October 6, 2003 — Mudeif Productions

This morning we set out on the road, headed back to Cairo. Today is a national holiday in Egypt, remembering Egypt's victory in the 1973 war. McDonald's was open, however, for a roadtrip snack. We enjoyed our cokes and fries but decided to forego the "McArabia Meal" - certainly the most distressing thing we've seen today.

After a couple hours on the road towards Cairo, passing green fields irrigated by the Nile, we spent the afternoon and evening going around town. Cairo is a world apart, buzzing and teeming with crowded, dusty, noisy life. Our driver attempted to take our little van through the streets, but soon it was clear we'd go faster walking - following Victor Makari, the PCUSA's Middle East Director, who sets a mean pace back in his element. We kept up pretty well, seeing the color and life of Cairo markets at sunset - brass lanterns, fruit, spices, mosques and churches, the city is very much alive.

*Exquisite textiles are just one of the things being sold in Cairo.*

We spent a long time in the tentmakers' market, haggling over quilted pillowcases and shirts. There is nothing quite like Cairo at night. We hustled from the market to the Synod of the Nile offices to meet with denominational representatives over tea and cookies.

Then we went to the popular Felfela Restaurant for a delicious evening meal. The night was spent at a nice hotel, preparing for our one - perhaps two - day journey back to Zababdeh.