Dinner interlude

Other posts are in the works, but… Tonite (January 27th) Jack and I had dinner at the “Italian Club” in Cairo. After 5 full months in Cairo, we had our most amazing dinner EVER this evening. We had no idea this place was sooooo good, or we’d have been there sooner. We started with caprese… Continue reading Dinner interlude

The Holidays arrive in Cairo

The run-up to the holidays is usually hectic and often awash with other priorities, but this year was more than that. Jack and I chose not to exchange gifts, a choice we’ve made in the past, as Christmas really isn’t about the commercialism. I had baked some cookies for friends and parties, but otherwise, there… Continue reading The Holidays arrive in Cairo

First one’s the hardest?

Well, all the grades are in. Class websites are updated. I’ve locked my office door (at least for the next week or so). What a great feeling. I’ve experienced A LOT over these last 4 months. Moving is stressful – for anyone who has ever moved, you know, getting to a new place, settling in,… Continue reading First one’s the hardest?

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Categorized as Being There

It’s different here

Mud falls from the sky and is called rain I kid you not. Cairo is a dry, dusty city whose average rainfall is only about 25mm per year (that’s just under 1 inch, in case you’re wondering). So when rain does fall, it is a big event. People run outside. People forget how to drive.… Continue reading It’s different here

Black and White Desert

We awoke from an INCREDIBLY cold night’s sleep to see the sun rising over the dunes. It is true what “they” say about the desert – there is little in the atmosphere in the way of moisture to block one’s view of the stars, but that lack of moisture also allows the heat to escape… Continue reading Black and White Desert

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Categorized as Being There

OY – It got COLD here!

This is half tongue-in-cheek and half honest. The first few days of November have been REALLY COLD for Cairo. It has been breezy, and the daytime high temp has only reached 15 or 16C!!! For all the Metric-phobic, that is 59 to 61F. Yes, I can hear all of you remarking, “She’s GOT to be… Continue reading OY – It got COLD here!

Photos of Morocco

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

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

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