yet amazingly enough she looked just like she did on her freshman year, a complete stranger.
“Just looking at you makes me overwhelmed with happiness” This is what I always used to tell her. Our long talks, our long walks back and forth from down town to our campus, it all seems so oddly distant now.
I wonder what her husband does for a living.
- Sherif, stop teasing your sister; she suddenly came out loudly.
Unintentionally, everyone turned to her. She smiled timidly. Her smile was more or less the same but there was definitely something different in her voice.
One day, driven by teen foolishness as much as love we got into this building after classes has ended. We stood there kissing on the stairs. All of a sudden a security guard appeared from nowhere. We were completely taken by surprise and so was he. He looked rudely at us “what are you doing here? There are no classes now in this building, go!”
We just ran away smiling. We were saved (from probation or may be worse.)
- After the birthday, I’m meeting my friends for a girly outing.
That was my wife. I just mumbled back in affirmation. We were in a birthday of a one year old girl. The daughter of a couple I hardly knew.
Why do they make birthdays for such young babies? Obviously, the birthday girl doesn’t know it and more certainly most of us sitting here don’t care.
We were together for 5 Valentines (Well, actually 4 because during one Valentine we quarreled and did not go out.) However, I think people really in love do not need Valentine. We did not need any occasion to bring each other gifts. We did not need Valentine to go out, dine and dance. We went on Flouka rides and we had an agreement to say “I love you” at least once every week.
We did not even need to talk, that day in the farm, when I put my head on that magic spot just underneath her shoulder and stayed like that for hours.
We also knew that we will not end up together. Lovers from different religions in this part of the world normally don’t.
This did not make much of a difference. We had this implicit agreement that we shall remain together and savor our love as long as we could. “Our love and commitment are much more than a piece of paper”, she used to say.
- Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday…
I wonder where Karim is. He must be playing here or there. I looked around carefully till I spotted him beneath a table not far away from where I am.
As time passed, pressure from friends and family grew to put an end to our relationship. “So, what’s next?” everyone used to say. “You have to breakup and give each other a chance to move on.” On October 16th, we did.
- Sherif, we have to leave. The kids are driving me crazy.
She picked up everything in less than a minute. One kid in each hand waved goodbye and walked away.
My eyes followed her to the door. Then she turned and looked straight at me. I knew she was thinking to herself “It is amazing how people change over time.”
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