The honking and noise pollution. Especially since we live on a seriously busy main road. The honking only lets down between 3 and 6 am.
The taxi drivers that have no idea where ANYTHING is. Seriously, I've met maybe 2 that actually know where I need to go and I had a really bad experience with a crappy taxi driver by myself in the middle of the night. Not ok taxi drivers...
Living without a/c. The recent heat wave has made living in our place totally miserable.
That's all.
I'm not even going to bother making a "things I WILL miss" list because it would just go on and on.
We don't want to leave. But, ready or not, we have one week left.
Showing posts with label About Cairo Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Cairo Life. Show all posts
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Random Thoughts: Part II
Today Andrew and I went on a shopping spree. We bought a load of tacky souveniers, for the fun of it. Then we did grocery shopping and bought over 90 EGP (about 18 US dollars...) of foreign cheese. That's more money than we spend in a week living here. We have a cheese problem. And then we went to the vegetable market, where I bought 3 LARGE grocery bags full of assorted veggies for less than 1 US dollar. YOU CAN'T BEAT IT! It's all fresh, and it's all delicious.
At said veggie market, a man selling mint stopped Andrew and asked if I was his wife. Andrew said yes and the man congratulated Andrew and gave him a big high five. He then turned to me and said, "Miss, you are very beautiful and you are very sugar." We don't know what me being sugar actually means.
I got a rad henna tattoo done from a Sudanese woman. It was at her apartment that she shares with her mother and her children. She told us many Egyptian brides get henna done, and they often dress in traditional Indian clothes for their wedding's here in Egypt. Before I knew it, we were all playing dress us up in their home, wearing Indian sari's and loads of gold jewelry and dancing around like we were in a Bollywood film. Lots of pictures were taken.
I rode a camel at the Pyramids and my crotch STILL hurts. And those camels almost ate us alive, they are terrifying creatures.
Once I got spit on by a random man. And then when I yelled [and cursed] at him, he didn't even look at me or flinch so I still don't know if it was an accident or totally on purpose.
Tonight we went to a carnival. We don't know why there was a carnival, and we're still wondering what all those people were celebrating. All I know is that it was super shady, with lots of wandering hands trying to touch my down under girl parts, an excessive amount of LOUD music, plenty of street food, tons of lights, and just about everyone in the area showed up. There were also shoddy looking carnival rides that are going to break down any second. Oh, and there were fireworks thrown at us from balconies. All in all, it was AWESOME. I had a good time!
There are only a couple more weeks left for us here in Cairo. I am sad, I love my Egypt life and I honestly don't want to go home yet, it's too soon for us! I still have lots of pictures and stories to share, so be prepared for post overload the rest of this week while I play blog catchup.
Until next time,
your beautiful and sugar friend. bahahahahahahhaa.
At said veggie market, a man selling mint stopped Andrew and asked if I was his wife. Andrew said yes and the man congratulated Andrew and gave him a big high five. He then turned to me and said, "Miss, you are very beautiful and you are very sugar." We don't know what me being sugar actually means.
I got a rad henna tattoo done from a Sudanese woman. It was at her apartment that she shares with her mother and her children. She told us many Egyptian brides get henna done, and they often dress in traditional Indian clothes for their wedding's here in Egypt. Before I knew it, we were all playing dress us up in their home, wearing Indian sari's and loads of gold jewelry and dancing around like we were in a Bollywood film. Lots of pictures were taken.
I rode a camel at the Pyramids and my crotch STILL hurts. And those camels almost ate us alive, they are terrifying creatures.
Once I got spit on by a random man. And then when I yelled [and cursed] at him, he didn't even look at me or flinch so I still don't know if it was an accident or totally on purpose.
Tonight we went to a carnival. We don't know why there was a carnival, and we're still wondering what all those people were celebrating. All I know is that it was super shady, with lots of wandering hands trying to touch my down under girl parts, an excessive amount of LOUD music, plenty of street food, tons of lights, and just about everyone in the area showed up. There were also shoddy looking carnival rides that are going to break down any second. Oh, and there were fireworks thrown at us from balconies. All in all, it was AWESOME. I had a good time!
There are only a couple more weeks left for us here in Cairo. I am sad, I love my Egypt life and I honestly don't want to go home yet, it's too soon for us! I still have lots of pictures and stories to share, so be prepared for post overload the rest of this week while I play blog catchup.
Until next time,
your beautiful and sugar friend. bahahahahahahhaa.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Q&A
What brought you to Egypt?
My husband is a Middle East Studies major and part of that is learning how to speak Arabic. We are on a study abroad and he is in an intensive language program with about 40 other students. His skills are coming along and we [bahah but really, HE, not so much "we"...] are on track to graduate next April. (WOO hoo!!!) We live in Cairo with another couple, Jake and Chelsi and they are rock star roomates. We are so lucky! While Andrew works his buns off during the day, I have adventures around Cairo. We dig our fantastic life.
How in the hell do you guys share a bathroom?!
I'm not going to lie, it is a bit tricky. Personally, I haven't had to fight anyone for bathroom rights yet (I hope Chelsi and Jake don't feel like they have either!) but we just try to be extra considerate of our roomates and limit our useage.
Showering together with our spouses helps too. Saving water AND time. Genius! [TMI? Yeah, probably!]
Can you bring me back falafel?
I can’t bring food out of the country! [You know I'd be all up on those ho-ho's!!!!!] LAME. But don't fret, there is a KILLER falafel restaraunt in SLC- party when we get back in the Fall!
I want to know more about the surreal things there. Like the pyramids instead of mountains and the PSA adds. I think those are fascinating.
Pyramids were a TRIP. I can't even describe it. I spent 2 months here before I actually went to "see" them [on a clear day you can totally see them from the top of my apartment building!] but the whole experience was surreal! I mean, I've wanted to see the pyramids since I was in 4th grade! It was a dream come true. Some people will never leave their country and I'm crossing things off my bucket list one day at a time. I feel pretty dang blessed, that is for SURE.
My entire exsistence here right now is pretty craaaazy. It is totally mind blowing to live in a country with so much history- a country that has been occupied since- forever? CLEOPATRA walked where I walked. We went to Luxor to see all the Temples and tombs and I've stood in the Holy of Holies, where hundreds of Pharohs ‘met the Gods’. I swam in the Red Sea that was once parted by Moses. It’s a mind trip when you think about it!
And as far as weird things like PSA ads and such, let me tell you- we were watching T.V. one night and this strange commercial came on. I don’t even know how to explain it, but basically the commercial was for this special face cream for Egyptians that will turn your dark skin tone into a lighter skin tone, so you look more “white”. We thought that was so strange. Here I am, baking myself brown, and they’re trying to look lighter. There’s a cultural difference if I’ve ever heard one!
Because I am an ex-McDonalds GM... please tell me whats on the menu there. I've hear about some whacky things in different places.
My favorite thing on the Egyptian McDonalds menu- the “McArabia”. It’s basically a thin chicken or meat patty inside a pita bread. I’m lovin’ it. [Good on, eh?]
What do you miss the most?
I miss being able to talk to my family whenever I want. It’s hard trying to work out a good communication schedule when I’m 10 hours ahead and when I don’t have access to a phone. Skype is a lifesaver. I also miss Café Rio like nobodys business. MMMMMMMMMM.
What do you guys do to cool off before going to sleep with no AC? I can never sleep when its too hot!
Step one: Remove all clothing. [DUH! ....Wait, TMI again?! FAIL.]
Step two: Cold shower.
Step three: Soak bedding in cold water.
Step four: Turn on fan to full blast.
Step five: If Steps 1-4 aren't enough, get the ice packs out of the freezer and start getting creative.
What are some of the coolest things you have learned about Egyptian culture that made you say "WOWZA!"
That’s a hard one! Hmmmm. I am constantly amazed by the work ethic of the lower class Egyptians. They learn to work at such a young age and they dedicate themselves to their trade- it’s their way of survival. I see 3 year olds managing fruit stands on my street. There are tons of cultural differences, so let's talk about that in another blog post... :)
Have you eaten anything over there that you found completely revolting?
Sugar cane juice. I HATE it. I think it tastes like sugar water mixed with dirt, bacteria and a little bit of urine. YUCK. I despise that stuff and all of our Egyptian friends try to get me to drink it and sometimes to be polite I have to swallow it down and try hard to control my gag reflex. UGH. As far as food goes, I haven’t had anything too shocking… yet. But I did see a goat getting slaughtered on my street in front of a butcher shop today. I almost threw up, but it was an interesting site, nonetheless.
What SPF sunscreen do you use to keep Andrew from cooking up like a lobster?
I fear that nothing we use for Andrews fair skin will ever fully protect him, but right now we frequently apply an expensive brand of SPF 30. He still burns. BUT, Andrew claims that he is getting some “color” and he’s pretty pumped about it. We check his bod for more tan lines everyday, he is almost African. Almost.
What has been your best/most rewarding community service experience since you've been there?
Every Sunday we work with an NGO that provides a program for “Street Kids”. I've only been 3 times so far, but every time it has been awesome and I really enjoy myself. It’s basically boys between the ages of 5-16 who have dropped out of school to work for their families. They meet every Sunday (their only day off from work, usually) and we do Arabic lessons, play sports, do art projects, eat good food and basically have a “school” day to substitute for their lack of actual schooling. It’s a small NGO but I think they’re making a serious impact on these boys lives. I taught them the Hokey Pokey last week and we did it 5 times together. They can’t get enough of that stuff. Or they just like laughing at the crazy American girl singing and dancing around to the Hokey Pokey, but either way, I’ll do anything for a smile.
How much do you LOOOVVVVEEEEE it there????
SO MUCH. Cairo definitely has its ups and its downs, just like everywhere else. It’s so hot. We have no a/c, and we have to walk everywhere. I get verbally harassed all the time, and although it can get mega annoying (especially if I’m already having a bad day) I never feel like I’m in danger.
I love adventures. I love learning about Egyptian life and culture. And I love living in Egypt.
Much loves,
M.
My husband is a Middle East Studies major and part of that is learning how to speak Arabic. We are on a study abroad and he is in an intensive language program with about 40 other students. His skills are coming along and we [bahah but really, HE, not so much "we"...] are on track to graduate next April. (WOO hoo!!!) We live in Cairo with another couple, Jake and Chelsi and they are rock star roomates. We are so lucky! While Andrew works his buns off during the day, I have adventures around Cairo. We dig our fantastic life.
How in the hell do you guys share a bathroom?!
I'm not going to lie, it is a bit tricky. Personally, I haven't had to fight anyone for bathroom rights yet (I hope Chelsi and Jake don't feel like they have either!) but we just try to be extra considerate of our roomates and limit our useage.
Showering together with our spouses helps too. Saving water AND time. Genius! [TMI? Yeah, probably!]
Can you bring me back falafel?
I can’t bring food out of the country! [You know I'd be all up on those ho-ho's!!!!!] LAME. But don't fret, there is a KILLER falafel restaraunt in SLC- party when we get back in the Fall!
I want to know more about the surreal things there. Like the pyramids instead of mountains and the PSA adds. I think those are fascinating.
Pyramids were a TRIP. I can't even describe it. I spent 2 months here before I actually went to "see" them [on a clear day you can totally see them from the top of my apartment building!] but the whole experience was surreal! I mean, I've wanted to see the pyramids since I was in 4th grade! It was a dream come true. Some people will never leave their country and I'm crossing things off my bucket list one day at a time. I feel pretty dang blessed, that is for SURE.
My entire exsistence here right now is pretty craaaazy. It is totally mind blowing to live in a country with so much history- a country that has been occupied since- forever? CLEOPATRA walked where I walked. We went to Luxor to see all the Temples and tombs and I've stood in the Holy of Holies, where hundreds of Pharohs ‘met the Gods’. I swam in the Red Sea that was once parted by Moses. It’s a mind trip when you think about it!
And as far as weird things like PSA ads and such, let me tell you- we were watching T.V. one night and this strange commercial came on. I don’t even know how to explain it, but basically the commercial was for this special face cream for Egyptians that will turn your dark skin tone into a lighter skin tone, so you look more “white”. We thought that was so strange. Here I am, baking myself brown, and they’re trying to look lighter. There’s a cultural difference if I’ve ever heard one!
Because I am an ex-McDonalds GM... please tell me whats on the menu there. I've hear about some whacky things in different places.
My favorite thing on the Egyptian McDonalds menu- the “McArabia”. It’s basically a thin chicken or meat patty inside a pita bread. I’m lovin’ it. [Good on, eh?]
What do you miss the most?
I miss being able to talk to my family whenever I want. It’s hard trying to work out a good communication schedule when I’m 10 hours ahead and when I don’t have access to a phone. Skype is a lifesaver. I also miss Café Rio like nobodys business. MMMMMMMMMM.
What do you guys do to cool off before going to sleep with no AC? I can never sleep when its too hot!
Step one: Remove all clothing. [DUH! ....Wait, TMI again?! FAIL.]
Step two: Cold shower.
Step three: Soak bedding in cold water.
Step four: Turn on fan to full blast.
Step five: If Steps 1-4 aren't enough, get the ice packs out of the freezer and start getting creative.
What are some of the coolest things you have learned about Egyptian culture that made you say "WOWZA!"
That’s a hard one! Hmmmm. I am constantly amazed by the work ethic of the lower class Egyptians. They learn to work at such a young age and they dedicate themselves to their trade- it’s their way of survival. I see 3 year olds managing fruit stands on my street. There are tons of cultural differences, so let's talk about that in another blog post... :)
Have you eaten anything over there that you found completely revolting?
Sugar cane juice. I HATE it. I think it tastes like sugar water mixed with dirt, bacteria and a little bit of urine. YUCK. I despise that stuff and all of our Egyptian friends try to get me to drink it and sometimes to be polite I have to swallow it down and try hard to control my gag reflex. UGH. As far as food goes, I haven’t had anything too shocking… yet. But I did see a goat getting slaughtered on my street in front of a butcher shop today. I almost threw up, but it was an interesting site, nonetheless.
What SPF sunscreen do you use to keep Andrew from cooking up like a lobster?
I fear that nothing we use for Andrews fair skin will ever fully protect him, but right now we frequently apply an expensive brand of SPF 30. He still burns. BUT, Andrew claims that he is getting some “color” and he’s pretty pumped about it. We check his bod for more tan lines everyday, he is almost African. Almost.
What has been your best/most rewarding community service experience since you've been there?
Every Sunday we work with an NGO that provides a program for “Street Kids”. I've only been 3 times so far, but every time it has been awesome and I really enjoy myself. It’s basically boys between the ages of 5-16 who have dropped out of school to work for their families. They meet every Sunday (their only day off from work, usually) and we do Arabic lessons, play sports, do art projects, eat good food and basically have a “school” day to substitute for their lack of actual schooling. It’s a small NGO but I think they’re making a serious impact on these boys lives. I taught them the Hokey Pokey last week and we did it 5 times together. They can’t get enough of that stuff. Or they just like laughing at the crazy American girl singing and dancing around to the Hokey Pokey, but either way, I’ll do anything for a smile.
How much do you LOOOVVVVEEEEE it there????
SO MUCH. Cairo definitely has its ups and its downs, just like everywhere else. It’s so hot. We have no a/c, and we have to walk everywhere. I get verbally harassed all the time, and although it can get mega annoying (especially if I’m already having a bad day) I never feel like I’m in danger.
I love adventures. I love learning about Egyptian life and culture. And I love living in Egypt.
Much loves,
M.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Would you live in Egypt?
I have much to write about.
But while I get my thoughts, pictures, and witty megalicious-isms together, tell me:
What are YOUR questions for ME?
Leave me a comment. Ask me anything, and I'll tell all!
If you wanna know what I eat or how I try to communicate in broken Arabic, or the funniest things an Arab has said or just what I do in my daily life, this is the place to submit those questions about my 'expat life' experience in Cairo.
You can even ask me about the shower arrangements for 4 people living with one bathroom.
[Can't wait.]
Cheers,
M.
But while I get my thoughts, pictures, and witty megalicious-isms together, tell me:
What are YOUR questions for ME?
Leave me a comment. Ask me anything, and I'll tell all!
If you wanna know what I eat or how I try to communicate in broken Arabic, or the funniest things an Arab has said or just what I do in my daily life, this is the place to submit those questions about my 'expat life' experience in Cairo.
You can even ask me about the shower arrangements for 4 people living with one bathroom.
[Can't wait.]
Cheers,
M.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Have you been to the Red Sea lately?
We have good friends in Cairo.
Some of our good friends have access to a condo, 10 minutes from a private beach, at a swanky stretch of the Red Sea.
Only 1.5 hours from where we live in Cairo.
We are lucky.
I even conquered some serious fears and I went snorkeling (twice!) in the OCEAN. The OCEAN people! And I lived to tell this tale.
Part of the complex- and the first green grass we've seen in all of Egypt!
Megs and Andy, our first night at the beach.
Egyptians don't wake up for early morning beach days apparently. We were the first!
Pre panic attack. I was so scared!
Post panic attack. Round 2!!! The weather was so nice, the water was SO CLEAR, and the reef was amazing, and the fishies were more curious than scared of us. I love to snorkel.
On our way home after some baking in the sun! Thank you Heiss's!!!!!
We loved every second of our quick trip!
We are leaving tonight to take a night train (Darjeeling Limited anyone?!) to Luxor, Egypt and then stopping for a night in Hurghada on the way home- that's right. We're going to the Red Sea AGAIN.
Le sigh... It's a hard life.
We love Egypt, and we love all of our friends and family and stranges that read our little travel blog.
Leave us some love through comments- anyone can!!!
Do it, I know you want to.
From your little Mermaid (<-- that was for you Chels and Carolee.)
M.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
You learn something every day if you pay attention
I have been living in Egypt for a whole month now! It is so cliche, but the time really has flown by!
I spend my days doing all kinds of things. Some days I work with the other wives and the LDS Service Missionaries on various humanitarian projects throughout Cairo. Some days I lay by the pool and hang out in the club. And some days I get to spend precious time with my boyfriend (who is constantly loaded with schoolwork) eating out together, watching a movie, or exploring different areas of our Maadi.
Life in Cairo is good to me. I don't have a 9-5 job (miss you, UCCU!), I get to sleep in most of the time, and I pretty much have no serious worries or stress. I especially love being able to do humanitarian work because I start to think less of 'me' and more of others, and that is when I am most happy- when I am able to serve others.
I have learned a lot the past few weeks in Cairo.
I have learned that living abroad is totally possible for a Mormon family- the LDS Branch here is amazing, and all of the expat families are wonderful. Most of the wives and their kids have had a very positive experience with living abroad and they are very happy with their lives.
I have learned that my body is stronger than I think. If you would have told me we would walk and walk and walk everyday, and sweat buckets and be hot all the time, and that I would be totally ok with it (most of the time...) I would have laughed in your face. But it's so good for me and I am getting stronger and more fit everyday. That being said, I have learned how to live without a car! And I have learned to drink more water than usual so I can stay hydrated. Who needs a tape worm now?! Not this girl!
I have learned that cold showers work wonders. We don't need a/c, as long as the cold water keeps running!
I have learned that putting lots of effort into your look here in Cairo is really just a waste- with the amount I sweat, heavy makeup and eyeliner and cute clothes equals a bad, baaaaaad idea. And that's ok! I like looking like I'm glowing and on my way to a safari everyday.
I have learned half of the Arabic alphabet, and I can successfully begin conversations ('Hello', 'How are you', 'Where are you from' etc), count and write 1-10, buy food and drinks from street vendors, and navigate my way in a taxi.
I have learned to stand up for myself when Arab men try to push me around! (Refer to below story about the pool... haha.)
I have learned that you shouldn't eat falafel 6 days in a row, or else you will be home sick with constipation on an otherwise fun Saturday.
I have learned that I feel more independent and adventerous without a cellphone- others might prefer that I get one, but I like not worrying about it!
I have learned more about Arab women, and my previous judgements have been altered already. There is much about the Muslim world that I don't understand, but I'm trying.
I have learned to look forward to the call to prayer. It is a reminder of religion and prayer 3, 4, 5 or more times a day, when I listen for it.
I have learned how to use a loom to make baby caps, and how to teach the Hokey Pokey to 25 little boys who need some fun in their lives.
I have learned that we are all humans and we are all God's children, Egyptian or American, Chinese or Brazillian. And I have learned that I love living in Cairo!!! Sometimes I get really annoyed and frustrated, and really hot and sweaty, but I amd trying to be patient and happy, and I know this is where I need to be right now.
I am grateful I am here with Andrew and that we are living the dream, one adventure at a time!
This experience is changing my life for the better.
Much loves from Egypt,
M.
I spend my days doing all kinds of things. Some days I work with the other wives and the LDS Service Missionaries on various humanitarian projects throughout Cairo. Some days I lay by the pool and hang out in the club. And some days I get to spend precious time with my boyfriend (who is constantly loaded with schoolwork) eating out together, watching a movie, or exploring different areas of our Maadi.
Life in Cairo is good to me. I don't have a 9-5 job (miss you, UCCU!), I get to sleep in most of the time, and I pretty much have no serious worries or stress. I especially love being able to do humanitarian work because I start to think less of 'me' and more of others, and that is when I am most happy- when I am able to serve others.
I have learned a lot the past few weeks in Cairo.
I have learned that living abroad is totally possible for a Mormon family- the LDS Branch here is amazing, and all of the expat families are wonderful. Most of the wives and their kids have had a very positive experience with living abroad and they are very happy with their lives.
I have learned that my body is stronger than I think. If you would have told me we would walk and walk and walk everyday, and sweat buckets and be hot all the time, and that I would be totally ok with it (most of the time...) I would have laughed in your face. But it's so good for me and I am getting stronger and more fit everyday. That being said, I have learned how to live without a car! And I have learned to drink more water than usual so I can stay hydrated. Who needs a tape worm now?! Not this girl!
I have learned that cold showers work wonders. We don't need a/c, as long as the cold water keeps running!
I have learned that putting lots of effort into your look here in Cairo is really just a waste- with the amount I sweat, heavy makeup and eyeliner and cute clothes equals a bad, baaaaaad idea. And that's ok! I like looking like I'm glowing and on my way to a safari everyday.
I have learned half of the Arabic alphabet, and I can successfully begin conversations ('Hello', 'How are you', 'Where are you from' etc), count and write 1-10, buy food and drinks from street vendors, and navigate my way in a taxi.
I have learned to stand up for myself when Arab men try to push me around! (Refer to below story about the pool... haha.)
I have learned that you shouldn't eat falafel 6 days in a row, or else you will be home sick with constipation on an otherwise fun Saturday.
I have learned that I feel more independent and adventerous without a cellphone- others might prefer that I get one, but I like not worrying about it!
I have learned more about Arab women, and my previous judgements have been altered already. There is much about the Muslim world that I don't understand, but I'm trying.
I have learned to look forward to the call to prayer. It is a reminder of religion and prayer 3, 4, 5 or more times a day, when I listen for it.
I have learned how to use a loom to make baby caps, and how to teach the Hokey Pokey to 25 little boys who need some fun in their lives.
I have learned that we are all humans and we are all God's children, Egyptian or American, Chinese or Brazillian. And I have learned that I love living in Cairo!!! Sometimes I get really annoyed and frustrated, and really hot and sweaty, but I amd trying to be patient and happy, and I know this is where I need to be right now.
I am grateful I am here with Andrew and that we are living the dream, one adventure at a time!
This experience is changing my life for the better.
Much loves from Egypt,
M.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Women's hair is strong than men's
....and so, they make us wear swim caps at the pool.
Oh, Cairo.
p.s. I love the new friend's I've made here.
Above is Chelsi, Carolee, Karina, Sarah, and I. (Cait and Baby were missing!!!) They are the cooooolest.
They're also just as goofy as I am.
See?
Happy swimming in +100 degree weather,
M
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Picture Essay.
Here's where I live.
Here's our apartment.
Here's who I play with.
Here's where we play.
Here's where I eat.
Here is me having fun in a dress.
I got those rollerblades the other day for free. It has improved my Cairo life by at least 86%.
Keep on traveling,
M.
Here's who I play with.
Here's where we play.
Here's where I eat.
Here is me having fun in a dress.
I got those rollerblades the other day for free. It has improved my Cairo life by at least 86%.
Keep on traveling,
M.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Our week goes a little something like this.
Here's how it's done in Cairo:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday= School days! It's just like in the states, the work week schedule just starts one day earlier.
Here's where it really gets weird....
Friday= the day of Prayer in Egypt, therefore, on Sunday's, us Christians and Muslims and all faiths alike attend our respective Churches and worship services. It is a mind trip, and I'm still trying to get used to going to Church on Friday morning.
Saturday= totally normal! At least we can always count on Saturday's to be Saturday's wherever we go in the world.
Crazy, huh?? It is still so weird to me that when I get out of Church on Friday morning, the weekend is only just begun! I kinda like it.
I could get used to this.
Cheers-
M.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday= School days! It's just like in the states, the work week schedule just starts one day earlier.
Here's where it really gets weird....
Friday= the day of Prayer in Egypt, therefore, on Sunday's, us Christians and Muslims and all faiths alike attend our respective Churches and worship services. It is a mind trip, and I'm still trying to get used to going to Church on Friday morning.
Saturday= totally normal! At least we can always count on Saturday's to be Saturday's wherever we go in the world.
Crazy, huh?? It is still so weird to me that when I get out of Church on Friday morning, the weekend is only just begun! I kinda like it.
I could get used to this.
Cheers-
M.
Monday, April 26, 2010
You say Goodbye, I say Hello
After lots of packing (like 4 boxes just for Megan's shoes kind of packing...) we are finally wrapping things up around here for the big move. In fact, one of us is already on the other side of the planet!
Andrew left to Cairo on SATURDAY! Gaaaaaaaaaah!
I miss his face. It came SO FAST. It feels like somewhere between running errands, moving boxes, organizing everything we own, Andrew up and left to Cairo without me. Ok, ok, not "without" me, but definitely without me until I get there in 2 weeks! I'm trying to be brave, let's talk about something else...
I get asked the same questions alot- "What are you wearing?!"(refer to last post...) "Why are you going?!" "Are you scared?!" "What will you do?!"
Here's a mini question and answer session, from me to you.
WHO is going to Cairo: Andrew. And Megan.
WHAT is going on in Cairo: Andrew is a Middle East Studies Arabic major at Brigham Young University. As part of his major, he is required to do a study abroad for one semester before his senior year. He will be studying Arabic at a private institute in Cairo. It will be a seriously intense language program and his Arabic skills are only going to get better! Megs will be playing with the other wives, doing lots of outdoor activities at the Sports Club, maybe learning to cook (maybe...), hopefully volunteering in some local orphanages, and wanting to find some Muslim women to become friends with.
WHERE is Cairo: In Egypt, duuuuuh. North Africa, Middle East, whatever you want to call it. Do I need to get a map for you? *cough, cough, AUNT TRINA, cough cough, AUNT KRISTI!!?*
WHEN are you going to Cairo: Andy pants is long gone. I fly out from PHX on May 11. Our time in Egypt will be over on August 1st, then we will spend a week in London touring grad schools and visiting family until August 7th. Then back to Poootah.
WHY are you going to Cairo: Because that's how we roll. You will quickly learn, MegAndy do everything BIG. Moving to Egypt, it aint no thang.
I am hoping to get another detailed email from Mr. Howell in the next few hours, explaining his first day experience in Cairo so far. All I got in the first email was, "Hey, I'm here, I'm safe, I miss you, Cairo is crazy, Arabic is hard, the pyramids are magical, and all the guys laughed on me on the bus."
......well Andrew, when you go out carrying around a medium size, LILAC colored, rolly suitcase, those things might happen.
Little did they know that suitcase was filled with a 3 month supply of anti-diarrrhea medication and tampons. He is a good man who takes good care of his wife.
Until next time....
Cheers!
Megs
Saying our goodbyes to the Yellow House.
And evidence of the purple suitcase....
Andrew left to Cairo on SATURDAY! Gaaaaaaaaaah!
I miss his face. It came SO FAST. It feels like somewhere between running errands, moving boxes, organizing everything we own, Andrew up and left to Cairo without me. Ok, ok, not "without" me, but definitely without me until I get there in 2 weeks! I'm trying to be brave, let's talk about something else...
I get asked the same questions alot- "What are you wearing?!"(refer to last post...) "Why are you going?!" "Are you scared?!" "What will you do?!"
Here's a mini question and answer session, from me to you.
WHO is going to Cairo: Andrew. And Megan.
WHAT is going on in Cairo: Andrew is a Middle East Studies Arabic major at Brigham Young University. As part of his major, he is required to do a study abroad for one semester before his senior year. He will be studying Arabic at a private institute in Cairo. It will be a seriously intense language program and his Arabic skills are only going to get better! Megs will be playing with the other wives, doing lots of outdoor activities at the Sports Club, maybe learning to cook (maybe...), hopefully volunteering in some local orphanages, and wanting to find some Muslim women to become friends with.
WHERE is Cairo: In Egypt, duuuuuh. North Africa, Middle East, whatever you want to call it. Do I need to get a map for you? *cough, cough, AUNT TRINA, cough cough, AUNT KRISTI!!?*
WHEN are you going to Cairo: Andy pants is long gone. I fly out from PHX on May 11. Our time in Egypt will be over on August 1st, then we will spend a week in London touring grad schools and visiting family until August 7th. Then back to Poootah.
WHY are you going to Cairo: Because that's how we roll. You will quickly learn, MegAndy do everything BIG. Moving to Egypt, it aint no thang.
I am hoping to get another detailed email from Mr. Howell in the next few hours, explaining his first day experience in Cairo so far. All I got in the first email was, "Hey, I'm here, I'm safe, I miss you, Cairo is crazy, Arabic is hard, the pyramids are magical, and all the guys laughed on me on the bus."
......well Andrew, when you go out carrying around a medium size, LILAC colored, rolly suitcase, those things might happen.
Little did they know that suitcase was filled with a 3 month supply of anti-diarrrhea medication and tampons. He is a good man who takes good care of his wife.
Until next time....
Cheers!
Megs
Saying our goodbyes to the Yellow House.
See you soon my love!
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