I thought I would faithfully update this blog but alas I haven't had much enthusiasm with it.
I've been spending my time apartment hunting still, I found a great one but the paperwork fell through so the hunt will resume later this week or next because this weekend is Eid and nothing will be done at this time.
The week before last I celebrated my 30th birthday, it was okay definitely not a memorable one. Its weird being pregnant and a bit lonely on your birthday in another country. Ahmeds family was very sweet and surprised me with a cake which was thoughtful but I just wished to be able to spend this day with my love.
I have periodic love/hate days towards Egypt. I don't think it will ever truly feel like my home. I am too different from the culture to meld with it in the long term. In truth my nature is a bit on the quiet side, I love relaxation and no stress. I love feeling free and giggly also but I haven't had very many of those moments. I'm sure pregnancy adds to this also.
I'm ready to settle with a flat and begin the moving process. 6th Oct is a significantly quieter and cleaner satellite city of Cairo so its a great start for us. Ahmed won't be returning till Mid Oct so he's staying an addition month, three in total. I am both happy and incredibly sad for this. It's a great experience for him definitely but I wish he was here to experience our first child together, to feel her kicks or see her move in my belly. To talk with her and read to her. I wish for this so much.
Today has been a quiet day of reflection for me, not bad nor sad just quiet. I'm ready for the next level to begin in my life. I'm ready for it to build and for us to create the life we dream of. That wanderlust is still there.
I will keep positive and focus on the sunny side.
peace.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Thursday, August 18, 2016
One Wedding and an Engagement!
Things have been really hectic lately, Ahmeds middle sister Rehab just got married to her fiance a couple weeks ago and the whole family trekked down to Upper Egypt...my oh my that place is a trip. It's like stepping back in time. Everything seems unchanged merely upgraded with things like running water an electric. I enjoy exploring it, the first morning I woke up and went out onto the balcony. It overlooked a field of corn and sunflowers growing it was so peaceful and very quiet unlike Cairo. I headed downstairs to check out some goats I saw meandering ( I like goats!) and Rehabs future mother in law saw me and took me arm in arm with her on a stroll through the village. We stopped at visited the local one room school house. It was so quaint and humbling something I haven't experienced before. The children were so sweet and curious about me and I was made the best cup of tea i've had in Egypt so far. After we finished I headed to her house where she game me a demonstration on preparing Egyptian bread called Aish...let me tell you it is not as easy as it may seam. They take the dough which is quite gelatinous and place it on a wooden perforated paddle then begin to hit it in a slight upward circular motion allowing it to flatten out to a large perfect circle...that is the most difficult thing in the world. I tried it and within one second i caused it to deform and clump in a large ball, apparently this skill takes years to acquire...maybe one day ;)
my view to the right
the aish before being paddled
Date palms, sunflowers and corn.
River separating two villages
Goat on a fence. I am supremely happy
I must say Egyptian weddings are quite comparable to an American wedding in the south. A week long celebration, dancing, shooting guns, loud raucous party the only notable difference is an American Southern wedding would have copious amounts of beer and liquor hahah but essentially the same energy. I was pretty partied out, there was something happening each night until wee hours.
The wedding itself was held in a city in Upper Egypt called Magagah. We left the village early in the day to have time to prepare for the nights festivities.
We stopped to enjoy an Egyptian favorite called Qasab (sugarcane juice) It's pretty good, I expected to be overly sugary but it wasn't, very refreshing
Quickly taken bad photo of me drinking it...but hey one its juice in a bag and two I was about 5 days in to village life when this was captured.
In Cairo the Tuk Tuk is a common cheap means of transport, in Upper Egypt horse drawn carriages are the equivalent.
The wedding hall they booked was quite lovely, I was impressed by the quality. I've been to two weddings so far and something I've noticed with them both they are very disorganized. Tables and chairs are usually clumped together very closely. No focus on the fine details such as center pieces. The music tends to be put to an epic limit that the chosen DJ who occasionally says something is unheard because there's no way they would turn down the music and by the end of the evening the grounds look like the finish of Bonnaroo or Coachella, lots of rubbish and odds and ends everywhere.
Rehab and Mohamed
Rehabs wedding was my favorite thus far because they had fantastic entertainment with whirling dervishes....oh how I love love love that so much, it was great to see everyone dancing...men women and children in a celebration of love. Once the wedding finished the bride and groom rode away on a convertible decorated with bows and flowers (common Egyptian car decor for these types of events) and a loud parade ensues behind them honking, yelling out...occasionally stopping to get out and dance. The procession follows them all the way to where they will be staying for the night, the bride and the groom leave the car and essentially the entire family and im many cases village send them off to their wedding night with well wishing, clapping and gleeful shouting...then the night is finished. The next morning the close family will cook them breakfast and check on them.
For me I thank God I didn't have this with Ahmed...I find the experience to be much to much and not classy but again this is their culture and not mine. I'm just here to observe and learn about it.
A few days later Rehabs husbands brother contacted the family and requested to engage Ahmeds other sister Rania....my illusion of quite bliss was shattered. I know this sounds bad but after over a month of having so many people in and out of the house and their being a constant tizzy I was anxiously awaiting the end of wedding season but here we are again. He came from Upper Egypt met with Rania and family, eventually skyped Ahmed to state his intentions. Rania accepted his proposal for engagement and marriage after two years and planning for the party was underway. It was had in the house here. The engagement party was nice as far as Egyptian parties go. Her friends decorated the room very beautifully. While the house was being prepped we went to a local park and I took engagement pictures of the couple, the sunset was a great time for the pictures and we we returned to the house about 100 or so people had already arrived (small by Egyptian standards hahah) there was lots of dancing and expressions of happiness, cake and soda and the evening wrapped up at a fairly good time. Her fiance will return to Qatar where he works in a few days and they wont see each other for the two years prior to their wedding.
From a western standpoint its still a concept I have difficulty understanding, granted it's more open then what I've seen from some Indian weddings requiring the acceptance of an arranged marriage.The engagement period is equal to normal boyfriend and girlfriend dating and there is the option to break it off prior. I do feel there's a underlying stigma if you break it off but I still have much to learn with this area.
Overall I'm very happy for them both, as long as they are happy I am happy and I wish them the best of luck in their new endeavors :D
I must say Egyptian weddings are quite comparable to an American wedding in the south. A week long celebration, dancing, shooting guns, loud raucous party the only notable difference is an American Southern wedding would have copious amounts of beer and liquor hahah but essentially the same energy. I was pretty partied out, there was something happening each night until wee hours.
Henna party in the village
The wedding hall they booked was quite lovely, I was impressed by the quality. I've been to two weddings so far and something I've noticed with them both they are very disorganized. Tables and chairs are usually clumped together very closely. No focus on the fine details such as center pieces. The music tends to be put to an epic limit that the chosen DJ who occasionally says something is unheard because there's no way they would turn down the music and by the end of the evening the grounds look like the finish of Bonnaroo or Coachella, lots of rubbish and odds and ends everywhere.
Rehabs wedding was my favorite thus far because they had fantastic entertainment with whirling dervishes....oh how I love love love that so much, it was great to see everyone dancing...men women and children in a celebration of love. Once the wedding finished the bride and groom rode away on a convertible decorated with bows and flowers (common Egyptian car decor for these types of events) and a loud parade ensues behind them honking, yelling out...occasionally stopping to get out and dance. The procession follows them all the way to where they will be staying for the night, the bride and the groom leave the car and essentially the entire family and im many cases village send them off to their wedding night with well wishing, clapping and gleeful shouting...then the night is finished. The next morning the close family will cook them breakfast and check on them.
For me I thank God I didn't have this with Ahmed...I find the experience to be much to much and not classy but again this is their culture and not mine. I'm just here to observe and learn about it.
A few days later Rehabs husbands brother contacted the family and requested to engage Ahmeds other sister Rania....my illusion of quite bliss was shattered. I know this sounds bad but after over a month of having so many people in and out of the house and their being a constant tizzy I was anxiously awaiting the end of wedding season but here we are again. He came from Upper Egypt met with Rania and family, eventually skyped Ahmed to state his intentions. Rania accepted his proposal for engagement and marriage after two years and planning for the party was underway. It was had in the house here. The engagement party was nice as far as Egyptian parties go. Her friends decorated the room very beautifully. While the house was being prepped we went to a local park and I took engagement pictures of the couple, the sunset was a great time for the pictures and we we returned to the house about 100 or so people had already arrived (small by Egyptian standards hahah) there was lots of dancing and expressions of happiness, cake and soda and the evening wrapped up at a fairly good time. Her fiance will return to Qatar where he works in a few days and they wont see each other for the two years prior to their wedding.
From a western standpoint its still a concept I have difficulty understanding, granted it's more open then what I've seen from some Indian weddings requiring the acceptance of an arranged marriage.The engagement period is equal to normal boyfriend and girlfriend dating and there is the option to break it off prior. I do feel there's a underlying stigma if you break it off but I still have much to learn with this area.
Overall I'm very happy for them both, as long as they are happy I am happy and I wish them the best of luck in their new endeavors :D
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Dubai
Ahmed has been in Dubai over a week now, I'm so so so happy for this opportunity for him. It makes me happy that he can see another way of life now and know the world outside of Egypt, he finally understands my comparisons to American quality and standards as well as what its like to be in a place that spoils you hehe.
He really loves it there so perhaps one day we will move, I know the future holds lots of travel and new places for us so maybe it will be one place we experience.
His days are so hard early morning gym sessions, tanning by the pool and skiing all day hahaha really though the skiing is physically taxing but he takes it like a pro. When he returns to Egypt he will be an instructor as well as on Ski Patrol providing medical help during an emergency. I love that for him because it suits his nature he loves healing and helping people. I miss him terribly but 50 more days until he returns.
He really loves it there so perhaps one day we will move, I know the future holds lots of travel and new places for us so maybe it will be one place we experience.
His days are so hard early morning gym sessions, tanning by the pool and skiing all day hahaha really though the skiing is physically taxing but he takes it like a pro. When he returns to Egypt he will be an instructor as well as on Ski Patrol providing medical help during an emergency. I love that for him because it suits his nature he loves healing and helping people. I miss him terribly but 50 more days until he returns.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
We went to the ministry so I can obtain my three year residence stamp, by 8:30 am it was busy and hectic as usual. I love walking through there and seeing the cultural fusion. Africans like Sudanese, Asians, Europeans, Americans, Various middle eastern countries represented like Syria (political refugees) Palestine (political refugees) Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco and more. So many different languages and varying fashion dashikis, kufi caps and Yoruba hats galore. After visiting several various windows and getting stamps we have to visit another government branch in our local area to complete the residence stamp so we will resume once the weekend is finished.
While waiting I starting chatting with a certainly nervous and out of place girl from America named Delta, it turned out shes married and in the process of getting her residence stamp. She just flew in yesterday from Oklahoma and Egypt has her on edge and unsure. They will be living in Alex. I spent sometime advising her and giving her words of wisdom regarding Egypt. Little tips and tricks that have helped me and explained that her feelings are typical for the west to east lifestyle adjustment. I gave her my email to keep in touch.
After we finished we walked behind the Egyptian museum to the microbus station and took a ride down the Nile Corniche. I love riding along this route because you are directly next to the Nile and you see lovely old architecture from the days of King Farouk as well as parts of the Nile that allow me to imagine what the days of the Pharaohs looked like, how wild--lush and green the land was.
The reason for this route is because we were heading to the Chalet that Rehaims husband was gifted for the day from the factory he works for. It was a really love two story place, spiral staircase two bedrooms with a balcony that looks directly at the Nile river. There's a large community pool for everyone to swim in, and swim we did for hours. Ahmed doing his random flips and tricks into the water. He ran into an old student from the PKE giza branch while there. I was happy to swim and lazy in the water. I have missed swimming so much. One thing I noticed though was most of the people in the pool could not swim, the pool edges and shallow side were crowded with bodies of woman, children and a few men splashing about, laughing, being silly and genuinely having a good time!
Me lol
View from the balcony
Zoro still napping lol
My favorite part after swimming, laying in the lovely air conditioned room, looking out at the Nile as we drifted off to a nap. We woke up had a bit to eat, went and sat outside on the edge other river watching fireworks and party boats zoom by.It was a great day overall!
While waiting I starting chatting with a certainly nervous and out of place girl from America named Delta, it turned out shes married and in the process of getting her residence stamp. She just flew in yesterday from Oklahoma and Egypt has her on edge and unsure. They will be living in Alex. I spent sometime advising her and giving her words of wisdom regarding Egypt. Little tips and tricks that have helped me and explained that her feelings are typical for the west to east lifestyle adjustment. I gave her my email to keep in touch.
After we finished we walked behind the Egyptian museum to the microbus station and took a ride down the Nile Corniche. I love riding along this route because you are directly next to the Nile and you see lovely old architecture from the days of King Farouk as well as parts of the Nile that allow me to imagine what the days of the Pharaohs looked like, how wild--lush and green the land was.
The reason for this route is because we were heading to the Chalet that Rehaims husband was gifted for the day from the factory he works for. It was a really love two story place, spiral staircase two bedrooms with a balcony that looks directly at the Nile river. There's a large community pool for everyone to swim in, and swim we did for hours. Ahmed doing his random flips and tricks into the water. He ran into an old student from the PKE giza branch while there. I was happy to swim and lazy in the water. I have missed swimming so much. One thing I noticed though was most of the people in the pool could not swim, the pool edges and shallow side were crowded with bodies of woman, children and a few men splashing about, laughing, being silly and genuinely having a good time!
My favorite part after swimming, laying in the lovely air conditioned room, looking out at the Nile as we drifted off to a nap. We woke up had a bit to eat, went and sat outside on the edge other river watching fireworks and party boats zoom by.It was a great day overall!
Friday, July 8, 2016
Nana
Today is one of those days of nostalgia, I miss my grandmother something terrible. She passed away a little over three years ago. She was in her early 70's seemingly good health and was attending college for early childhood education. She raised me, the only mother I ever truly know. The only comfort in a (pardon my language) fucked up family situation.
I wish she could have seen what has happened in the last three years, see the person that i've evolved into. I hope she would be proud. I lost 60lbs, I became motivated and disciplined, I found love, I move abroad (a long time dream of mine) and now a baby on the way. I wish so much for her to be able to meet our child and hold them like her other grandchildren and great grandchild before.
I wish to hear her voice and listen to her words of advice on giving birth and childrearing and be able to ask her details about my birth story. Everything happens as it's meant to, I know this. I just miss you Nana and I'm thinking about you. I hope you are at peace <3
I wish she could have seen what has happened in the last three years, see the person that i've evolved into. I hope she would be proud. I lost 60lbs, I became motivated and disciplined, I found love, I move abroad (a long time dream of mine) and now a baby on the way. I wish so much for her to be able to meet our child and hold them like her other grandchildren and great grandchild before.
I wish to hear her voice and listen to her words of advice on giving birth and childrearing and be able to ask her details about my birth story. Everything happens as it's meant to, I know this. I just miss you Nana and I'm thinking about you. I hope you are at peace <3
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Our little bellpepper!
Sooo, it's finally time to announce our biggest surprise of 2016 for my lovely husband and I.
I'm pregnant!!
This is from our 11th week visit
Today marks my 18th week, we are both excited and I'm so scared! Being first time parents and in a foreign country has definitely added to it but I've realized I must be open to the experience. Babies are big business here. Egypt has one of the fastest growing populations and woman have been birthing since the beginning of time so this gives me confidence. I have Ahmed as my rock, he's so easy with all of this trusting and knowing everything will be great.
I visited my OBGYN last week in the hopes the sonogram would tell us the sex but alas the babies legs were close and he or she refused to show us so hopefully our next visit will reveal the gender....but I still might keep it a secret for people and do a baby pool.
It's such an amazing thing to see the baby moving around in the sonogram. My first visit at 9 weeks I cried when I saw it...like everything became so so real. It's amazing what the human body is capable of and how this process happens with little to no intervention from people like no matter what it will happen as it wants, It's humbling and inspiring.
wish us luck! <3
I'm pregnant!!
Today marks my 18th week, we are both excited and I'm so scared! Being first time parents and in a foreign country has definitely added to it but I've realized I must be open to the experience. Babies are big business here. Egypt has one of the fastest growing populations and woman have been birthing since the beginning of time so this gives me confidence. I have Ahmed as my rock, he's so easy with all of this trusting and knowing everything will be great.
I visited my OBGYN last week in the hopes the sonogram would tell us the sex but alas the babies legs were close and he or she refused to show us so hopefully our next visit will reveal the gender....but I still might keep it a secret for people and do a baby pool.
It's such an amazing thing to see the baby moving around in the sonogram. My first visit at 9 weeks I cried when I saw it...like everything became so so real. It's amazing what the human body is capable of and how this process happens with little to no intervention from people like no matter what it will happen as it wants, It's humbling and inspiring.
wish us luck! <3
Monday, July 4, 2016
Busy Busy!
We've
spent the past 4 days in Giza at Mohammad Tareks (DH's cousin), looking
at flats in 6th October, exploring the city and eating lots of
delicious food. We have picked our flat, the first one we looked at
with the open view. Ahmed called the real estate company and asked them
to hold it for us, so he can go in and sign the paperwork for it. I'm
super excited but also know the work begins once we sign the papers.
Ahmed will be in Dubai soon so while he is gone I will start painting
the bedrooms and accent wall in the living room. I want it to be so cozy
for Ahmed when he returns because I know he will be launched into his
work immediately. The Mall opens the beginning of September and I know
it will be nonstop through the next few months.
We took Rania (DH's sister) to have her first hookah session, she asked about doing it a few days before and 6th October has a really lovely outdoor hookah lounge with comfy seats, dancing lights and great juices/ice creams. They shared peach shisha and smelled oh so delightful. She liked it and was getting spacey and hilarious but she smoked too much and didn't love it anymore. I don't think she will be doing it again. It was a good time though!
I love the downtown area there are lots of shops and cafes, its super easy to walk and there's a beautiful grand Mosque. It was so vibrant while we were there, Ramadan puts people in such a happy mood and lots of good energy. Families and friends out walking, talking, laughing and just enjoying the beauty of life.
I had my first driving experience! I've been super nervous about doing it here because traffic is insane but I've been studying the ebb and flow for the 5 months I've been here. I feel much more confident with highway driving verses the city because of the level of congestion and tight spaces. I drove from the outskirts of the downtown to the highway. It was pretty natural feeling, I have to get used to the feeling of always paying attention for speed bumps. They are all over the roads and not colored to be visible. It was easy and I had no problems, we will see what city driving brings 0_0 lol
MT directed me where to go and we ended up at a random patch of desert just outside of the city. I parked and we headed into the desert where a lone random mini mountain was. We climbed to the top and were provided with a beautiful view of the city lights. I loved it the air was so clean, the view perfect and the energy was relaxing. Ahmed and I sat talking about our future and making plans. We are both excited for what is to come...its been a heck of a ride the past two years and 2016 has brought the biggest of surprises ;)
After 30 or 40 minutes a random man in a galabya arrived mysteriously in the desert and walked up the mountain where we were. Ahmed told me he is an Arabian bedouin and he makes his home anywhere he wishes. He can happily live at this place with ease and comfort. I love that so much. We headed out to leave him to his peace and headed back to Giza.I love driving back into Giza and seeing the pyramids, they loom out where ever you go. Megaliths to the ancient world, mysterious and powerful.
At some point during our time we headed to The Mall of Arabia and walked around it. Ahmed needed to get some things to prepare for his trip and I had a little slice of home while there. Cold Stone Creamery...my love! it makes me happy to share these experiences with him. The man who prepared my ice cream put on quite a show tossing the ice cream ball into the air, flipping it around, catching it with different scoops. I haven't had a show like that in the states every so 5 stars sir!
Through exploring we were able to find some really great affordable home good stores to furnish our flat with. I need to make a list soon to start preparing. I'm so ready and excited to move! I just need an internet job please God send me the right one. I need that cash flow to build up savings and prepare for the future. It's okay I know everything will come together as its supposed to and the right job will manifest.
Trust, Focus, Patience and then reward.
<3
We took Rania (DH's sister) to have her first hookah session, she asked about doing it a few days before and 6th October has a really lovely outdoor hookah lounge with comfy seats, dancing lights and great juices/ice creams. They shared peach shisha and smelled oh so delightful. She liked it and was getting spacey and hilarious but she smoked too much and didn't love it anymore. I don't think she will be doing it again. It was a good time though!
I love the downtown area there are lots of shops and cafes, its super easy to walk and there's a beautiful grand Mosque. It was so vibrant while we were there, Ramadan puts people in such a happy mood and lots of good energy. Families and friends out walking, talking, laughing and just enjoying the beauty of life.
I had my first driving experience! I've been super nervous about doing it here because traffic is insane but I've been studying the ebb and flow for the 5 months I've been here. I feel much more confident with highway driving verses the city because of the level of congestion and tight spaces. I drove from the outskirts of the downtown to the highway. It was pretty natural feeling, I have to get used to the feeling of always paying attention for speed bumps. They are all over the roads and not colored to be visible. It was easy and I had no problems, we will see what city driving brings 0_0 lol
MT directed me where to go and we ended up at a random patch of desert just outside of the city. I parked and we headed into the desert where a lone random mini mountain was. We climbed to the top and were provided with a beautiful view of the city lights. I loved it the air was so clean, the view perfect and the energy was relaxing. Ahmed and I sat talking about our future and making plans. We are both excited for what is to come...its been a heck of a ride the past two years and 2016 has brought the biggest of surprises ;)
After 30 or 40 minutes a random man in a galabya arrived mysteriously in the desert and walked up the mountain where we were. Ahmed told me he is an Arabian bedouin and he makes his home anywhere he wishes. He can happily live at this place with ease and comfort. I love that so much. We headed out to leave him to his peace and headed back to Giza.I love driving back into Giza and seeing the pyramids, they loom out where ever you go. Megaliths to the ancient world, mysterious and powerful.
At some point during our time we headed to The Mall of Arabia and walked around it. Ahmed needed to get some things to prepare for his trip and I had a little slice of home while there. Cold Stone Creamery...my love! it makes me happy to share these experiences with him. The man who prepared my ice cream put on quite a show tossing the ice cream ball into the air, flipping it around, catching it with different scoops. I haven't had a show like that in the states every so 5 stars sir!
Through exploring we were able to find some really great affordable home good stores to furnish our flat with. I need to make a list soon to start preparing. I'm so ready and excited to move! I just need an internet job please God send me the right one. I need that cash flow to build up savings and prepare for the future. It's okay I know everything will come together as its supposed to and the right job will manifest.
Trust, Focus, Patience and then reward.
<3
Friday, July 1, 2016
Prickly Pear!
My latest obsession has been prickly pear, its widely sold by street vendors between 1-2 egp per oval ball. It's delicious street temperature or chilled. The vendor cuts off the top then proceeds to make a long slit down the side then across the fruit, essentially peeling it with less then three small swipes of the knife.
It's very reminiscent for me of aloe which I LOVE in drink form. I chop mine up to smaller pieces and mix it with a fruit juice, the one of preference has been pomegranate. I let my concoction sit in the fridge for an hour or so for the flavors to mingle and then I proceed to drink it all in 1 minute haha not really but I've learned to make big batches.
There are many benefits to the pear. "Apart from the unusual name, appearance, and origins of this fruit, it also has a very unique composition of nutrients, including high levels of vitamin C, B-family vitamins, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, and dietary fiber. In terms of organic compounds, prickly pears have high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains, all of which have a positive impact on human health."
If you have an opportunity give it a whirl!
It's very reminiscent for me of aloe which I LOVE in drink form. I chop mine up to smaller pieces and mix it with a fruit juice, the one of preference has been pomegranate. I let my concoction sit in the fridge for an hour or so for the flavors to mingle and then I proceed to drink it all in 1 minute haha not really but I've learned to make big batches.
There are many benefits to the pear. "Apart from the unusual name, appearance, and origins of this fruit, it also has a very unique composition of nutrients, including high levels of vitamin C, B-family vitamins, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, and dietary fiber. In terms of organic compounds, prickly pears have high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains, all of which have a positive impact on human health."
If you have an opportunity give it a whirl!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Flat Hunting!
So Ahmed has accepted a position as a Ski Instructor for Ski Egypt which is pretty exciting because how many people can say they have skied in Egypt before? lol It's owned by a company called Al-Futtaim they are a large conglomerate based out of Dubai and they build mega malls. The first ski location they built is Ski Dubai that is the sister to Ski Egypt so in a week or two Ahmed will be flying to Dubai and training for two months to get his certification from NZSIA (New Zealand Snowsports Instructors' Alliance) they will fly an instructor in to teach them. Exciting for him! boring for me :p
I will stay in Cairo while hes away and hopefully finalize everything for our new flat. We are moving to 6th October City so we can be closer to his work. The area we are looking at is a two minute drive to the mall and a 15 minute bike ride so convenience is key! if we stayed where we are living he would spend a minimum two hours in hot miserable traffic so its a logical move. I'm super super excited because I like 6th October its a newer city and there's good restaurants and shops also it has a great desert breeze so it's not stuffy like other parts of Cairo.
Yesterday we headed to his cousins flat in Giza (8 minutes from the pyramids!!!) and broke fast with him. The food was delicious kofta, grilled chicken, rice, cucumber tomato salad, hummus and a few other things I'm not sure the name of lol afterwards we headed to 6th October to go check out some flats. We saw 4 in total but oh my was I worn out, Three of the four are 4th floor walk ups!!! ahhh now I know the price of living in New York!
In total we've seen 6 and Ahmed is leaning towards he first one we saw because it has a great open view.
I do love the view for sure but we would have to paint the rooms. I can't live in a pink bedroom. I am definitely leaning towards one style of flat we've seen because it has a larger bathroom and that's highly important to me. Ideally I'd like a bathtub. Flat rental here is way different VS America. Here flats come as basic as they can get, no stove, no fridge, no washer/dryer, no a'c and sometimes no light fixtures. You are allowed to paint and personalize it as you see fit. For example if we get a flat with only a shower stall and no tub there's a 90% chance we can simply install a tub. You have way more autonomy with your place and of course when you move you take it all back with you (minus the bathtub)
I forgot to mention these four flats we visited were at around 9pm. Where else can you find that level of convenience in the world? lol after we visited the flats we headed out with his cousin to the main area of 6th October to a hookah lounge, he and Ahmed (a rare treat, Ahmed hasn't done it in 10 years) enjoyed watermelon shisha, I had a lovely lemonade and took in the environment around me. While we were there no less then 8 street vendors came around selling goods from blow up animal balloons (the kind you see at the Fair), perfume, socks, small drums etc. That aspect always fascinates me.
We left and enjoyed cheese kunafa and then drove to hole in the wall locals resturant and had suhoor (last meal before fasting resumes) the food was amazing most of which I don't remember the names of but there was definitely falafel, cucumber salad, aubergines, ful and other assorted goodies then we headed back to our home and preceded to pass out lol It was a lovely full day.
I really hope we find our flat soon. I'd like one with minimal work but we will see if the price is right I'm open. That's all for now because I need to head out to Giza!
peace.
I will stay in Cairo while hes away and hopefully finalize everything for our new flat. We are moving to 6th October City so we can be closer to his work. The area we are looking at is a two minute drive to the mall and a 15 minute bike ride so convenience is key! if we stayed where we are living he would spend a minimum two hours in hot miserable traffic so its a logical move. I'm super super excited because I like 6th October its a newer city and there's good restaurants and shops also it has a great desert breeze so it's not stuffy like other parts of Cairo.
Yesterday we headed to his cousins flat in Giza (8 minutes from the pyramids!!!) and broke fast with him. The food was delicious kofta, grilled chicken, rice, cucumber tomato salad, hummus and a few other things I'm not sure the name of lol afterwards we headed to 6th October to go check out some flats. We saw 4 in total but oh my was I worn out, Three of the four are 4th floor walk ups!!! ahhh now I know the price of living in New York!
In total we've seen 6 and Ahmed is leaning towards he first one we saw because it has a great open view.
I do love the view for sure but we would have to paint the rooms. I can't live in a pink bedroom. I am definitely leaning towards one style of flat we've seen because it has a larger bathroom and that's highly important to me. Ideally I'd like a bathtub. Flat rental here is way different VS America. Here flats come as basic as they can get, no stove, no fridge, no washer/dryer, no a'c and sometimes no light fixtures. You are allowed to paint and personalize it as you see fit. For example if we get a flat with only a shower stall and no tub there's a 90% chance we can simply install a tub. You have way more autonomy with your place and of course when you move you take it all back with you (minus the bathtub)
I forgot to mention these four flats we visited were at around 9pm. Where else can you find that level of convenience in the world? lol after we visited the flats we headed out with his cousin to the main area of 6th October to a hookah lounge, he and Ahmed (a rare treat, Ahmed hasn't done it in 10 years) enjoyed watermelon shisha, I had a lovely lemonade and took in the environment around me. While we were there no less then 8 street vendors came around selling goods from blow up animal balloons (the kind you see at the Fair), perfume, socks, small drums etc. That aspect always fascinates me.
We left and enjoyed cheese kunafa and then drove to hole in the wall locals resturant and had suhoor (last meal before fasting resumes) the food was amazing most of which I don't remember the names of but there was definitely falafel, cucumber salad, aubergines, ful and other assorted goodies then we headed back to our home and preceded to pass out lol It was a lovely full day.
I really hope we find our flat soon. I'd like one with minimal work but we will see if the price is right I'm open. That's all for now because I need to head out to Giza!
peace.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Public Transit guide for an adventurer
One of the most puzzling things for a Westerner is the traffic system. We come from countries that are structured, ordered, routinized and easily understood...so be prepared to throw those notions out of the window. The best way to describe it, is simply a dance. Tuk tuks cars, microbuses, trucks, carro's (donkey pulled wagons), people and motorcycles weaving between all of the above. At first glance the chaos cannot be read but given time you can begin to understand how they make it work. The use of the horn is one of the must rattling ways that explains this dance. You will hear a constant array of horns some cute musical ones to police sirens to obnoxiously direct fog horn styles. The reason for these is not merely for driver frustration but as an alert system on the road. If a person is driving fast (which is almost everyone lol) they will begin to beep as they pass you as a means of alert to say "hey don't accidentally merge in front of me as I pass you so we can avoid an accident." Its also used in a similar manner to pedestrians as jay walking is not merely a way of life but a form of art. As far as the actual driving, it not so much who was at the stop sign first but who has the opportunity to go first. You must not take these things as a personal insult as we would in the west, here it's easy.
I still don't recommend driving when new to Egypt. It takes careful observation and time. I know what you're thinking "Ugh! where is the sense of adventure?!" Don't despair I couldn't leave you high and dry :) This is where the Microbus comes into play. Again this is if you have a truly adventurous spirit. It's not for the faint of heart, akin to being on a thrill ride at an amusement part with no safety belt. As soon as you arrive you will notice small buses everywhere, they seat 14 passengers and are white and blue, sometimes solid white. They gather in clusters called Microbus Stations. These areas are unmarked and seemingly at random. The drivers will stand outside and shout the destination of their buses journey "Giza" "Dokki" "Sheraton" "Madinet Nasr (Nasr City) " This is where knowledge in basic Arabic will be helpful. You must learn the numbers up to 20 and a few basic phrases. let's say you have no time constraints and are willing to be taken to a general area of the city (until you master the system) my advice is not sit in the first row. There are a variety of responsibilities with this row. The seat behind the driver and sometimes middle seat is responsible for collecting all of the money on the bus, counting it and distributing change accordingly from the amount the driver has given back The drivers know the fare plus how many passengers are on the bus and whatever amount is given to to him, he returns the remainder for the people to work it out amongst themselves to get their correct change depending on what they gave in the first place. Make sense? The seat closest to the door is responsible for opening and closing the door with each stop. For a first time person I advice you to sit in any row behind the first or the front seat with the driver is always a good spot. You should ask a fellow passenger "Bikam" (Bic-cam) which means "How much" they will give you the according number, most fares are not above 10 EGP (1.13 USD) one way. Once seated and with the knowledge of the fare give the exact change to the passenger next to you that is ideally your same gender. This is the kind of travel where the travel is the journey and the destination. Sit back enjoy the view, video tape the experience because its unlike anything in the world. The drivers weave, honk, yell, use unconventional methods to achieve the goal of getting their passengers to the destination swiftly. You have seen a place that you wish to get off at. Simply say in a loud voice "Henna Min Fud Luck" This is the easiest verbiage for disembarking on your journey at this point you must be prepared to leap from the van like you're about to sky dive from a plane. The driver will swerve across the lanes to the right side of the road and you have a 5 to 10 seconds to jump out before you're viewed with annoyance. You will see people jumping off microbuses at the the strangest locations, like the middle and side of a highway...you will see cracks and openings on the highway pylons and people will scurry through them, off to wherever they go!
You will also see small convenience kiosk set up on the median of the highway the kind of place that sells drinks, chips and cookies. You will also see tire kiosks where they are set up on the median selling tires. I saw one the other day and I noticed three or four cars stopped just down the way from them with flat tires, I couldn't help but wonder if it was a trap? lol either way you need tires you need juice there is a 90% chance you don't have to leave the highway or get out of your car!
I digress, back to the microbus
When you attempt a ride on one remember the key tips don't sit in the front row, carry your cellphone that's equipped with GPS, small bills and coins for exact change, a bottle of water and some snacks! Have fun traveler!
I still don't recommend driving when new to Egypt. It takes careful observation and time. I know what you're thinking "Ugh! where is the sense of adventure?!" Don't despair I couldn't leave you high and dry :) This is where the Microbus comes into play. Again this is if you have a truly adventurous spirit. It's not for the faint of heart, akin to being on a thrill ride at an amusement part with no safety belt. As soon as you arrive you will notice small buses everywhere, they seat 14 passengers and are white and blue, sometimes solid white. They gather in clusters called Microbus Stations. These areas are unmarked and seemingly at random. The drivers will stand outside and shout the destination of their buses journey "Giza" "Dokki" "Sheraton" "Madinet Nasr (Nasr City) " This is where knowledge in basic Arabic will be helpful. You must learn the numbers up to 20 and a few basic phrases. let's say you have no time constraints and are willing to be taken to a general area of the city (until you master the system) my advice is not sit in the first row. There are a variety of responsibilities with this row. The seat behind the driver and sometimes middle seat is responsible for collecting all of the money on the bus, counting it and distributing change accordingly from the amount the driver has given back The drivers know the fare plus how many passengers are on the bus and whatever amount is given to to him, he returns the remainder for the people to work it out amongst themselves to get their correct change depending on what they gave in the first place. Make sense? The seat closest to the door is responsible for opening and closing the door with each stop. For a first time person I advice you to sit in any row behind the first or the front seat with the driver is always a good spot. You should ask a fellow passenger "Bikam" (Bic-cam) which means "How much" they will give you the according number, most fares are not above 10 EGP (1.13 USD) one way. Once seated and with the knowledge of the fare give the exact change to the passenger next to you that is ideally your same gender. This is the kind of travel where the travel is the journey and the destination. Sit back enjoy the view, video tape the experience because its unlike anything in the world. The drivers weave, honk, yell, use unconventional methods to achieve the goal of getting their passengers to the destination swiftly. You have seen a place that you wish to get off at. Simply say in a loud voice "Henna Min Fud Luck" This is the easiest verbiage for disembarking on your journey at this point you must be prepared to leap from the van like you're about to sky dive from a plane. The driver will swerve across the lanes to the right side of the road and you have a 5 to 10 seconds to jump out before you're viewed with annoyance. You will see people jumping off microbuses at the the strangest locations, like the middle and side of a highway...you will see cracks and openings on the highway pylons and people will scurry through them, off to wherever they go!
You will also see small convenience kiosk set up on the median of the highway the kind of place that sells drinks, chips and cookies. You will also see tire kiosks where they are set up on the median selling tires. I saw one the other day and I noticed three or four cars stopped just down the way from them with flat tires, I couldn't help but wonder if it was a trap? lol either way you need tires you need juice there is a 90% chance you don't have to leave the highway or get out of your car!
I digress, back to the microbus
When you attempt a ride on one remember the key tips don't sit in the front row, carry your cellphone that's equipped with GPS, small bills and coins for exact change, a bottle of water and some snacks! Have fun traveler!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Living abroad
You never realize how much an international move can take a toll on you. It's enjoyable yet disconcerting at the same time. All of the social cultural cues you have grown up with in your home country no longer apply and you are like an infant relearning everything from the beginning. While exciting usually, sometimes it takes a toll on you, especially when you have a day that you crave something familiar, something comforting....
A Reeces pieces chocolate chip cookie for example ;) good luck finding those in Cairo, Egypt...actually cookies outside of English looking biscuits or Oreos is not a part of the culture as it is in America. It's okay though I've found that my Pinterest usage has tripled living here, thank God for the DIY culture of the States. I have enjoyed that aspect of my time here for sure.
In America everything is paced so quickly that we often opt for convenience vs health and recreation. Before I left I had a busy schedule working around 3 jobs in order to help fund my move. Granted I made time to always cook because I've created a healthy eating/living lifestyle but I didn't have the time I desired to chef it up if you will.
Everything here moves at a much slower place, I'm still getting comfortable with the notion that if you accomplish one thing a day you're doing spectacular. It's a hard American habit for me to break but logistically it makes sense here. Traffic, the slow pace of life, the redundancies/complications of public government systems and occasionally the person who isn't interested in doing their job because well they don't feel like it at the moment or they don't like your looks/clothing/whatever (YES THIS HAS HAPPENED)
The Egyptian Ministry of Housing
Aside from the countries idiosyncrasies there is a beauty and a richness to the people here. I have never seen so much ingenuity in my life. So much passion...sometimes passion that could rival any Spanish or Italian stereotype. People here seem to feel so deeply...perhaps its the heat? ;)
Creativity at its best
That's enough rambling for today, I must be productive and continue my remote online work search. If anyone knows any reliable company hiring, I'd love a heads up!
-Seville
A Reeces pieces chocolate chip cookie for example ;) good luck finding those in Cairo, Egypt...actually cookies outside of English looking biscuits or Oreos is not a part of the culture as it is in America. It's okay though I've found that my Pinterest usage has tripled living here, thank God for the DIY culture of the States. I have enjoyed that aspect of my time here for sure.
In America everything is paced so quickly that we often opt for convenience vs health and recreation. Before I left I had a busy schedule working around 3 jobs in order to help fund my move. Granted I made time to always cook because I've created a healthy eating/living lifestyle but I didn't have the time I desired to chef it up if you will.
Everything here moves at a much slower place, I'm still getting comfortable with the notion that if you accomplish one thing a day you're doing spectacular. It's a hard American habit for me to break but logistically it makes sense here. Traffic, the slow pace of life, the redundancies/complications of public government systems and occasionally the person who isn't interested in doing their job because well they don't feel like it at the moment or they don't like your looks/clothing/whatever (YES THIS HAS HAPPENED)
Aside from the countries idiosyncrasies there is a beauty and a richness to the people here. I have never seen so much ingenuity in my life. So much passion...sometimes passion that could rival any Spanish or Italian stereotype. People here seem to feel so deeply...perhaps its the heat? ;)
That's enough rambling for today, I must be productive and continue my remote online work search. If anyone knows any reliable company hiring, I'd love a heads up!
-Seville
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
White/Black Desert & Email
03/06/2016
Last weekend Ahmed,myself and some of his parkour friends went on a camp out in the desert about 4 hours south west of Cairo, roughly 300 miles from Libya. This place was absolutely surreal. The closest village is a place called Bahariya Oasis, aptly named because that's what it is. The village has a lovely hot spring, trees, green land.
The deserts outside of the village are called the White and Black desert. Both are of stark contracts to one another. The white looks like the set of a star wars space centered film. The black desert looks like a sci-fi movie involving radioactive ants and giant ant hills haha...my over active brain but really they do look like giant ant hill or volcano's. I was in love.
The weather was perfect, a light breeze 77 degrees. I couldn't have wished for better. We had two SUV 4x4s our guides were excellent handling the desert with ease and precision...which was great because we were going 70mph. They took us to a beautiful small oasis called Ain Khadra; palm trees, water, figs the whole 9 yards. It was picturesque and serene.
The Chick and the Mushroom, White Desert Egypt
Zoro climbing White Desert Rocks
Handstand
<3 <3 <3
Crystal Mountain
View from Crystal Mountain
--------------------------------------------------------------
Ahlan (hello in Arabic) :)
I'm
so happy to hear from you! Life here is sometimes mystifying to me as a
westerner. I'm very happy to be here (official resident now!) its just
at times I'm left scratching my head by things...laughing is my favorite
activity. We have it so easy in America, its a shame that collectively
most take it for granted. The ease and convenience of services and our
business codes oh efficiency is ever so beautiful! I attribute this to
the British rule which introduced a complicated system of Govt and many
redundancies as an attempt to help with unemployment the govt is one of
the biggest employers in the country and people have jobs with one
singular task as opposed to having a few for efficiency (I.E the guy who
answers to a bell the sounds like birds whistling and brings tea...with
milk!) its kind of cute in a way too lol so stately and old skool.
I
do think perhaps its a fair trade though that by what it sometimes
lacks in western business standards the culture more then makes up for
in its hospitality and kindness. I have seen things here I've never
encountered before. Young men and woman stopping to help the elderly
cross the street or assist them up a set of stairs, giving up their
seats on the metro, or bus...strangers but with a deep sense of honor
and respect to those older then them. Sometimes I brings tears to my
eyes. Many people are so eager to be helpful and warm. Inviting you to
their homes to break bread with them and feeding you until you burst
haha ensuring their guest is nourished, happy and well satisfied,
allowing you a glimpse of their lives. Helping one another with car
trouble...no look of distrust in their eyes when they pull over, no fear
that we sometimes experience in America about helping strangers that
are stranded. I love that neighbors here know each other and work
together in the community improvements. Its a hugely collective society,
honor and respect is the creed.
Black Desert
Last weekend Ahmed,myself and some of his parkour friends went on a camp out in the desert about 4 hours south west of Cairo, roughly 300 miles from Libya. This place was absolutely surreal. The closest village is a place called Bahariya Oasis, aptly named because that's what it is. The village has a lovely hot spring, trees, green land.
The deserts outside of the village are called the White and Black desert. Both are of stark contracts to one another. The white looks like the set of a star wars space centered film. The black desert looks like a sci-fi movie involving radioactive ants and giant ant hills haha...my over active brain but really they do look like giant ant hill or volcano's. I was in love.
The weather was perfect, a light breeze 77 degrees. I couldn't have wished for better. We had two SUV 4x4s our guides were excellent handling the desert with ease and precision...which was great because we were going 70mph. They took us to a beautiful small oasis called Ain Khadra; palm trees, water, figs the whole 9 yards. It was picturesque and serene.
Handstand
--------------------------------------------------------------
| Seville De La Cruz <sevilledelacruz@gmail.com> to Monica April 19 |
Ahlan (hello in Arabic) :)
The Egyptian culture
is a kind and humorous one, they also have amazing ingenuity to achieve
their needs. I giggle at times but ultimately I respect it. Something I
absolutely adore here and wish America would adopt is the delivery
culture! Not only does every single restaurant deliver (On adorable
little motorbikes) supermarkets (known as hypermarkets) and pharmacies
do as well! So at anytime you can simply phone in your order and within a
few hours all of your needs are at your doorstep.
The
land is beautiful and mystical, sometimes it feels like I'm in a dream.
Seeing ancient architecture thousands of years old. I can close my eyes
and imagine the days of yore. A lot of things still exist from that
time like going to the souk for spices, you walk down the pathway
smelling rich saffron, hibiscus, rose, vanilla, anise, fenugreek...its lovely for the senses. It's incredibly affordable, I love the cost of living
here. I bought a half pound of cumin last night at the souk for .33
cents! It excites my inner bargain shopper lol There is something about
spending 20 dollars at the hypermarket and leaving for 5 or 6 hefty
bags. Everywhere you go fresh fruits and vegetables are available from
the souk to roadside stands to the people who have a carro (a large flat
carriage pulled by a horse or donkey) who walk through neighborhoods
calling out the produce they have available or ringing a bell "Potatas
Potatas! Tomatos Tomatos! Zaytoun Zaytoun (olives) Manga Manga! (mango)
Tofeha Tofeha! (apples) Guava Guava!
We took a trip a
few weeks ago to an Oasis about 5 hours from Cairo called Bahariya it
was sooooo beautiful! they have these strangely shaped homes and lovely
hot springs aplenty! this area is also the gateway to two deserts one
known as the White desert...an ethereal outerspace like landscaped area
and the Black desert reminiscent of mini volcano's or ant hills. I
adored it! we camped Bedouin style it was an amazing experience zooming
through the desert in land cruisers watching the landscape race by.
Stopping at a lush oasis for a delicious freshly made meal. Returning
the camp in the night to find large selection of strawberries and
oranges for us to snack on as they prepared us an incredible feast. There
is something to be said for laying on the bare sand, looking at the
billions of twinkling stars and seeing the vastness that exists. It
truly strengthens connections with God and is humbling. I loved waking
up to climb to the top of of the ridges and watching the sun crest the
landscape. It makes me think of Moses and what I imagine Mt Sinai to be
like 
I really am having a great time.I have my 
,
I love exploring, I've made friends. Its a great life. I'm excited to
see where 2016 will take me! I realize I've written you a mini novel! my
apologies, there's so much to include!
I hope you have been having a peaceful time in your life, being mindful and content and I hope you husband and girls are doing great and you're planning more trips! I'd love to know how everything is going! I hope the Talbots team is having happiness in their personal and professional lives, going on adventures and finding that which brings them much joy. Please send my love to everyone and tell them to email me sometime.
I hope you have been having a peaceful time in your life, being mindful and content and I hope you husband and girls are doing great and you're planning more trips! I'd love to know how everything is going! I hope the Talbots team is having happiness in their personal and professional lives, going on adventures and finding that which brings them much joy. Please send my love to everyone and tell them to email me sometime.
With love and peace,
Seville <3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
We sunrise hiked from our camp to the top of a nearby mountain and were met with this view <3 <3
Footsteps in the sand.
| |||
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