Journal entry from August 16, 2005

The sun is setting in Dahab, a little town along the coast of the Red Sea in Egypt and in visible view of the Saudia Arabia coastline. It seems like a different world from the crowds, traffic and hassling in Cairo or Luxor.

From my relaxed seat, I can see a man entereing the Red Sea, fully dressed in his gambeleo (sp) or man-dress. A tradition practiced by only the most religious. As he slowly decends into the water, his dress swaying from side to side caused by both his pace and the water's tide, it appears as though he will vanish like a mermaid. He looks tranquil and peaceful with not a care in the world has he sits to enjoy the water of the Red Sea.

From land, the red, green, blue and lights of the small restaurants and hotels are turned on as the sun sets and this town comes to life.

As I sit on my red and green cushions, Tracy Chapman's voice can be heard from the loud speaker..

" I had a feeling that I belonged, I had a feeling that I can be someone, be someone...."

And for the first time in Egypt, I belonged.