From the Airplane
It’s like a mini world up here. All sorts of people from different cultures, religions, countries and generations. We all board while representing something we believe in, or something we don’t. An airplane journey can be like no other journey taken. Strangers become companions, neighbours who are on a similar plight as you are. You notice familiar faces on the plane as those who you had seen earlier before at the terminal and you smile. A stranger looks at you and you make a connection, you find a friend, a travelling companion who can help you forget the perilous journey you have ahead.
Looking out of the window makes you realise how vulnerable you are, how mortal you really are. But I’ve let myself go, from the moment the plane took its inevitable lift off and I closed my eyes, putting all my trust in the Creator.
Everyone brings a little something with them on the airplane, whether it be the luggage they brought or a cultural attitude. It all shows within the hours we have together. And it’s strange that when the journey comes to a safe end, we all part together, alone, once companions, now strangers again, without a second glance, we are all grateful to be back on God’s green earth.
And I’m definitely glad to be back on Egyptian soil. Or so I think until I am hit with the cultural intensity of Egypt, the unorganised chaos that seems to be running quite successfully, the “I come first” attitude which makes courtesy rare. What can I say? I love this land. It’s the system that needs a make-over.
unorganized chaos? is that all?? more like a…. a what? there really is no place like Egypt
OH!!! and dont get me started on the system here!! arg!!
Umm Travis
July 18, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Oooo…I can’t wait til I’m back in Egypt myself. Salamely 3la umm al dunya
Arabista
July 19, 2008 at 12:44 am
Have a wonderful time in Egypt and take many photos!
“But I’ve let myself go, from the moment the plane took its inevitable lift off and I closed my eyes, putting all my trust in the Creator.” – this will help me tomorrow when I feel nervous! I’m feeling a little antsy right now but your airport/plane description came at the perfect time.
'liya
July 19, 2008 at 2:27 am
Your posts on Egypt really bring back so many memories and feelings. This is a process I have been through several times before and I miss. That mixture of excitement, the thrill of being there, the initial warm feelings you get when you are faced with the choas which before long turns to frustration. Insha’allah you have a great time
MuslimMum
July 19, 2008 at 5:16 am
Egypt sounds a little like Pakistan, unorganized, LOL. Insha’Allah one day I’ll get to see Egypt too.
Tuba
July 19, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Lovely post…and it reminds me of my visits to Egypt. I’ve been there four times, but could never stay in Cairo more than three days straight without risking a mental meltdown, due to what you euphemistically call “organized chaos”.
I also like the word “intensity” to describe Egypt’s atmosphere.
Still, I love Egypt and its people, and hope to go there again someday. My best vacation ever was in Egypt. I went there alone, without knowing any Arabic, and I put myself in vulnerable situations (such are the high spirits of youth) but Allah protected me and put the kindest, most generous Egyptians in my path.
Marahm
July 19, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Waw, may you really enjoy your tribe. I can say how it feels to go back homeland..
Egyption delicious foods, Don’t forget your diet program!
Shahrzad
July 19, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Out of the many times i have been on a plane i have never thought of it the way you have described, i have never seen Egypt but inshaAllah one day i shall be fortunate to visit it. InshaAllah you will have an awesome time.
outcastrebelchic
July 19, 2008 at 7:42 pm
With all due respect to the advice of Shahrzad, I recommend that you do forget your diet program, at least for awhile. How can one be in Egypt without eating Egyptian food, made by Egyptians? No, that’s asking too much of a mortal.
Marahm
July 19, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Egypt reminds me of Musa’a and Firaun! Never been there, but if I was to be there, I’d probably hear their horses
Hope you have a safe and exciting trip, Insha-Allah!
Zainab
July 20, 2008 at 1:52 am
Organised chaos, friendly and loud Egpytians..The stuff dream holidays are made off..Have fun, honey. Looking forward to your tales of the motherland.
Fee Amman Allah..
Xaimah
July 20, 2008 at 4:18 am
Egyptttt!
My favouritest place of all times.
I wish, i wish, i wish i could go back there again!
(:
frazzlesparks
July 21, 2008 at 3:33 am
And I’m *ahem* in Kafr El Sheikh…anyone wanna come and see me???
hehe…
I’m not Egyptian but I’m married to one. We’re heading back to Perth, Australia next month (yippie!!!) Been back in Egypt for 6 months.
All I can say is that there’s so many things you can love about Egypt but there’s also many things you would not like. Try living as a local and not a tourist and you would know what I mean.
But no matter how crazy it is over here in Egypt, you do miss it. When I was in Perth, I was always playing Sherine’s “Mashrebtsh Min Nilha” and at that time I had only stayed in Egypt for 5 months last year.
Nurmala
July 23, 2008 at 4:07 am
sorry again,
btw = what kind of camera do you use to take your pics? they’re fab!!!
Nurmala
July 23, 2008 at 4:09 am
When i was in Cairo, a boy try to steal my wallet.
Whatever, i used to say there is nothing like our country, we always like him no matter what.
You should be happy…
Salam
orlando7truth
July 25, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Lucky you! I miss Egypt sooo much!
basbousa
July 26, 2008 at 12:31 am
I felt the same way as you when I first came to Egypt to see my husband. I didn’t know what to expect. Its certainly different from Australia but the place grows on you. So do the people.
nursheikha
July 26, 2008 at 2:56 am
if you go to sharm-al-sheikh take lots of pics!! i so wanna go there one day!
youngMuslimah
July 26, 2008 at 11:42 pm
its nasty in the airport everything seems like with a darker shade, with a layer of dirt, you get the shock of the first inhale like you ver smoked something as people try to carry your bags for you. and tell you kull sana wenta tayeb.
after that everything should be ok he3!
well not really! start reading some local newspapers like al masri al yoom and ad-dustoor.
check this online thing newspaper too.
http://www.almesryoon.com/
Mass
July 31, 2008 at 12:25 pm