Back to the home page.  

  03/24/2003  

Hey Family,

Just a note to say I'm safe. School was closed for one day (last Thursday), but reopened on Sunday. The name of the school has been removed from the side of the buses. A token gesture, as it's tough to disguise a bus. I continue to receive Warden messages via email that alert US citizens in Egypt of Embassy affairs. The embassy here has cut back on its hours and services but remains open. The Embassy RSO recommended that the ballpark where we play softball be closed and we suspend games until further notice. So our season my be cut short.

Some students at school wanted to voice their opinions in an inappropriate way so they made a bit of a ruckus in a classroom. Just some cheering and yelling, but disconcerting to say the least. We had an assembly today to allay some of the student's concerns. When it boils down to it, the kids just want more days off.

There have been some demonstrations in Cairo. I found out that the Arabic word that describes a peaceful demonstration translates to "riot" in English.

So that explains the use of the word riot. None have turned violent. That burning vehicle was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm keeping low. I have no definite travel plans next week. (I have next week off.) I'd like to go diving, visit Aswan and Abu Simbel, and just hang out in Dahab for a few days, but I haven't made plans yet. I'll keep you informed of my movements.

I seem to be coming down with a cold-like illness. No one I know has been to Asia lately, so don't go nuts. Many people at work have been sick lately, including my roommate, so it's not unlikely that I picked it up from co-workers.

I haven't sensed anarchy yet. But I'm beginning to wonder if it's possible. I'll let you know when you can worry in earnest. For now, just the normal level of worry is fine.