Tourists

When I first found out that I was coming on this trip to Egypt, I was ecstatic. I would have never thought before that seeing the Pyramids or being in Africa was something that I was ever going to experience. However, once the initial "oh my god, oh my god" joy wore off---I began to get a little nervous about the trip. I started to googling the typical tourist information on customs, warnings, what to expect, etc...and it was a little overwhelming. The more I researched, the more I became aware (once again) of what a sheltered American woman I am.

The primary concerns of my mine revolved around being a woman in an Islamic country. I was anxious about what I should/shouldn't wear, I feared for my safety, I was scared my blonde highlights and blue eyes would make me a target for kidnapping, but most of all---I just didn't know what to expect. I knew this trip would be no Italy--with drunken debauchery in the streets at two am, mozzarella at all times or the day, or staying with random strangers. I might always be down for an adventure, but this adventure had me apprehensive.

The reality of it is, the Egypt I'm visiting is built for tourism. I've yet to encounter anything that would make me feel as though my personal safety is on the line. It's important to me to be respectful while I'm here so I've held back from wearing anything close to short booty shorts or spaghetti strap tank tops. Although, if I really wanted too--- I could walk around in a tube top and it wouldn't matter. The people in the areas we visit (our tour guide included), are only interested in trying to make a few bucks. My appearance means nothing to them.

I know I'm not seeing even a fraction of the things that make Egypt the country and culture that it is---I'm seeing the condensed chicken noodle soup safe version. Unfortunately though, in my version, the majority of the people I encounter care nothing for tourists. This trip hasn't been like last time--where I was constantly blessed by strangers who helped simply out of sheer kindness. No in Egypt, I even have to pay someone to show me where an ATM machine is. Like product coming down the factory line, we tourists are shuffling through Egypt in the same process as the people before us. We may come in different shape, sizes, and colors--- but we are all the same to them, tourists = $$$

Now I can't help it (or maybe I choose not too???) but there are days when I enjoy being a tourist. Moments where I like buying myself soveniors, eating well, sipping on wine in a beautiful establishment---just enjoying a general self-absorbtion where you allow yourself to become oblivious to the hardships out on the streets. Those kind of times when you take a cab instead of walking because you feel like it. Mostly though, I am unsatisfied with being and acting like a tourist. I wish I could obtain a deeper connection with the people of this country.

A connection---without having to pay for it.