The starting point and the finish line are always the hardest phases.
One needs a lot of motivation to begin and find the way and rhythm.
As well a lot of effort is required to do that extra mile and perform the best.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
25 Jan Reloaded
I decided few days ago that I will participate in the marches, mainly cos I wanted to be part of it and that the marches are the best way to reach people. It is not limited to people who go to Tahrir, it's for everbody even people who are at home or in their shops.
The announced itinerary for the march i joined was to walk from Manial to Sayeda Zeinab where other marches would join then go to Tahrir. We changed the itinerary and instead, after circulating in Manial, went to Cairo University then Dokki to Kasr El-Nil bridge, as shown in the below map.
I was a little bit disappointed as I arrived and saw not more than 50-60 waiting to start the march holding banners and flags. I was expecting to see more gathered. We started marching in Manial street itself, doing it twice and soon that feeling of disappointment left me. We were chanting loud, encouraging people to join us, chanting against SCAF. Cars and buses were cheering us, people in shops or looking from their windows as well. The more we marched, the more we were. I was touched when we saw an old lady in a car following us. When we spoke with her, she told us she couldn't march with us so decided to do it with her car. She was upset cos we were still few and she wanted everybody to go in the streets. She told us that her children are abroad cos they couldn't have a decent life in Egypt and she wishes to see the day Egypt is a better place for everyone, "Bread, Liberty, Social Justice" as we were chanting like the old days.
Just before starting the march in Manial and then the beginning of the march
We arrived to University Bridge where at the end lies the embassy of Israel. I was kind of thinking, what if things turn bad there, what if people focused more on Israel then our march against SCAF. I was wrong, there were even people in the building where the embassy lies, holding Egyptian flags and cheering. We did say some chants against them and SCAF but nothing more.
And there, we saw more people coming from other marches and joining together, in front of Cairo University. At the point, I felt, yes, people are really there in the streets. I knew from twitter that other marches already started and with huge numbers, but seeing it with my eyes, was totally different. It's like your faith is materialized in front of you.
We continued walking and chanting, we passed by Dokki and the numbers were huge. All along the way, we were trying to not block the roads for cars leaving a lane for them. And almost all of the drivers were not at all angry with what we were doing. That day, i really felt that the Egyptian people are not that dumb.
One of the chants I liked was "This is a revolution, not a party".
This is one of the 2 big flags we crossed along the way in our march.
In Dokki, chanting "People want to down the system (referring to the old ruling system that is still there)
An organized march tribute for martyrs was organized. Wooden coffins with photos or Martyrs, drums playing. It started from Galaa square, passing by Kasr El-Nil bridge. I was ahead of the march tribute and crossed the bridge to the Square. It was already packed, with no place for a foot. People on both sides waiting for the march to come.
Finally, we managed to arrive to Tahrir. I met a friend at the entrance then we went inside, trying to meet another one. It was the most packed time I saw the Square. Last year, i only went couple of times in some of the "Millions" but it was not as full as that day. At one time we were walking against the flow of people, like being caught in a trap. My brother and friends were also trying as much as they could to protect me from being crushed or harassed. I was pushed all the way, till we could reach a less crowded place.
We decided to have something to eat which was a big challenge as we were not the only one who had the same idea. Finally, we managed to get Koshary and while eating in the street, there were more marches around us, in Talaat Harb street. After that, i went to meet other friends who were resting in a coffee. They were also in other marches that morning.
As I didn't stay much in the square itself I can't tell much about what was going on there. What i noticed is that there were different stages, the one of Ikhwan at the entrance from Kasr El-Nil bridge with lot of microphones, so that they could block people from flooding the square. There was another one with a big screen showing the martyrs and couple of other stages. I couldn't feel the "one voice" resonating in all the place. The Ikhwan more into celebrations, on the contrary of all people who went in marches to the Square, to continue the revolution and ask for all the demands that are still yet to be achieved.
I realized that day that no matter what happens, we, the people, will not stay silent We, the people, will fight again and again for our rights. We, the people, have the power and that anyone who will be in charge of the country, should do what the people are demanding, otherwise, we will not leave the streets till they are fulfilled. No matter how long it will take, no matter what the price will be, we found our voice back and shall never lose it again.
I don't know how things will go the next period, but one thing i'm sure of, I regained my faith in my people and the revolution continues...
The announced itinerary for the march i joined was to walk from Manial to Sayeda Zeinab where other marches would join then go to Tahrir. We changed the itinerary and instead, after circulating in Manial, went to Cairo University then Dokki to Kasr El-Nil bridge, as shown in the below map.
I was a little bit disappointed as I arrived and saw not more than 50-60 waiting to start the march holding banners and flags. I was expecting to see more gathered. We started marching in Manial street itself, doing it twice and soon that feeling of disappointment left me. We were chanting loud, encouraging people to join us, chanting against SCAF. Cars and buses were cheering us, people in shops or looking from their windows as well. The more we marched, the more we were. I was touched when we saw an old lady in a car following us. When we spoke with her, she told us she couldn't march with us so decided to do it with her car. She was upset cos we were still few and she wanted everybody to go in the streets. She told us that her children are abroad cos they couldn't have a decent life in Egypt and she wishes to see the day Egypt is a better place for everyone, "Bread, Liberty, Social Justice" as we were chanting like the old days.
Just before starting the march in Manial and then the beginning of the march
Part of the chants in Manial "Dicator, dictator, tomorrow your turn will come... Inside the church, inside El-Azhar, down down military rule"
We arrived to University Bridge where at the end lies the embassy of Israel. I was kind of thinking, what if things turn bad there, what if people focused more on Israel then our march against SCAF. I was wrong, there were even people in the building where the embassy lies, holding Egyptian flags and cheering. We did say some chants against them and SCAF but nothing more.
And there, we saw more people coming from other marches and joining together, in front of Cairo University. At the point, I felt, yes, people are really there in the streets. I knew from twitter that other marches already started and with huge numbers, but seeing it with my eyes, was totally different. It's like your faith is materialized in front of you.
We continued walking and chanting, we passed by Dokki and the numbers were huge. All along the way, we were trying to not block the roads for cars leaving a lane for them. And almost all of the drivers were not at all angry with what we were doing. That day, i really felt that the Egyptian people are not that dumb.One of the chants I liked was "This is a revolution, not a party".
This is one of the 2 big flags we crossed along the way in our march.
In Dokki, chanting "People want to down the system (referring to the old ruling system that is still there)
Finally, we managed to arrive to Tahrir. I met a friend at the entrance then we went inside, trying to meet another one. It was the most packed time I saw the Square. Last year, i only went couple of times in some of the "Millions" but it was not as full as that day. At one time we were walking against the flow of people, like being caught in a trap. My brother and friends were also trying as much as they could to protect me from being crushed or harassed. I was pushed all the way, till we could reach a less crowded place.
We decided to have something to eat which was a big challenge as we were not the only one who had the same idea. Finally, we managed to get Koshary and while eating in the street, there were more marches around us, in Talaat Harb street. After that, i went to meet other friends who were resting in a coffee. They were also in other marches that morning.
As I didn't stay much in the square itself I can't tell much about what was going on there. What i noticed is that there were different stages, the one of Ikhwan at the entrance from Kasr El-Nil bridge with lot of microphones, so that they could block people from flooding the square. There was another one with a big screen showing the martyrs and couple of other stages. I couldn't feel the "one voice" resonating in all the place. The Ikhwan more into celebrations, on the contrary of all people who went in marches to the Square, to continue the revolution and ask for all the demands that are still yet to be achieved.
I realized that day that no matter what happens, we, the people, will not stay silent We, the people, will fight again and again for our rights. We, the people, have the power and that anyone who will be in charge of the country, should do what the people are demanding, otherwise, we will not leave the streets till they are fulfilled. No matter how long it will take, no matter what the price will be, we found our voice back and shall never lose it again.
I don't know how things will go the next period, but one thing i'm sure of, I regained my faith in my people and the revolution continues...
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
On the verge of a 2nd Revolution?
Tomorrow is the 25th of January. One year after our revolution. One year has passed with martyrs, military trials, injured people, lies, dirty politics.. Are we going to witness another revolting day? Are people willing to shout one more time, in loud voice, we want BREAD, FREEDOM and JUSTICE?
I wish I can have the answers or predict what would happen but I can't. I wish I can see where we are going but we are still in the dark. I hope I can go tomorrow and say it's enough. I want to see the change in my country. I want to feel the wind of change and get power and hope from others.
Tomorrow is an important day. If you decide to go on the streets or stay at your home, it's your call. But just don't forget all the sacrifices that have been done, not only in the revolution but before that.
Long live Egypt!
I wish I can have the answers or predict what would happen but I can't. I wish I can see where we are going but we are still in the dark. I hope I can go tomorrow and say it's enough. I want to see the change in my country. I want to feel the wind of change and get power and hope from others.
Tomorrow is an important day. If you decide to go on the streets or stay at your home, it's your call. But just don't forget all the sacrifices that have been done, not only in the revolution but before that.
Long live Egypt!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
A year ago
A year ago, I wasn't sure about lot of things in my life. I am still not sure about everything but at least I did learn something.
A year ago, I didn't dream of a revolution, just some protests and that's it.
A year ago, I didn't believe that there are still Egyptians who care about their country and dream of a better one.
A year ago, I thought I knew a lot about history then I discovered a lot I didn't know about.
A year ago, I was considering to leave the country.
A year ago, I thought most of my friends were only interested in trivial things.
A year ago, I didn't believe I would have the courage at all to go on the streets.
A year ago, I didn't understand how God acts sometimes.
A year ago, I took the decision to not let myself carried away with my feelings.
Today, I am still not sure about my life but I know that I have faith in it.
Today, I dream to continue the revolution till the end and not leave it die in our hands.
Today, I know there are many Egyptians who sacrifice everything for the sake of our future.
Today, I know that history is not just what is written in books which might be totally wrong.
Today, I want to stay in my country cos I want to be part of it.
Today, I know that trivial things are not that important anymore and living a revolution did change a lot.
Today, I know that I still don't have all the courage to go on the streets when the things are going tough but at least I got some courage some times.
Today, I know that God is not all the time understandable but I trust him.
Today, I am keeping my promise to myself.
A year ago, I didn't dream of a revolution, just some protests and that's it.
A year ago, I didn't believe that there are still Egyptians who care about their country and dream of a better one.
A year ago, I thought I knew a lot about history then I discovered a lot I didn't know about.
A year ago, I was considering to leave the country.
A year ago, I thought most of my friends were only interested in trivial things.
A year ago, I didn't believe I would have the courage at all to go on the streets.
A year ago, I didn't understand how God acts sometimes.
A year ago, I took the decision to not let myself carried away with my feelings.
Today, I am still not sure about my life but I know that I have faith in it.
Today, I dream to continue the revolution till the end and not leave it die in our hands.
Today, I know there are many Egyptians who sacrifice everything for the sake of our future.
Today, I know that history is not just what is written in books which might be totally wrong.
Today, I want to stay in my country cos I want to be part of it.
Today, I know that trivial things are not that important anymore and living a revolution did change a lot.
Today, I know that I still don't have all the courage to go on the streets when the things are going tough but at least I got some courage some times.
Today, I know that God is not all the time understandable but I trust him.
Today, I am keeping my promise to myself.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Self esteem booster
When you feel positive vibes, you feel good.
When a friend tells you that he felt it too, you feel great.
When a friend tells you that he felt it too, you feel great.
So, whenever you can, just say it. You never know how you much you could brighten a day.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Froggy's World in its new format
Welcome to my blog, in its new format. Hope you will like it.
See you around :-)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Disappointed
Disappointed, is all i can say.
Not cos of El-Baradei withdrawing from presidential elections.
Not cos of the so called gas crisis
Not cos i'm having hard times at work.
Not cos the revolution is struggling for its survival.
Disappointed cos no matter I pretend I don't care about little things, I actually do.
Disappointed cos I wait for others to treat me as I treat them.
Disappointed cos I wait a "how do you do" when i'm off beat without me saying a word.
Disappointed cos I feel l am not as trusted as I trust others. This is what hurts the most.
Disappointed cos I feel l am not as trusted as I trust others. This is what hurts the most.
And after all those disappointments, I try to look for excuses for what is pretty clear.
I try to forgive as I always end up to do.
I tell myself that it wasn't meant to be and it's just the circumstances.
I know i'm fooling myself for a while to the next disappointment.
Writing history
Thinking that someday i would be asked, how was it to live in your days, how was it during the 25th Jan Revolution, made me think, what was it for the time of my grandparents? Wouldn't be cool to discover more about that period? I know some bits and pieces, but i'm thinking of doing something more, to sit with my grandmother and her sister and hear their stories about their childhood, about the family. Wouldn't be just great?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Body vs. Mind
It's weired, when you know that you are doing your best while taking care not to over exhaust yourself, but still, you are not satisfied cos you know you want to do more although even if you have no more power.
It's like your body is controlling your mind and force it to respect its limits but your mind makes you feel guilty cos you are not reaching your own standards.
So at the end, either ways, I end up not satisfied.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Back in action
Today, with no specific reason, was checking some of my early posts in my blog (back to 2005).
I used to write a lot. I don't know why in the last few years, i'm no longer posting as I used to. Is it due to the new social medias like facebook?
I used to write about things I feel or see, now mainly I just update my status. Not sure if it's the way things were going, or cos easier or it reaches more friends. Or maybe i just wanted to leave all behind.
I used to write about things I feel or see, now mainly I just update my status. Not sure if it's the way things were going, or cos easier or it reaches more friends. Or maybe i just wanted to leave all behind.
I miss my blog, i miss writing, i miss getting comments from unknown people who just happened to pass by. And most of all, I discovered that reading those posts back, reminded me of who I used to be. It has something which is part of me, good and bad memories, feelings, special moments.
So, here i'm, i'm officially back to my blog and I shall keep it more alive hopefully.
So, here i'm, i'm officially back to my blog and I shall keep it more alive hopefully.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)