Today was a perfectly lazy day. We left the house around one and went to a bookstore near Dina’s apartment called Diwan Bookstore. It’s similar to Borders but much much smaller. I bought a few books by Alaa Al Aswany, an Egyptian author, who Dina likes. After browsing the English translations of Arabic authors I checked out the US politics/history section. It was AWESOME. Well, I think it was awesome. Some of you would likely have hated it. Let’s just say if you want to know how people abroad view your country you should

check out their selection of books on you.

The first two pictures are the top 2 of 5 or 6 shelves. I promise I didn’t move anything around or choose the worst (best?) examples. Noam Chomsky had a good showing, which made me smile. They also had a section of Twilight and Harry Potter books. At least they’re getting the best we have to offer. (please note sarcasm). After all that browsing it was definitely time for a snack so we headed to a coffee shop. Along the way we went past a Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut and Hardees. I tried to take pics of them all but some guy at the KFC who was sitting below the sign was giving me the stink eye and I got too nervous.

Next to all these American chains are little Egyptian shops that sell actual fresh fruits and juice and where men are sitting welding silver, making shoes, etc. The U.S. chains are such an eyesore in such a culturally rich and vibrant city. I had an aseer mooz (banana juice) that was DELICIOUS. And that I may regret later. Meh. Then it was back to Dina’s for naptime! Around seven we went to the Wekalet El-Ghouri Theater to see Al-Tannoura, a traditional dance group of Whirling Dervishes and musicians. The show wasn’t until 8:30 though and we were starving so we walked to the first place that smelled irresistible. We got some kebab (as in shish kebab, fairly self explanatory) and kafta, which is a very falic looking blend of lamb and spices that is grilled and served on greens. Mmmmm mmm good. Someone needs to find me a pace in the Chi that has kafta that is up to par with Cairo. And somewhere that gives you pita and assorted delicious dips as opposed to hard rolls and butter. There are stray cats everywhere in this city, which keep the rats away so I guess it’s all right. However, since most everythingis outside, one found its way under our table and brushed against my leg and scared the crap out of me. We were on a bust street (Cairo brings busy street to a whole new level) and I shrieked and felt like a total ass. The manager attempted to teach me some Arabic which I immediately forgot but what the hey – he was amused. We paid and were off to the show. Much like everything else has been so for, the Dervishes were incredible. The musicians played for a while first – mostly drums and flute type things; it was so good that it gave me goose bumps. Not an easy task in the desert. Then came the dancers. For those of you unfamiliar with the Whirling Dervishes they are dancers that, well, whirl. And damndid those dervishes whirl! The first guy spun around in a circle with his big skirt thing for OVER 30 MIN. Without stopping. I almost vomited for him. Apparently they go in to some religious trance blah blah blah. However they do it it is AMAZING. We had big plans to go to a bar to see some music once the show was over but after watching homeboy whirl we were exhausted. So naturally we went to go get food and sheesha. Egyptians are big fans of sweets, which is perfectly ok by me. I tried apple sheeshah which was decent and hammed it up with the guy who comes around to take care of the hookah (changes the coals, lets you know what you are doing wrong ;-), etc). As we walked up the street to get a cab home there was a big group of people watching the Germany/Bulgaria soccer game. I felt like it was one of those sappy ATT world connect commercials. There were a few Muslim guys, some European women and a few others whohad all stopped to watch the game on this tiny TV sitting on a chair outside a storefront. It gave me a little international warm fuzzy. Tomorrow morning we are off to Alexandria for a fun filled non-American 4^th of July. Hope you all have fun and stay safe and remember not to hold on to fireworks for too long!