Coptic Cairo

I explored Coptic Cairo today, since I had the day off and found myself in a section of Cairo that was one of the oldest in the city. Coptic is a Greek word that signifies Egypt, and is a Christian religion similar to the Greek Orthodox Church. The neighborhood was comprised of Coptic churches, the Babylon Fortress, and the Coptic cemetery that was behind limestone perimeter walls and a gated entry way. Coptic Cairo dates back to 600 B.C. and is an anomaly in Egypt, where 90% of the population are Muslims. The area was littered with churches and crosses; a deviation from the norm that typically has mosques, minarets, and crescent moons dominating the landscape.

The most important discovery of the day was this church, which was built on the site where the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and Jesus) came through after they fled from Herod, ruler of Galilee and the King of the Jews, who wanted the infant Jesus killed for fear that he would grow up and usurp him.



In the basement of the church was a watering hole that was used by the Holy Family. Over time the watering hole was made into a well, and the Coptic church was built around it in deference to its sanctity.



Many visitors drew water from the well to drink its holy contents.





Near the entry gate was the remains of the Babylon Fortress that was built in 600 B.C. by Persians that had settled in the region, and had named the fort after their beloved homeland. The Romans eventually took over the fort when they conquered Egypt, and Roman architectural traits could be found in the remains.

Through the arched entry of the Coptic Cemetery were 20th century tombstones, mausoleums, and more churches.

I loved the statue below that was a marker over a grave site.





This wrought iron figure of St. George slaying the dragon was especially captivating against the magnificent sky. It was wonderful walking amid Christian churches and holy crosses again, and felt very humbled that the Holy Family had stood on the very same grounds that I had been exploring.

Missing Me Some Cutie Patooties!

I sorely need a nieces n' nephews fix!

I have 2 months to go until I'm home for the holidays.

In the mean time, I have these wonderful pics of my cutie pattootie family below.

To Yasmine, Rex, Zeb, Skylar, and (1 trimester to go) Piper:

I love and miss you to infinity, and can't wait to play with you at Christmas!

Hugs n' Kisses,

Auntie Ging-Ging

Oh If I Could Walk Amongst The Leaves

Oh if I could walk amongst the leaves,

as autumn calls out to the breeze,

and whispers softly to the trees,

oh how it chatters where it please!

Oh if I could walk amongst the leaves,

now silent orange, red, and gold debris,

swirling on the ground with ease,

a hushed carpet of autumn leaves.

~gina

New Wearable Art?

Ever hear of Australian artist and body illustrator Emma Hack? She is simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Emma takes wearable art to the next level! Earning multiple awards for her provocative images, her artistry uses the human canvas to blend in with her inspired backgrounds. Check out some of her designs below. Très chic!

Whip It Good!

Storyline: Small town misfit, Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page), balks at her mother's (Marcia Gay Harden) insistence to enter local beauty pageants by pursuing the thrilling world of roller derby. Finally finding acceptance in the derby arena as alter ego, Babe Ruthless, Bliss has yet to gain acceptance from her disapproving mother. A story of indomitable spirit & the courage to pursue one's dreams!

There's quite a bit of buzz on Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, Whip it, that comes out in theaters today. The critics are raving about Drew's new movie, which makes me happy for the remarkable 34 y/o, who is scion to a dynasty of lauded theatrical and Hollywood legends. Grandaughter to 20's screen and stage star John Barrymore, who was brother to acting power weights Lionel and Ethel Barrymore, Drew has forged a name in her own right! The mercurially fabulous Drew Barrymore can now list talented actress, producer, AND director to her repertoire of credits. I hope the success of her new movie will make up for the Emmy loss last month for her exceptional portrayal of Edith Bouvier Beale, a.k.a. "Little Edie", in the HBO film Grey Gardens.

You ...... Go ...... Drew!