Obama's Speech in Cairo
Yesterday Obama gave his long-awaited speech in Cairo. I've read the speech, and have been reading reactions to it this morning. I so appreciate what he said, putting Israelis and Palestinians on equal footing as human beings deserving of dignity and a home and a viable future. But even more importantly, I love HOW he said it. So many of the articles commented how he included quotes form the Koran. And the New York Times commented how exceptional it was for him to open his speech with "Salaam Aleikum." It seemed that this simple act of greeting people in their own language was a historic first step for an American president in the Arab world.
Wow! Are we that pompous? Are we that dis-connected? Are we that arrogant? I guess we can be. But if you've ever lived in a muslim country, you know how rich life is made by the blessings and prayers that are offered to both G_d and to each other throughout the day. "Bissimilayi" or "welcome," when you arrive somewhere; or sometimes in an animated discussion, it might mean "I can't believe it!" "Allah akbar" or "G_d is great!" or again, it can mean something like "Unbelievable!" "Wallaayi" or "Ain't that the truth!" Amazing that our leaders can be so disconnected, and that we Americans can be so insulated. It really shows us that for those of us who have lived in diverse settings, and come to know the human reality that connects all of us so deeply, we have a responsibility! We have to lead with our truth, and demonstrate our love and understanding in more bold ways. Yes, saying "Salaam aleikum" might just be a radical act of transformation! (By the way, I found Thomas Friedman's piece, though written before the speech was delivered, to be wonderful: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/opinion/03friedman.html?em)
A Bicycle Commute in the Rain
So, although I've been a pretty regular road rider on Satudays, and somewhat regular in spin classes in the gym during the week, I've not at all used my bike to commute to campus. Everyday, I sit in traffic for a good 30-45 minutes, taking the girls to school and then making my way to either UCT or UWC. Either way, I spend minutes creeping along at a snail's pace, in a line of cars that seems to go on forever. This is the first time in my life that I have EVER had to go with traffic in a commuting rush. In Monterey, I have a 10 minute drive (45 minute ride on bike paths) against traffic to CSUMB. In Palo Alto, I had a bike, and in Manhattan, it was either bicycle or subway. Now, for the first time, I am sitting with everyone else, listening to talk radio as I snail my way to work in the mornings.
Well, today was going to be my day. We had to bring our car into the shop for a service before we sell it, so I was completely excited to put my bike in the car, and then ride from the repair shop up the hill to UCT. This was going to be my moment of revenge. To go smoothly and quietly along the side, passing sitting motorists along the way, even on an uphill climb. (As you can see from the picture here, UCT is situated at the base of the backside of Table Mountain, just below "Devil's Peak," a nice climb up from the town of Newlands below.) This would be a sweet revenge, even momentary, for the months I had spent sitting in the traffic.So, I dropped off Maya at school especially early (she had a final, and wanted to get there early anyway), and was at the dealership by 7:30, filling-out the paperwork, saying "see ya later" to our repair-person friend Leslie, putting on my bike shoes, tucking my pant legs into my socks, and then with the glee of a little boy riding his bike to school for the first time, I sped away. The weather was cooperating, as it was dark and grey, but no rain. To avoid the ugliest of the traffic, and the most dangerous of city streets, I snaked my way through the now familiar neighborhoods of Claremont and Newlands, up the hill to Newlands Avenue, which is one of my lest favorite congested stretches of my daily commute. But this time, I was able to fulfill my dream, and I got along the side of the line of cars, and with a silent smirk on my face, cruised by dozens of cars, up the hill to the M3, and then onto the UCT campus. 15 minutes later, I was in my office, sweaty but happy, feeling very fulfilled and proud of myself.
Then, I sat down at looked at my key chain --the car key was still on it! In my enthusiasm to get on my bike and fly by all the traffic jammed cars, I forgot to give Leslie the car key! So, after a searching call to Naomi, who had no interest in leaving the warm confines of our home and driving WITH TRAFFIC up to the shop with the other key, I got back on the bike, this time a little less joyously. Down the hill, past all those cars again, and to the dealership, where I gave a grinning Leslie the key!
My second trip up the hill to UCT was a bit less of a thrill, for two reasons. One is that it was now 8:30, so the worst of the rush hour congestion was over. I only got to speed by a dozen or so cars this time. Secondly, about half way up the hill, the skies opened up, and the rain started. So, by the time I got to campus, I was drenched. Nothing that a cup of rooibus tea can't cure. But at least I can now say that I've cycled to campus, twice!
Blog ya later.
Seth./.
