On the morning of our first visit to “Garbage City,” I announced to my kids, in Arabic, that we were visiting the neighborhood of the zalaabiyeen. Their cheers alerted me to my mistake: I had meant to say zabbaaliyeen (garbage collectors) but what I actually said was zalaabyiyeen – “the donut makers.”
Despite the lack of fried bread, my kids enjoyed the outing, especially our visit to the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner and the Mario High Ropes Course. We’ve returned multiple times and always bring friends.
(St. Simon the Tanner Monaster and the Mario High Ropes Course – an unforgettable two-for-one outing)
Recently, we discovered another gem buried deep in the neighborhood of the zalaabiyeen – the Association for the Protection of the Environment (APE). The APE is a collective of local women with two goals: to make art out of trash and to restore dignity to the people of the community. They are achieving both goals tremendously.
(Ihlam – whose name means “dreams” – is making bags out of recycled paper)
The APE can be reached by Uber or private car. One can also walk or take a tuk tuk from the monastery. A walk from the monastery to the APE is only for those with a strong constitution and a commitment to respecting the residents of the neighborhood. It was eye-opening, even for a veteran adventurer such as myself.
(Look to the right of the truck and you’ll see the bundles of recycled plastic)
The ladies at the APE are a lovely bunch, Spend some time talking to these women. Get someone to translate for you and ask them to share their stories. This alone makes the trip worth every effort.
(Zoom in closely – can you see what this clutch is made of?)
As a side bonus, the quality of these artisans’ work is impeccable. Beauty from ashes, as they say. Paper from recycled fibers, purses from soda can tops, glass ornaments from bottes, oven mitts from old clothes. Warning: you will want to buy everything in the gift shop. Birthdays and Christmas gifts? Done. Your friends and family will thank you and you’ll have contributed to a noble cause. Win-win. Just take note: the APE is open from 8am-3pm every day except Friday and Sunday.
(The many lives of an espresso lid…)
What more can I say? Get on over there! Prepare to have your worldview expanded. You’ll thank me. You’re welcome.
