Not even 1 pm yet, and we can already hear chanting.

whereismorgan:

In a “better for them, worse for me” move, the Muslim Brotherhood has switched their protests from Tahrir square where the opposition has been protesting, to Cairo University, which is located a mere 10 minute walk from my apartment. By noon, thousands of pro-Morsi/pro-Islamist protesters had already gathered. Around 12:30 I was in the kitchen cooking up my lunch, when I realized that I could hear very faint chanting. This is from a window that points away from the direction of the protests. From the balcony, that faces towards them, they were slightly louder, but we still can’t hear what they are saying. It is very eerie. 

Matthew says that people may march through Mesaha square, which is the area my (15th floor) apartment overlooks, but my guess is that most marches will opt for the wider/more visible Dokki Street a block over. Here’s hoping for no marches, because if they pass through Mesaha, they are almost guaranteed to be heading for 6th of October bridge, which ends up right in the middle of Tahrir. If they march to Tahrir, there will be blood. 

More updates to come. 

It sounds like Orcs. Straight up LOTR type shit. Heeyyy study abroad. 

This guy on CNN keeps pronouncing Morsi as “Morrissey.” Just, no.

Updates on the Egypt situation via Matthew Texts

whereismorgan:

So as you may or may not be aware, last night President Morsi essentially declared emergency law and now has power “to do whatever is necessary to preserve the revolution, national unity, and national security.” People are understandable upset. Some say this will be a day of rage part two, but this is probably not going to happen, seeing as the Muslim Brotherhood has both the police and the army on their side right now. That being said, stuff is going down. I’ll pass on the security updates that I have been getting via SMS from our program director. This post is subject to update as the day goes on. 

12:57: There are protest marches that will go through dokki. These tend to be very peaceful, but the tense environment and frustration has a likelihood to lead to violence. Please Avoid.

1:00: Also as a reminder, your presence around liberal opposition forces will only de-legitimize their cause as it can be manipulated into foreign conspiracies to bring down the Ikhwan (Muslim Brotherhood) and Egypt. Interesting developments in Egypt with Morsi’s declaration!

3:00: As an update, due to the unpredictability with today’s protests and likelihood for violent confrontations between pro and anti Morsi groups, you are all to stay within the Mesaha area for the evening and night. Small fights have broken out in numerous locations across Egypt. If you are outside of Mesaha, avoid the metro passing through Tahrir. Thanks for your cooperation.

3:18: There are protesters in front of the prime minister’s house in Mesaha area by metro market calling for him to leave. They are likely to march at some point to Tahrir, so be aware so you are not caught off guard. This is a day best spent at home, which is what I would advise at this point.

I mean, but its JLO night on Fox Movies, so we have plenty of things to do. Also street harassment has made me not even want to leave the apartment anyways. Fuck the shabab. 

I punched a guy who was harassing me today. 

A Haiku:

no, you are sunny
and beautiful. Cairo is
dark. Wish I was there.  

Chances that this Halloween party that my roommate and I are planning is going to turn into a My Drunk Kitchen experiment have increased exponentially with the opening of this wine. 

Haven’t even been back in Cairo for 24 hours. This is going to be an interesting second half of the semester.