As I prepare for my first significant experience in the Middle East, I find myself both elated, anxious, and…nervous? But why should I be nervous? This is what I’ve been waiting for all of these years! I have worked hard and diligently the past several years to be able to dive in, immerse myself in it’s culture, strengthen myself in the Arabic language, and take an ideological pulse, so-to-speak, of it’s peoples through social analysis. I am doing all of this, partially, in order to be a researcher and diplomat of Muslim relations and affairs in the modern world.
Why then, if I had been preparing all these years for this, should I be nervous? Maybe it’s just that feeling everyone gets before any major travel, the butterflies in your stomach if you will. Then again, it could be that general uneasiness I feel about going into a new social situation. But that’s normal, isn’t it?
The last few days have been a blast, to use the vernacular. I spent a great weekend with the local Muslim youth group, caught up with and said farewells to some of my friends/colleagues at Rhodes – forgive me if I didn’t see you and say bye – and had dinner with my family at Bonefish Grill. The imperial longfin was sublime. I don’t imagine I’ll be having too many of those in Cairo.
Ahh, yes, Cairo. My first destination and the major part of my Middle East experience for my study abroad. I will be studying at the American University in Cairo for 4 months in an Arabic Language Intensive program. Then, as soon as word is finalized, I will be in Jordan for another program called Qasid in Amman, Jordan. We’ll see how they both go.
Right now, I proceed with excitement and tenacity in the face of what is sure to be both a challenging and stretching experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m ready. But first, I need to get on my plane. Until next time.
Can’t wait to read more about your time there! Post pictures!
Erin
Rami,
As Salaamu-alaikum Akhi!
I enjoyed reading your blog entries. I am living vicariously through you. If only I had known I would embrace Islam when I was still in college. So many opportunities at that stage in the process. I am very happy that you have been able to take advantage of one. You are in my prayers.
Now, as big brothers must do…here comes the advice.
Given your stated goal of becoming a diplomat, I must advise you to also learn the language of the people. Learn fusHa, but also learn the local dialect. It will give you much-needed ability to get into the minds of the people. It will also allow you to blend when you are in spaces where the English language marker is a handicap (even if simultaneously a marker that yields social privilege ). Yes, it could complicate the immediate objective of learning the language of Qur’an and scholarship, but it will likely be a blessing in the long term. Do as you will with this advice, but I couldn’t avoid sharing it. I see such a bright future for you, and besides you will become my teacher in certain ways after this. I want you to be thoroughly prepared! 
Keep living. Keep learning!
Ma Salaam!!