Week 3 in Cairo: Classes and Photo Adventures

May 16, 2010 - 12:20 am (May 17)
We just got back from a totally insane "cultural experience." We decided we wanted to see Iron Man 2, so we spent a good deal of time asking around and googling local theaters. We thought we finally found one, and headed out in two cabs for downtown Cairo. We ended up striking out at two theaters, and wandered the streets, asking around and following a point someone had drawn for us on a map. After a while, we reached the Hilton, which had a sort of mall next to it. On the 7th floor of this mall was a movie theater that was under construction, and was only showing 4 movies. We decided on Clash of the Titans (in 3D!), which we hoped was showing in English. The movie was supposed to start at 9, so we killed some time at McDonald's and playing billiards. A little before 9, we went back to get our tickets. The man at the counter wanted more than his previously quoted price, but Avery was able to haggle. It's amazing how loose the prices can be here.

We waited (with our super awesome 3D glasses) outside the theater with our seat-specific tickets in hand...until 9:45. Finally, we were shown to our seats in this tiny theater, and waited again. At 10, this tiny projector played a DVD of Arabic ads, and we feared for the worst. All the other movie-goers showed up at 10 or later, so this is apparently how it's done here. Finally, the actual movie projector kicked in, as did the English. The movie itself was nothing special, but did provide a nice diversion. The audience, however, was definitely interesting. There were 2 crying babies, and one guy who answered his phone and had an extended conversation in Arabic during the movie. We were definitely the only white people there, and I had to wonder if we were the only English-speaking ones, too. The movie was subtitled in Arabic, so I guess if people can read the movie they don't feel like they need to be quiet. There was an intermission, too. It was definitely an experience.

May 17, 2010 - 10:20pm
During class, we went on a mini photo shoot with assignments that Rob gave us. He told me to take photos of boys, to get me out of my comfort zone. We wandered the neighborhood around the school, and stumbled upon a huge group of kids getting out of school for lunch. Like American kids would, they mobbed our group, and posed for silly photos with their friends. It was cute, but it was really intense. Some of the kids were out of the fray, and these were the ones I tried to focus on. Photographing people is unnerving for me, I'd much rather take photos of inanimate objects. Rob was definitely right in thinking this project would take me out of my comfort zone.

The kids posed just like American ones would.

They were very excited to see us! 

These boys were smart to grab something cool on such a hot day.

























May 18, 2010 - 10:35pm
After class, Victoria and I wandered around Zamalek, taking more photos for our weekly assignments. A flower vendor gave each of us a rose, and didn't ask for anything in return. I think I'm still getting used to the idea that not everyone in Egypt wants "baksheesh" for doing something - but very often they do.

May 19, 2010 - 10:00pm
I spent today's class, like so many others, working on the photo in Egypt website. It's finally something I can call (approaching) finished, and I think it's working well.

I had my first Arabic class today. I kept wishing my Spanish (or English) would help me, but it's entirely different from the languages I'm used to. There's subtle sounds in the language that we just don't have, which makes it more of a challenge.

At 7, we left as a group for a Whirling Dervish show. Unfortunately, it was full when we got there, so we split into clumps of people and wandered the Khan el-Khalili. What a fabulous place to be at night!

The Khan-el Khalili was busier than the suq in Aswan had been at night.

The architecture was really cool at night.

Their wares are always displayed with care.

An ancient archway lined with modern trinkets.

A glass vendor.


























May 20, 2010 - 11:00pm
We critted our second week of shooting today, and everyone now has a gallery on the website. At 6, we left for a dialogue with American University in Cairo students, which took place on a motor boat on the Nile. It was really cool. We mingled with the AUC students, and I had a nice conversation with one guy who's graduating this semester with a degree in journalism and mass communications. He showed me a final paper he wrote regarding blogging as an uncensored media outlet. I was really interested to see his point of view, coming from a country as controlling of the media as Egypt is.

The boat played loud music and had flashing lights, dancing was inevitable.
























Things are definitely much louder here on Thursday nights. The Muslim holy day is Friday, so Thursday nights are essentially Friday nights for them.