Tomorrow I leave for Indonesia. Finally. It seemed like this much awaited day would never arrive. My close family and friend's have been aware of this giant undertaking for almost a year now, but for those of you unaware of much of my project, I will briefly explain it.
Starting last September I starting applying for this amazing scholarship awarded by UD alum David Plastino for any "self-designed off-campus project". After almost a year of research, preparation, and interviews, I am ready to embark on this dream trip. I will be traveling to Indonesia for 30 days this summer and Egypt for 30 days next winter to conduct independent research in order to complete a senior thesis. As an Interntional Relations major focusing on the Middle East, my project naturally encompasses Islam, a multifaceted religion that I have become truly enthralled in. My thesis is entitiled, "Contrasting Indonesia and Egypt: the role of the hijab in public versus private life as a religious and cultural choice" and I will be interviewing young Muslim women who wear the hijab (headscarf) during these two months abroad to hopefully unveil (bad pun, I know) answers regarding where, when, and why the hijab is worn, mostly focusing on the difference between public and private life.
You may wonder- why Indonesia and Egypt??? Well, the reasons are simple. Most blatantly, Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation (serving as the home to over 200 million) and Egpyt is the world's most populous Arab nation. Additionally, I believe that studying a country outside of the turmoil of the Middle East is very important when studying such a politically powered garment as the hijab. I hope it turns out to be as interesting of a comparison as I anticipate.
This blog (my first!!) aims to inform, update, and hopefully entertain, any excited/interested/concerned friends and family as I partake in this sure-to-be-life-changing experience. I will try and update at least every other day, but I am not sure yet as to how my internet access will be.
Please comment and enjoy!
Liza
Liza, I am so excited for you this is going to be amazing, I love you! Mom
ReplyDeleteHello Liza, What a wonderful opportunity for you. You will have a much different opinion of the world when you finish this project. Hopefully for the better. Good luck and " damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." Uncle John
ReplyDeleteLIZA I am so sad that I missed your call today, I was at stupid camp, ugh little kids. But it was so good to hear your voice. I can't believe you're on the plane already - get some sleep, seriously, you emailed us at 2 am. Have an AMAZING time, I can't wait to hear all your stories first hand. Obviously we're going to sit on my bed for hours, I will most likely make cupcakes or cookies or maybe both and we'll pig out and catch up. I can't wait! Love you, be safe and have fun!
ReplyDeleteHey Liza-
ReplyDeleteI know you will have a wonderful time in both these countries. If you need contacts in Indonesia or Egypt, let me know.
Are you going to be back on Campus in the Fall?
If so, lets have a Hukka Rendezvous at Ali Baba...
Love,
Izzi
Looks like an interesting trip to say the least. I hope you have a fun and informative stay.
ReplyDeleteLiza,
ReplyDeleteYour extremely proud father shared your blog with me. I am excited for you and hope all goes well.
I would love to hear about some of the unique foods and forms of transportation you run into. Have a great time.
Rick Allen
Badger Cab
Hi Liza! Great to see you this weekend, hope you had a safe flight and that you have a wonderful month in Indonesia. I will be following your blog and can't wait to hear about your trip!
ReplyDeleteEmma