For the second country visit in the Arab World, the Logos Hope is docked in downtown Port Said (sigh-eed) for two weeks before journeying onto Beirut, Lebanon. During our stay, we've had the help of many local volunteers for tasks such as: translating, welcome desk, crowd control, and promoting different ship events, which were all sold out rapidly. Our main attraction, "International Night", features an array of cultural costumes, dances, music and entertainment in the Hope Theatre and is a crowd favorite. Last Friday we were only open the second half of the day and still experienced over nine thousand visitors, which explains the need for crowd control. The next day, we were even more blessed with twelve and half thousand people, making it a record day for the Logs Hope. Ever since I left the engine dept. to pursue the new role as Hope Experience shift leader, I've had the opportunity to meet countless locals and learn that Egyptians are more friendly than I'd ever imagine. Their desire to know more about America and share thoughts on their own culture can be enjoyable, yet overwhelming at times. Working on the visitor deck is as far opposite as you can get from working in the engine room (and more challenging in a lot of ways), but I have absolutely no regrets on this decision, and look forward to even greater challenges in the upcoming ports.
Despite the busy, busy days on board, crew members also share wonderful stories off the ship from being involved in children programs (pictured) to handing out information flyers to people throughout Port Said. The next blog post will be from a wonderful trip to Cairo which made my time in Egypt feel complete. Ma'Salema for now!
