“They” say it happens to everyone.
“They” say it is normal.
“They” say it is inevitable.
Well…it has happened to me. The numbness and lethargy, mild depression, diffuse home-sickness, general ennui of being a new ex-pat.
I had read and heard about the “crash”, but it hadn’t happened to me. The initial euphoria passed and life became business-as-usual, just in Cairo. I didn’t have the sobbing, “I want to go home” moments. I didn’t yearn for a Big Mac or Reeces cups. I could see Cairo for its problems, and still really enjoyed the vibrancy of the city – still loved being here – could see staying (if AUC wasn’t moving to true BFE).
I think it was the departure of the family that drove home how far away I really am. I still haven’t hit an “I hate it here” feeling, instead I feel like I just don’t care. I’m unmotivated and generally uninterested. I don’t feel like reading, or going out, or shopping (it is true – retail therapy doesn’t appeal to me AT ALL). Mostly I’ve been knitting – a totally isolated, self-absorbed, meditative activity. I know this will pass, and some sort of balance will follow, yet it is odd to feel so disconnected. I am neither here in Cairo, nor “at home” in Seattle. I’m in an emotional limbo, struggling for connection.
Here are some “tricks” that may work for you… Focus on the future, things to which you look forward. Set goals for yourself and work to attain them, even if just in your knitting. Throw yourself into your language studies and try to find a group that shares any interest you have that will force you to use the language… CONNECT. Find someone you can help and help them, in any way you can that will make a difference in their life.
We’ll be there to visit you soon. We’re bringing you goodies. What “comfort items” might thrill you? If you don’t tell us, we have to guess. (Readers of KD’s blog who are in the know, please email suggestions for comfort items for both KD and Jack to flash AT deathstar DOT org, magazines, candies, taste treats, et cetera.) Can we bring pork products, to Egypt? How about a kosher salami?
Yours in forbidden meats,
– Flash
Many thanks to the concerned friends and family who have commented or e-mailed me regarding this post. REALLY I’m doing ok. The week in Dahab really helped regain perspective (an upcoming post) and although I did my best to express my feelings, all is good here. Growing pains. Cairo is becoming my home, all I want from the States is an occasional visitor or e-mail. I love you guys – thanks.
:-*
SEND BEER! BELGIAN BEER!
Send a couple of bottles of St Feulliens Triple and I will be your bestest friend for live. I SWEAR.
Or anything from Salumi’s
whimper
Funny, Jack should mention Salumi’s, I have a Tuscan Finocchiona and a Salumi Salami hang curing as we
speak that we were lucky enough to receive as X-mas
presents. AND a Ommegang farm house ale and Avery’s
“The Reverend” chilling… in the icebox…
We do miss you guys, when you get down think of your friends here and elsewhere, know that you are thought of.
KD – you really know how to hurt a girl!!
Ricardo, the rat bastard says:
[begin quote]Funny, Jack should mention Salumi’s, I have a Tuscan Finocchiona and a Salumi Salami hang curing as we
speak that we were lucky enough to receive as X-mas
presents. AND a Ommegang farm house ale and Avery’s
“The Reverend†chilling… in the icebox…
[end quote]
I hate you and I am going to have you deported.
[quote]
We do miss you guys, when you get down think of your friends here and elsewhere, know that you are thought of.
[end quote]
ok. maybe I will just have your knee caps broken.