Windows To The Soul

Today was a relaxing day.

Sabah, a family friend, works at a school for mentally retarded children, so we paid a visit to drop off some food and clothing for the kids. One of the kids had a parent who was a hairdresser and immediately walked behind me, took my hair out of the pony tail and started combing my hair. The women who run the place freaked out because it violates the Islamic man-woman touching thing, but it was sweet.

Spent the afternoon lounging with my uncle and gramma. Parkinson's Disease has hit my gramma pretty tough and she has trouble holding things. It is really interesting to see your grandparents go through such things because you know what they once could do and, equally as important, it is a sneak preview into the movie of your own life. She's a trooper though and it is quite impressive that she still has lots of energy.

The evening was spent in a very enlightening discussion about the meaning of faith and religion with one of my religious cousins. Although I didn't necessarily agree with every point, I have to admit that the concept of faith has never made more sense to me until Nihal and my uncle offered their explanations. I am sure I will have a lengthy discussion about it with some you upon my return. My brain will be processing it in the meantime.

Karla arrives in two hours. I am excited to see Cairo through the eyes of a non-Egyptian and to show her the Cairo that no tourist ever sees. With all the chaos, there is a great deal of charm. As long as she doesn't keep her eyes open in traffic, she will be fine.