Sorry for the lapse... but here's what is new... Cairo. What sticks out the most for me is the marketplace here. It is a labyrinth that weaves its way down alleyways between buildings, where you can buy anything you could possibly want. Clothing, jewelry, hookahs, appliances, dishware, blankets. It is the epitome of organized chaos--the market is so packed with customers--veiled women, unveiled women, shopkeepers... all of whom would be shoved up against the display tables when boys with loads or carts of trash/merchandise/cardboard/food would push their way past, hissing to get people out of the way. It would be nice to stop and look at things, but if you stop and show interest, a swarm of shopkeepers will descend on you. It's not the sort of place I would go without another person (and preferably ... read more

Okay, so. Egypt. I am so incredibly psyched for the trip, and in the meanwhile making the best of the time I have left here. Traveling around via khombi, studying Arabic, reading my psychology books, and getting some writing done. I'm also dealing with various issues that need to be dealt with. My mind hasn't been in the right place for quite a few months. This trip was, probably to some degree, me trying to escape things. And that might be a good solution in the short term--but a year was going to be a bit excessive. But I think I am on my way to coping with things. What bugs me the most is that coping and adapting is a life-long process, not something I can sit down and have done in a few days. ... read more

So... things. Things have been... strange. Despite how conflicted I usually seem, when there is a situation that requires me to make a choice, I usually know what I am going to do on some deeper level. I've spent the past few days thinking some pretty crazy things. Last night I was planning a route from Swaziland to Egypt (flying over Sudan, of course). I've decided since then that I might forgo that particular trip. Initially I though it would be a great way to leave the continent--I wouldn't feel like I hadn't done anything, and I'd certainly want to leave by the time I got to Egypt. But after reading the travel warnings for Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzinia, Kenya, and Uganda, I've decided maybe not. Traveling at night in any of those places is not ... read more

Now in dual-post on blogger.com! Wow, okay, more excitement than strictly necessary. Fundza has become enjoyable; I wrote up a grant today, and now I need to find someone or a plural amount of someone to fund a debate competition. Friday will be devoted to getting those sent out, and starting on the next focused grant. It's the second day I've worked with them, and today's problem was: someone (not Nonkululeko) forgot to pay the phone bill, so, no phone, no internet. Internet hasn't been especially reliable at S.'s, but I honestly am not complaining about that: means I have time to do Yoga instead. The sunset is not a long, drawn out affair here. The sun takes longer in its decent behind the mountains here than it would at the equator, but instead of painting ... read more

I start with Fundza on Monday! I have begun working on a website for them, and I am optimistic about being able to do some good through this program. The only problem is that aid and grant funding is so short these days. But one of Fundza's main goals is to help stem the spread of HIV/AIDs through education, so perhaps that will encourage some donors to contribute money. My co-worker/boss Nonkululeko is really introducing me to Swazi culture in a way that S. can't. She is also really is a comically bad driver. Well, it's actually not funny, but perhaps it would be if I didn't have to be in the car with her. I am going to be attempting to get an international drivers license so that I can do the driving. After quite ... read more