Sept, 15, 2012
This large hand woven tapestry demonstrates the beautiful workmanship one can find in Egypt , enhances our home and provides a daily reminder that although the inside or our apartment is "western" there is a different world outside our door.
With new ex-pats arriving in Cairo one topic of conversation revolves around household basics and decor. Most teachers arrive in Cairo with two suitcases, most of which are personal effects. Although apartments are furnished the "extras" provided vary greatly from nothing to a few dishes to a fully equiped abode. Our situation lies in the middle. Enough to do what we need to do with no focus on aesthetics such as matching dishes. The question becomes how much more do you need to live this semi- vagrant lifestyle both and what will enhance the experience without becoming a burden. Since the time is limited there is always the question: if I buy that will I take it home (or pay to ship it), will I sell it or bequeath it to a charity? Last summer we took home some of the things that represent this time for us or are an example of the beautiful craftmanship.
In Canada is often easier and cheaper to replace an item rather than get it repaired. With cheap labour costs and large import taxes in Egypt things are only disposed of if they have no further use.
One of the challenges of living in Egypt are the inconsistencies. On one hand we are amazed by the skill of craftsman. My backpack had developed large holes in the netting at the sides. Since I was not able to send it off the manufacturer in Canada I had them send me some new fabric when I was in London. As you can see the tailor did an amazing job of taking it apart and replacing the material for the outrageous sum of $10.
 |
| Add caption |
On the other hand repairs of most anything in buildings (Air - conditioners, plumbing etc.) is done in a haphazard so that one expects that whatever the problem was, it will likely reoccur. This is partially because there is seldom any maintenance -- things are just dealt with when they are broken, Even though our landlord lived in the US for many years and tries to deal with this by purchasing the best parts etc, that he can etc. he is dealing with the basic premise that "whatever happens, happens" and you can't prevent problems. Fortunately he attends to issues quickly which is not always the case -- some people experience contant frustration. At school we deal with the same frustrations and constantly remind each other that we are 'in Egypt" and take a deep breath or take alternative action if possible. After all we all chose to open our self up to new experiences.
It is with great sadness that we have been viewing the events of the Middle East in the last few days. The implications of a posting of one hateful American made video undermining the faith of Muslims has morphed into a backlast against Western powers..The move towards democracy, in the previously autocratic Arab counctries, has provided an opportunity for greater freedoms unfortunately allowing the disenfranchised,( those who are unemployed or homeless or have suffered significant losses) to vent their anger -- with the misguided impression that whatever is Western is against whatever is Muslim. We still feel safe, especially in our neighbourhoods where we are known as people, not representatives of an Ideology.
