May 26, 2009
Update on the journey to Gaza. I am not sure where I left of on my blogging. But a quick update. We left Cairo with the student delegation May 25, at 3 a.m. We had a many hour drive across the Sinai Peninsula, taking a bridge that crossed the Suez Canal. Unfortunately, due to darkness and significant fatigue, I was not able to appreciate the scenery the way I would have liked. One of the peoples of this area is the Bedouins, who we would see out across the dessert on their camels. Many of them live in dwellings made out of palm tree fronds. It is my understanding that this area is more conservative than Cairo, and more of the women were wearing the complete black clothing with the veils.
We drove all the way to the Rafah border to try to cross into Gaza. Along the way, we picked up a police escort, and went through 6 checkpoints. We sere successful getting to the border, but were unable to pass through. We met up with a Canadian group that had been there for 3 days. We stayed at the border for many hours before returning to Al Arish to spend the night.
The following morning we left again, this time in tow with the Canadian group, and another American group who had gotten to Al Arish the previous day. Side note, the two American groups have done such an impressive working with American organizations to help facilitate our entry, and due to their coordination, it looks like we will be entering Gaza eventually, but not without obstacles, as that morning we were turned away at the first check point. We went back to the hotel, leaders made more phone calls, and we were assured we were on our way!!
Again, off we went. Things were going very smoothly until it was realized we had a Palestinian in our group whose passport was not in order. Sadly, unfortunately, she was left at the border, and may try to reenter later this week with the Codepink group.
Now, at this moment in time, we are waiting for paperwork/passport control to be finalized to actually allow us into Gaza!!! Amazing!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Update: Yesterday we went to the pyramids. We felt pretty smug because we had prearranged an air conditioned taxi. He showed up at 730am with a freshly bashed passenger door that he had just done that morning. I was thankful that it happened when we were not in it! The pyramids were everything I expected and more. I believe the highlight for me, though, was the ride in and out of Cairo. It always amazes me how differently people live around the world, and this was no exception.
One surprise for me, however, were the carpet schools. On our drive we kept seeing buildings stating that they were carpet schools, and a couple of them had tour buses in front of them. We had our driver stop at one. Instantly we were escorted by a guide who took us to the back of the building where children were tying carpets. He told us about the high level of skill that was required to make the beautiful carpets. They were made from different materials, silk, cotton, camel hair, wool. The most intricate were the silk. The workers used a sheet of paper for the pattern, in centimeter squares for their gauge, and depending on the material, 36-81 knots per square. The students at this school were between the ages of 6-16, and they had to be bright children in order to learn how to make the carpets. We were told they went to school for 4 hours, and carpet school for 4. When they turned 16 they were let go, because their hands were too large for the intricate work.
Then we were taken into a show room where carpets were laid out for us to examine. They were beautiful. The smallest one, about 2 ft square was $400.00. We were served coffee, tea, and cola while we were to be shopping for a carpet. At this point we were a little uncomfortable, as we had no intention on buying a carpet, but were assured that it was fine to just enjoy the beverages and leave!! We were out of there!!!
Joel, our delightful traveling companion, is feeling somewhat under the weather today with mild stomach issues. Hopefully he will rally!!!!
The plan is to leave early in the morning at 3am on the bus for the students' delegation!! We are optimistic we will get in, as we are hearing other groups have!! Stay tuned!!
One surprise for me, however, were the carpet schools. On our drive we kept seeing buildings stating that they were carpet schools, and a couple of them had tour buses in front of them. We had our driver stop at one. Instantly we were escorted by a guide who took us to the back of the building where children were tying carpets. He told us about the high level of skill that was required to make the beautiful carpets. They were made from different materials, silk, cotton, camel hair, wool. The most intricate were the silk. The workers used a sheet of paper for the pattern, in centimeter squares for their gauge, and depending on the material, 36-81 knots per square. The students at this school were between the ages of 6-16, and they had to be bright children in order to learn how to make the carpets. We were told they went to school for 4 hours, and carpet school for 4. When they turned 16 they were let go, because their hands were too large for the intricate work.
Then we were taken into a show room where carpets were laid out for us to examine. They were beautiful. The smallest one, about 2 ft square was $400.00. We were served coffee, tea, and cola while we were to be shopping for a carpet. At this point we were a little uncomfortable, as we had no intention on buying a carpet, but were assured that it was fine to just enjoy the beverages and leave!! We were out of there!!!
Joel, our delightful traveling companion, is feeling somewhat under the weather today with mild stomach issues. Hopefully he will rally!!!!
The plan is to leave early in the morning at 3am on the bus for the students' delegation!! We are optimistic we will get in, as we are hearing other groups have!! Stay tuned!!
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