Contrasts

People often talk in terms of contrasts. This or that place is “a city of contrasts” and Egypt is no different.

Wealth – poverty, violence - restraint, strength – weakness…garbage strewn streets – peaceful green gardens, jeweled-collared poodles and street dogs.  We seem to understand things better when they are placed against their opposites, black against white. Especially things and places that are complicated. I think most of us live in the middle somewhere, trying to make sense of it all.

The news here has afforded us all so many images of struggle and protest and dreams. Here, we sit anxiously in front of our computers becoming news and image junkies because although we are not experiencing Tahrir Square in Tahrir Square we are close enough to be experiencing it in our guts and it gives us pause.

 I wish I could capture some of what’s happening in the streets with my camera (don’t worry Paul – I will stay home) but as a matter of contrast I offer pictures of our more mundane life on the fringes. Life goes on for most Egyptians and us visitors but we are watching and hoping for great things and more peaceful times.

Soon please – all this uncertainty is not good for my liver!

Alexandria to the north

Alexandria to the south

Alexandria on the beach

Maadi flower pot tins

On the road to the mall

Cat of the day