I am spending time with my MIL (mother-in-law) this evening. We are having popcorn and watching an old Egyptian film. My MIL is suffering from Cardiovascular disease, which is unfortunately exacerbated by Alzheimers. Egyptians do not put their elderly into nursing homes. They feel that to not take care of their elderly would be dishonorable. I do understand this concept, but I am not sure it is practical. For instance, many times my MIL leaves the gas on her stove and has burned many pots and pans. We have been fortunate, as we can always smell the gas or the acrid smell of a pot or the rubber handle of a pan. Sometimes my MIL sleeps until noon, which means her morning medicines are given to her late. Just two days ago, my bowab (porter of the building) came to me and said that the "Hajja" had called him and that she had fallen in her home. I was the only one in the building at the time, and I had no key to get in. I called my husband who came as quickly as he could. El homdulela, she was ok and hadn't broken anything. If she was in a nursing home, or a long term care facility the same incident could have happened, but the reaction time would have been better. I do understand that to not care for your elderly relatives is a shame, as well it should be. I am just not sure if families during this time period are able to do so to the advantage of the elderly. As I sit and enjoy my popcorn and film with my MIL, I can't help but wonder what will happen to my husband and my in-law's when they get older. Will their children dedicate their days to accommodate their aging and needy parents? Somehow, I do doubt that seriously. As for myself, if I live to be that old, which I seriously doubt, I am going to go back to the US and join one of those old age homes in Washington, N.C., so that I can play Canasta all day and gossip about the other oldie goldies in the place. If they don't let me in, I will just hang out in the reception until they get frustrated and give me a bed! I mean, what else will they do with an old, aggravating lady??
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt

Asalemuaillekum! It has been a long time for me to post. I have decided this is truly the best way for me to stay in touch with everyone. It took me about 5 days to remember my sign in name and password. El Homdulela, I did manage. We are back into the swing of things in Cairo since returning from the states. We had a great time although due to time restrictions, we could not see everyone. I am sad for this, and insha allah, I will be able to contact those we were unable to see during our time in North Carolina. Emad's children really loved North Carolina, and wished we had spent the whole time there. I honestly did not think they would be cool and relaxed the whole time and thus the trip to Florida. Next time, we will stay in North Carolina the whole holiday. As for myself, I was happy to be back home in a normal and clean environment for a couple of weeks. I loaded up on clothes and other items so I am now set for another few years here. We came back home to our grey cloud of pollution with hot and humid days. I missed my central air conditioning in the resorts, but after a few days was back into my regular 3 showers a day and drinking plenty of water. It is amazing, but I am actually glad to be back home in Egypt. Many of my friends and colleagues come back from the UK or the States and remain depressed for a couple of weeks. El Homdulela, I have not suffered from this situation. I was glad to be there and I am am happy to be back here, as well.
I am starting at a new elementary school in Egypt this academic year. The high school is already established, but the elementary and middle school will begin this academic year. I am looking forward to the move, but am sad as I am leaving the school I have been with since I moved here in 2002. Change is always good and so I will see what the academic year holds.
I will close this post for now, and insha allah, I will be more regular with my entry's in the future.
Until the next time,
A Woman of Egypt