My last day in Cairo (well other than on the return home, where I am stopping back through for lunch with my translator coach), my day was planned for me by the Egyptian Coaching Federation. It would entail a day at the Movambique Sports Club, a resort that was built to serve as an athletic facility and a social club. Got there around 11am, and was given a chair by the pool. It was a perfect day, sunny and around 85 degrees. You could see the pyramids off in the distance, and my legs started aching again thinking of the experience, lol. I layed in the sun for a while, think I actually fell asleep once or twice. I got into the pool a few times, the water was a chilly 76 degrees. But after you got in, it actually felt quite nice in the sun. Afterwards, I was taken to a building, where I got to relax in a jacuzzi, then a sauna. After I was nice and boiled, I was then treated to a 40 minute massage by the attendent. A refreshing shower and a change of clothes, and I was on the way back to the hotel. Of course I let my self get sunburnt, so now I will eventually resemble to skin color of the natives here!
In sitting here in my room, I had some time to replect on my Egyptian visit. There are things I am SO fortunate and glad to have had the opportunity to see, words can't express. Cairo is a very diverse city, a city not so much diverse by people but by religions. There are the Muslems (the majority), and the Christians. Although having obvious religious beliefs, everyone here in the city coexists quite well. There are many tourists that visit here, in talking to people, the people that the Egyptians despise the most are the Russians. They didn't say why, but I thought it was intereresting. Most people here actually LIKE the American people. many long to visit the States, it is a dream of theirs. I saw this as they went out of their way to protect American tourists visiting.
In my drives to the clinic, I saw a city of vibrance and of peaceful social interaction. Bit I also saw a city of poverty, pollution, and deterioration. We as Americans should truly be happy and grateful for the opportunities and freedoms we all share as a country. We really do have it good! I found myself wondering what the future of Cairo is. I wonder if it will survive another 4000 years, and if it will be led by people of forward thinking. Time will only tell I guess...
A good night of sleep, and I leave early in the morning for my trip to Abu Dhabi. A city BUILT on wealth, it will be interesting (and welcomed, believe me!) to see the differences.
My next posting will be from Abu Dhabi. Another hour lost for me, as there will then be an 8 hour time difference than here and the East Coast.
Until then!
Ron
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