Wolf in Sheep's Clothes

When traveling alone in Cairo, many Egyptians have guessed my nationality as German. So, out of convenience and myriad opportunities for Arabic practice I have assumed the identity of a German student. There are several positive features of this alias.

1. They don’t speak to me in English – so I am forced to practice my Arabic and they won’t resort to English if there is a communication breakdown.
2. They tell me what they really think about America. For example, today on my way home from Heliopolis (about a 45 min drive) my taxi driver and I had a long conversation about Americans … more to come on that later.
3. They ask me questions about Germany – which I can actually answer, often they are curious about my home (I always say Duesseldorf because they most likely to have never heard of the town).



There are however, several disadvantages. Such as having to explain that I am a German student, living in Cairo studying Arabic, yet attending a University in America. That makes the game significantly trickier.

As promised above, I want to share some insights from today’s talk about America. My taxi driver told me that “all Americans are one and the same” (kul Amerikeen wahid) and that they only listen to Israel. He said that Americans want Israel for her money, and have intentionally tried to obliterate (he didn’t use that word, and if he did I definitely would not have understood it) Palestine because of the alliance with Israel. He also criticized the American/British imperialistic tactics that resulted in the division of what of is now the Israeli and Palestinian territory. I asked him if he thought attitudes in America would change after Bush, and if the treatment (foreign policy) towards the Middle East would differ. He emphatically denied this possibility. Fascinating chap indeed.

So for as long as I get solid Arabic practice and glean insights from Cairenes I will remain a German.

Auf Wiedersehen!
Johannes