Skip to content

By littlemisadventures

We in the U.S. are lucky to live in a country that enjoys freedom of speech and of the press. Anyone can write an article or make a video, and then turn it loose onto the internet. Unfortunately, this means that lots of ignorant, hateful, or simply stupid material makes its way around the world, such as the anti-Islam movie that has inflamed ill-will across the Middle East.

...continue reading "Post-Protest"

By littlemisadventures

At the risk of sounding like a jaded traveler, I can honestly say that not many things have shocked me since arriving in Egypt. I knew there would be omnipresent sand, devil-may-care driving, jet lag, and a language barrier. I knew I would get sick and that I would get better. I also predicted that I would be happy here, and so far I’m right.

I’ve heard that the saying “time is money” only applies in Western countries. It is certainly true in the Midwestern U.S., where being fifteen minutes early for anything constitutes being on time.  Here in Cairo, the school bus may or may not leave on time. (It may not even show up.) It might take several minutes to get directions to a place down the block. On campus, students always hug hello and stop to talk, even if they have thirty seconds to get to class. The leisurely pace and the uncertainty of routine activities can be frustrating, but I am getting used to it.

...continue reading "Shop Like an Egyptian"

By littlemisadventures

Cairo is unlike any city I have ever experienced. It is sprawling and dusty and friendly and hectic. I love it already. This week, AUC organized some outings for international students, which was a great way to become familiar with the city. On our very first day, we saw ancient Coptic churches and the mosque of Amr ibn al-As. The soft carpet and serene atmosphere were a welcome respite from the sun and heat.

I was completely overwhelmed by the pyramids. I went inside the third, smallest one, which involves walking downward at about a 45-degree angle, bent double in sweltering heat and dust, with the passage ceiling scraping your head. The passage opens up to a series of chambers, which long ago held everything that royalty could possibly need for a comfortable afterlife. After crawling back out of the pyramid, the desert wind feels like a cool breeze. ...continue reading "Hello from Cairo!"

By ecirrincione

Hello everyone! My name is Elizabeth Cione and I am currently spending the fall semester abroad in Amman, Jordan. I am participating in the Language and Culture program at CIEE, who hosts various programs all over the world. I have chosen to study abroad in Jordan specifically with CIEE for several reasons. I am majoring in Middle East studies at the Elliott school; therefore it is only fitting that I will be studying in the Middle East. There were several Middle Eastern countries offered, but I chose Jordan because it is an emerging Middle Eastern power that still holds true to its traditions and cultures. I was searching for a country that would welcome me as a foreigner, but would also have a lot to teach me about the rest of the world. Out of all of the programs, the Jordan program seemed to be the best match for me because of the focus on the language that was essential to learn. In addition to the language, the CIEE program focused strongly on providing a great cultural immersion, which was also very important to me.

...continue reading "Hello from Amman!"