These are the words you inevitably here when visiting
tourist sights around Egypt. “Welcome to Egypt” are considered the polite
precursor to “Do you need a taxi?” “Come and look in my shop.” I heard them
before I had reached baggage claim today.
They are also the shorthand people use when they want to
explain why things are the way they are. “Welcome to Egypt” people say with a
shrug of their shoulders with the unspoken “that’s just the ways things are
done around here” implied.
Flying Egyptair from New York City to Cairo is a “Welcome to
Egypt” experience. If you’ve never been to Egypt the flight will give you a
foretaste of what’s to come. If, like me, you have a strong familiarity with
Egypt, a flight on Egyptair will remind you of what awaits you at the other end
of your journey, in case you’ve forgotten.
“Welcome to Egypt” was my thought as I watched the people
surge the lines at JFK to board the plane. It didn't matter what rows were
called, Egyptians just smash together and see who gets through the funnel
first.
“Welcome to Egypt” was my thought on the plane as standards and aviation rules that I’ve grown accustomed to – like turn off
your electronic devices, please stow all carry on bags, please have your chair
in the upright and locked position – seemed more like suggestions than hard and
fast rules.
“Welcome to Egypt” were the first words out of my mouth as I
walked down Road 9 today to see what had changed. As I approached a brand new
hotdog cart I noticed three cans marked “Plastic” “Trash” “Recycling.” Unheard
of! And then I looked down, garbage strewn all around on the ground as though
no receptacles even existed. “Welcome to Egypt.” I said to myself with a
knowing nod. I guess I’ve arrived!
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