wines about swine...

Today I arrived to library on a wave of rumors that class is to be cancelled until Oct 3 due to H1N1 (aka: Swine Flu.) In about 15 minutes the rumor was confirmed by an official email from the VP of some important position that upon mandate by the Egyptian government all classes are cancelled until Oct 3rd.
There were 3 confirmed cases in a dorm over the summer, which of course caused a lot of hype. Additionally, earlier in the spring, Egypt killed all of its pigs which apparently resulted in a nasty, stinky garbage problem. All other universities and most schools have been closed, buts that has largely been accepted as an excuse to not go back to school until after Ramadan. There are no current, confirmed cases of H1N1.

I have noticed, more than once, when I enter a metro car women quickly gather their children to create as much distance as possible between them and I. The children proceed to cover their mouth and nose until I leave the car. It is generally the more traditional women, who don the full black robe and veil, thus I had tossed it up to a possibilities of many fears of the unknown. Just recently I began to fully understand the true basis of their fears. I have definitely felt discrimination and the feelings of being the minority but this is my first experience with stigmatization.

On the other hand, I have had many rebellious urges to use the “fear” in my favor. Men on the streets of Cairo could be amusing if they weren’t so annoying (a blog completely devoted to these frustrations is in the works!) A couple times in passing their rude/uneducated/appalling comments I have so greatly desired to give a hacking cough while clutching my chest. Then quickly turn w/ an innocent smile and extended hand to say, “hola, me llamo Maria. I come from Mexico (one of the countries w/ highest concentration of H1N1). Will you pleeeaase marry me?” Oh my, I can’t imagine what they would do!….but not yet fully understanding what it means to live in a police state where with a population of 18mil and 3+mil are employed by the Secret Police and still no grasp of any useful Arabic, my urges turn to a smart smirk hidden as I tuck my head and quietly pass them.

So you know you’re in grad school when people are upset that classes are cancelled. But have no fear! Time will not be completely wasted because the library, where the majority of the student body hangs out to use the computer lab is still open. The food court, where I’m sure the food and cleanliness standards are completely standardized, is still open. The gym, where there are no towels, sanitary wipes or soap for the patrons or the machines, is still open. And me, in the meantime, will continue to read. This week’s article, the Roles of International Organizations: WHO!