I have had the pleasure of working with these kids for the past two weeks at the British Council here in Egypt. They are super smart and a lots of fun. We are creating an island and a pirate ship in tribute to our summer reading program The Adventures of Captain Pugwash.

Here we are busily working in our teams. This group is cutting out the pirates for our pirate ship.

These girls are working on making the leaves for our palm trees. Soon they will start cutting out the tree trunks in brown.

This group is building our pirate ship. They are learning how to solve problems and work cooperatively.

Since I returned from my holiday, this is where I have been spending most of my time. My kitchen is relatively large compared to most Egyptian kitchens and it affords me a nice view when I open the curtains. The main problem for this kitchen is that in the summer time, it is like an oven. I do not have AC in my kitchen, compared to the rest of my home. Once you start cooking and if you should need to use the oven, watch out. It is like a furnace. I decided a long time ago in my teens that I never wished to have children. I am glad that I had such awareness of my own limitations at such an early age. I am not one for raising children on a full-time basis. I have incredible respect for moms, especially working moms. Working moms who work all day, and still have to come home to fulfill their duties at home....nagging children, demanding husbands, dishes to wash, and clothes to launder.......my hat goes off to you. I know that God has special plans for working mothers. I really do not know how they do it. I don't feel this commitment level, honestly. God bless all the working moms of the world, east or west. My God bless and keep you safe for your families.
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt

Greetings From Budapest, Hungary. This picture is not authentic or an original one that I took. I used images from Yahoo, and looked up Budapest. Upon my arrival , I went to turn my phone back on after the flight and it seems that my european sim card needs a pin number to re-activate. I was so disappointed, as I have been using my phone camera to take pictures. I remember very clearly the guy giving me the pin number and telling me how important it was. I have it...in Prague. No pictures of Budapest or Vienna. What a shame really.
I can tell you that I like Budapest very much. It is quite different then Prague. It seems a bit older and heavier. I did learn that the Danube enters from the carpathians' western most tip and styrian alps and collects all the waters that rise into the carpathian basin. The geographical location of this place seems to have added to its history. The Danube river left the basin wide open for all types of activities, while the carpathian mountains gave some protection. The whole of Hungary it seems was settled by seven different tribes of people. The Fishermens Bastion is said to have seven turrets to pay hommage to the seven different tribes. I took a neat little cable car ride up to see the Royal Palace and the view is really spectacular. Most of my day was spent walking from my hotel The Zara Hotel off the street of Vaci across the Elizabeth Bridge to the Buda side of Budapest and then returning across the Chain Bridge to see the Parliament Building. It was hot (although not as hot as the heat waves last week) and I am glad I wore sun screen. I told my sister Jackie that I could work and live in Prague. I am not sure if I would feel so inclined in Budapest. I like the city, and I am glad I came, but I do not think I would wish to live here. Watch out Cairo, I am almost ready to come home.
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt

One of the fantastic things about traveling with friends and family is that we get to learn so much about the others strengths and weaknesses, and how a change in climate, latitude and culture can affect our thinking and processing skills. Here I am (hand on my hip) with Brenda Brown (holding camera) trying to figure out how to use zoom... whilst Aunt Sandra is making video feeds, taking pictures, uploading and dowloading photos and video onto the laptop and sending them around the world via e-mail. I had no idea my aunt was so technically inclined. I also feel that she has found her new hobby in world travel!! We have already planned our next trip to Harrare, Zimbabwe for summer 2008. Brenda Brown has decided to go and check on her monetary investment in the "fresh water wells" in Zimbabwe (seems she made this donation through one of those tv evangelical programs) and provide some missionary outreach work while she is there. Aunt Sandra told her she may get to Zimbabwe and find out her "monetary donation" never went into a water well; however, she told Brenda not to worry that since Brenda is newly retired she now has the time now to invest in her own missionary work and she doesn't need to send money to those tv evangelical programs any longer. Aunt Sandra has decided that she will coordiante and provide technical assistance to Brenda in Zimbabwe on her missionary duties. Her first priority as liason for this trip is to export a portable electric ice-maker for our personal use. She will also look into an industrial size ice-maker for the "Tent Revival" so that all the attendees can enjoy ice in their drinks. Ice is not used as widely in Europe as we use it in America. Aunt Sandra feels that the world might "benefit" from this small pleasure.
My cousin Jennifer, Aunt Sandra's youngest daughter expressed an interest to join me in working on a wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe. She noted a particular interest to help save some wildebeest and rhinoceros, while working with the local women on basket weaving and rug-making using bones as tools and accessories. I am hoping she will complete her PHD by next summer so that she will be able to join us.
My sister Jackie will be happy to accompany us on our endeavors, and perhaps once Aunt Sandra introduces her industrial sized ice-maker to the masses there, we can join some of the park rangers on patrol to assist with the poaching problem. Aunt Sandra and Brenda can do this at night, as they neither one require much sleep.
I am so happy I had this opportunity to enjoy some of my family members outside of their normal environment. I have new insight into these wonderful individuals and I am so proud know them. I cannot wait to find out what new ideas my Aunt Sandra will come up with for our Harrare trip, she may even export air conditioning if none is available. I will note that my family and friends are always happy to welcome new ideas and faces on our excursions...so if anyone would like to join us in Harrare for summer 2008...just drop us an e-mail and we would love for you to join us.
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt

We are into day 20 of my July holiday and these two women came to join me for a few days! Brenda Brown (left) has recently retired as a school principal from the North Carolina school system and Sandra Rhodes (right) my paternal aunt is is still working as a Title I officer for the North Carolina education system. These woman are taking a break from thier duties and taking in the sights of Prague. They spent their first day on a bus tour of the city, shopping and enjoyed a Mozart Opera of Don Giovanni at The Estates Theatre of Prague. Mozart conducted the premier opera himself in this very same theatre 220 years ago. Sandra particularly enjoyed the opera and never missed a part of the 2.5 hour performance. She found the whole experience enthralling and inspirational.
Today these woman want to check out a train trip to Vienna. We will keep you posted on their adventures and experiences.
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt

One of our tours while visiting Prague was Terezin Ghetto. The fortress of Terezin was built by Joseph II in the years 1780-1790. It was initially designed to protect the access routes used by enemy troops to penetrate Bohemia during the 18th century. In the 19th century, the Hadsburgs used it to house prisoners who were opponets of the Hadsburg monarchy. During Nazi occupation it was used as a concentration camp for Jews. Terezin served 3 main purposes: a transit camp, a place of decimation, and Nazi propoganda. It seems that when the world started looking the Gestapo put on many international campaigns here in Terezin to cover up what was happening in reality.

During our tour of the grounds we crossed a small stream....look what popped his head out and decided to take a stroll. I am not sure what this animal is called in Czech, but everyone agreed it was either, Muskrat, Nutria, or a member of the badger family. I wanted to get him while he was staring up at us from the stream...alas...I am using my mobile phone camera and that takes a few screens to open. I liked him, as I do all animals, yet some of the other tourists seemed a bit grossed out!! :)

What amazes me when I listen to stories of persecution, or stereotyping individuals or groups, and inflicting violence or torture upon people for political or religious reasons... is that the compass of human nature can point in a certain way. I cannot imagine that any one person can live with his/herself when they know that people, the elderly and children are dieing daily from disease, typhoid, malnutrition, weather, etc. I listened to her while she was speaking, our tour guide, and I thought, we never learn...we continually repeat history over and over, but with different ethnic groups....thinking of the poor Sudanese refugees that were in the Moustafa Mahmoud Mosque area of Cairo, and those in Darfur, and all the in-fighting that is going on in Iraq and Palestine, or how many people in this world are hungry, when we throw food away daily, or people who need medicine in developing countries to treat polio or malaria, and Americans spend more money per capita on psychological therapy and anti-depressants. It is disgusting and shameful, I am embarased to say that I am apart of the problem....and no wonder the world is so messed up....what kind of future are we leaving to our kids??? I don't even want to get started on my soap box for global warming....

Here is Jackie and Gloria standing for a picture in front of the National Cemetary of Terezin. I have to say that Prague has VERY interesting cemetaries if you are interested in headstones and that type of thing.

Now, I just want to know one thing. This is a Jewish cemetary, so why would they erect a cross in a Jewish cemetary? I have no problem with the cross, it is lovely really, but the Jewish do not beleive that Christ has come yet, so they do not beleive that he was crucified. The cross is a Christian symbol, so..........I just found it strange to find this one erected in the middle of a Jewish cemetary.

When I travel to different places, I love to hear the legends and stories that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Perhaps they are not true, but the mystery behind them is just as interesting to me as the history of the country. Prague is full of legends and perhaps it is due in fact that the country was first settled by Celts. Celtic history is interesting in and of itself, as they were really nomadic. After the Celts were either chased out, or absorbed into the next movement of people in the area, Czech, Lech and Rus came into the picture. These 3 brothers set out on a journey, and Czech settled in this area. The generations reproduced and through time 3 dynamic women came into the picture. Kazi, Teta and Libuse were beautiful (of course) and had very special powers. Kazi was a healer using plants and herbs, Teta was a high priestess, and Libuse had the power to see into the future.

The legend goes on to say that Libuse, who inherited rule over the Czech tribes from her father Krok, needed to get married. Due to her status, she was the highest court of appeals when there were problems amongst tribe members. It seems that some of the fellows of the tribe were not happy with her "judgements" and started some of their own legends, which were really negative and disgusting. Libuse decided to fix this problem and with her powers, she sent out some of her subjects to find a man working or ploughing in a field. Her subjects did just this, found the man, and brought him back to Vysehrad Castle and Libuse married him. That ended the nagging within the tribes that they were ruled over by a woman.

One day, not long after she got married, Libuse had another vision and she foretold that on all of the seven hills of Prague a wonderful city would grow and become very famous and known. My tour guide said she sent out another group of subjects and they found some people building the frame of a door. The frame of the door was where the name of Praha (Prague) came from. The city flourished from henceforth. Who really knows what is based upon truth or fiction. The fact remains that in all of the history of this wonderful country, there were strong, interesting and dynamic women at the core of every story.

There are other legends about women who were in power (or running things behind the scenes) in this area. Even stories of men who sent their siblings out to battle, and took power when they were killed. That seems a bit devious and suspicious if you ask me! Crazy sons who beleived in having fun and learning alchemy. Forged alliances and marriages to gain property and lands. All kinds of interesting things to learn and read about. Prague has lots of ghostly and supernatural legends and stories as well. I will leave that to another posting.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

What a busy week! M sister Jackie (left) and our tour guide Martina (right) spent 2 very busy days together visiting the sights of Prague. This picture was taken at a cafe on the grounds of the St. Vitus Cathedral.

Here is Gloria (Jackie's maternal grandmother) enjoying a lemonade and a break. Gloria is 73 years old and she was able to keep up with all of us for these long walking tours. I do beleive she is in better shape than Jackie!

Martina, Gloria and Jackie pose for pictures in a beautiful square, which allows for a fantastic view of the city of Prague.

Gloria, Martina, and Jackie in front of the famous 15th century Astronomical Clock. As you can see, we are not dressed for summer. It was really cold and wet on this day.

I do beleive these ladies like to get their photos taken! I wonder if people thought we were famous celebrities enjoying the city? What do you think?

The 15th century Orloj, or Astronomical Clock of Prague is amazing. It is located on the Southern Facade of the Old Town hall. On the hour, twelve apostoles emerge and the skeleton of death rings the bell in one hand while holding an hourglass in the other. It has several different figures, and they are all mechanial and moving. The clock shows hours, days and equinoxes. The most interesting thing about this clock is the story surrounding its history. It seems that in 1410 a clockmaker, Master Hanus, designed and constructed this clock. The city council (including other clockmakers) were so worried that Master Hanus would go to Vienna or another major city, and construct an even BETTER clock, they vised a plan to have his eyes poked out. Master Hanus avoided this plan, but legend has it that he later threw himself into the clockworks. This made a mess of the clock for one half century. I love to hear these stories about historical events and monuments.

I decided to purchase one of these hats in the shop for my winter evenings in Cairo. Jackie enjoyed trying them on, but felt it was really not needed for Louisianna. I guess she was wondering if I really needed it for Cairo!

Prague is a fantastic city. It is a walking city, and you can enjoy strolling. No matter where you go, or any street you turn down, it is interesting and wonderful.

This is my street in Prague. You need to pronounce it with a Ch.

This is my corner grocery. You can find all the small little things one needs when in a bind. Tesco is on another street, so I try to use that.

Trams are widely used in Prague for transport. This is one of the trams that pass by my street. I find that this city is easy for walking. My flat is centrally located to everything.

Church bells ring regularly in Prague. This church is near my flat.

Yesterday, while I was purchasing tickets to attend a concert in a church, I heard someone making a real serious attempt to play a musical instrument. I looked and found this couple sitting on the bench with a bottle of wine and a real desire to make some music. The woman seemed oblivious, while the man was really honking and tooting along. There is a Yamaha music store nearby and I am sure he made his purchase from there. Good luck, buddy!!! I have to give it to you for trying!

This was a lovely restaurant that our tour group ate at while waiting for the concert to start. It has a lovely statue with a young man holding a feather, and a bird hoovering over his head. It was a beautiful place and away from the crowds.

This is Church of the Lady of Snows. I attended a concert here of Ave Maria which was lovely. This is considered one of the most important churches in Prague founded by Charles IV.

Summer 2007 is going to be spent in eastern Europe. This photo is the living room/bedroom of my studio/executive suite in Prague, CZ. Three words for you people, I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! It is the same style as Malia Residence in Roma, Italy. Quiet cobblestone street, birds chirping, and the air is fresh and cool. Sorry Egypt, but it is a refreshing break from my most beloved country.

The kitchen is very efficient. All the comforts of home. There is a small little window that one can open beside the stove. It is a small, neat kitchen and the great thing is....everything works. I am also happy to report that there was no need to clean before I cooked lunch today. No dust, or black particulate matter all around. It is the small things in life that makes one happy.

I have a fantastic bathroom. I can't really think of a better way to spend my month. It is so much better than a hotel. If any of you are interested in visiting Europe, I would suggest spending your time in a Residence. A Residence is like an apartment and your stay will be much more relaxed. This is my second stay in a Residence and I love it. I had airport transfer included. I only have myself, but you can get really large and fantastically decorated units. The internet is your best bet to research these places in your host country.

I arrived on July 1 (late due to weather) and this is my second full day here in Prague. I spent all of yesterday paying for flat rental, arranging airport transfers for family, and organizing some tours. It took me a solid hour to orient myself with a map and street names. I found a Tesco, a British style Walmart chain, or for my Egyptians, Carrefour. Nothing is written in English, so I am learning as I go. I spent today out on the Vlatva River meandering around. I had an experience today that was... unnerving. I think I have read to much into The Secret (very tres chic self help book in Egypt at this time). I was walking along the river sidewalk towards Charles Bridge and this woman (obviously a local) was riding her bicycle towards me on the street. I don't know what happened, but she fell off her bike right in front of me. I went over to ask her is she was ok, and she had a very deep laceration over her right temple. I was so relieved when some Czech's came over as the woman spoke no English, and she really needed a hospital. We could not staunch the bleeding. She looked so scared and so did we, honestly. One young lady called an ambulance and I left them there waiting. It was really horrible, and I do hope the woman is ok.

I went on along the Vlatva river towards the Charles Bridge. I decided to sit and relax and enjoy the view and do some people watching. I like to watch and observe people. I am very fascinated by the activities of those around me. I wonder if others find me that interesting when they observe me whilst I am unaware. While sitting here by this well cared for statue (Prague takes wonderful care of thier monuments) there was a family of 4 standing in front of me taking a picture. Their 12 to 14 year old daughter just passed out and dropped like a rock, right in front of me. I couldn't believe it. The father physically picked her up, she came around and managed to stand on her own. She looked completely disoriented, and at that time, so did I. I thought, for the love of God, what happened?? I started looking around me like a guilty person...as though I caused it. Needeless to say, I got up and moved on towards my apartment. I think that was enough for one day. I hope tomorrow is better for the poor people around me.

Tommorow I will meet my travel agency at Wincelas Square. By the way, there really was a King Wincelas. She is trying to talk me out of going to Vienna, Austria. I am still planning to go. I hope she stays in good health within my presence tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

A Woman of Egypt

Wow!! We have entered the modern world!! We got MAILBOXES!!! It is really, ahhhhh...I simply can't find the words to describe the feeling of having a mailbox. It has our name, a lock, and we even got keys!!!!! When my husband called me to tell me that we have a mailbox, I was so fulfilled. When you live in a country like Egypt, one of the developing countries in the world, you find pleasure in the smallest things. I am sure that even with the mailboxes, we will all be picking our mail off the table located at the front entrance, or even off the floor, or perhaps on any given day, it may be stuck in the window of the well of our building. To have the mailman or bowab actually PUT our mail inside, is really asking to much. It is enough that we have the opportunity to SAY that we have a mailbox. To actually be able to use it would be simply, asking to much!

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

This is one of my favorite street snacks of all time. We call this Dora mashwi, which is basically grilled corn. It is grilled on top of very hot coals which is kept going by a fan made out of turkey or chicken feathers. You can just make out the fan in Sherif's hand.

This is Nourhan and Ahmed. They are hanging out with Dad while he cooks the grilled corn. I thought they were really quite behaved for little ones with nothing to keep them occupied.

This family is grilling the corn on the back of a cart which as you can see has pretty normal rubber tires. This is a pretty high end family business you get to see here. Many times you will find folks grilling corn out of a pot sitting on the street. If they are lucky enough to have a cart, they have wooden tires. This cart was hooked up to an old pickup truck, but most of the carts for selling vegetables, baskets, or baked sweet potatoes normally have wooden tires and a worn out donkey waiting patiently.

Sherif puts the finishing touches on our grilled corn snack while his father and Nourhan keep watch. Once Sherif finishes grilling, he will wrap the corn back inside the husk to keep it warm. The corn husks are nice to keep your hands clean, too. Mmmmm.....delicious!!

I was recently invited to attend a wedding for a fellow teacher at my school. I received a beautiful formal invitation along with a warm verbal request. Not withstanding the pressure, I agreed to attend. I dread our weddings here, the thought of having to go to one fills me with apprehension. They are always very late in the evening, around 10:30 p.m in hotels in the city....if you are lucky for it to start this early. They are noisy events with a DJ, a famous singer, or a belly dancer. The music is so loud it is impossible to have a conversation with anyone. You sit at a round table with several guests, smile and look resplendent while a video camera with a colossal, glaring white spot light goes from table to table filming the happy event. I do go as it is my duty in some cases like family weddings, but I always spend half of my time out in the lobby or the reception area of the hotel. Aside from the belated hour and the noise, I have a real problem in trying to dress for these events. Weddings here are like Grammy award, red carpet, black tie events. Every wedding is a major competition, each one bigger and more extravagant than the last one attended. Major money goes into these events here in Egyt, especially among the urban elite. Upon agreeing to attend this wedding I consulted with another colleague, Margaret. We needed a plan, we needed a new hairstyle...we needed a major makeover. I decided to wear my old standby black dress. Who has the time to go shopping for a new cocktail dress? I was seriously contemplating a trip to the hairstylist, but decided to forgo the idea as the wedding was on a Saturday, which happens to be my major cleaning day. Who has the time? Instead, I decided to drag out some of my shoes that are all the way in the back of the closet...the ones that I never wear because they are not practical. I found these, covered in dust, but nevertheless...definitely usable. I put on some extra makeup, wore my hair in my usual ponytail, put on my faux sterling silver and crystal necklace...and then I was ready for the final touch...the high heel shoes....the one accessory that was going to give my style panache. I slid my foot in...first thought was wow, they are really high. I teetered over to my full length mirror to get a look at my all chic evening look, and realized that there was absolutely no way in HELL I would be able to walk in the streets of Cairo with those shoes on. Actually, I couldn't walk in my own home with those heels, no way to manage broken sidewalks, uneven asphalt, and sinkholes. I was about to panic, now what to do? I was seriously relying on these shoes to make my look for the wedding. I went back to the closet, I dug around to see what else I could find. After a few more dust balls, I found another pair of black sandals that were really not appropriate, but what could I do...time was running out. I went with Margaret to the wedding and we sat in the very back of the church. We were surely under dressed. The gowns, diamonds, hairstyles and accessories were incredible. I thought I was at a movie premiere in Cannes. Luckily, we slipped in before everything started, and slipped out before it all ended. We decided to forgo the hotel reception.

I have no idea what I am going to do for the next wedding invitation. I have been living here to long now to keep using the excuse of foreigner, she doesn't understand what is expected. As I discussed this with Margaret after the wedding, the only reasonable solution we came up with was to have a ballgown made, get the jewelry to compliment the dress, and make VERY sure that the dress is long enough that one cannot notice our sneakers underneath.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

Summer! It signals the end of an academic year for teachers. I had a great academic year 2006-2007. For the first time since 2002, I had the pleasure of just fulfilling my role as a class teacher. No administrative work, no evenings spent typing up work to prepare for a meeting....alas, just myself and the kids. Teaching has been a great surprise to me. I honestly never thought I would enjoy it. It was certainly not one of my top career choices. I just completed my fifth year of teaching in April 2007. I have to say, in retrospect I believe it is a holy, sacrosanct profession. I tell my husband that it is even more paramount than his position as a surgeon. Patients go to him, they get medicine or have on operation. Eventually they find a solution, feel better and then they go on with their lives. Teachers on the other hand leave an imprint upon kids that they carry with them through the rest of their academic life and into their professional lives, post education. At first I found this a bit daunting, as I am very careful about what I chose to commit to. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of my task and I was almost paralyzed by thoughts of anxiety, fear, and insecurity. Was I setting them up for future academic success, was I meeting all of their needs, what is the protocol for answering this question, did I choose the proper method for this situation, was my involvement in their lives for eight hours a day having a negative or positive effect? It took a couple of years, but I finally found my footing and I have since realized that this is exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing at this exact moment in time. Maybe my planets are in proper alignment, or I have found my authentic self in some way, perhaps I am finally on my purpose driven path. I am not sure...what I do know is that I love going to work everyday. I feel good when struggling students meet milestones, and I am encouraged when I have helped a parent understand that children are not "cookie cutter kids" and that his/her son is just as special and gifted even if they are unable to perform commutative and associative properties of math in grade 1. I was sad to see the school year come to an end. My kids will move on to the next grade, a new teacher, and new learning experiences. They will eventually forget about Mrs. Stephanie as they journey through their academic lives. I do hope that once in a while, they will pass by a bookstore and venture a look inside...perhaps they will take part in a conservation and preservation effort in their neighborhood or city. Who knows...perhaps they may even grow up and lead their country or nation with respect for individualism, tolerance for opinions, race, creed and religiosity, and a pluralistic understanding of values and customs. Each time I see a young person read a book, learn about the beauty and awe of nature, or display basic human kindness to another individual....I am satisfied and assured that all is right in the world.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

Meet Sim Sim! Sim Sim is my street cat. Well, mine and Ahmed's. This cat was an ity, bity kitten on the street when Ahmed and I started feeding her. She is supposed to be white, but she is VERY dirty, and looks like a mess, but we love her. I am sure my neighbors are not happy with me. Egyptians are not interested in animals, and they are known to treat them badly. The only reason my neighbors haven't said anything is they know I have been feeding her. She had kittens and they are on the third floor of the building next door to the travel agency. The office manager is not to happy as she is frightened of cats. I am hoping that Sim Sim will move her brood out soon. We have lots of cats and stray dogs in Cairo and they either get shot, poisoned or beaten. It is a shame and very sad, but if one sees the way the human population is treated, you can fully understand the way animals are treated. A few years back, I found a stray dog in the neighborhood that was very friendly. He was well-liked by some of the other neighbors, and even one lady named him Bebo! Bebo would walk with me to school and then go and meet and greet someone else. I thought Bebo stood a chance since there was a large interest in him, but one day, after missing Bebo for a school walk, I inquired with another neighbor on an adjacent street. She said that some of the neighborhood street kids were irritating and aggravating him and he started growling at them, so he was shot on the street. I was heartbroken, and my husband told me something I never forgot. "You see the way we treat our people, do you think an animal is going to fare better?" and he was right. I never forgot that. I will continue to try to care for Sim Sim until she meets here fate. Her kittens will probably move on to another neighborhood. I hope they find a nice person to care for them as I have their mom!!
Until next time,
A Woman of Egypt

This, my dear friends, is a dust storm. We have been suffering from these for the past month on a weekly basis. If you will look back in my blog you will see the same square in which I live, minus the dust. On a clear day, without smog and/or a dust/sand storm I can see the Citadel. We have been plagued with this type of weather for a while and I keep telling my husband this summer in Cairo will be terrible. I am sure we will have deadly heat waves with the temperature soaring around 50C. When a dust storm rolls into the city you can usually see it and smell it coming. It gets stifling hot, with hot, blowing winds which bring the dust in like a rolling tumbleweed. A sandstorm is the same...you can see nothing but yellow in the air, and the smell of sand and dust is extreme. It is not pleasant to be out in and the problem remains that they can come in so quickly. One sunny, pleasant afternoon, I was walking in the track at the club and all of a sudden a hot blast of wind bore down upon me and I looked around, and sure enough the sand and dust was rolling in from 6Th of October. In a matter of seconds, large umbrellas had blown away from tables and into the track, chairs were blown over, and people were scrambling for cover. I was a bit miffed with myself, as I had left the kitchen windows slightly open that morning, and I had a mess to clean up when I got home. I had a dustbin full of sand to clean up on my balcony that day as well. In my 39 years, I have experienced many of Allah's natural disasters ...hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, fish kills, and sand/dust storms. Insha Allah, I am finished with the later for this year's Khamaseen. Twice a week for the past month is more than enough for my respiratory system and housecleaning needs.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

Last week we celebrated Sham El Nessime. Basically, Sham El Nessime welcomes spring. Translated, it means "smelling the breeze." Egyptians spend the day out with family and friends, enjoying a salted fish, Ringa (seen on the right) and another type of fish called Faseekh, which has a heavy smell, like rotten fish. I myself, eat Ringa, which is what we in America call sardines or kippers. I pass on the faseekh. The day can be spent with family at our clubs here in Cairo, on a felluca cruising the nile, or at a cafe. It really doesn't matter as long as your enjoying the day outside. Emad and I went to Hurghada during this Eid, and I enjoyed my time there very much. I love upper Egypt more than the north coast. I wouldn't mind retiring in this area. Hurghada is a small city located on the Red Sea. One can live, work and enjoy the sea at the same time. I still have Ringa in my fridge, which I am sure we will be snacking on for the next 3 weeks.The thing about Sham El Nessime is that we never really have a spring here. We go from winter to summer here in Egypt, with some sand and dust storms thrown in the middle. One can always be assured to enjoy all the tastes and textures of Sham El Nessime in Egypt, rotten fish and all.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

These ladies are part of the nursing staff at one of Cairo's hospitals. Medical staff here in Egypt do not make that much money. It is not unusual for them to ask you to buy foul, tamea and some salad for breakfast. The problem is not buying this group breakfast, as the cost was probably no more than $1.50. The problem is that as soon as you leave your home, you have someone on the street asking you to give them money, the garage attendant has a sad story, you sit in traffic and people come to your window to ask for money, you drive up to your destination and the person at the gate, door, parking attendant..needs some money. You go inside the building and it is the same thing. I read a newspaper article last week on inflation in Egypt. In 2006, the average cost of goods increased 160%. That includes, bread, milk, fruits, vegetables, etc. The article also mentioned that in the past 14 years, cost had only risen 50%. I knew my household expenses had increased, and that my one frivolous expense of getting a manicure and pedicure twice a month had increased 25 LE per visit. I have since decided to whittle that down to once per month. I cannot pay 160 LE a month for a manicure and pedicure, when most Egyptians make this as a salary for the month. I am not one that spends a lot of time pampering herself, or spending money in a foolish, silly manner, but if I can feel the impact on my personal expenses, I can only imagine how the average Egyptian must suffer. The same newspaper article had statistics for malnutrition, children suffering from anemia, and the stats on those living in squalor. The numbers are overwhelming and sad. I love Egypt, but I do feel sad when I think about her future. I sat down with my husband the other day and we averaged out how much we "could" spend on daily handouts for all the poor on the street, at work, in transit, etc that approached us on the street. Together we could spend 1, 500 LE a month on daily handouts. That is more than my husbands salary at the hospital, and more than I allocate for my personal and household expenses for a month. I don't know what the answer is for the vast socioeconomic problems that we have here in Egypt. My solution is to take care of those in my neighborhood, my workplace, my building, and my home. I never throw food away, I pass out clothing when possible, and I try to do what I can for those around me. I think if every home in Egypt did the same thing, it may make our lives a bit better. I keep reminding myself that things could be worse, that some people live in more difficult circumstances. Many times I get tired of the begging, and I give them some tough, harsh words. I then feel guilty..it is a vicious cycle. I think this is one of the reasons why I love living here so much, everything in this country is tangible. You "feel" your life everyday here in Egypt. Maybe not always in beauty and harmony, excitement and adventure, but in the end it is all tangible.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt

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Everyone, meet Ahmed. Ahmed is the most important man in our building. He is our bowab. Ahmed is married and has 5 kids. He lives in the basement of our building. I can't imagine my life without Ahmed. He runs all the errands that you do not want to. He goes to the vegetable market, the grocery store, the meat market, he pays our phone bills, he gets our newspapers, he takes care of my street cat, he deals with the trash people. Basically....Ahmed keeps my life running smoothly. Not every building has a bowab like Ahmed. Ahmed has been with my husbands family for the past 21 years. You can trust Ahmed with your house keys, money (large amounts), family members and pets. He always takes care of my birds, guinea pig and fish when we go on holiday. When my mother-in-law had heart surgery 3 years ago, she introduced Ahmed as the owner of our building. We are lucky to have him. Most bowabs don't stay that long at buildings, and they do nothing but sit at the door all day. I think one of the major reasons why Ahmed is so awesome is that he is from Upper Egypt. He is decent and loyal compared to some educated Caireenes. Ahmed doesn't read very well, he is like the majority of the poor here, illiterate. Once my sister-in-law caught him outside of the door of our building with my English newspaper in hand. She said he had it open right down the middle and was acting as though he could read it. She said "Mmmmm, next time check the pictures to make sure it is right side up, ya Ahmed." We all got a laugh from that, but illiterate or not, we love Ahmed very much and are happy to consider him a part of our family. Ahmed is also well known in our neighborhood. He knows all the information, tid bits of gossip, breaking news, comings and goings, businesses opening and closing and everything in between. He is primary source of information, the news has nothing on our Ahmed. We always laugh when we talk about moving back to the US.."Ok, but there is no Ahmed in the states!!!" So true.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt