Egypt

In 1976 I was fortunate enough to travel to Egypt. Twenty-one educators left Iowa on June 15. I returned on July 27. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. We went there as a part of a special grant so our expenses were paid and we were obligated to learn about Egypt and its culture and then when we came back we put together kits which would be used to educate Iowa students about this country.

Whenever I travel special things seem to happen. One of my favorite memories was attending an Egyptian wedding celebration and being invited into an Egyptian home where I was treated like visiting royalty. I was ushered into a special room with fancy furniture and was given special treats to eat.

Of course, the taxi cab ride there was also a special memory. Taxis in Egypt did not drive sedately down the road depositing you quietly at your destination. No indeed, it was an exciting trip through streets with all kinds of traffic including camels, donkey carts and other cars all of which were speeding around from place to place without the benefit of headlights or street lights. Pedestrians did not have the right of way and they scattered right and left as we passed.

We spent time in Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, and traveled as far south as Abu Simbel. We took sunset cruses on the Nile in boats much like the one in the picture above. The Nile had recently been dammed and the lake behind the dam had covered a multitude of ancient artifacts. The Temple at Abu Simbel was moved as the lake waters would have covered it. You can see pictures of it here.

Of course I did have a problem while I was there. I got sick. I cleaned my entire gastro-intestinal system on the 4th of July. They served us bacon for breakfast and let me warn you do not eat bacon in Egypt. The only person who did not get ill at sometime on the trip was Roger Volker. He brought along a suitcase full of granola bars and water with him. Smart man!

The people we met were wonderful. When I taught in Cedar Rapids I had friends, Bob and Verda Harper, who had lived in Cairo. Bob taught at the American University there. He told me about arriving in Cairo and then going out for a walk on the street and how he felt as if he had come home. The warmth of the people was incredible. I found this to be true.

When I was in Alexandria I used to go around to places with our guide (He didn't speak English and I didn't speak Arabic but we communicated) and sometimes I went out by myself. I remember on one trip downtown I was asked where I was from and when I told the store clerk he said "Welcome to my country!" It got me to thinking about whether or not I had ever done that to the many visitors who came to Ames. I hadn't.

Anyway the reason I am writing this it to share something I wrote in my scrapbook after I returned from Egypt.

This has been a wonderful experience. If it has taught me anything it is this -
All mankind is alike. People are basically good and beautiful. The difference between people are minimal. The world needs a common language. We must learn to work together. Love is the basic expression of all humanity. I am a citizen of the world.

I wonder if I would have the same experience in today's world. There does not seem to be the same acceptance of Americans in the world today. This is our own fault. We have become bullies in the world. Bullies are always in the wrong. Most of the people in America fit my description above (Yes I know it is naive but that is the way I am.)

Some way some how we have to regain the trust and respect of the world. Stay warm and be happy.