This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011 [1].
There is another side to the ongoing revolution in Egypt, which is the daily life of those people sitting in on Tahrir Square [2]. For the past 12 days, they have remained on the square, eating, drinking, chanting, cheering – simply living there day and night. Life here has its own rhythm now, and the spirit on diplay is of a mini Utopia.
Mornings begin with physical exercises while chanting “Down down Mubarak!”.
As the day continues, and more people pour into the square, residents welcome them with more chants as @ashoukry [3] says:
The million pound question on everyone's mind, was asked by @Maysaloon [4] from Syria on Twitter:
Had a thought today, what are all those people in Tahrir Square doing for sanitation? I don't see any cubicles anywhere…
And so I replied [5]:
Either they use nearby mosques’ or underground public toilets, or nearby buildings, or shops. Some even return home & come back.
For instance @TAFATEFO [6] tweeted while staying on Tahrir Square himself:
With every that day passes, the mood on the square becomes more like a daily open carnival organised by the people and for the people. As @etharkamal [9] tweeted:
LOVE Egyptian ingenuity: for LE1 [one Egyptian pound] a 7antoor (horse carriage) will take you across Kasr El-Nil bridge to reach #tahrir #jan25
@Tarekshalaby [10] also added:
At Tahrir sq. you can find pop corn, couscous, sweet potatoes, sandwiches, tea & drinks! Egyptians know how to revolt! #jan25
At night, its much quieter, yet the same spirit prevails. @Tarekshalaby [14] said on Sunday night:
Cold n rainy night in Tahrir sq. Has been very festive/entertaining with songs n poetry. #jan25
@estr4ng3d [15] said:
Loud cheerful music playing now, people dancing & clapping #tahrir
One night people combined their chants in a song entitled “Power to the people” to celebrate Egyptian youth coming together for peace, freedom and change:
Some days behold different and special events, on Sunday @Ekramibrahim tweeted:
1 - [16] Christians and Muslims holding hands in #Tahrir and singing hymns after Coptic mass was a marvelous attitude never seen [before]. #Egypt #jan25
2 - [17] A couple got married today at #Tahrir. God bless the couple. Very creative and warm attitude. #Jan25 #Egypt
@estr4ng3d [18] expressed a feeling shared by many:
#Tahrir is definitely the happiest spot in #egypt right now. #jan25
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011 [1].