We were incredibly lucky to begin Ryan’s sabbatical trip in Cairo, Egypt. While there we worked at the Children’s Cancer Hospital, marveled the Giza pyramids, and were invited into the lives of new friends. It was lovely to be a part of such a special culture during such a festive time (the beginning of Ramadan) if only for a short week. The hospitality and kindness we were given makes me want to visit again and again.
A short flight away, flying into Cairo was so exciting because I was able to catch my first glimpse at a handful of ancient pyramids. There really are so many! I knew Cairo was a large place but really the city goes on for miles and miles. It could easily have taken 2 hours to drive from one side to the other and the way Cairo traffic goes, it would have been one crazy adventure. I think the entire week we were there I only say 2 stoplights.
We stayed in the city center which was full of hustle and bustle and at all times we had to cross 7 lanes of traffic to go anywhere. During the day we took a car to the hospital and at night we tried to explore the area. The city was so green and the breeze off the Nile was very refreshing coming from Doha. It was a balmy 28°C the day we arrived but the temperature steadily climbed to 39°C by our day at the pyramids. (go figure)
The entire city was full of energy the first half of the week while every surface was being decorated for Ramadan. There is a special printed fabric that covered hanging lanterns, building columns, and banners strung across streets from apartment to apartment. I loved it so much Maha, one of our new found friends, even gave me my own banner to bring home.
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| outdoor shisha cafe decorated |
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| Khan el-Khalili market decorated |
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| decorations inside the hospital |
While at the hospital, Ryan and I worked with the adults on the IT team, held English conversation classes, played with children receiving chemo, and helped during art therapy time. 57357, as the hospital is called, is free for any child in the Middle East North Africa region. We met children from Oman, South Sudan, and even Iran who were there receiving treatment at this world class facility. Most did not speak English but who really needs to talk while putting together a puzzle?
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| Ryan's famous artwork - he donated it to the volunteer desk |
The IT department at the hospital immediately welcomed us to Cairo and led us through a week long cultural taste test- ordering in oriental food (as they call Egyptian) food, taking us out to dinner, and ending the week with an Iftar invitation. It was one of the best experiences we have ever had!
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| some of the IT department |
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our Iftar table
Some more of the amazing food we had.
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| traditional food on a traditional table - the middle spins around |
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| We tried Koshari the first night and I was hooked! I think this cost us $3... |
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| fresh baked bread on the street - when I took the picture the owner gave me one to try hot from the oven |
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| enjoying meze with Caryn and Mike - sooooooo good! |
The last day of our week was spent visiting the pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. There were so many relics without any of the museum displays we were used to, I couldn’t help think how Lisa Saladino needs to apply here. Hopefully with the move to their new and larger building the museum will be everything is deserves to be. The number one exhibit you cannot miss of course is that of King Tut and it did not disappoint. A fine end to a captivating and crazy city for sure.
Special thanks to Maha, Mariam, the Mohameds, the Ahmeds, Sally, and Heba for showing us how to fall in love with Cairo!
If you want to donate to 57357, simple click on the link and there is a donation button on the homepage.
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| Children's Cancer Hospital - Cairo |
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