The semester began on Wednesday, our guest rooms vacated on Tuesday. We’ve had a friend staying with us (off and on, as he traveled) for the last few weeks. We also had an American colleague of mine “drop by” for a visit. Needless to say, the inn has been full.
We are not really used to long-term guests. It has been a long time since we have had “roommates” of any sort. That said, our AUC friend CD has been a stellar addition to our home, which seems diminished since he has left. We met CD last year just after we arrived, and have spent a great deal of time laughing, telling stories, drinking beer and enjoying his company. After he gave up his apartment in Cairo, he stayed in our spare bedroom. He is back in NYC now, and the apartment seems much emptier without him.
My colleague “dropped by” for a week in Cairo. He stayed in our other spare bedroom. We had a great time seeing sights, eating street food and telling stories. EB has traveled quite a bit, so was an incredibly easy house guest. We sent him off on his own in Cairo without really worrying. He managed just fine, with a few “adventures” but no mishaps.
Now they are both gone. The house is empty and quiet. In some ways it is a relief to be back to “just us” but there is too much quiet now that the friends are gone.
My home too was empty without CD. Really. Because I’m in Cairo, not at home, and until he got there, it had no one in it.
From our house to yours! It is a new game! Pass the CD!!