You never really understand something until it affects you personally, they say. Well, terrorism has never quite affected me like this.

Today in Cairo, a motorcyclist blew himself up while driving down Al-Muski street in the Khan al-Khalili, which is the large market district in Cairo. The attack was apparently aimed at tourists shopping there, and killed four, wounding twenty more. Why the effect on me? Because three weeks ago I was walking down that street, purchasing souvenirs for folks- that's where I bought the kafiyyas. Four weeks ago I was there buying bellydance costumes, and relaxing over a cup of arabic coffee at el-Fishawi's Coffeehouse. This could have happened three or four weeks ago. My sister, or any of her friends, could have been there today.

It really brings it home. Much like when I got onto the subject of death with my then boyfriend, who had been a junior at Columbine at the time of the shooting. His only comment was a sober, "I went to a lot of funerals that year."

Anyway, sorry to be so serious, I promise I'll post something light and cheerful next time