Tales from the Crypts Americans warn other Americans to dress conservatively and not to wear white running shoes while in Egypt. This measure allegedly reduces conspicuousness. The Egyptian government, however, is keen to be seen as protective of visiting Americans, hence armed escorts are lavishly provided. Darkly shod Americans now blend into the Levantine streets of Cairo, noticeable only by virtue of a distinctive skin color and the profuse presence of heavily armed guards. A polyglot of German and sundry European types breeze through Egyptian tourist sites in bright white shoes and little else, save tattoos. Cairo is packed with bodies living and dead. Eighteen million people populate the city, in the midst of which is another city, a huge necropolis, the City of the Dead. It is a city of Islamic tombs a short distance from Ghiza, where there are really ancient tombs in the form of pyramids. In Egypt there is a lot of architecture around death and much concern that Americans do not encounter that state through violence, while in Egypt. A focus excessively upon death tends to beget more of the same. We the living are obliged, regardless of footwear, to act in a manner that begets life. Tutankhamen was entombed with golden sandals and foot stalls, but he’s still dead. ============================================================== (c) 2002 Millennium Relief & Development Services, vol. 2 no. 21 'Insight' is a publication of MRDS to interpret current events in light of the experience of members of our international network. 'Insight' archives and other information can be found on our website. 'Insight' may be freely copied with this citation. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, simply reply and request to be removed. Millennium RDS, 5116 Bissonnet #358, Bellaire, TX 77401-4007 Tel: (713)961-5645 Fax: (713)961-5735 www.mrds.org insight@mrds.org. ==============================================================