It’s my dad’s birthday today!
In Egypt birthday cakes have sparklers on them, since candles are obviously not exciting enough. You WILL be excited when the cake comes out because it is ON FIRE.
The high-pitched trilling noise you hear is zaghrouta, which is a thing women (and some men) do here to indicate their elation at weddings, concerts, and celebrations of all kinds.
How to wish someone happy birthday in Arabic:
عيد ميلاد سعيد و كل سنة و أنت طيب
3eid milaad sa3eed
Happy Birthday
wa kul senna wa enta tayyeb (for women it’s wa enti tayyeba)
and may all years and you be well!
