Night on the Beach

Tonight we are treated to a barbaque on a small beach as the boat is tied up next to an island in the Nile. Good food, singing and drumming by the crew and dancing by all in good cheer. Later we are joined by two migrant farmers, Ibrihim and Mohammed, who are camped nearby in the fields where they are planting melons  and are drawn to our fire. They share some desert and Ahmed translates some of their thoughts about their life and their thoughts about the revolution. They are hopeful, thinking that anything is better than the past under Mubarik and they have voted in the recent elections. I am surprised that these guys - one old and one young, who led an extremely simple life of hard work are able to participate in the new politics. They have both voted for a religious party candidate, but their reasons are practical, not religious.  They feel the future of the country is uncertain and the religious parties have gained the trust of the people initially, but now they will have to produce. Ibrihm is the older and has a a weathered face that lights up with a great smile. He squats near the fire great with his palms towards the heat. Mohammed sits to his right and tends our fire by adding palm branches from time to time. They both wish us all a warm goodnight as we return returnto the boat.

Now back on-board and the still of the evening is being disrupted by a religious rally on the opposite shore. Much music over on that side too, but they also have microphones to blare their message. The speaker across the river sounds like he is preaching fire and brimstone. I wait for them to quiet down and go home, and they eventually do.

All in all, this evening is giving me much to think about. The genuine good nature of the crew as we share their entertainment. The future of our two visitors, and the direction that their country will take. And the role that religion and faith takes in all aspects of people's lives -