Egyptian activists invited me along to the working-class Imbaba area of the city, instead of going to the known protests in central Cairo. They chose the neighborhood to show solidarity with protesters in areas of the city where they knew media and experienced activists wouldn't be, and to make sure that support was available if needed.

This morning, after a night of violent clashes that left five dead and 800 injured, anti-regime protesters in Cairo's central square braced themselves for further confrontations with Mubarak supporters.

Hend is walking slowly, one halting step at a time. The 79-year-old pauses to rest on a raised curb across from two burned-out state security trucks and the looted headquarters of Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party. The streets surrounding Cairo's central square are closed to cars, and getting to the massive gathering in Midan Tahrir is taking a lot of energy, but Hend is unwavering. After five minutes, she gets up and starts shuffling forward again.