Ibrahim

Imagine, for a moment, you have moved to a new place, one that you know little about, you don’t understand the language or the customs. You have been informed that all deliveries etc. must be escorted to your apartment by security. There is a knock on your door, and when you open it, there is… Continue reading Ibrahim

Goin’ to Morocco!

So being the “hawagea” (foreigner – implied “not so smart”), I did not know about Eid el Fetr – the celebration/vacation at the end of the month of Ramadan. WOW, we get a week off because Ramadan has ended? That’s kinda nice. THEN we found out that EVERYONE travels for Eid. Cairo nearly shuts down… Continue reading Goin’ to Morocco!

Photos of Morocco

Here is the “quick” webpage of photos from our trip to Morocco. Hope you like them. Actual blog post to come…

TMI – Waxing

If your delicate sensibilities are offended by a mental picture or description of expanses of tender skin being violently denuded by the application and rapid removal of hot wax, please refrain from reading further. I hate shaving! I “learned” about waxing over 10 years ago, and have opted for the short-term violence of waxing over… Continue reading TMI – Waxing

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The Khan – at night this time

Last time we went to the Khan, just after arriving in Cairo, we got lost in some of the more “industrial” areas (where tourists don’t go). After being crushed by humanity in some tiny alleyways and then being in a warren of metalworks shops, I got TOTALLY overwhelmed and (more than a little) freaked out.… Continue reading The Khan – at night this time

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Students, here and there

Having taught for nearly 10 years in Seattle and now being in Cairo, people often ask about the differences/similarities between the student populations. First – I must preface with, I am looking at Washington Apples and Egyptian Mangos. These groups have little in common. And yet, they are alike in so many ways. I know… Continue reading Students, here and there

National Holiday

I guess I’m too programmed by having national holidays listed on calendars and expecting them to STAY there. I got to work today to find out that the National Holiday (Armed Forces Day) that is “scheduled” for Friday is being celebrated on Thursday. So, today, Monday, we were informed that we have Thursday off as… Continue reading National Holiday

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Mafeesh Fakkah

Everyone wants “small money” (piaster notes or 1 or 5 pound notes) no-one is willing to give them out as change. CHANGE – what is that? Practically no-one has change, or if they do, they’re not giving it to you/me/anyone. “Mafeesh fakkah” = no change. Get used to it. It costs 5LE for me to… Continue reading Mafeesh Fakkah

Laughing at street signs

“Can you tell me what letter THIS is?” A question often posed to pre-school children as they are beginning to learn to read. They diligently say the name of each letter. They link the sounds of each letter to the next. They begin to sound out words. This particular process of learning is usually concluded… Continue reading Laughing at street signs

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