2009 GSE Cairo Excursion

South Charlotte Weekly GSE Publication - Posted by Bill

2009-06-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

South Charlotte Weekly newspaper and several Charlotte area sister weekly papers have published a very good article on our recent Rotary GSE trip to Egypt and Lebanon.

Please check out the newspaper site at:

http://www.thecharlotteweekly.com/archive_papers/cw/cw2009_06_12.pdf

Then scroll to page 12...

Happy Reading!!

Letter from President Carter to Rotary Governor Bob Wilson on the important, upcoming elections in Lebanon -posted by Bill

2009-06-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

Governor Bob, thanks for the update on your GSE team to the Middle East

Ten days from now, Lebanon will hold crucial parliamentary elections. Rosalynn and I will be there, on the ground, with a team of 50 international observers. Our objective is to provide an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process and to help ensure that the vote is free, fair, and peaceful.

After years of civil strife and political instability, the elections on June 7 offer the people of Lebanon an extraordinary opportunity to re-establish a democratically elected government. My team will do our best to help make that happen.

As the election approaches, our delegation from The Carter Center will provide updates from Lebanon to keep you informed about the campaigns, access to the polls, vote counting, and any problems that might arise before, during, or after the vote.

The presence of the Carter Center’s team is one way to demonstrate the interest of the international community in Lebanon’s election. Join us as our observers keep a watchful eye on the vote.

Peaceful and credible elections are essential for Lebanon to re-establish democratic government and provide a foundation to address key long-term challenges in political reform, economic development, internal security, and peace in the region.

The Carter Center is committed to supporting the development of accountable, democratic governance in Lebanon and across the world. This will be our 76th election monitoring project since 1989, including countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

However, this election is very different for The Carter Center because this is the first time our team will provide instant online updates about our efforts. We will make sure that when the Lebanese people head to the polls on Sunday, June 7, their elections will be monitored not just by our delegation in Lebanon, but by millions of people all over the world.

I know that I speak for the whole Carter Center team in telling you that we are encouraged by your support for our efforts. With your help, we know we can serve as the eyes and ears of the world to let the Lebanese people know that the world is watching.
Sincerely,

Jimmy Carter

Letter from GSE Chair Ahmed Saada, District 2450, posted by Bill

2009-06-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

Dear GSE Chair John,

Just a short note to report on our visiting GSE Team from North Carolina. The entire team was top notch, everyone who met them was equally as well impressed as I was. They served as excellent Ambassadors of Goodwill; and I think they accomplished everything that the Rotary Foundation wants from the GSE program. They won the hearts of many Egyptians and provided us with a better understanding of North Carolina and its culture.
Good luck on your district GSE plans during the following years. Meanwhile, please accept my best regards.
Yours in Rotary pride and spirit,

Ahmed Saada

Nagi Day by Chris Miller

2009-05-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

Nagi Day, aptly named for our gracious host on our last day in Lebanon, was exactly what the good doctor ordered. Nagi took the team out on his boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Viewing the beautiful city of Beirut from this perspective was a new experience for us. We took several team photos with our home newspaper’s travel section in hopes of getting published. Our obvious goal is to tell the folks back home how wonderful the people and culture are in Lebanon.

Nagi Day was not just a relaxing day on the boat and beach. It was a perfect opportunity for candid conversations, sharing of ideas, and lots of fun. Regina drove the boat (at mach speed) while several of us took advantage of the bouncy diving platform. The food and fellowship were superb.

As we close our time in Lebanon, one cannot help but reflect on what we have seen and learned. Lebanon is a country in transition, resilient like its people. I have never met people who enjoy life and make the best of any situation like the people we have met here. What a beautiful country, and thank you Nagi for Nagi Day.

Beirut, Lebanon; Bent But Not Broken

2009-05-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

We scrapped the original plan. Just like Memorial Day back at home, today is a national holiday for their independence…at least one of them as they have been invaded by 19 different civilizations. Think about that. We boated and had a memorable time.

Last night I had another accident with my foot. I stubbed my toe so bad that I took off the big toe’s nail and spent the beginning of a club night cleaning up blood. (Expletives not included). Today, after the great boating trip I cut my hand pretty good on the rope of the boat pulling it in. As mad as I am about constantly cutting myself I thought about the big picture. It’s quite fitting to come here and cut myself and bleed a little and still have the time of my life. That is what I learned about this country and these people. Bent but never broken.

I’ve talked to people that had bombs dropping on them while they studied for test in college. The next day they went to class. Guys I met that while growing up had their parents cars bombed out.. Don’t think I didn’t notice the Mercedes I was in had bullet proof glass. But all in the entire message here from everyone is their love for life and the love for Lebanon, especially Beirut. BLB. Means love Beirut. There is a tremendous pride here for Beirut for those that live here and grew up here.

This place is progressive more than any other place in the Middle East but is a dumping ground for Palestine, Syria and other messes. But it is a beautiful country with great people. A lot of people here are Lebanese Americans, and I bet you don’t know it but a lot of people you know are Lebanese Americans. The people here are faithful to their religion because of the rich history of it here. The people I have met here are not self absorbed but looking to do good and make sure that every one knows the good people that they are. The people I stayed with here spent 12 years in the states while their country was torn apart. But they never gave up, and came home to raise their children in their land. They have enough money to do whatever they wanted, but they choose here. They have three boys ages 21, 19, 17. I’m the youngest of three boys and my parents always looked out what’s best for me. I see no different in the way they raise their kids….and they live here.

I’m about to board my flight and I can tell you this; Despite a rough start, I’ll be back. Not if but when. I really hope the elections on June 7^th result in peace no matter the outcome. There’s no doubt Joe Biden was here for a reason. But I just hope whatever message he delivered reiterates what I’m telling you. Beirut is a great city and the people here want nothing more than live a peaceful prosperous life. My personal faith has been rejuvenated since coming here. My thoughts of this trip to the Middle East would not be complete without coming here. Although I’m cut up and bleeding a little bit I’m still overall grateful the experiences and sights I’ve seen. Just know, the people here are the same; Bent but never broken.

Day 27: Sports Event with the Rotary, Rotaract, Innerwheel clubs of Metn by Regina

2009-05-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

We are back with our host families for a while. We just returned from the sport event sponsored by the Rotary, Rotaract and Innerwheel, clubs of Metn. The event was an opportunity for mentally challenged children and youth to come together. We watched them dance to traditional music, sing, and play basketball. Together we are one if we focus on our similarities rather than our differences. That is the thought that came to mind as I received the happy smiles and sense of pride from each participant.

Dinner with Rotarians

2009-05-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to have dinner sponsored by the Sahel Metn Rotary Club in Lebanon. The food was awsome of course and the view was magnificent. It feels like we are one of the family. Thank you!

In The Garden of Ehden

2009-05-23T10:22:00.001-07:00

Three days ago, the GSE Team spent the afternoon walking the a gorgeous nature reserve ust outside of Tripoli, Lebanon. It was a VERY welcome change from the Egyptian desert we had grown accustomed to. We all enjoyed breathing the absolutely pure mountain air. Even though the terrain was a little rugged, no one complained.

The area contains 40% of all the greenspace located in Lebanon. The landscape provided for amazing pictures and breathtaking views. The bus ride up was a little hairy; I don't think guardrails were budgeted for this particular road that climbed above 2000 meters. It was also great to feel cool air again. We have spent time in Cairo where it was very hot and rather stuffy. In the reserve however, the climate was refreshing and reenergizing. Although we descended rather tired, we all felt recharged and ready to move o to our next adventure.

The Ancient City of Sidon posted by Bill

2009-05-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sidon (Saida), Lebanon dates back to 15 centuries BC. It remains one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, along with Tyr and Bylbos (the famous Phoenician cities), which are also located in Lebanon. We toured Sidon's ancient markets and churches, some very well preserved with painstaking care by archeologists through the years. Jesus visited Sidon six times to teach. Our team toured Magdoucheh, a shrine where Mary stayed while Jesus was in the city. The Castle of the Sea, which juts out into the Mediterranean, was built by the crusaders, who controlled much of the Middle East for around 180 years. The Crusaders tore down many Roman structures to build their Citadels, which are numerous in Egypt and Lebanon. We had our usual fabulous feast of tabouli, sea bass, sheesha, humus, olives, and fresh vegetables (usually pickled) plus an excellent pilsner Lebanese beer and Turkish coffee before heading back to Beirut.

No one rocks the house like District 2450

2009-05-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

Last night's gala was amazing. Picture it...the red sea and 2000 people dressed in black and white. I would say that the food was good, but I'll let my collegues comment on that. I have a cold and have absolutely no appetite. Sabrina from the Texas team and I danced and danced with our cairo and Alex friends. We met a lot of people from Lebanon which is where we are headed on Tuesday. We are going to have a wonderful time and cannot wait to share our new experience of another middle eastern country. As we were told, we are the first GSE team to visit Lebanon since 2000.

Today we are back to Cairo for a couple of days. For our friends and families, we have found that the internet is either feast of famine so do not worry about us and we apologize for not blogging more than we do. Our days are "crazy busy" and rather exhausting, but mostly it is because we don't get to the internet often.

We are all enjoying the moments at hand and living in the whole experience. We got to have a day of rest by the beach and pool and it was heaven sent. Having one down day to spend "as you wish" (seriously, that is how the Egyptians say whatever). I did not get in a motorized vehicle and it was AWESOME.

Our district presentation went very well and this will be the last time we see our Texas compadrates (ok so maybe I won't miss the Texas video...I've seen it at least 10 times) I will miss my texas friends and my Alexandrian friends as we will not see them again until our next trip to Egypt.

The Red Sea posted by Bill

2009-05-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Leaving Cairo early Wednesday, we drove through the desert and got our first glimpse of the Red Sea. The sea isn’t really red but named for many of the red corals seen farther out. Incredibly blue with hues of turquoise, the Red Sea stretches for miles and miles along the desert road…

Our gracious hosts, Mohammed and Lyla, received the North Carolina and Texas GSE team at their private villa in a gated community near El Ein. The house was less than 100 yards from the beach and the water was cool, clear, and invigorating. Some of our team members went farther out to for great snorkeling…

Now for the food prepared for us at the villa… The main meal of the day continues to be around 4:00 PM. We had, possibly, the best sea bass and stuffed shrimp I have ever had. There was a rice dish to be eaten only with sea fish… We also had turkey and beef plus several delicious Egyptian casseroles. And then came the never-ending desserts plus lattes. The good food combined with the nice sea breeze and San Diego like weather that we have been having all along, made life very good, indeed!

Thursday, it’s up at 5:00 AM to take the bus to Hurgada for Rotary District 2450 annual conference. The bus ride, which took over six hours through the dessert and along the Red Sea, was chartered and full of Rotarians. We checked into our five star resort, Harmony, at a suburb of Hurgada called Saleh Haseesh. This area is the coming beach resort of the world with construction of new hotels, villas, and townhomes everywhere. Commercialization is held to a minimum. People are here from everywhere: Germany, France, Russia, Spain plus many other countries.

The main Rotary District meeting took place at another incredible, very large resort called The Citadel. It looked like some of the old castles/forts we had visited in Cairo and Alex. Everything appeared to be it carved out of rock… The beginning District Ceremonies looked like something out of the Olympics. Over 2,000 people sat in a Roman Coliseum type arena outdoors under the stars. Nine nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Dubai, Cyprus, Georgia, Bahrain, and others participated. One at a time, each nation’s respective flag bearer marched down the arena stairs hoisting high their country’s flag with the band playing their national anthems, to the delight of the entire audience.. Quite an extraordinary sight!

Tomorrow, our GSE Team will do a PowerPoint presentation on our incredible experiences in Egypt we have had up to date to the entire District attendees. We will also present the District Governor, Zacharias, and GSE Chair, Ahmed, gifts from our Rotary District 7680 Governor Bob Wilson and GSE Chair John Martin. We will return to Cairo Sunday for two days and then it’s off to Lebanon!!

.....and then Bill's dreams came true....

2009-05-08T23:32:00.001-07:00

We went to the club "Romantic" after the opera. I think this was a reward to the men that watched the Opera. This club is much like an American strip club setup, but very different...so they told me. But we had a great time and once again, experienced every aspect of the culture here. They did "make it rain" with dollar bills. Pictured above is the dancer, and then a group picture of Ayman, Ayman and the Charlotte boys. Regina and Whitney were troopers and went but left just a little bit earlier than this photo was taken.

Bittersweet to leave Alexandria today and head to Cairo. From a personal standpoint, I'm excited to go to the Egyptian Stock Exchange tomorrow.

Masalama

Day 10 Alexandria Opera House: "Strength and Beat" by Regina

2009-05-08T01:14:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to attend a performance at the Alexandria Opera House. Strength and Beat combines mixed elements of traditional Spanish flamenco, ballet and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The company includes its own music group and orginal compositions. This was the first time this company has performed in Egypt.

Day 10 Vocational Visit Schutz American School by Regina

2009-05-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

I have had the opportunity to visit serveral schools in Ciaro and two schools in Alexandria. Our school visit on day ten took us to Schutz American School. The school accepts students Pre-K through 12th grade. For many students English is their second language. The school offers College Prep and AP classes. Learn more about the school at www.schutzschool.org.eg

Here is a quote from one of the classrooms:
"That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way." Doris Lessing

Meetings, Museums and Mosques

2009-05-07T00:32:00.001-07:00

What a day! 4 meetings, 3 meals and tour of historic Alexandria. I want to describe a little about our day but don't have much time. After our breakfast meeting we had 4.5 hours to be tourist. We went to museums, the greek arena, the Citadel, and my favorite part, the Mosque pictured above.
The museum and greek arena were tourist stuff was neat but really nothing I never saw in a museum before. Sorry, I'm honest. However, the Citadel is a sight! Especially looking out to the sea. It was a beautiful day too. Perfect. There are many good pictures from the Citadel.
From there we went to the Mosque. We entered during the 1pm prayer calling so it had people rushing to pray. I was wearing shorts so I had to put on a dress as you can't show your knees. It was green and I was wearing a green polo so I really wished they would have given me a khaki color...ha, kidding.
The women entered from the back and had to be behind the men. Which is interesting, I do believe that Egypt's women in society play an instrumental role in all types of business. But when it comes to prayer, not so much.
We were free to take picutres which I was shocked at. They also have a tomb of where the founder is buried in the mosque. After prayer we exited and went to our next meeting. I think all of us were so happy to have this opportunity. This was an amazing experience.

Our meetings have all been a success. I look around at our team and I am so impressed at us. Bob Wilson was right, we are the best. I've just met 5 new bestfriends for the rest of my life. We have clicked so good. I think that it would be best that the District keep us together for all trips, maybe Brazil next year.....!

Quick thought though; No wonder some people don't like the US here, Chris and I finally get a chance to sit down and watch "American" TV and I can only get Fox News on the satellite. Terrible, don't blame any negative perception that comes from some people here because Fox News is clearly slanted. It actually hurts being a patriotic American and watching this from the Middle East. I think Fox News needs a Cultural Program in the Middle East. This is not a political statement, it's very true.

Lastly, today we get a day at the beach. A little well deserved R&R. Some people tonight will be attending a Opera. However, Chris and I were invited to a wedding. Could you imagine a Bride in America's reaction to two foreigners being invited the day of her wedding?!? Can't wait!

Bryant Eckert

2009-05-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

Pictured above:

Bill on camel

Me stuck in traffic facinated

Traditional Gallbea party

Photo from Nassr City Rotary Club, pictured are Rotarians and Rotaracts

6 crazy days

2009-05-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

This is Whitney and it is about time that I blgged a bit about our trip. It took me a while to figure out how to log on to the site because whenever you logon in Egypt all of the characters are in arabic. If you think the language is hard to understand, try reading it.

We all have had the best time. You can't imagine how hospitable this country is...I would almost say that they put southerner's to shame, but I'm afraid of loosing my southern citizenship with those kinds of words.

Personally, I have gotten to knock off several things on my wish list and experienced many things that I wouldn't have known to wish for. For instance, I went to a bakery and have eaten some of the best breads. I saw the pyramids and rod a camel. I've seen the Nile and touched this side of the Mediterrean (we are going to the beach again on Thursday). I've met a head of state (Governor of Alexandria) and most importantly met some great Rotaracts in Cairo and Alex. My host families have been very different, but I've loved each experience.

What I have learned the most is that niceness is universal and each country has their own share of problems which are more similar than different.

It has been a little hard to get used to the Egyptian schedule (I just woke up from my afternoon nap at 8:30pm, but I am thankful that I got a nap today). I am so thankful for this experience.

Day ???

2009-05-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

We are having such an amazing time we lost track of days. We have been on the run since day 1. We transitioned from Cairo to Alexandria today. Cairo was like NYC but three times more crowded and lawless driving. None of us have ever seen anything like it.

The Rotaracts and Rotarians took great care of us. The pyramids and sphinx were even more breathtaking than any of us could imagine. As that was great, the highlight was probably having lunch all together at a restaurant, sharing great stories and laughs. It is ironic because Egyptians do not want the US to percieve them as camel riding people that live in a pyramid. The funny part is, they are very right. Instead, they have great fashion, great cars, and even better, great personality.

We went to a party in which all of us dressed in the traditional gallebeas and had meat cooked in a pit. The food is great! I was hoping to lose weight here, but I'm afraid at this pace it is impossible.

Today, we arrived in Alexandria to a warm welcome....a beer. We were hosted by the President of the Alexandria Club, he just happens to sit on the board at Heineken in Africa. We were all exhausted from Cairo but this brought great life to us. We have a busy week planned. The days keep getting better and better. Haven't had a bad one.

We are very grateful for the kindness the Cairo Rotarians that took care of us.

I would say the only down fall is that we are exhausted. We were warned of this and just keep on pushing eachother, and relying on eachother. And it's great!

Masalama!

Day 1

2009-04-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Cairo is an amazing city. Although the traffic is insane. It is important to note that we are being treated like royalty. Our similarities outweigh our differences.

Pyramids tomorrow!

To be continued.....

News On Our Egypt Itinerary - Posted by Bill

2009-04-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

We are all excited and looking forward to meeting our new Group Study Exchange friends from Rotary District-2450 in Egypt. Our team of six will be met at the airport in Cairo by Rotarian and GSE Alumna Fadwa El Semman along with Rotarians and host families Mona Bahgat, Ghada El Sarry and Omneya Yassa.

We will spend 4 nights in Cairo, then one week in Alexandria and another 5 days in Cairo. Then we will attend the District Conference in Sahl Hashish (very close to the city of Hurghada). After the conference, we will possibly be going to Lebanon. Then back to Egypt for the remainder of our tenure...

Allah Ma'ak الله معك

Final Preparations and Thanks….

2009-04-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Final Preparations and Thanks….
Bryant Eckert
GSE 2009 Egypt Team Member

In just few days our group consisting of a Team Leader and Five Team Members assembled by Rotary District 7680, will be embarking on a tremendous opportunity to see and experience one of the oldest civilizations the world has ever known – Egypt!

The Group Study Exchange Team Members met for the first time on January 2, 2009 for the Rotary Orientation in High Point. In an action-packed 24 hours, we all found out the monumental task that lay before us: a tremendous amount of preparation and continuous planning is necessary before, during, and after our trip! We all know this is not a vacation but an experience. Since then, I think this group has done a great job of working together to meet and exceed the expectations set forth at the January training seminar.

We have met every other Sunday evening to socialize and learn about the culture of Egypt, the Arabic language, and the Muslim faith, as well as focusing on the many preparations required for our Egyptian Odyssey. On behalf of our group, I’d like to thank all those people that took the time to meet with us and share their past experiences! You all have been very helpful to us and have provided key element and directions to help us prepare. Many thanks!!

At this point, we have our GSE brochures and business cards completed. The “uniforms” are picked out. We have our medical shots and insurances updated. We’ve created a wish list of things we hope to see and do. Our PowerPoint presentations on our respective vocations and individual assignments ranging from business to culture in the Charlotte region are completed - we will present these to several Rotary Clubs in Cairo, Alexandria and other Egyptian cities.

All we need to do now is pack and set foot on that plane… I can only imagine what the sights will be like and how the people will be! What will a pyramid really look like that doesn’t have a casino in it? All are still visions for now…
I know our team from Charlotte is assembled with remarkably talented individuals that are different in so many ways. But we all share the common goal to go to Egypt for a rewarding and memorable experience. I’m confident in the end that everyone on this team will help spread the goodwill of all Americans.

Thank you, John Martin, for your guidance in helping us prepare for our excursion! Team Leader Bill Burnham has been very instrumental in helping our Team Members get our ducks in a row. Also, many thanks, also, to the many Rotarians of District 7680 who have assisted and supported us. We will make you proud!

Egypt Bound

2009-04-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

Five Days to Go!

A Brief Look before the Trip

2009-03-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to be going to Cairo!!