I am an American university student moving to Egypt in September to study Arabic at the American University in Cairo. I want to immerse myself in Egyptian culture and surround myself with Arabic speakers. I have spent some time in Brazil and knew an American who lived in Rocinha, Latin America's largest slum. Would it be possible for me to rent a room in the City of the Dead? I don't understand the social and cultural implications of a white Christian American living among Cairo's poorest. Would it even be possible? I am prepared to live very modestly. My idea of living there comes from my desire to truly get aquainted with the people of Egypt and to master the language. I want to see the realities of urban poverty in Cairo and get a glimpse of the people that live this humble, heoric life.

Am I completely crazy? Is it even possible? How would I go about making it happen?

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Matthew Bowlby
bowl0031@umn.edu

Hey Matthew, we gotta hang out, cause I was thinking the same thing actually. I'll be at AUC in the Fall of 2008 as well to do a post-grad diploma in refugee studies. Ultimately, while I think time spent in the city of the dead would be great, I think it wouldn't be a very good idea to actually live there. Not to mention, the living situation would probably make doing your school work very difficult. If anything, you would probably be a freakish disturbance to the people there and it would take a very very long time for you to become a part of their community. I only say this out of background in field research and social science. I suppose you will be living at the new campus, which is a shame really, I feel bad for everyone stuck out there. Fortunately my department is staying in Cairo, and out of the suburbs, although I'm trying to find a place to live... I definately do not want to spend a year living in the dorm. Send me an email, we should keep in touch.

Mitch
mitchell.sipus@gmail.com