What to do Now?
My visa expires on November 29th. Some weeks fly by. Some weeks I can't remember anything I did. When all you have is a week, the minutes become important. I'm swirling in a mix of panic that I won't get everything done, shock that I will pack up and remove myself from this life I've created, exuberance of getting to go home, and a sadness for what I will leave but at the moment don't appreciate.
I will not go home yet, though. I made a decision several months ago not to waste my presence in this region, and see what I can. I'll go anywhere, but I have a limited budget. These are the thoughts that fight for my brain:
In Egypt, I can see famous ancient temples, be hosted well by many friends and practice Arabic.
However, the rate of harrassment for young white women in Egypt (as far as I can tell) is about 100%. I'm getting really tired of that. In fact, many Muslim Arab men I've encountered (though none of my freiends, who are all wonderful) seem to be trying to enforce the stereotypes I came here to dispell.
In Damascus, or Beirut or Istanbul, I can see Ancient multi-religious architecture and history, another side of the middle east... but it's expensive and there is still me, a woman travelling alone. Even if I won't get harassed, the fear of insult or disrespect might be enough to keep me from having fun.
What about Africa? I am soo anxious to go! I've been wanting to go for years. A ticket from the US is about $2000. From Dubai, I can go for $400. But what to do there? I want to volunteer in some kind of women's organization. I recently heard the author of the Vagina Monologues speaking at a conference (a recording). She said she'd found that when you give away the thing you want most in the world, you become healed. That philosophy in a lesser degree of intensity suggests to my heart that if I am upset because I feel less powerful as a woman, I need to do something to empower women. I'm looking for organizations, but the only ones who seem to seek volunteers require payment in the thousands.
I would love suggestions.
My visa expires on November 29th. Some weeks fly by. Some weeks I can't remember anything I did. When all you have is a week, the minutes become important. I'm swirling in a mix of panic that I won't get everything done, shock that I will pack up and remove myself from this life I've created, exuberance of getting to go home, and a sadness for what I will leave but at the moment don't appreciate.
I will not go home yet, though. I made a decision several months ago not to waste my presence in this region, and see what I can. I'll go anywhere, but I have a limited budget. These are the thoughts that fight for my brain:
In Egypt, I can see famous ancient temples, be hosted well by many friends and practice Arabic.
However, the rate of harrassment for young white women in Egypt (as far as I can tell) is about 100%. I'm getting really tired of that. In fact, many Muslim Arab men I've encountered (though none of my freiends, who are all wonderful) seem to be trying to enforce the stereotypes I came here to dispell.
In Damascus, or Beirut or Istanbul, I can see Ancient multi-religious architecture and history, another side of the middle east... but it's expensive and there is still me, a woman travelling alone. Even if I won't get harassed, the fear of insult or disrespect might be enough to keep me from having fun.
What about Africa? I am soo anxious to go! I've been wanting to go for years. A ticket from the US is about $2000. From Dubai, I can go for $400. But what to do there? I want to volunteer in some kind of women's organization. I recently heard the author of the Vagina Monologues speaking at a conference (a recording). She said she'd found that when you give away the thing you want most in the world, you become healed. That philosophy in a lesser degree of intensity suggests to my heart that if I am upset because I feel less powerful as a woman, I need to do something to empower women. I'm looking for organizations, but the only ones who seem to seek volunteers require payment in the thousands.
I would love suggestions.
4 Comments:
How about Aransas Pass? I'm sure someone there speaks Arabic. We can hardly wait to see you. Be safe. love, Mom and Dad
Thanks guys :)
How's the weather there? Happy Thanksgiving!
I spent most of 2005 in Kenya helping out the slum kids and families....if you are interested check out these websites:
www.matibabu.org
www.csgkibera.com
If you have more questions, I would glad to answer them.....I know exactly what you are going through cuz I have been through that myself when I left North America back to UAE!!!
Hey Sarah!
Looking forward hosting you in Cairo. I am sure we are going to have lots of fun. And the harassment issue is not so bad as it is described sometimes.
Post a Comment
<< Home