Friday, January 29, 2010

Bedouin Night aka Football Dance Party

For the record, Bedouins are former nomads that live in the desert, and there are a bunch of different tribes. Last night was Bedouin Night, and it was also the night that Egypt and Algeria faced off in a football match. This game was a huge deal. The Algerian Embassy is right down the street, so I'm really glad that Egypt won. It plays Ghana on Sunday. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8369983.stm

We watched the entire game in a large, open tent with pillows and rugs on the ground. There were hot coals, shisha, food, and drink. In front of everyone was a projector and a screen. The Egyptians love football. Shanna mentioned that she enjoys watching them watch the game. I agree. When Egypt scored, everyone got up and cheered. Some people danced!

Egypt ended up winning 4-0. When the game ended, the Egyptians broke into dance. It was one of the most intense and beautiful expressions of joy that I have ever witnessed. The Americans eventually took over the dance party, complete with a couple camels and a horse. After the game people were honking their horns and flying flags. Football seems to be closer to everyone's heart than politics, money, etc.

Afterwards we watched another performance that was similar to the one on the cruise. The whirling dervish was much better!

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