The Classroom

I reached the airport on time. Checking in was no hassle. When there was an announcement, I got up and was eager to get to my seat. I whispered, ‘Egypt, here I come.’ After keeping the laptop on the upper compartment, I asked for a glass of Rosé. After all, sitting in the business class did make me feel part of a grandiose journey. I closed my eyes for a few moments. My mind began to wonder and I could see myself watching the pyramids. Time passed by so quickly. It felt like someone had just rotated the globe. Egypt was ready to welcome me. I was waiting to get my luggage and could feel something strange. I did not know what it was. I got the luggage and walked gingerly. This time I chose some hotel not too far from the airport. My room was clean and not as luxurious as the one in France. The room had cream colored walls with only one painting on it. The bed was comfortable, the shower and network was acceptable. Stretching away, suddenly I heard this squeaky sound. The sound kept echoing from different directions. I was beginning to regret my choice of stay. So I walked out of my room wearing my robe. There was no such sound anywhere. It was quite strange that I could only hear it in my room. When I went for a shower, I saw something on the wall. It seemed like someone had written a message on the wall. It was: Stay alert! You shall receive an important message today via fax, e-mail or telephone from someone far away. A visitor is arriving from out of town. The message on the wall freaked me out. I looked around the bathroom. There was no one. Then I thought, maybe the message had been there for the longest time and no one ever noticed it and continued with my shower. That afternoon, I went to have some kebabs and shisha. Pages were flicked and finally the pen was put away. I walked and learnt a different lifestyle. Even though there was Pizza Hut or even McDonalds,’ the people were very different. I could feel the culture shock. Strange men were staring at me. Egyptian women were beautiful and glowing. Their flawless skin and light eyes were compelling. I had already walked two kilometers and contemplated of seeing the Sphinx and The Pyramids of Giza. So I walked quickly and stumbled. Then I crouched to pick up the brochures that had spread on the floor. To my surprise I noticed a vague shadow of children on the floor. When I looked up, there was no one. I knew I was not retarded. I picked up the brochures and walked towards the private taxi. First, I see a weird message on the wall. Then I see shadows of children. Are these clues or just ways of getting me paranoid? I wondered anxiously. On the way, I saw mud-brick homes, flat roofs and how some villagers were using the birds as food and their droppings to fertilize crops. The scene was not so attractive to me; however, every culture had its unique persona. The ride was not too long and I could see the pyramids from a distance. When the chauffeur parked the taxi, he escorted me to the entrance of the place. I had to agree that the food and places in Egypt were simply graceful and astounding. The pyramids were huge, and I looked like a dwarf in front of them. I asked around and got a private guide to lead the way. The guide updated me about the ancient civilization. I was briefed about the three pyramids: Cheops, Khafre and Menakaure. Each pyramid is a different tomb to a king. I was allowed to go to one of them after I had paid the entrance. Before I entered the pyramid I turned around, and saw the Cairo skyline in the background. It was spectacular. Then I went inside the pyramid. I walked down the passageway and entered the room that led to the Queen’s chamber. The room was finished with polished granite. As I walked further and entered the King’s Chamber, I noticed every detail and the scientific approach to the building of the pyramid. I could not take notes because there was not enough space. So took pictures instead and thought of taking notes later when I was going to Tanzania. While walking up the stairs, I saw the shadow of the children again. This time it seemed like I was being followed. With excitement, I turned around. I saw no one. I began to feel it was a monstrous act. When I walked ahead, I saw them again. I walked faster, and they followed faster. I said it out loud, ‘What on Earth are you? If you want to play, go to a park. Stop annoying me in the pyramid.’ The moment of an unsolved problem was bugging me. I could not comprehend the incidents happening to me in Egypt. Letting out a sigh, I paced ahead and did not care about the shadows. It was nearing darkness and I had to hurry up. Carefully noticing every detail I walked out of the pyramid. The amount of walking in the pyramid made me feel like I had a good exercise. After some point I saw tents. I entered one of the tents. Old men where selling souvenirs. The souvenirs were appealing and I ended up buying a small hookah with a feather shaped pen. A German couple came up to me and asked details about the pyramids. While we were talking, they mentioned that they were going to Africa after that. I did mention about my work in Tanzania and how I was looking forward for a new challenge for freedom. I was in a hurry, so excused myself. Strangers are the best people to share – they don’t judge – they listen – in most cases.