Bokra, Inshallah

Tomorrow, God willing. This phrase seems to encompass many aspects of Egyptian culture. It is my impression that most Egyptians live by the seat of their pants. They go day to day relying on luck and Allah to make sure everything turns out okay. There doesn't seem to be much thought of consequences or of the future. People ride cars without seatbelts in dangerous traffic and motorcycles without helmets. People regularly cross busy and dangerous streets. They simply say a prayer and go. If they make it, it is the will of Allah. While this may seem like a dangerous way to live, it also gives life a more laid back and relaxed feel. Egyptians are not always rushing and worrying like Americans. Americans often live only in the future and in their plans, and forget to live in the present. Egyptians seem to have a live and let live attitude and they go with the flow. Things will work out tomorrow, God willing.
Ellen Beste