Tahrir Square

We have been following events in Egypt closely. We've spoken to nervous friends and family in Israel, checked out a variety of news outlets including Israeli and Russian sources, and pored over our morning papers. Today, what seemed to be a peaceful "people power" revolution turned violent with rocks, Molotov cocktails, fists and bullets flying. All of this paralleled our day which dawned with relative tranquility.

Faina was in good spirits in the AM. Other than an uncomfortable tingling in her fingers, she woke up with good energy, replied to a few emails from patients, enjoyed watching a few deer passing through our back yard, and became hungry for ленивые вареники (Lazy Dumplings), Russian comfort food. We had a regular cooking show project going on in our kitchen, guided by a quick consult with Tatiana's mom, Lydia. Shortly afterwards, Faina tuned into a favorite soap opera and talked of us making a trip to the hardware store a little later.

Late afternoon was all Tahrir Square. Agitated, nervous, and an unstoppable heartburn came back with a vengeance. She took as many pharmaceuticals as she could, pushing the limits a little, with only temporary relief, at best. This went on for hours. She did not find quiet or sleep until, as we were being told by a slightly battered Anderson Cooper, dawn was breaking in Cairo.

I hope tomorrow is a better day for both the people of the Nile Valley and us of the Maryland Piedmont.