cairo 2010? here’s hoping!
29 Jan2010
Well, it seems the UCSB Middle East Ensemble has been invited to play en Egypt by the Egyptian ambassador! The ensemble played for him a couple years ago during a visit to UCSB, and apparently he was so thoroughly impressed that he officially invited us to play over there! CAIRO OPERA HOUSE!
The Cairo Opera House
Needless to say, I am totally beyond stoked at this opportunity. Apparently, we’re being lined up for 4 (four!) shows at this awesome venue. Two nights will be one set, and the remaining two will consist of a separate set of music. We’ve been practicing and busting the Egyptian classics for over a year now, including 20+ minute long pieces sung by Umm Kulthum, like Inta Umri. More info to come as I hear it. The trip is not 100% yet (I’d put us at about 90%), but I’m pretty sure it’s gonna go down.
And since I’m out there, I’m going to use Egypt as the launch point for a (hopefully) six months long backpacking adventure through as much of Europe as I can. Main points of interest being: everywhere. Hehe 
Well, Turkey for sure, Scandinavia, Central Europe, South & Mediterranean Europe, even North Africa if I can squeeze it in. I plan on WOOFing a lot to stretch out the stay as much as possible, as well as a good deal of couch surfing to keep down costs while keeping it real. I actually hosted ~60 couchsurfers this summer, the vast majority from Europe. With any luck, some of them will be willing to return the favor and host me and Laurel for a night, or two, or a week, haha. Damn I’m stoked.
2 Responses to cairo 2010? here’s hoping!
sergeeo
February 5th, 2010 at 5:19 am
If you come to Spain, drop me a line!
chrisjh
February 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
spain is definitely a destination i will not miss! i might end up spending a month or so there actually
south spain here i come! let’s kick it 