The Souk (part 1)

(Souk I)- updated 6-4-23

The goal of this essay is to show how the “souk” is a sustainable and inherently productive model for secondary education that could be incorporated into the present system.

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Implemented it would increase individual satisfaction and productivity of those e-duced by creating and being comfortable with useful skills taught within the context of math, science, history, art. With more opportunity to find a niche they enjoy and can relax with- translating into a happier populace as a whole.

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Exposing and teaching each student a broad range of basic “home” and “community” skills starting in early grade school -culminating with the equivalent of ‘minors’ in any one of them by ~10^th or 12^th grade, would give opportunity to:      

(1) learn marketable skill,      

(2) learn how get into the “flow”,^[1]      

(3) network , meet, (and marry) like minded souls from widely divergent backgrounds – united in their common attraction to specific subject.      

4) celebrations and parties would have far more to talk about than politics, sports, and religion.      

5) as this model feeds into a larger program of community-based ‘shops’, each will create its own economy.

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Everyone leaving high school should (as in “she would if she could”) teach them to be functionally proficient in taking care of themselves – cooking, sewing, use basic metal and wood tools safely-along with their maintenance, etc. and have a portfolio.

They should be able to read and understand basic contractual agreements. Understand how to advocate for themselves with a “win-win” attitude.       Learn signs for when they need a ‘time out’. And then too, know what to do – sitting quietly, slowly pacing, giving themselves Reiki.

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While traditionally these skills might have been modeled at home inclusively, as in by or with a parent, now it’s not the case.

A lack of skill in the above feeds into pervasive general dissatisfaction as folks (claim they) are bored- getting into mischief and unproductive pleasing habits.

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Studies show we learn mostly from our peers – those who look and act like us and don’t seem threatening. The souk as a model for school and community engagement centers would broaden the definition of peer. Community centers would function as magnets from all the surrounding neighborhoods.

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Without judgements (report cards) constantly pointing out where we fell short, teacher will be experienced as ally. * An introduction to all typical essential economy trade and manufacture (sewing, cooking, shop, plants etc) would provide additional avenues for a student to develop later within their chosen specialty education.

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Besides basic math(s) necessary to navigate a typical marketplace, math(s) would be taught as applied within context of specialty. For example fractions and multiplication part of teaching cooking, sewing, shop, etc.

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History would be relevant to each class as well as science(s)- as well as art.  Visit museums if you must but this educational model works with ones inner muse – no pun intended.

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When an applied approach to a subject is fun and tangibly applicable, you’ll have a lot more science and chemistry majors! And more to talk about.

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Because the model itself for early and secondary-education is part of or feeds into a larger community infrastructure – like the actual souk, a place open ~daily like today’s community, senior centers, and Dod MWR, where there’s a community catering kitchen, year round wood shop,  specialty sewing classes- each with their own versions of continuing education, folks would have a choice to both engage with a community outside of family, and ‘change gears’ if they needed or chose to.

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By learning to create with ones hands and get into the flow, even if not very often, one’s soma is deeply soothed. It “knows” then its not in war. Going into flow even for minutes is very healing.

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Providing a “third space” such as this would continuously offer opportunity – and with that, hope.         The guide   When you go to the souk, it helps to know what you want. To get an idea, you might take a tour first in order to become a bit oriented- the souk to a newcomer seems pretty huge. So you’ll probably be brought there by someone more in the know. Otherwise a non-local, will be easily confused and distracted.

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So visiting the first time, it’s wise to have a guide.

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Afterwards as long as you’re accompanied, you might go with your peer. Any time visiting the souk, it’s wise to go with a buddy. [This would be useful in any educational setting as well.] By then you may be used to negotiating without need for extra aid but having someone around gently keeping tabs would help with feelings of overwhelm.

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Our visit to the souk as an add-on after our Nile river cruise,^[2] was a bit whirlwind. Only for part of an afternoon, we didn’t have much time to savor sights and sounds but I loved visiting anyway. * We were lead by our guide Magya who carried a parasol so we could easily see her despite the multitudes.

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That is, my ex-, my then 15 month old son Sam, and me- piling in and out of a mini-van with stroller. We were spectacle. I was seven months pregnant wearing ‘modesty layers’, (clothes worn not for weather but to give me extra coverage)- so bulky. My now ex- husband (~gung-ho active duty in the army) sported short hair and logo baseball cap. It was clear we were American.

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Gone was my usual M.O. to blend in like chameleon. So I could not be ‘undercover’ -but easily stereotyped. By our waveforms’ voice, gestures, and appearance, our experience was framed from the outset.

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Many of the other visitors didn’t stand out so much. Perhaps they aren’t then judged so readily.

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[For schools too, it’s constructive to observe a modest, if not uniform dress code. You’re there to learn, not be a distraction.]

*** Since we only had a couple of hours, we trusted Magya for an experience we’d enjoy and find relevant. She didn’t disappoint. We appreciated her guidance and van’s ready access. Cairo’s souk, being congested as it is, takes a couple of hours to ‘walk across’- let alone meandering for any particular ‘discovery’ session.

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My ex- wasn’t up for that, especially after pushing the stroller over Europe’s rough cobblestone where we lived and were visiting from. Nor was I. You could think of us as having mild physical limitations.  

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No doubt there are some demographic preferences and patterns about tourist, call them ~cultural stereotypes- they’re also data-driven reality for any given guide. If you doubt this, you can ask if your guide has noticed differences between say Europeans, Americans, Middle Easterners and Asians – they’ll tell you of their own experience.

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Probably 20 guides will have 20 answers – but that will be their answer (based on their experience (and biases). Reflecting always, their approach to dealing with individual challenges.

Just because you do or don’t get along with one, there are always others.

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To satisfy these peculiarities, a guide might know of a different approach or part of the souk- to get to a specific area and with which he or she is particularly familiar.

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In order to provide the client the most efficient and effective experience, if unfamiliar (or uncomfortable) with a said need or desire, a wise guide reaches out to his/her network.

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If she/he’s really slick, she/he might have to lose them to what to outsider might seem as competitor. And yet, as you can see, maybe that contract wouldn’t have served either well[10]. 

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A happy client, dealt with honestly, is worth their weight in gold and the greater good. – as  word of mouth travels in 3D reality, positive words about their whole experience will bring in more clients and rewards.

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Nature of e-ducing access   For common things- like basic classes that ‘everyone takes”, you will find them often duplicated. If you don’t like a price, or aren’t attached to specifics of quality like color, or baroque touches of workmanship-the souk is a world where there seems to be enough for everyone.

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Central areas and Treffpunkt^[3] pillars should be accessible to each souk (or school). These ‘pillars’ might look like a set of skills particular to that market that are necessary before going on to a next level.

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Favoring different but overlapping skill sets, a person might end up being a perfect fit for subject previously unfamiliar from his lineage.

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[Coming from our roots buried in the ground (or nest of family), to access our tree of life, we must first negotiate the trunk and boughs- before ending up in the leaves where light energizes its processes.

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Unless you happen to be like a  bird-unencumbered and ungrounded like I was coming from a foster family without expectations. My foster family mainly hoped I wouldn’t end up a criminal statistic- so they had a low bar for feeling successful with me.

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Compared to my “happy family” peers, I was free(r) to be myself – but still subject to societal conditioning.

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Currently societal messaging is overwhelmingly with its orientation towards problems and deficiencies. Focusing on comparisons of how a student does relative to others readily lends itself to coveting and recrimination. ]^[4]  

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The art of advocacy – haggling  

In the souk, one learns to stay quiet with our mouths unless for obligatory activities like haggling. It’s better to mostly be listening. So expressive language is mostly task oriented. This reduces gossiping.

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To get in and get out of the Souk, as you shop – you might haggle.

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Haggling is an entirely different way of interacting that anything modeled in the West.

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Haggling, individually bartering for a price, is quite different from sterility of price tags and shopping on-line- which barely takes effort to pull out a credit card. For some of us, haggling feels like ~work and being out of one’s comfort zone. After all, by haggling, you’re essentially judging by offering to pay only what you think an object is worth.

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Until recently, haggling at the souk was de rigeur. If you’re like me, and conflict avoidant – ‘arguing’ for a price, would be my last wish. And yet, this shows (me), if I really care to have it.

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[The cost of education for an individual might too, be considered negotiable; as well kids should learn to advocate what they want for themselves- without needing parental input.]

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With these extra steps between choosing and bringing said object home -people are directly engaged with the value of the mutually beneficial energy exchange (monies and ideas).

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Without a little practice, or good role models, it is hard to advocate for oneself; not all of us are naturals.

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While I may sound confident in my writing, In reality I’m a pushover and with conflicts can be inwardly flustered. The bartering aspect – raises, not lowers, my engagement threshold.

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So with the prospect of haggling, to stop and show interest, an item must be compelling. Thus acts as a ‘check’ to overspending.

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Haggling can^[5] sound like arguing- but according to a ‘form’ if you will – like using Robert’s rules (for me anyway).

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A session might go like this: You show interest in a given ware, the proprietor usually comes over right away (or slowly, depends on how they’ve sized you up).  He (rarely is it a she) might say enthusiastically– “I can give you a good price….”  -is his opening barter starter line.

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If I were more commanding, say I’ve looked around and know what others are charging, I might start by saying, “I’ll give you X for this”, and put him on the defensive, but I usually let him start.

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Though I’m sure there are those who find haggling invigorating, I’m drained- but like to watch others just the same – for me it’s like viewing a low stakes game or witnessing an auction. But then I’m ready for a nap.

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(If you’re naïve like me) you look admiringly at said object and say, “What’s your price?” (both) knowing well by my appearance I’ve a pocket full of cash.

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Then he suggests a price that’s “supposed to be high”, and I counter with something lower. You’re not supposed to just say, “yes” to him.

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To which he might say, “no-no-no, that’s too low”, and offer 5-10% or less from his starting offer.

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Going back and forth like seesaw, you eventually come to agree on a price – with extra discounts for bulk– or walk off.

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The price at the end reflects the patron’s basis against a merchant’s need for profit.

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If I were from another part of Egypt or Africa- and not so obviously American or European, he might well deal with me differently- give me a (much) lower price. * So yes, there are different prices.

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In fact this seems fairer – subsidizing the cost for others less well off- or born to less fortunate conditions. They might need an extra step-up. Just like our personal taxes pay proportionally towards our common infrastructure of schools, roads, and libraries.       Satisfaction   Maybe it’s OK for a student to self-advocate to be an ‘exception’- rather than having the parent do it for them; let kids declare their interests. For example I wanted to take an honors English limited to seniors, so I asked – and was given the go ahead when I was in tenth grade. More popular classes I had to wait for like chef cooking.

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This fostered my sense of autonomy. While I got a B in the former class-which was perfectly acceptable as long as it was interesting and challenging- my aspirations were for an affordable state college/university.

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Because each e-ducable customer in the souk/school receives at least a beginner’s knowledge, there is less sense of being taken advantage of and learned helplessness. One understands, even if doesn’t personally always like, the work it takes to create any given finished product. They know how to make one for themselves.

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Everyone should be able to sew a simple outfit, cook a small wholesome meal, and use tools appropriately – boys and girls.

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If they’re really engaged- love a subject, they might become masters, designers, and inventors. Individual variances will always spur niches for both finished products- and the tools needed to create them as they develop their expertise.

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For example, in culinary science entire cuisines have developed around soy and other pulse legumes. With soy we have fermented tofu which can be baked, broiled and fried, edamame,  tempeh, soy sauce, as well as lecithin, deserts and ice cream.

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Other legumes can be similarly processed; lately the collective has developed chickpea products; . What’s next?

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As globalization increases our knowledge of alternate diets, students gain opportunity to develop others similarly.

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Cost considerations  

As the central government is greatest beneficiary because it skims taxes off everyone coming and going, and a happy populous is productive, it has the motivation to fund the general infrastructure and start up costs. Leave special interests out of it.

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That said, of each subject today, there’s a low and high tech version; here and for the entire secondary school program, the Amish approach could be used as a model – so low tech. No need to use computers when you’re primarily using your hands.

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Start up costs might also be shared by “philanthropists” who want to invest in the common good.

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Costs for maintenance and upkeep would be paid for by general dues and offset by some tax investment of the local government – into a central community ’kitty’.

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Each participant would have the opportunity to participate in such tasks personally. Like our karate dojo – during every class the room is cleaned by the participants as a team (and on their knees). There is no need for light-duty janitor.

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Bathrooms and common areas likewise, should be cared for communally- as a rotating chore. On graduation, folks would have a much more robust appreciation for makes a healthy and pleasant infrastructure.  

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As a culture more understands adverse situations are result of astrology and destiny -meant for the spirit to be healed (and heeled) with the soul (and our soles- including the paths we tread), there will be fewer ‘excuses’ for accidents, and injury- hence lower insurance^[6].

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Switching to a positive approach for e-ducation, will lessen the need for neuroses stemming from separation anxiety, addictive behaviors from performance demands, and depression. Children shouldn’t start school until they’re ready and willing. Period. Forcing an unhappy child out of their nest before they’re ready creates a psychic rift – especially boys might feel this as a mother’s rejection.

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Like you can’t keep a good idea to yourself, there will always be improvements based on what has come before. This is what ‘history’ is for- to bring everyone up to speed on what’s been done already – so as not to continuously reinvent.

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Subconscious or conscious similarities will occur; until now, we call that copying or plagiarism. With the population growing as it does, there will always be niches for ‘improvements’ even if they’re subtle. Song progressions are subconsciously recorded but come out as “new songs” ten years later.   The more time one spends defending old ideas, they’ll have less opportunity for new ones. Legal bills will diminish when we learn to be more generous with knowledge.  

Time  

Because the souk has continuity, available to all ~in perpetuity, one can always return- and improve. One might even consider taking a course over again to refresh one’s insights or try a new one.

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For those who don’t want to leave – ‘paths’ now have added knowledgeable hands.

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If nothing really resonates -and there will always be a few students who seem challenging to reach, let them do the basic ‘grammar’ school, or even start with ‘field work’ (a version of gentle but unpaid labor); they will know when they are ready.  -Or- Let them stay home – but they get to do chores for their keeping.   (LOl, we all know the chores they do at home are a fraction of what come later – especially if they choose and get their own place to live in as they liked!) Their niche is further.

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In the case of indecisiveness, if why not follow the most gaily dressed guide that appeals to you? I chose whatever sounded interesting, and got occasional “Bs”.

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 Even if the first visits don’t go well, may they be encouraged to return again – or keep questing elsewhere. And may it be so that those who, while not fulfilled at the souk, aren’t unnecessarily dis-couraged from further studies. To be dis-couraged is to have ones heart dissed. Being dis-couraged creates psychic wounds and soul contraction.

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At least be proficient in the one-room school house basics! This will support confidence.  

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Layout of the Souk  

Regardless from which direction, and there are many, each participant has their own set of first impressions. These will be of course influenced by their family of origin’s moral and philosophical filters.

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Like a scintillating Celestine Prophecy, one may get a sense of being lead towards an ultimate goal by one’s inner guidance resonating externally. This is a good start. Don’t be discouraged if what seems ‘light’ now, is fashion at best.  As knowledge continues to be accrued and more broadly shared it will also be shown to be erroneous.

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So again, while some of what we learn from primary education is “wrong”, much won’t be – at least from a pragmatic and practical perspective. One will have gained valuable lessons regardless.  

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Unlike Venice, Frankfort, or Rome, and other cities with dense alleyways, there are no archways looking over water, or meeting landmarks like German Treffpunkts, nor open palazzos. The souk has few ‘breathing’ spots. Because of the density, passages are often jam-packed and hemmed in; then everyone stays together and goes at the same pace. Crowding reduces efficiency – we more readily notice our co-travelers more intimately (and this  distracts from our purpose. (It’s better to maintain social distancing). Classes should last no longer  than the morning with applied arts in the afternoon – and vice versa. It’s better to split classes than crowd.

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With alleys narrow- but a few people can walk abreast.  So it might be hard to get around others in two way traffic, never mind if you’re stuck in a vehicle- such s in a wheelchair, then you might have to rely on others to ‘carry’ you (more negotiating).

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Until you get the hang of it, or more patient, you could get a little frustrated. Especially if you’re like me – liking and wanting things done efficiently- always trying to run ahead.

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As one is forced to slow down- don’t forget to breathe.

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If you’re anxious, practice nadi shodanan (alternate nostril breathing) and maybe do some gentle isometrics – tensing and releasing – without moving noticeably. (Exercise doesn’t need be witnessed  to be effective.) Just standing tall, activates your core.

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Though there is little true center or open areas as I mentioned, there may be a few natural places to reconnoiter. Located around specific markets, these could be considered “third spaces” where you can meet some like-minded friend not of work or family.  Having such spaces would be nice for like minds to loiter and have a cup of tea or coffee.

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After all the sensory hubbub, ideally these areas would be designated with a matte and rounded icon as a soothing focal point to rest eyes; such an area could be a collection of stones and plants with low maintenance evergreens or even seasonal herbs or vegetables.

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After meeting at crossroads a traveler might then go ~anywhere.

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Each souk/school would have its own ‘mission’- standing for a collection of qualities and skills  all agree are necessary in order to be a useful apprentice.

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Ultimately we the customers are the ones who produce any market – by buying (of available goods) what we need and want- we reinforce what we have, and further fulfill our demands; most of these are programmed by forbearers’ conditioning.

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While there may not be an “optimal” education- community might define what everyone “must” know in order to have a fair chance- such as reading, writing, and general arithmetic-in order to basically navigate the souk or any market.  

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People can have “rudimentary” educations and still make millions from scratch (legally, I think) – like both sister and my grandfather -with his eighth grade and her U.S. public high school education (she later cobbled together a college degree – but didn’t need it.)

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It would also be nice to have ‘lost and found’ – including where you can ‘pick a guide up’ – who you feel resonate most closely with your ‘path’, especially if you feel lost (lost= l’ost- stuck in (and of the) ancestral bones) or have been over-sheltered).

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After mastering a Treffpunkt pillar, graduate students can be guides themselves – in that they can direction someone to or away from a direction. Teachers start a process and give outline. Nothing more. Teachers keep learning too participating in shows with their classes- seeing what other districts are doing.   Math   As such, the souk’s a good model to base real world math problems– relevant to the problems likely to be done with hobbies – and to understand basic algebra and geometry.

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Bring math alive -concepts will then sink in.

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It’s ok  if they don’t ‘get’ it all at once.  There are textbooks full of cool examples – studies of game theory, probability, and other topics most don’t even consider when they’re busy studying calculus and trigonometry.

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As much as I loved my 5 years of college math, I’ve used ~ none of it. But it was interesting an fun at the time.  

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The most important math I did learn was in chemistry balancing chemical equations and converting units I actually use that process.  

Economic benefits  

For the Egyptian government, the souk is an important resource. Money flows from commerce. Hundreds of proprietors with storefronts collectively fill several blocks. Sure there are tides, but commerce happens with each interaction.

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Maybe commerce isn’t happening exactly now, but exchanges might be later or gradual. Ultimately the souk/ school would be a sound investment.

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Percent of proceeds from salable products – craft fairs, cooking classes (and shows) will all bring in some version of fees -like Europe’s VAT, flow directly into the local coffers (or could, if designed that way).

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In addition to jobs from ongoing service and entertainment industry, development of this e-ducation would provide an additional form of resilient commerce for citizenry- and for organized entity that provides basic services – as opposed to ‘governing’ by an external source.

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This would stabilize both the US middle class and the world economy – especially since the US is by far the largest economy in the world (China a distant second)- despite the US being ~6% of the world’s population.

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For any given participant, depends on where they’re starting from –and family’s tacit supports.

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So far with our western democratic education, given test scores especially after summer’s end it would seem many families are not invested in current school programs. Why is this do you think? Could it be because, until now, our education system fails to e-duce them?    

Diversity  

For a couple being guided, he might notice a giant sword[11]; she copper pots. Neither see the rugs and gold filigree until later- but the smart guide knows to leave them last – when the end is nearing- used to ‘the system’ now, they can make important decision more clearly (or maybe less, if they’re fatigued).

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Coming from such and such direction and neighborhood likely follows statistical trends of what a patron might do next. Sure, AI will collect this data. The thing is any one individual, could represent an extreme and is not predictable!

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Consider how it is they get to the souk.  No two clients come by the exact same path – (unless they’re using a buddy system – committed to coming and leaving together.) You might imagine the direction of entrance and exit might impact your experience of the souk.

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In Cairo’s case, there are several entrances; most cluster on the east side of Nile river- opposite side from the desert.  Does a gate or direction – suggest the visitor’s purpose? On their way navigating the souk, did they pass by or have opportunity to see the same things –is unlikely, if not impossible in actuality. [In school, a teacher will provide a set of course material. As we all hear things differently, no two students will take the same notes. Likewise, if you asked a student to describe such- and -such as it happened, again, no two students will give identical answers. What they hear reflects where they are, so to speak.]

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Their direction of entrance presents them with separate opportunities. And yet, eventually, everyone in Cairo might one day make it there- to realize a version of the souk for themselves. * That one says they are going to the same souk/school – means then, almost nothing in actuality, other than referring to a general geographic location (especially to the casual observer, or eagle overhead).

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Here at the souk, extremes converge. This is why it’s nice to have mediators to bridge gaps when they occur- remind one of common courtesy. We all come from homes of a sort- not all observe similar etiquette. Some may seem more nurturing than others – yet all here to be e-duced and drawn from our restrictive home-bound shells that we may have even more opportunity than our parents.

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A funny thing- not everyone does need any one given thing– at least perhaps not this time, so there usually is enough of what you’re after. So it is very likely, if you are there for any one thing, you’re paths obtaining it will be different- even if you came in through the same entrance.

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Not everyone is part of the many tourist parades lead by gaily dressed confident (leaders) as they forge their way through the mazes lifting their parasols, using their voice to clear room for their promenade.

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Sometimes they need to advocate with more than please and thank-yous. (This teaches their ‘students’, to do the same later.)

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You can imagine over time though, those that serve the markets’ greatest desires, are the most flexible, and will be most resilient and successful- and with that gain most auspicious locations.

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Well, until recently anyway, as in literally the last couple of decades- compared with its longevity. The souk doesn’t really need tourists, but thrives more because of them.

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When I traveled as a younger  single woman, to find the most imposing architecture, gardens, or fine fabric shops (my favorite subjects for a picture or to support my sewing hobby), I’d buy a map and, with the help of tour books, decide on attractions I wanted to see and could reasonably accomplish without being rushed. 

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I’d invest time to understand the offerings and to get the most out an experience I’d read^[7] Moon, Insight, and/or Lonely Planet Guide’s descriptions  of ‘the souk’s best ‘. With that info I’d make lists of what to wear and do, print out and put it in my ring-bound travel folder with each day’s map of hotel, transportation, and sites I’d visit.

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Then, with itinerary in mind, I’d head off in a direction. Normally, I’d want to ‘poke’ around and explore the oldest part’s; find some interesting camera angles (without too many hu(e)-mans). Meandering with eventual goal in mind , visiting stations ~unplanned, like taking a “random” elective, brings opportunity for serendipity.  

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Because the souk is somewhat differentiated – spices in one section, textiles in another, etc, I can expect to immerse sequentially in several different sensory worlds each of which with its focus.

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I developed the approach as I solo traveled Europe, India, and Nepal. Being well prepared, I had rare mishaps or unpleasantness. I got to experience authenticity.

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You could say I had “skin in the game”. This is completely different from using a guide when itinerary’s ~ set. Then it’s easier to be passive. Being passive is required when your following someone else as a guide.

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Now, traveling as couple or family, I’d get everyone’s list, find the sights most agreed on – and we’d do those. Usually others’ ideas are as entertaining as my own, I’ve found. If my choice wasn’t amongst the favored, I might feel initially a little shortchanged- but now I know I usually have fun^[8] anyway.

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[Like not being able to take a specific elective because I failed to win the lottery- I might be pleasantly surprised by an alternate class.]

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If we couldn’t go to my favorites – I didn’t get to visit a several silk shops to compare and contrast,  I might defer purchase and opt to return for chance at another run through-if I were that interested. A second visit gives opportunity for more impulse purchasing.   Buddies   Since being married, I appreciate the power of “our” and “us”, especially when I’m going to go out to “shop”. Because I tend to be gullible, I appreciate my other half’s less attached observations. ‘Course if we both of like it, then out comes the wallet.

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I find I prefer traveling as an “our” and “us” now and not just me, because I am physically soft and bruise easily. “Our”, because as a woman, I like being accompanied in my pre-dotage.^[9] I love “us” having an extra set of eyes, hands, and heart with me too, especially traveling outside my comfort zone.

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Traveling with a partner or buddy –they can help me, and likewise, I’m there for them- especially if, G-d forbid, one needs to use a toilet- (or worse, she’s leaking on her period and needs freshening- blood is visible on her clothes – which can happen occasionally- especially if you’re a heavy bleeder (like I always was!). Then you might feel you need /want a private sink! Who wants to see blood swirling while brushing their teeth- one sink over!)

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Or maybe need a place to nurse – (you don’t see that in the souk either.)   * But then the souk isn’t especially fertile female supportive- nor has it ever been, at least until now. And yet in the US, empowering women during their multiple life stages creates several special economies, in addition to supporting her development they help her flourish. America’s wealth of “democratic” values and laws do enrich us (literally too).

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So to younger women, until the souk or school, caters to your special needs, I’d say, don’t bother visiting till later-like after menopause. Sure the proprietors miss out on your economic impact for 45 years. But so what! You’ll know value later, anyway and maybe won’t be so gullible like me.

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The souk’s the one losing your patronage.  After all, money is money, it doesn’t matter who spends it as far as a proprietor is concerned. They’re the ones losing out; it behooves them to increase accessiblity.

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Or maybe have bathrooms for neither; they don’t expect you to spend so much time you’d need to relieve yourself?! Plan the day so one goes home for lunch (and relieve oneself?)

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Since catering to special needs benefits both state receiving their percent, and proprietor, both should pay for special services and structures, proportionally. (If you build it, they will come- especially if there’s a spa around). Businesses, by their own taxes, should  fund accessibility for school programs.  Businesses are the ones who benefit- as well as society ultimately. (We will always be in need of solutions – from whatever ‘she’ (nature) throws at us.) 

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For all the hoopla about Egypt’s problems, the souk and Cairo are actually quite safe. But negotiating any unknown area the first time, even a guy should have a buddy. If you’re with a buddy and honor your common sense, you can help each other stay focused. 

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For women having a buddy is imperative. We can’t dominate with brain’s muscles, hands or our stature (as a rule), but with brain’s mouth. Arab men, in particular, take advantage of our delicacy. Otherwise you will be hassled, usually physically. When shopping I noticed women seem focused like hawks- looking neither right nor left as they traverse they alleys. They cling to themselves or their ‘body guards’.

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They seem to know where they’re going; Get in and get out – for them maybe the souk seems a hassle. Ask them about the souk, you might hear them say “it sucks”- especially if they don’t like being pinched and bumped. On them, the souk’s richness might be lost.  (Too bad too, when there is much to be gained- even if just a story line!)

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Currently, For boys- the souk’s different experience altogether, or might be. As masters of the land, they are free to go anywhere, or so it seems. They get to saunter, and take time looking around; to comment idly on this or that while they seem to be window shopping. Serendipity and synchronicities are favored – including mis-chief.  

Specialty classes   Sure there will always be a special item or brand everyone seems to stop to line up for in front of narrow storefront. If you want that, then so will you. A small crowd could form at these special places creating individual bottlenecks – narrowings where you might have to wait your turn before going again. * [Like trying to sign up for that special class might take extra efforts and inconvenience. Ultimately, if it seems important to you, you’ll make some sacrifices.]

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Just like best class and teacher for any given subject, the really good stuff at the souk, doesn’t have to be strutted.  It gets found, and sold, by word of mouth; if you’re lucky maybe be mentioned in a guidebook. This is true for any successful venture judged on merit.

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Especially if special or precious wares are to be accessible, they’re likely located in a centralized protected cloister. So to get to the specialized ‘good’ stuff, you need go more deeply into the souk itself – beyond the basics.

Making your way past a spectacle, progress is slower for that stretch. Keep to it then, go back to nadi-shodanan if your breathing has become shallow.

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Otherwise, you pass on by- and note, even if the map looked like it should have been faster, perhaps for you, it’s not the best route for next time.

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Once in a while you choose to pass by a thing you’d previously been hoping to get.

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For whatever reason, you feel put you off so you choose an alternate.

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Chances are, you’ll see the serendipity in retrospect- while not “ideal” at the time, you find a better fit elsewhere. Hopefully your guide won’t take it personally if they were aiming to get you into ‘Harvard’ of rug shops– but they are closed – so you get a second choice, like ”Yale or “Oxford”. You might find you prefer the latter’s patterns.  

Diversity  

Soma’s Psych receives vibrations, not articulations. She ‘believes’ what she hears in a speaker’s voice.

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Any publicly marginalized group, people who look and sound different from surroundings awash in one dominant culture, are subliminally reinforced (usually with media, but could be with perception of micro-aggressions) to believing they lack or are “less” then another group, class, or caste.

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Media conditions both sides by telling sad and desperate stories about individuals from said marginalized group. This draws attention to plight. -not positive contribution to society as they participate in it.

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One’s inner Holy Spirit shrinks as it is covered up by karmic goo, which we weigh with words.

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A rude proprietor or ‘beggar’ can’t see you, the tourist standing in front of them more than they see themselves- so treat them well for your best experience- and whether they give discount or not.

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Nonetheless, they think nothing of separating you from whatever it is you are flashing about living so near to bare sustenance- their virtual dog-eat-dog world while we (tourist) is snake eating its tail.)

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So I must warn of pickpockets- a sad, but necessary, reality. There will always be those who are looking to you to reinforce their own fixed beliefs. That doesn’t mean you have to. Don’t flash your bling while there.

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[Schools themselves don’t change values, but give tools to train and discriminate. Time and interactions with spirit of the place do though, so limit those with poor attitudes.

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Escort them out to return another day, when they’re in a more receptive place. You could also offer, a legume meal, guided exercise or meditation-first.]

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Otherwise you’re treating the souk/school as daycare, wasting time, space, and resources. Let the fractious do a short stint in public service instead -2,3,6 months. (let them choose).

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May it be so there’s also a ‘souk’ exchange program – to further apprentice skills within the context of completely different neighborhoods.   Offer languages too.

Impulsivity  

Impulse – reflects our force of “I want”. Impulses, (Imp – (p)ulses) are natural to have – and for your body healthy to exercise.

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Think of impulsivity as ‘pixies’ of excess static building up into a singularity- and as unresolved energy – looking for an outlet. With maturity, one learns about time, and place, and “May I”, as they learn to negotiate their barrage of inner impulses. 

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Impulsivity might arise from a teacher missing cues about students; when distracted from not being with teacher’s current groove, a student might act impulsively.

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If a class is having problems with impulsivity, as part of laws of quantum physics, what is going on from one individual – really reflects the tip of an ‘iceberg’.

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In that, as all students in a class are part of the same energetic collective corpus. While everyone is experiencing disturbance at some level – there will be those most sensitive.

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Whatever you’d choose to do to pun-ish, or prize, an impulse, you should do for all – including the teacher him or herself! Not only is that fair, you’ll get back on track faster. (So everybody do the ten jumping jacks or high steps in place).  

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Then lead the class in a moment of silence.

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Maybe a student might be taught to be proactive- raising their hand in a special way so teacher could finish a thought. It could be even a moment of silence for concentrating, after an especially important point- everyone has time to take good notes, formulate and ask questions.  

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Of any subject – even in college, what teacher is presenting is mere outline.  Everyone can benefit from connecting more dots by having good listening skills and being given time for questions. These are not to challenge, but stimulate and open a horizon.   

(Each class you could consider as an individual ‘horizon’. What you know at the end, compared to the first day or beginning of class–‘should’ bring you to another whole state of awareness).  

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Sensory

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Active year-round, the souk is a place of cacophony and business (busy-ness). It fulfills a definition of essential economy as it distributes items we’d use day-to-day.

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Entering  by any one of several directions, din (and djinn- energetic entities) greets you reaches you from the ground up. Each entity as emission, has it’s own version of coherence, or milieu. So when you get there, the souk grabs you.

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Dense packets of light photons and reverberant sounds reflect harshly off of wood and metal. Living textures, shapes and colors all move. I  could hear abayas swishing. One’s nose is filled with molecules of spices, wool, and perfumes.  Sound waves drift with exotic intervals and timbre to delight the ears and heart’s being.

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Catching your eyes with intricacies, the souk’s a place to spark curiosity. By it’s attractions, its a living Celestine Prophecy. For tourists entering from one or two major entrances shiny objects -light and metal cascade from displays- to inform one’s pathway. Each one could lead you in another direction – you could think of entity as possible fuel for inspiration.

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This is a good thing; one becomes engaged with novelty- especially if coming in from the ‘desert’ . The tenor of one’s initial engagement sets the stage; first impressions tend to last and linger.

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Entering the souk there is a sense of enjoining; like entering a fairground with numerous others. For those requiring a car (extra assistance) ~some parts of the souk might be inaccessible. (Though we now know with determination, everyone CAN do ~anything they may, when they’re willing to be carried – i.e. helped)

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School could be like this too- more attractive – instead of being akin to prison.   Individual courses   Individually though, generally each shop has it’s own focus – without distraction of multiple unrelated wares.

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Some offer hammered metals, jewelry, rugs and tapestries- stock keeps changing, never mind the functional souks more hidden from casual view.

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While the shops are often very similar- presentation is the difference. –Each reflects the proprietor’s personality. While one may feel there’s a sense of redundancy – as if they’re really selling everything the same, each shop has its niche, which appeals individually. When you look closely, you become aware of small differences. This sharpens discernment.

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Tourists  aren’t all interested in the same things- just ask any guide. So, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we all have different tastes, in reality there’s less competition than you’d imagine for whatever it is you’ve set your sights on. 

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Consider each particular craft has its own lineage of creation and history. Each one uses elements differently, each has utility, and being part of a ~caravan home, most people have a rudimentary awareness of any given item’s function. So each subject is relevant.

To share the beauty of any one shop, there might be a series of pop-up kiosks.

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Executing the creation of any Project entails learning about an order of operations, uses applied math and science, and ends up with a measurable and tangible result. Some of these skills are useful elsewhere. Tactile objects stimulate cortical sensory involvement with hand- eye coordination. Everyone learns how to use essential tools with some degree of proficiency.

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Learning and apprenticing about any individual ‘craft’ or activity later results in a version of portfolio.

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The souk/school would fit the definition of “third space”    https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/04/third-places-meet-new-people-pandemic/629468/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

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Oversight    

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Because there are so many paths into the souk, there is no focal point all pass by. If I were improving on it, I’d install both Treffpunkts and a lost and found.

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Maybe add a place to layaway. So folks can save up for a special project.

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Have the maps focus on a few special ‘landmarks” –to increase pedestrian flow to emphasize otherwise under- visited areas of the souk/school.  Set the ‘kiosks in the middle once in a while to slow downs traffic intentionally.

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Impulse buying- like sampling courses outside of strict majors, as a result is favored.   Notice the tendency to judge the evidence at the end of your shopping spree- compared to other patrons also leaving. Loaded with bags and articles (like getting titles) easy to feel proud and special- especially if you’ve been looking (and studying) carefully.   Know this is (too) another thing to care for and to protect. Don’t worry you can always come back.  Emphases can be shifted- as necessary or on a whim (choice).

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Like any other professional organization, guides should participate in a guild – so as to be of reliable service to the client – and be kept up to date with changes. The guild should be publicly supported – it’s in their best interest after all.   The guild defines what might be considered certifying basic competence- not the government(!)    Such as being able to read a map and guidebook for starters; being able to converse with the tourist (student), they might clearly speak their language and understand their value system.  

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As these specialized community infrastructures already each have guilds (and conventions)- to be a member, one might go through a typical apprenticeship (after high school)- or they might decide to get more formal education so they can enter the (in-)corporate world.    

 

Action  

The souk model is unlike our current educational system.

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Now school is only offered to those who are “age appropriate”- sidelining others who don’t fit into traditional inculcation.   IN the souk model, attendance age is fluid. Children start school when they’re ready. Like transitioning to solid foods is usually done gradually – some babies take longer than others.

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Participation is based on ability to follow directions. (It’s amazing what an 8 or 10 year old is capable of!  And they love to feel useful like the rest of us- even if they complain…!)

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May it be so we offer hope and new skills, instead of or at least in addition to what is now considered basic – with everybody aiming to be employee or caretaker (including doctors and lawyers).

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(Dealing with those in need or illness are roles that ‘force’ an individual to shrink obediently, not expand in their sovereignty^[10] which contributes to a provider’s mental health condition.

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You never know who could be a famous playwright. The last thing a ‘writer’ wants is to hear a teacher drone; Keep didactic classes short and have lot of ‘lab’ outside time.  Such as have class goes outside for 20 minutes- to a garden perhaps. With magnifying glass, observe a thing then come back to write and tell a story about it- like a paragraph. This will sharpen both observation and communication skills- useful when learning how to sew, cook, do woodwork.  

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For further anchoring the sensual experience of school, and help settle down participants into a souk/school day, why not add sweet pentatonic music ( even gentle chimes) and some grounding fragrance at entrances (like sandalwood, geranium, frankincense and/or patchouli?). Have them at separate openings. Rotate them. Keep things changing. Beautify the hallways with plants and handmade artwork. You could do this now. Minimize wall clutter in the classroom.

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The current system, teaching science, math, history as individual subjects – removes from usefulness and context. Especially when they’re so much fun and understandable when applied to real life.

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Without knowledge  in context we are trained to take orders and service-oriented – sixth house modern versions of servant and slave. 

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Foster hobbies – at the national level. The US will become much more productive – and happy. The basic ingredients are renewable and technology available- I bet we’ll be happier and use less.

These are some of my thoughts about American education.

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^[1] flow being defined as hormonal presence of serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine – which can only be expressed in the absence of pain and fear (adrenaline and cortisol). Endorphins are to relieve the body from physical pain – so aren’t necessary for flow. Whilst in flow the body doesn’t’t sense time anymore. We get into flow when we give a thing undivided attention.^[2] Our visit was towards the end of our Nile cruise as an add-on (which is not complete without a visit the souk), Cairo museum and pyramids. It was totally worth it; I’d do it again- along with any other city tours offered!^[3] ,  Der Treffpunkt is German, meeting points for walkers – also are places for Alephs- at least according to Paul Coelho (and I would agree- lol). Read more about Aleph here.^[4] Not coveting is specifically part of the Ten Commandments, as wishing for circumstances other than given, implies they aren’t perfect enough already. Following the Ten Commandments preserves one’s soul- and thus spirit.^[5] To me ‘peacenik’ (with anyone except Dad) haggling can sound a little like arguing: sharing a form of mildly animating passion–but with a stranger. Listen carefully, hear the heart songs beneath – like a subliminal tickertape.^[6] It’s reasonable to a centralized acute relief fund – for what mother nature throws at us.^[7] Each map and description in any book, is directed towards that author’s avatar – usually looks like them-from inside out. He/she may not reflect my interests at all, (as I have learned), but still offer reasonable starting places for further investigation. Maps are creative depictions of a terrain as recalled (by another’s sight and measuring) – in accordance with their own vibration, which is why it’s nice to have several. I love my topographical and terrain maps (much) more than Google. Visiting a place isn’t just for bus(y)- ness.^[8] Fun- פ Peh/ ו Vau-Yod/ נ Nun- named energetic sliver of G-d’s being in entity – so is spirit medicine. The souk also has soul medicine- fills out and expands our Spirit’s entity by enlarging our vessel, so it’s two for one. But really we’ll see there are ~ten, or more aspects to this ‘fun’ .^[9] Dotage – (when) one is done-days- not ‘doing’ any more. Age done with listening (d’ot-age) (down and away from the ear). What did we reap while we were listening? I hope I have a friend to accompany me – but a guide will do.^[10] As the sign of Cancer, ruled by the lens-shape moon, represents energy of nurturing and caretaking of our grounded ‘villa of self’- and what we call ‘home’, it should* be exercised ~8% of conscious waking time (like Me-di-nah  and Me-di-care.) Since I have Cancer on the 9^th house cusp, I ‘care’ about laws governing expansion and higher principles (and corpus of far away places); philosophy (which is how we physically are experienced (which is later in 12, judged), is what 9^th house is about. (*remember “should” means, “she would, if she could”.)When we nurture more than 8% consistently, the effect can be to focus and shrink – rather than project as expansion.

Reworking for now. Back soon.