Egypt provides a glimpse of Christmas past On Dec. 8, 1974, my husband, two children and I arrived in Cairo, Egypt, where we had been transferred from Houston. There was no evidence of Christmas anywhere, and we were suffering from culture shock.
We lived in a downtown hotel where thousands of people passed daily. As Christmas Day drew nearer, all I could think about was missing our family Christmas celebration.
One morning, a very pregnant woman riding a donkey and a man walking beside her came into my view. They were the only people on the street, and I gasped. I felt like I had just witnessed the "first" Christmas. These were not costumed people in a Christmas pageant -- they were real.
Each year, I am reminded of God's special gift to me that bleak Christmas in Cairo.
-- MRS. TINKA MURRAY, Somerville
As Christmas is approaching very fast..... I would like to know what are your plans for this very special time of the year?
Especially foreigners who are residing in Egypt - and celebrate Christmas - what are you going to do to feel the spirit?
Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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well sadly i wont be in Egypt this Christmas but I have been informed that I am taking DIL to the city shopping tomorrow so I will have the Christmas spirit bashed into me from every angle who in thier right minds goes into the city to shop 6 days before Christmas? Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
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Hi tigerlily what a lovely story you share with us, im so glad you had chance to see this, Im really not in the mood for christmas, and i never felt so low at this time, i m on call for work, and i have a friend here, for this time, and all i want to do is be alone, with my tv, no work, computer and lots of eat, but i cant, i must work, make my friend feel at home, but this is what most people are doing, making others happy, and this is me, making other s happy and not pleasing myself i just want to escape right now, to a island alone
im really sorry to sound a bit down but for me, i m always feeling a little sad at this time, remembering lovely times with grandparents that will never be again ect, broken family, and just feeling sad, the only thing i love is the christmas eastenders, but this year, i will go to sing in church, so this should be great, but most nights will be early in bed as i must wake early to work,
I miss Yorkshire now, the christmas feeling is so wonderful in england, here in holland, there is no atmosphere, I miss my days of getting drunk, and having a wonderful party, now i sound bad, heheheheehe.
i love to sing , in the bleak mid wintere, this is really a song for my home land
but all in all im going to make the best of it, and think myself lucky, there are so many lonely people, we have warmth, food, a comfortable life, we are so lucky
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It`s normal to feel this way in your situation, Rose. Think the whole story influenced you more then you realize. It only needs time to come back to normal...
-------------------- “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” Posts: 7202 | From: EU | Registered: Nov 2006
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quote:Originally posted by panman: only a woman ayisha lol N****AD lol
Excuse me Panman, according to retail sales analysts men do most of the Christmas shopping 48 hours before Christmas day.
Because no one in my family loves me or cares about me (I am just really in a bad place right now, so f*ck off everyone ) I get sent out to do the suicidial shopping missions at the last minute.
I am not joking, one year I went shopping for a hat and gloves I left on a public transit bus on the 23rd. (It was one of those lovely years I spent not speaking to my family, the best years of my life) and got hit on by 7 guys in 4 hours. Its hard to tell if they really wanted to date me or its just that they wanted help picking out a gift for their mothers or sisters. I helped out knowing the female sales clerks probably wanted to kill these arseholes.
I didn't give a single one of them my phone number, but somehow 4 of them got my home phone and called me anyhow.
I hate Christmas, but a guy who is helpless shopping for a female relative's gift is like a small kitten or puppy. Posts: 3168 | From: If you don't like it, don't look or read it! | Registered: Oct 2006
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yes, youre words are so kind and yes, its more harder than i expected, but life goes on, we have to try to see through problems, look to the future,
sammarra, try to make the best of it, look im feeling fed up to, its just a day, we got to think it as a normal day, There are always troubles in families,. come on girl, its nearly christmas, lets not fight 4ever, its a sad, happy time, i just want all over,
im sorry, i dont want people to feel depressed from me
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Depression is pretty normal around Christmas. Everyone has that Currier and Ives picture of the perfect family Christmas, and it's rarely like that.
Try to be realistic and enjoy the fun where it happens. Posts: 8794 | From: 01-20-09 The End of an Error | Registered: Dec 2004
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im sorry, i dont want people to feel depressed from me
Every year I spend in contact with my family I feel this way. Its not you its them.
Besides mother's boyfriend, the one she left my father for is causing problems.
After 15 years he is still married to his wife and mooching off my mother.
I can't wait to relocate to Cairo for several years. Personally I think if I cut ties with my entire family he'd leave my mother. Most of their relationship revolves around creating division and hatred between my mother and I.
I hate this guy and it takes all of my personal strength not to go to his wife and explain to her that 15 years on her husband is still with my mom and mother lied in her name change hearing about how long she has known this dude.
She lied about his marital status and other things. Due to Homeland Security rules I could have her passport revoked for a decade and have a felony charge against her and him in the works.
Its so tempting.
Posts: 3168 | From: If you don't like it, don't look or read it! | Registered: Oct 2006
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thankyou tream, yes im going to try to make the best of what comes my way.
it is a sad time in a way, i always think about poor soles that have nothing, sadness, loneliness, and disasters that always seem to happen at this time of year, we are lucky, and we should think more on what the meaning of christmas is, im to soft, i just wish i could go and help the world so many people see it as a time to be drunk, spending so much money, but me i like to sing carols, and just enjoy the feeling of christmas
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thankyou tream, yes im going to try to make the best of what comes my way. you have very soothing words
it is a sad time in a way, i always think about poor soles that have nothing, sadness, loneliness, and disasters that always seem to happen at this time of year, we are lucky, and we should think more on what the meaning of christmas is, im to soft, i just wish i could go and help the world so many people see it as a time to be drunk, spending so much money, but me i like to sing carols, and just enjoy the feeling of christmas
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thankyou tream, yes im going to try to make the best of what comes my way. you have very soothing words
it is a sad time in a way, i always think about poor soles that have nothing, sadness, loneliness, and disasters that always seem to happen at this time of year, we are lucky, and we should think more on what the meaning of christmas is, im to soft, i just wish i could go and help the world so many people see it as a time to be drunk, spending so much money, but me i like to sing carols, and just enjoy the feeling of christmas
im sorry, i dont want people to feel depressed from me
Every year I spend in contact with my family I feel this way. Its not you its them.
Besides mother's boyfriend, the one she left my father for is causing problems.
After 15 years he is still married to his wife and mooching off my mother.
I can't wait to relocate to Cairo for several years. Personally I think if I cut ties with my entire family he'd leave my mother. Most of their relationship revolves around creating division and hatred between my mother and I.
I hate this guy and it takes all of my personal strength not to go to his wife and explain to her that 15 years on her husband is still with my mom and mother lied in her name change hearing about how long she has known this dude.
She lied about his marital status and other things. Due to Homeland Security rules I could have her passport revoked for a decade and have a felony charge against her and him in the works.
Its so tempting.
WTF did i think you was in your late 40's mum got a boyfriend me see ..so how old then im in my 40s my mum late 60s no desire yet 4 a lad im losing it here ... Posts: 4597 | Registered: Jun 2006
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quote:Originally posted by yorkshire rose: i can understand samarra, i had same with mothers new husband, a bit of a .........
Difference here is your mother's husband is free to marry. If my mother's boyfriend married her he'd be a bigamist.
The guy promised to leave his wife if my mother left my father, 15 years later he has managed to exhort at least $40,000 out of her.
He always has some sceam, business on the side going which loses money instead of making money.
He didn't work in 11 years and my mother financially supported him. Paid his $600 a month car insurance due to 3 DUIs, 2 drug indictments. And my mother is his sexual healer, he was rapped for almost a decade as a child along with all his brothers by a neigbhor. So mom feels she has to help him out.
This is the guy who told my mother not to co-sign my student loans when I was 18, and then had her convince my father not to co-sign, which was easy because my mother told my father if he didn't co-sign the student loans she'd leave her boyfriend and go back to dad. Never happened.
Plus I have found child-porn in his briefcase. Who in the hell has a briefcase when they have been out of work for 11 years? Mom knows about the child porn and doesn't care.
At least since this guy's wife wouldn't let him in their house for most of their son's childhood it has cut down on the opportunity for him to molest his own son.
Now that the guy is working, at a job mother found for him after she paid his tuition for one class per semester over 3 years he has dropped weight and I have seen him sociailizing downtown with other women. Again these are older women.
I am 32, mother's boyfriend is 41 and mom is 56. Yet the bastard continues to date women mother's age. And I have seen him park in a area known for male prostution with someone else's car with a known male prostute. I am not joking, this "park" is 2 blocks from my home and mother's boyfriend rolled down the window to ask for directions. He knew who I was and I didn't say anything about it to mother.
Personally I know he has herpes and obviously mother caught it from him. I wish he'd catch AIDs and give it to mother as well.
Posts: 3168 | From: If you don't like it, don't look or read it! | Registered: Oct 2006
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This Christmas I will be sucking down some rum-laced eggnog contemplating my family hierarchy, and attempting to keep my mother from unloading the full arsenal into my asinine aunt. (her sister-in-law) Merry Christmas!
Posts: 1879 | From: Going to Graceland | Registered: Nov 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Alchemist: This Christmas I will be sucking down some rum-laced eggnog contemplating my family hierarchy, and attempting to keep my mother from unloading the full arsenal into my asinine aunt. (her sister-in-law)
Wouldn't it be nice for one year the family enter the twilight zone and just unleash their hostilities on the actual person they have hostilities towards, instead of side-ways anger?
Remember that song/video "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood?
I see Reagan and Gorbachov as my Mom and Grandmother.
I would give my left kidney and my left ovary to see them actually in the ring and unleash on one another.
Posts: 3168 | From: If you don't like it, don't look or read it! | Registered: Oct 2006
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World War 3, Apocalypse Now, Christmas Massacre are all some images that spring to mind if this were to actually happen. Seriously I wish they would all unload on eachother instead of this tiptoeing around and smiling in your face crap and then sitting in the kitchen talking behind eachothers' backs. Hey at least it would make an entertaining story to tell. The things we do in the name of family. Posts: 1879 | From: Going to Graceland | Registered: Nov 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Alchemist: World War 3, Apocalypse Now, Christmas Massacre are all some images that spring to mind if this were to actually happen. Seriously I wish they would all unload on eachother instead of this tiptoeing around and smiling in your face crap and then sitting in the kitchen talking behind eachothers' backs. Hey at least it would make an entertaining story to tell. The things we do in the name of family.
In my family we don't talk about each other behind their backs. No we just offload on our daughters.
I notice an amazing difference in my youngest Aunt. She has a son, she isn't as much of a b*tch as the other two. But she does favor her son over her daughter in an extremely criminal manner.
I am the only one who addresses the "pink and b*tch" elephant in the room. Its booze and just plain "flowers in the Attic" type sh*t.
Some of my happiest moments in my pre-adult life is when a unindentified resident(s) of my parents hometown comes up to me and inquires if my mother still drinks. A former sherrif's son (same age as my mother) once told me a bunch of juicy tales about my mother's indiscretions. I spent the weekend putting up with some rather overzealous emotionally abusive crap from her. I just sat there with a smug warm smile, I felt all giddy and warm inside. She couldn't understand how I managed to get through without the normal crying. she was completely dumbfounded.
I am so glad my daughter is growing up in Egypt.
Posts: 3168 | From: If you don't like it, don't look or read it! | Registered: Oct 2006
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I can relate totally to the people who are getting homesick being away from home especially during this time of the year.....
I felt quite down when being in Egypt during Christmas. I just missed my mom, my friends, the great food, the beautiful decorations in the windows, stores on the streets. Snow would have been wonderful too but where I grew up we hardly didn't get any snow over the Christmas time.
I actually didn't want to post any private pictures but here it goes. This picture was taken ten years ago in a home of a Muslim family in Cairo. Their children went to the German school. I really liked the fact that these parents where trying to educate their children of another culture and other traditions. But look at the Christmas tree how poorly it was! But better than nothing, right?
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I'll be spending xmas day at my brothers house with his family and our parents. Boxing Day with my son, then he is going to his fathers for 5 days. I'll be working and studying (hospitals dont close!) - thats it!
But another holiday to Egypt for my son and me is planned for 2 Feb.
Posts: 1056 | From: UK, Middle East & Europe | Registered: Jun 2006
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i love to sing , in the bleak mid wintere, this is really a song for my home land
This is THE one I never liked the most!! isnt it to do with sailors?
I love Silent Night, makes me go all fuzzy
wherever you all are and whatever you all do, I wish you all a very happy christmas. Try not to be sad, its a time for love and joy. Those who are dreading the family stuff just think on, they wont be there forever. I lost my mum and dad fairly close to Christmas years ago, on different years, they are the ones I miss so much now at this time.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL xxx
Posts: 15090 | From: http://www.egyptalk.com/forum/ | Registered: Jul 2004
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All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, Worn out faces Bright and early for their daily races Going nowhere, going nowhere Their tears are filling up their glasses No expression, no expression Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow No tomorrow, no tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I´m dying Are the best I´ve ever had I find it hard to tell you ´cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles It´s a very very Mad world Mad world
Children waiting for the day they feel good Happy birthday, happy birthday Made to feel the way that every child should Sit and listen, sit and listen Went to school and I was very nervous No one knew me, no one knew me Now the teacher tells me what´s my lesson Look right through me, look right through me
And I find it kind of funny I find it kind of sad The dreams in which I´m dying Are the best I´ve ever had I find it hard to tell you ´cause I find it hard to take When people run in circles It´s a very very Mad world Mad world Enlarging your world
-------------------- “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” Posts: 7202 | From: EU | Registered: Nov 2006
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Hey, I just got great news! My mom will arrive here on Saturday and spend with us Christmas again!
I am so happy that she decided to come despite the fact she's facing hard medical problems. It's going to be our last Christmas together because next year we are going to be somewhere totally else.
Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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or maybe will have the bless to be answered on some emails I sent to someone I fell in love with and still hopeful would come back for I never did forget her ... Posts: 1167 | From: Homelandless | Registered: May 2006
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I don't care much for Christmas or New Year's. (go ahead, call me a scrooge). But I do like getting time off from work!! I use to love the holidays but since I lost my Mom 3 years ago at this time I just don't enjoy them anymore. She was always the one in our family that made Christmas special. Now all we do is go out somewhere for dinner. I am looking foward to 2007 though. I have a lot of plans for next year!!
-------------------- "And in the end, the love we take will be equal to the love we make." ~The Beatles~ Posts: 895 | From: Atlanta, GA. | Registered: Nov 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Tigerlily: I can relate totally to the people who are getting homesick being away from home especially during this time of the year.....
I felt quite down when being in Egypt during Christmas. I just missed my mom, my friends, the great food, the beautiful decorations in the windows, stores on the streets.
I'm the opposite, I'm also one of those people who find Christmas a bit depressing. I was in Germany the past couple of months but now I'm back in Cairo and very happy about it. I'll be over at my best friend's house on Christmas day, there'll be a party with family and friends and I'm looking forward to that.
quote:Originally posted by Tigerlily: I actually didn't want to post any private pictures but here it goes.
Is that you, Tiger?
But I agree ... the tree looks ein bisschen mickrig. Posts: 3587 | Registered: Mar 2006
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Actually, Dalia, it's going to be my last Christmas for quite a while here in Germany. We are going to leave in summer for at least couple of years. So it's a bit kind of sentimental.
And yes, that's me..... sweet 22.
I wish you a nice Christmas back in Cairo and habe einen guten Rutsch! Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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I was in Egypt a few weeks before Christmas and saw no big holiday decorations or stores wanting my money to celebrate one day. Their wallets get bigger while mine gets smaller. I celebrated; though very low-key. Now, as a Muslim I give gifts all year long: gifts of living, friendship, or charity.
This week, I gave 2 families complete Computer Systems for home work, entertainment, or research. The same thing I want to do in Egypt. Waiting for Christmas is silly for what I do because these things are needed by the families and will be used all year long.
-------------------- In Egytian mythology, Thoth was the wisest of all the gods. Posts: 11 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2006
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hey tiger was that u 10years ago u look so much like MADAM M ....but hey what u look like now ,this was me 16years ago http://i11.tinypic.com/30a6vwi.jpg
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HAVE YOUR SELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS LET THE YULE TIDE BURN AS FROM NOW YOUR TROUBLES WILL BE OVER ,SO HAVE YOUR SELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS NOW ...AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ..FROM THE CHIMPS.........
Posts: 4597 | Registered: Jun 2006
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quote:Originally posted by BANANA snoop FACE (needs a peel): hey tiger was that u 10years ago u look so much like MADAM M ....but hey what u look like now ,this was me 16years ago http://i11.tinypic.com/30a6vwi.jpg
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Today is the BIG day...... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Posts: 30135 | From: The owner of this website killed ES....... | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by *The Dark Angel* aka CAT:
quote:Originally posted by BANANA snoop FACE (needs a peel): hey tiger was that u 10years ago u look so much like MADAM M ....but hey what u look like now ,this was me 16years ago http://i11.tinypic.com/30a6vwi.jpg
may be look better when im in my grave at least i will have achieved .. to be come a barbie ...
Looking great as always Banana
thanx already a private om on how i should not show myself ,think its a multiple uer name at it again ... lerking as usual ...heheheheeheheh ,she never seems to amase me .....wont say the name but i think yo uknow who im onabout ..but then it cud be old caccon the pillar at it ..cant wait now fo e attack ... Posts: 4597 | Registered: Jun 2006
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quote:Originally posted by *The Dark Angel* aka CAT: You're so cute Tigerlily
Yeah – very cute pic.
Merry Christmas to everyone who's celebrating!
I just prepared my spanakopita for tonight ... hope it will go well with the Irish dishes that will be served. Posts: 3587 | Registered: Mar 2006
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wELL GOT THE TURKEY IN THE OVEN AND CAN SMEEL IT FROM HERE, CHRISTMAS IS STRESSY, IM NOT HAVING A GOOD TIME, GOT A FRIEND HERE THATS BOSSING ME AROUND, AND I CANT WAIT FOR HER TO GO HOME, MY HOUSE IS TAKEN OVER AND I FEEL LIKE HIDING UNDER A STONE,
SHE THINKS SHE COMING FOR 2 MONTHS TO STAY IN THE SUMMER BUT AFTER 1 NIGHT I NO THIS IS THE LAST TIME
MY GOD GUYS I HOPE YOU ARE ALL HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME, MINES ****, ONLY LOOKING FORWARD TO EASTENDERS SPECIAL
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I somehow managed to miss this thread, but what I did plan to do for Christmas was crash the rent's house, and:
Eat and eat and eat and eat some more, and watch my belly grow for sure, and eat and eat gotta stuff my face, I can't stop now, it's a eating race!
Now that time has finally arrived, I did exactly as I planned
Here's a picture of me with my girlfriend that was taken an hour ago after I fed my face with Turkey, roast potatoes, stuffing and God knows what else:
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YR Hang in there. Try to just put up with your friend. If she is really making you miserable don't invite her anymore. Unless she is the kind that just shows up unannounced!! Try to enjoy your day!
Yep TL is cute. Sorry TL, I forgot to comment on your picture before. But you are a cutie! (although I can't say too much about the x-mas tree!!)
Dude, what can I say? That's a huge kitty!!
Hope everyone that is celebrating is enjoying their holiday!!!
-------------------- "And in the end, the love we take will be equal to the love we make." ~The Beatles~ Posts: 895 | From: Atlanta, GA. | Registered: Nov 2004
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![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
but I have been informed that I am taking DIL to the city shopping tomorrow so I will have the Christmas spirit bashed into me from every angle ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
who in thier right minds goes into the city to shop 6 days before Christmas? ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
) I get sent out to do the suicidial shopping missions at the last minute.![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
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