Shit Hit the Fan

I was supposed to leave for Lebanon today, but as most of you know my plans have been delayed. More than anything, I am shocked that the events in Lebanon escalated to this level.

I had spent Wednesday night eating Luli's yummy dinner, hanging out with friends and saying my last goodbyes. Everyone was headed out of town for the weekend. Around 5 a.m. on Thursday, I said my final goodbye to Samy, May, and Yasmine headed up to my apartment and chatted and reminesced with Nay-Nay for awhile. At 7 a.m., I received a text message from my sis that the Beirut airport had been attacked by Israel. I couldn't believe it. I ran and woke up Luli. Then switched on the TV and frantically searched for CNN. I sat there and watched the news in shock with Nay-Nay. I started smsing and calling everyone. I spoke to my sis for awhile. I called and woke up my grandmother. She still hadn't heard the news. I called Chris and emailed Stella. Her flight was supposed to be later that day. Exchanged a bizillion calls with Tamer (thanks for being there :) ).

I've been checking the news almost every hour and exchanging updates constantly with Tamer. I'm still in shock about everything.

I'm thankful that Chris made it safely out of Lebanon and will hopefully have a safe departure out of Damascus, and that my family is safe. I'm thankful Stella is still in Bulgaria and that I'm safe and sound in Cairo. I'm thankful that my parents, brother, and sister decided not to visit Lebanon this summer. But my heart is with the rest of my family whose there and I pray for their safety and the safety of everyone in Lebanon. My mom use to tell me that it's not the calls that you make that worry you. It's worrying about the call you may receive. That phone call you don't want to get. I always think about that in situations like this. Hearing about the attack in Tripoli. Will I get a phone call? I know shouldn't think like this, but it does cross my mind. And thinking about it makes me call them just to double check. I hope the war rampage doesn't spread to Syria.

I'm looking at the bright side of things. I get to spend more time with close friends and maybe now I'll be able to get through my entire to do list. I have a few things left to do here. I have to thank Dody and Megan for spending 7 hours in the kitchen cooking one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The food was delicious. Thanks for an amazing night I will never forget. The guys (aka Dody and Zeead) know how to treat a woman and make her feel like she's queen for the night. The dinner was amazing and the concert left tears in my eyes. If you ever are looking for a travel buddy, these guys are it. Every second with them is a blast and they know how to push you past your limits like going down a sketchy tomb where you could possibly wipe out and roll all the way down the tunnel and break your neck. Thanks guys for the push and for helping me regain my sense of adventure. My life is definitely way more fun and interesting because of you. I can't imagine having better travel buddies than you. You're the best!

Thanks May for singing alabali and for everyone who joined me on the faluca ride and at Nomad. It was a hell of a farewell party. Thanks Luli for the last dinner and inviting everyone over. I really needed that. I promise no more farewell celebrations. Well, May you'll probably have to sing alabali one more time.

I'm not sure when I'll leave Cairo, but hopefully one day soon I'll be in Beirut hugging my grandmother and starting AIESEC in Lebanon. Until then, I'll be enjoying the warm Cairo sun.

Btw. I did make it to the pyramids. Thanks Kaitlin!