Cairo 2005 How to Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Breathe Raqs Sharqi Part One of Four by Andrea Last year I visited Cairo for the first time and attended the Ahlan Wa Sahlan festival, but decided that I could learn more if I took private dance lessons. Being the intrepid traveler that I am, I returned on my own in 2005, in the month of September, to enjoy all that Cairo has to offer during more favorable weather. Following are my experiences as I related them to my close friends and family. Wednesday September 7, 2005 As of yesterday and through the end of my trip, I’ll be staying with my American friends, Erika and Matt. They will be teaching English in Egypt for 2 years and they generously offered me their extra bedroom in their swanky flat in Nasr City, a northern suburb of Cairo. It’s way nicer than my apartment in Oakland! They even have a dishwasher, washing machine, satellite TV, a maid, and free Internet access! Of course, you still have your bumpy streets, unyielding drivers, donkey carts, and live fowl for sale on the sidewalk, even though this is a somewhat upscale suburb of Cairo. The
inside and outside of the place where I’m staying are so contradictory! It’s a bit far from the center of Cairo, but it’ll give me the impetus to learn how to use the metro, and I’ll get to know another part of Egypt. Even if I take a cab into downtown Cairo every day, I’ll still save money for private lessons and costumes. I thank Allah for Erika and Matt!
It’s all over the Arabic news stations, but I don’t know enough Arabic to understand. I’ve been trying to get a man-on-the-street point of view of the election, and there hasn’t been any consensus. Some people favor Mr. Mubarak, saying that even though he’s not the ideal leader, he’s the best of what’s offered. Other people are sick of him and just want to see a new face, while still others think the election is rigged in favor of Mubarak and therefore, won’t even bother voting.
Yesterday, I went to the shop/factory of costume designer Eman Zaki. She’s very famous now, and her designs are cutting edge. She’s designed costumes for Dina! Her garments are very well designed, using special fabrics and unique details. I picked out three fabulous numbers that will make you all drool! Her costumes are a bit pricey, but I think they will be worth it. Seriously, I’ve never seen some of the fabrics she used. She incorporated some nice bead work (I love beads!) and spectacular trimmings (gold chain mail, zig zags, loops, pearls, and Swarovski crystals). Wish I could afford more from her! I would have gone to another costumer like Crazy Move or Al-Wikalah, but I was beat because of my cold. Could it be from a lack of fresh vegetables and fruit as I’ve been eating mainly meat and bread? I wonder.
I haven’t seen any dance shows yet because I’m doing research to see who’s dancing where. Hopefully, the next time I send you an update, I’ll have seen some shows on which to report. Coming
soon!
Ready
for more? 5-5-05 Initiating Dance Dialogue: Current Trends, The Panel Discussion at Carnivals of Stars Festival, transcribed from video by Andrea, Panel members included: Heather as moderator, Monica Berini, Shira, Barbara Bolan, Amina Goodyear, Debbie Lammam. 2-11-06
What Kind of Snakes are Good for Dancing?
by Neferteri 2-9-06
Rhythm
and Reason Series, Article 9, Can't
We All Get Along? Dancers and Musicians by
Mary Ellen Donald 2-6-06
The Peace Belt comes to Tucson
by Lucy Lipschitz |
Today,
I’m just enjoying the television at Erika and Matt’s. It’s
like Belly dancer’s heaven, there is so much good stuff to watch!
I switch from old footage of Om Kalsoum or Farid
al Atrache, to Arabic pop videos, old Arabic movies with
dancing, Arabic soap operas, and, of course, BBC News. I
could spend the whole day in front of the TV! In fact, I’m
sick enough that I could, and without feeling guilty. 
Have
a comment? 
