Monday, August 20, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
What to do, what to do
We have all arrived in Egypt well before our first workday, leaving us with plenty of free days to do as we wish. With Ramadan to contend with and our general lack of knowledge of what the heck to do with ourselves, it leaves us bored. And what do we do when we're bored? We go to the mall.
It wasn't as packed as it was the first day we went but this is clearly where many escaped to to relieve boredom since everything is closed elsewhere. This mall had all the mall staples- Payless, Starbucks, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, etc. I picked up some fruit from the grocery store (like a Walmart) and clothes at Zara.
I also had to return an iron I bought earlier because it didn't work. They will go to great lengths to keep you from returning things. They plugged it in behind the counter and it got hot -but then I told them water leaks out- then they told me I can't return it because I had used it- then I told them, yes, I used it but how would I know it was broken unless I had used it? They eventually gave me my money back probably because I'm a foreigner and they didn't want to deal with me anymore.
In the evening, I officially joined the ACE club (theaceclub-maadi.com/). Earlier in the day, I had walked past it and realized how close it was to my apartment so I caved and joined. It was $80 for the rest of the year. A bargain they say but, if you know me,...
Today, we walked along the Nile and ate lunch at a hotel. I had the BBQ chicken wings. Like all things, it's not what you expect it to be but this time, it was delicious so only remembered to take a picture of the last "wing".
More wandering today and probably the next day- and the day after that.
It wasn't as packed as it was the first day we went but this is clearly where many escaped to to relieve boredom since everything is closed elsewhere. This mall had all the mall staples- Payless, Starbucks, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, etc. I picked up some fruit from the grocery store (like a Walmart) and clothes at Zara.
I also had to return an iron I bought earlier because it didn't work. They will go to great lengths to keep you from returning things. They plugged it in behind the counter and it got hot -but then I told them water leaks out- then they told me I can't return it because I had used it- then I told them, yes, I used it but how would I know it was broken unless I had used it? They eventually gave me my money back probably because I'm a foreigner and they didn't want to deal with me anymore.
In the evening, I officially joined the ACE club (theaceclub-maadi.com/). Earlier in the day, I had walked past it and realized how close it was to my apartment so I caved and joined. It was $80 for the rest of the year. A bargain they say but, if you know me,...
Today, we walked along the Nile and ate lunch at a hotel. I had the BBQ chicken wings. Like all things, it's not what you expect it to be but this time, it was delicious so only remembered to take a picture of the last "wing".
More wandering today and probably the next day- and the day after that.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
First Impressions
Ramadan: I came during Ramadan so things are probably not like they usually are. Some shops are closed during the day since everyone is fasting and are at home, conserving energy. At sundown, the streets are finally empty enough to walk freely without the fear of getting honked at and run over simultaneously because everyone is breaking fast. At night, people are out and about. The shopping mall is packed at 1am and its a madhouse in the grocery store. I can't tell how much it really affects me- as long as I stay away from grocery shopping at midnight unlike tonight.
Prices: Some things are surprisingly more expensive here than I thought they would be. Like, shower curtains. 100 EGP ($18) for a pretty vinyl shower curtain (cheapest: $10). Some things are more expensive than they would be in the states and most things are cheaper but considering my penny pinching ways at home, I have to shell out a lot more than I normally do.
Weather: It is definitely not as hot as I expected. It's a dry heat but there's a good breeze usually that makes it very bearable, even in my usual jeans, tank top, cardigan getup.
Transportation: While I will probably be walking a lot here, it's certainly not to save money. A taxi ride to most places in Maadi is about 5 EGP which is less than a dollar. I do want to try to familiarize myself with the streets and get some exercise by walking, even if that means I'm getting honked at by taxis the whole way.
Apartments: Apartments, even the nice ones, are usually not up to American standards in terms of construction quality and furnishings. My apartment, for example, looks nice for afar but once you get up close to the seat cushions or cabinets, things are a little shabby. Things break easily and painting/grouting is sloppy. An Egyptians idea of clean also doesn't match up. I spent an entire day scrubbing away at an apartment that was just cleaned.
Expats: I was told that most expats are teachers, maybe 80%, and the rest are oil and embassy guys. Most are members of expat clubs, like the ACE club.It's a club in a sense that you have to be a member and only those holding foreign passports can join. It's a place where expats can go and feel like they're not in Egypt. You will not see any Egyptians (unless they hold duel citizenship) and you can wear anything you please. You can have food, beer and shisha at a good price. The food is really good and the portions are humongous ("American-sized!").
The area where I live, Maadi, is concentrated with expats so many shopkeepers speak English. It is a nice suburb of Cairo with lush greenery. Things can also be more expensive but it's a give and take thing.
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The airline had lost another teacher's luggage earlier this month and she told us it came at 1am. I was like, "Sheesh!" but my doorbell rang at 3:30am last night and I was like, "Holy moly- no way!"
Standing there was my bowab and five suitcases. Ten minutes later come the angry airport man who yelled at me to tip him. He could've had all my money. I just wanted the angry man outta my apartment.
I can live very comfortably here. I knew that. There are times when it will be frustrating but in the large scope of things, I have it pretty good. I just have to keep reminding myself that....
Prices: Some things are surprisingly more expensive here than I thought they would be. Like, shower curtains. 100 EGP ($18) for a pretty vinyl shower curtain (cheapest: $10). Some things are more expensive than they would be in the states and most things are cheaper but considering my penny pinching ways at home, I have to shell out a lot more than I normally do.
Weather: It is definitely not as hot as I expected. It's a dry heat but there's a good breeze usually that makes it very bearable, even in my usual jeans, tank top, cardigan getup.
Transportation: While I will probably be walking a lot here, it's certainly not to save money. A taxi ride to most places in Maadi is about 5 EGP which is less than a dollar. I do want to try to familiarize myself with the streets and get some exercise by walking, even if that means I'm getting honked at by taxis the whole way.
Apartments: Apartments, even the nice ones, are usually not up to American standards in terms of construction quality and furnishings. My apartment, for example, looks nice for afar but once you get up close to the seat cushions or cabinets, things are a little shabby. Things break easily and painting/grouting is sloppy. An Egyptians idea of clean also doesn't match up. I spent an entire day scrubbing away at an apartment that was just cleaned.
Expats: I was told that most expats are teachers, maybe 80%, and the rest are oil and embassy guys. Most are members of expat clubs, like the ACE club.It's a club in a sense that you have to be a member and only those holding foreign passports can join. It's a place where expats can go and feel like they're not in Egypt. You will not see any Egyptians (unless they hold duel citizenship) and you can wear anything you please. You can have food, beer and shisha at a good price. The food is really good and the portions are humongous ("American-sized!").
 |
| Spaghetti Bolognese - the only thing I ate today. |
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The airline had lost another teacher's luggage earlier this month and she told us it came at 1am. I was like, "Sheesh!" but my doorbell rang at 3:30am last night and I was like, "Holy moly- no way!"
Standing there was my bowab and five suitcases. Ten minutes later come the angry airport man who yelled at me to tip him. He could've had all my money. I just wanted the angry man outta my apartment.
I can live very comfortably here. I knew that. There are times when it will be frustrating but in the large scope of things, I have it pretty good. I just have to keep reminding myself that....
Monday, August 13, 2012
"The Journey is Half the Fun"
I'm finally sitting in my apartment in Cairo. It sure took a lot to get to this couch.
I left my mom and Ryan at JFK after lucking out on checking in my luggage. If I had gotten a different check-in agent, my travel nightmare would have begun then. I lucked out with a gentleman who didn't question my carry-on and even taught me how to break into my own luggage since I remembered to put a lock on my luggage but failed to bring the keys to said lock.
At the airport, I met up with two other teachers and the girlfriend of one of the teachers. We chatted while waiting for our plane to board but had no clue at the time just how much bonding time would ensue during the next 48 hours. The plane was slightly delayed-maybe half an hour. Not much, but a world of a difference when you only have an hour between flights.
You guessed it. We ran what felt like a mile from one gate to the other only to see our plane door close. I was really too exhausted and dehydrated to understand the severity of the situation.
We went from desk to desk in the airport to straighten matters out. Finally, it was decided- we would stay in a hotel for the day and take the next flight out which was 16 hours away. We bought visas for Turkey and made our way to the hotel. Istanbul was beautiful- cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses. Evening torrential downpours turned the hilly streets into raging rivers. The included meals were quite good and I see our little Istanbul adventures as a free vacation courtesy Turkish Airlines.
A shuttle bus, two hour flight, and scrambled egg soup later, we are finally in Cairo. We made it- but our luggage didn't.
What's the first rule in flying? Carry a change of clothes in your carry-on. My I-Home and bananagrams aren't doing much for me now.
I left my mom and Ryan at JFK after lucking out on checking in my luggage. If I had gotten a different check-in agent, my travel nightmare would have begun then. I lucked out with a gentleman who didn't question my carry-on and even taught me how to break into my own luggage since I remembered to put a lock on my luggage but failed to bring the keys to said lock.
At the airport, I met up with two other teachers and the girlfriend of one of the teachers. We chatted while waiting for our plane to board but had no clue at the time just how much bonding time would ensue during the next 48 hours. The plane was slightly delayed-maybe half an hour. Not much, but a world of a difference when you only have an hour between flights.
You guessed it. We ran what felt like a mile from one gate to the other only to see our plane door close. I was really too exhausted and dehydrated to understand the severity of the situation.
We went from desk to desk in the airport to straighten matters out. Finally, it was decided- we would stay in a hotel for the day and take the next flight out which was 16 hours away. We bought visas for Turkey and made our way to the hotel. Istanbul was beautiful- cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses. Evening torrential downpours turned the hilly streets into raging rivers. The included meals were quite good and I see our little Istanbul adventures as a free vacation courtesy Turkish Airlines.
A shuttle bus, two hour flight, and scrambled egg soup later, we are finally in Cairo. We made it- but our luggage didn't.
What's the first rule in flying? Carry a change of clothes in your carry-on. My I-Home and bananagrams aren't doing much for me now.
Empty restaurants and closed stores due to Ramadan.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Countdown Begins!
3 days to go till the big move.
I've been in this position before when I was days away from departing for Vietnam but I still find it quizzical that the nerves haven't set in quite yet. I told myself they would come when August rolls around. Then, when I start packing and am about a week away. But, nothing.
Spent my last day in New York City today and even took pictures of the apartment. Ryan thinks it's so I can compare how clean I left it to how messy it'll be when I return. (Anyone know of a good cleaning service?!) For the record, here are some pictures of a mighty cleeeeaaaannn apartment:
Speaking of apartments, the lease for my new digs have been signed! 3 bedroom/2 bath on the fifth floor! This takes some stress off me because I would much rather spend time unpacking, unwinding, and exploring than schlepping around from apartment to apartment in Cairo. I would probably be too jet lagged, sweaty, and delirious to care too much about where I'll live.
What I love most about the apartment is that my roommate and I will have about the same size bedroom and bathroom. Here are some pictures:
2 of the bedrooms
Bathrooms
Living room and kitchen
I will definitely update the pictures with my own when I get there- especially with the view from my balcony (cross your fingers) and the neighborhood!
I've been in this position before when I was days away from departing for Vietnam but I still find it quizzical that the nerves haven't set in quite yet. I told myself they would come when August rolls around. Then, when I start packing and am about a week away. But, nothing.
Spent my last day in New York City today and even took pictures of the apartment. Ryan thinks it's so I can compare how clean I left it to how messy it'll be when I return. (Anyone know of a good cleaning service?!) For the record, here are some pictures of a mighty cleeeeaaaannn apartment:
Speaking of apartments, the lease for my new digs have been signed! 3 bedroom/2 bath on the fifth floor! This takes some stress off me because I would much rather spend time unpacking, unwinding, and exploring than schlepping around from apartment to apartment in Cairo. I would probably be too jet lagged, sweaty, and delirious to care too much about where I'll live.
What I love most about the apartment is that my roommate and I will have about the same size bedroom and bathroom. Here are some pictures:
2 of the bedrooms
Bathrooms
Living room and kitchen
I will definitely update the pictures with my own when I get there- especially with the view from my balcony (cross your fingers) and the neighborhood!
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