July 11, 2007

Where to start? So much has happened in the last couple of days, I had best keep things in the order they started. Yesterday, after they gym I met Cathy for lunch, then Jen called and met us for coffee. When Cathy left, Jen and I walked around Road 9, and she showed me down alleys that I didn’t even know were there. We went into shops frequented by locals and I found a whole new world. It was intriguing.
I then had to hurry back, and get ready to go out to a Cell Group I had been invited to. A lovely young lady named Adium from Ethiopia (who is trying to emigrate to Canada) met me and we took a taxi over (60 cents), since we were a bit late. It was a lovely group. They started out with some singing; Jessica played the guitar. After a prayer, Adium posed a question for discussion, then we closed with more singing and prayers. There were two ladies from Korea, Chongya and Kyonghe, Sandy from England, Adium and myself. Many are still away for the summer. We walked back and I found that more people are out at ten at night than at ten in the morning. The street was bustling with men, women and children.
Wednesday afternoon, Dale and I spent the night at the JW Marriott in Cairo, since we were heading for El Gouna on Thursday. The JW -What a place! http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/caijw-jw-marriott-hotel-cairo/
It is so huge, it would take an hour or more to walk around the grounds – and that doesn’t include the 18 hole golf course. They have a spa, several swimming pools, a wave pool, shops, restaurants, etc. The staff are delightful, and so eager to help you. The complete decadence is so far from the reality of Road 9, with the begging and poverty. It doesn’t seem like you are even in the same country let alone the same city. Then there is El Gouna . . . more to come!
Love,
Laurel