The last couple of days, I've been living vicariously through my friend Mike (I'll put in a link whenever he gets his Blog going!)
Why?
Because he went to the Fleetwood Mac concert in Detroit on Thursday night. My favorite band! Thankfully, Mike wrote me a very long and detailed description of the show and his thoughts on it, plus he's been asking his Dad (also a fan) how it was to be living in the '70s when all the original music was just coming out.
I've been testing my patience by downloading some live tracks from the current tour:
http://burnish.net/audio.php -- has a bunch of tracks from the Columbus show
http://www.fleetwoodmac-uk.com/songofthemonth.html -- 2 tracks from Pittsburgh
http://arizonalily.org/lilyrhiannon/music/mp3/week.shtml -- older stuff, demos, etc
I downloaded some last night while chatting with Scott and Willie. They're gone now, so I had time to lift weights this morning.
This afternoon, I'll make the salad I mentioned earlier, take it to a dinner, then hopefully make it to the Opera House for a concert at 9pm. We'll see...
In the meantime, I'm listening to in-concert music from Fleetwood Mac!!!
Saturday, June 14, 2003
Friday, June 13, 2003
Friday the 13th!
Jason…Jason…Jason… *laugh*
(sorry, bad reference to the horrible movies that I couldn’t resist making! *grin*)
It’s been a busy day! Last night, my South African visitors arrived back in Cairo. They were due to be in a bit after 10pm and instead turned up at my door just before I was heading to bed at 2am!
Such stories to tell! On the way from one part of Algeria to another, they had to make an emergency landing in their airplane! Crazy! Coming back to Cairo, their flight was much safer, but it was delayed in Algeria for several hours due to some sort of mechanical problem.
We chatted a bit, but then got to sleep quickly b/c we wanted to go to church this morning.
And we did…9:30am and we were there! After that, we met up with Carmen (another MCC volunteer) and Jennifer (the cousin of a volunteer) to go visit the SAT7, big Christian satellite station in Egypt that broadcasts all over the Middle East. Willie and Scott knew people who were involved in other countries and wanted to see the facilities here. I’m really glad we did. It was quite interesting and a very professional set-up. I’m not sure who their fund-raising staff is, but they’re really good.
There are very professional-looking studios, high-quality soundproofing, and top-of-the-line editing equipment in the offices. Plus, they have a mobile studio in a van! The price tag on that is 1 million Egyptian Pounds (probably about $300,000 at the time they bought it)
Guess what? I ran into someone I knew while touring SAT7! *smirk* Yes, I’m sure that people are shocked by that!
Nancy, one of the childcare workers from when we were on our MCC retreat in Alexandria was also on a tour of SAT7! *laugh* Fun to see her and chat a bit!
After the tour, we went back to the cave church and garbage city that Darren and I had already visited. It was quite near to SAT7 and we thought it would be a good thing for the visitors to see.
We had a good time there and then had a really nice cab driver on the way back. He’s also going to come to my place at 2am to pick up Willie and Scott for the airport.
For dinner, we got sandwiches as take-out and then came back to my flat for the sandwiches, some fruit, and then ice cream for dessert. Scott picked up my Island of Dr. Moreau book, so he’s trying to finish that before he leaves!
After lifting weights tomorrow, I need to make a salad for dinner tomorrow night. Any suggestions? I’m thinking lettuce, tomato, and pasta. What sort of dressing/seasonings should I use?
Jason…Jason…Jason… *laugh*
(sorry, bad reference to the horrible movies that I couldn’t resist making! *grin*)
It’s been a busy day! Last night, my South African visitors arrived back in Cairo. They were due to be in a bit after 10pm and instead turned up at my door just before I was heading to bed at 2am!
Such stories to tell! On the way from one part of Algeria to another, they had to make an emergency landing in their airplane! Crazy! Coming back to Cairo, their flight was much safer, but it was delayed in Algeria for several hours due to some sort of mechanical problem.
We chatted a bit, but then got to sleep quickly b/c we wanted to go to church this morning.
And we did…9:30am and we were there! After that, we met up with Carmen (another MCC volunteer) and Jennifer (the cousin of a volunteer) to go visit the SAT7, big Christian satellite station in Egypt that broadcasts all over the Middle East. Willie and Scott knew people who were involved in other countries and wanted to see the facilities here. I’m really glad we did. It was quite interesting and a very professional set-up. I’m not sure who their fund-raising staff is, but they’re really good.
There are very professional-looking studios, high-quality soundproofing, and top-of-the-line editing equipment in the offices. Plus, they have a mobile studio in a van! The price tag on that is 1 million Egyptian Pounds (probably about $300,000 at the time they bought it)
Guess what? I ran into someone I knew while touring SAT7! *smirk* Yes, I’m sure that people are shocked by that!
Nancy, one of the childcare workers from when we were on our MCC retreat in Alexandria was also on a tour of SAT7! *laugh* Fun to see her and chat a bit!
After the tour, we went back to the cave church and garbage city that Darren and I had already visited. It was quite near to SAT7 and we thought it would be a good thing for the visitors to see.
We had a good time there and then had a really nice cab driver on the way back. He’s also going to come to my place at 2am to pick up Willie and Scott for the airport.
For dinner, we got sandwiches as take-out and then came back to my flat for the sandwiches, some fruit, and then ice cream for dessert. Scott picked up my Island of Dr. Moreau book, so he’s trying to finish that before he leaves!
After lifting weights tomorrow, I need to make a salad for dinner tomorrow night. Any suggestions? I’m thinking lettuce, tomato, and pasta. What sort of dressing/seasonings should I use?
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Strange things afoot at the Circle-K!!! *laugh* (or at least near where the Circle-K might be, if they had them in Egypt)
After my guitar lesson, I had some time before Arabic, wanted to eat, and didn’t feel like going home. So I went straight to this good pancake place near my tutor’s house. The good news – I had pancakes. The bad news – no syrup! *frown* Just honey, but that was ok I guess.
Then there was the battle of me trying to think of the word for “butter” to have some on the croissant I bought. That was a difficult task! (it’s “zibeda”)
But what I saw just after I left made it all worthwhile.
Typically in Cairo, you see dogs and cats roaming the streets. They’re looking for scraps of food and sometimes you’ll see cats begging at restaurants.
Well, today, I saw 2 chicks begging for food! *laugh*
Really, 2 baby chickens. I kid you not.
They might have been begging, but more likely the guys who were eating outside this restaurant had the chicks with them. In either event, it was pretty strange. I gave an odd look to one of the guys and he just smiled as if nothing was out of the ordinary…
This was my last “regular” Arabic lesson with my tutor before I leave for Tanta. That was kinda sad, but I’ll still see her and the family sometimes when I come down to visit.
After class, I started back home b/c my South African visitors are coming back tonight as they return home from Algeria. I had a bit of time, so I went to my usual coffee place which I haven’t been to in a couple of weeks!
How things can change! The really friendly waiter was gone and I didn’t recognize any of the customers!! Bizarre. So, I didn’t stick around very long.
I left the place and started walking home, when I _did_ recognize someone on the street! It was one of my Egyptian students from my teacher-training course! Hany is a really friendly guy and I think genuinely happy to see me. He was going shopping nearby, so he invited me to join him. Of course, it turns out he was shopping for underwear! *laugh*
We chatted a bit about what he’s been up to and he might be a really good connection to have. On Saturday, he is interviewing at one of the hotels in the Sinai. It would be nice to know him and stay there for a good rate if I visit. We exchanged mobile numbers, and he promised to let me know how things worked out.
Waiting for Scott and Willie to call. I’m a bit concerned since their flight should have gotten in 1 hour ago.
After my guitar lesson, I had some time before Arabic, wanted to eat, and didn’t feel like going home. So I went straight to this good pancake place near my tutor’s house. The good news – I had pancakes. The bad news – no syrup! *frown* Just honey, but that was ok I guess.
Then there was the battle of me trying to think of the word for “butter” to have some on the croissant I bought. That was a difficult task! (it’s “zibeda”)
But what I saw just after I left made it all worthwhile.
Typically in Cairo, you see dogs and cats roaming the streets. They’re looking for scraps of food and sometimes you’ll see cats begging at restaurants.
Well, today, I saw 2 chicks begging for food! *laugh*
Really, 2 baby chickens. I kid you not.
They might have been begging, but more likely the guys who were eating outside this restaurant had the chicks with them. In either event, it was pretty strange. I gave an odd look to one of the guys and he just smiled as if nothing was out of the ordinary…
This was my last “regular” Arabic lesson with my tutor before I leave for Tanta. That was kinda sad, but I’ll still see her and the family sometimes when I come down to visit.
After class, I started back home b/c my South African visitors are coming back tonight as they return home from Algeria. I had a bit of time, so I went to my usual coffee place which I haven’t been to in a couple of weeks!
How things can change! The really friendly waiter was gone and I didn’t recognize any of the customers!! Bizarre. So, I didn’t stick around very long.
I left the place and started walking home, when I _did_ recognize someone on the street! It was one of my Egyptian students from my teacher-training course! Hany is a really friendly guy and I think genuinely happy to see me. He was going shopping nearby, so he invited me to join him. Of course, it turns out he was shopping for underwear! *laugh*
We chatted a bit about what he’s been up to and he might be a really good connection to have. On Saturday, he is interviewing at one of the hotels in the Sinai. It would be nice to know him and stay there for a good rate if I visit. We exchanged mobile numbers, and he promised to let me know how things worked out.
Waiting for Scott and Willie to call. I’m a bit concerned since their flight should have gotten in 1 hour ago.
There are reasons that cameras on mobile phones are becoming popular. I don’t have one, but it would have come in handy earlier.
I saw a truck that said “Meat Land” and had a huge picture of a happy, smiling cow on it. This was a delivery truck for some big butcher’s shop. *laugh* The picture would have been better, but the description will have to suffice.
This morning was crazy! Each week, 2 women come in to clean the flat where I’m living b/c it’s so big and has so much junk in it. Well, sometimes they come in the afternoon…other days they come at noon. Today they came at 10am and quite nearly caught me sitting in my boxers in front of the computer! That would have been unfortunate!!!
So…I scurried around and went up to the MCC office for the time they were here. I studied a bit and then picked up The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. Has anyone read it? I’ve always heard about it and thought it would be a good, quick read. Hopefully I can polish it off today or tomorrow.
I saw a truck that said “Meat Land” and had a huge picture of a happy, smiling cow on it. This was a delivery truck for some big butcher’s shop. *laugh* The picture would have been better, but the description will have to suffice.
This morning was crazy! Each week, 2 women come in to clean the flat where I’m living b/c it’s so big and has so much junk in it. Well, sometimes they come in the afternoon…other days they come at noon. Today they came at 10am and quite nearly caught me sitting in my boxers in front of the computer! That would have been unfortunate!!!
So…I scurried around and went up to the MCC office for the time they were here. I studied a bit and then picked up The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. Has anyone read it? I’ve always heard about it and thought it would be a good, quick read. Hopefully I can polish it off today or tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Yesterday, I talked with my Mom, my niece Kirsten, and my nephew Justin. What fun! I bought one of these cheap calling cards online and then sent my mom the information on how to use it. After a bit of trial-and-error, we got it worked out! I'm hoping to have my Dad call me on Father's Day, too!
Not much going on today, other than weights this morning and studying for the afternoon.
So, your random links for the day:
Job interview ends with arrest
and
More David Beckham trade news/rumours -- "Bend it Like Beckham" got his name out there a bit in the U.S. but I'm trying to do my bit too...
In even stranger news, my friend David seems to be turning into somewhat of a sports fan -- especially with this year's Stanley Cup playoffs. What are they putting in that Ypsilanti water??
Monday, June 09, 2003
After my Arabic tutorial tonight, 2 of my tutor’s former students were at her apartment. They met each other here, went back to the states, and just got married. So this is their Honeymoon!
The guy (Ethan) is chatting along about how he’s a college professor. I asked “where?”.
His answers? “Spring Arbor University”.
Okay, if it had been Albion, I would have been really scared, but 20 miles down the road is close enough!!! How does this keep happening to me?
He teaches Middle East studies, especially relating to the Israel/Palestine conflict. Apparently he’s very much on the Palestinian side of things and ruffles lots of feathers at the conservative Christian Spring Arbor University.
I must say, he was surprised when I knew where it was and said that several of my friends had graduated from there!!
*laugh*
The guy (Ethan) is chatting along about how he’s a college professor. I asked “where?”.
His answers? “Spring Arbor University”.
Okay, if it had been Albion, I would have been really scared, but 20 miles down the road is close enough!!! How does this keep happening to me?
He teaches Middle East studies, especially relating to the Israel/Palestine conflict. Apparently he’s very much on the Palestinian side of things and ruffles lots of feathers at the conservative Christian Spring Arbor University.
I must say, he was surprised when I knew where it was and said that several of my friends had graduated from there!!
*laugh*
What are the chances??
Last night, I was at a going-away party for Roz, one of the Legal Aide volunteers and one of the other women mentions that she’s thinking of attending the University of Michigan law school in a year or so. She’s from Iowa, so this is no big thing.
“Oh, and did you know that Larissa will be there next year?”
This is the one that got me b/c Larissa is from New Zealand! Apparently there’s some 1-year master’s degree for International students… So, I ended up talking about U-M, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Michigan! Silly. Larissa will be there from September through May and knows a couple of people living there, but I might call on a couple of you to meet her or help her out. I was pushing the live music and coffee house scene, so I’m sure people out there would love to show Larissa around.
This also got me thinking about the name “Larissa”. I have now met 2 people with that name since I got to Egypt. Apparently it’s from Doctor Zhivago, which had a character referred to as “Lara” (which is short for Larissa). I have a cousin named Lara, but I’m not sure where my aunt/uncle came up from the name. Maybe if they’re reading this, they will answer the question! *grin*
Great music at this party. There were guys from there from Sudan and also from Somalia, and they got the drums and guitar out. Much clapping and some dancing followed…
For pictures, use…
Username: jpics
Password: easy
And see: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4289975041
On a different note…
I’ve been able to do a bit of chatting lately. Last night I caught my friend Beth and this morning, I wrote back-and-forth with my friend Julie for about 30 minutes before going to lift weights.
Today is my “regular day” of the last few weeks. Studying, napping, reading, then Arabic from 8-10pm. I think I’ll practice guitar a bit after that.
Last night, I was at a going-away party for Roz, one of the Legal Aide volunteers and one of the other women mentions that she’s thinking of attending the University of Michigan law school in a year or so. She’s from Iowa, so this is no big thing.
“Oh, and did you know that Larissa will be there next year?”
This is the one that got me b/c Larissa is from New Zealand! Apparently there’s some 1-year master’s degree for International students… So, I ended up talking about U-M, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Michigan! Silly. Larissa will be there from September through May and knows a couple of people living there, but I might call on a couple of you to meet her or help her out. I was pushing the live music and coffee house scene, so I’m sure people out there would love to show Larissa around.
This also got me thinking about the name “Larissa”. I have now met 2 people with that name since I got to Egypt. Apparently it’s from Doctor Zhivago, which had a character referred to as “Lara” (which is short for Larissa). I have a cousin named Lara, but I’m not sure where my aunt/uncle came up from the name. Maybe if they’re reading this, they will answer the question! *grin*
Great music at this party. There were guys from there from Sudan and also from Somalia, and they got the drums and guitar out. Much clapping and some dancing followed…
For pictures, use…
Username: jpics
Password: easy
And see: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4289975041
On a different note…
I’ve been able to do a bit of chatting lately. Last night I caught my friend Beth and this morning, I wrote back-and-forth with my friend Julie for about 30 minutes before going to lift weights.
Today is my “regular day” of the last few weeks. Studying, napping, reading, then Arabic from 8-10pm. I think I’ll practice guitar a bit after that.
Sunday, June 08, 2003
Friday, I heard a very appropriate use of the phrase “al hamdula Allah” (praise be to God). This phrase is used often in everyday conversation, but this was coming from an older woman after she was struck by a taxi cab.
I was waiting for the bus I take to Frisbee and this woman waved at a bus and then started jogging to catch it. Well, apparently a taxi thought she wanted him to stop for her, so he swerved in and hit her! Fortunately, he was going slowly by this point, but still fast enough to send her up in the air a bit and then back down on her backside. She slid along the side of the cab and exclaimed “al hamdula Allah” once she realized that she was ok! Scary…
Yikes! So long since I’ve worked on a solid entry like this! I guess that’s kinda good b/c it means that I’ve been staying quite busy.
On Friday night, I saw a good musical performance -- guitar, bass, violin, african drums, oud, something called the tablau, and a piano. They called it "Andalusian Music". I enjoyed it and so did the rest of the crowd.
Earlier on Friday, I enjoyed a good church service and then played Frisbee. Saturday’s highlights consisted of lifting weights and going to my Arabic tutorial.
So far today, I’ve gone grocery shopping with my friend Mike and then learned how he makes his really tasty spaghetti sauce. Now I’m back for a bit of studying this afternoon and a nap before church tonight.
The countdown is on, as I near my June 16th move to Tanta. I’m getting nervous about both the move and my teaching. It’s all becoming real now! No more of this time of relaxation, taking classes, learning about Egypt, and just enjoying myself. I need to start earning my keep!
As I was getting ready to type, a helicopter flew overhead a few times. It was quite close – must be something going on with President Mubarak today. I live just a few blocks from the palaces/offices.
Anyone want to join me in Egypt? In a magazine today, I saw an ad for a “speechwriter/editor” for the Korean Embassy in Cairo. *smirk* Perfect for those of you with political science, economics, or English degrees!!!
For your reading pleasure, 2 unrelated links:
Sri Lanka on verge of aid billions -- I have a friend here from Sri Lanka and also my friend Suren back in Michigan, so this is important to me.
Young Japanese becoming "freeters" (only working part-time jobs and taking time to enjoy their lives more than the previous generation)
I was waiting for the bus I take to Frisbee and this woman waved at a bus and then started jogging to catch it. Well, apparently a taxi thought she wanted him to stop for her, so he swerved in and hit her! Fortunately, he was going slowly by this point, but still fast enough to send her up in the air a bit and then back down on her backside. She slid along the side of the cab and exclaimed “al hamdula Allah” once she realized that she was ok! Scary…
Yikes! So long since I’ve worked on a solid entry like this! I guess that’s kinda good b/c it means that I’ve been staying quite busy.
On Friday night, I saw a good musical performance -- guitar, bass, violin, african drums, oud, something called the tablau, and a piano. They called it "Andalusian Music". I enjoyed it and so did the rest of the crowd.
Earlier on Friday, I enjoyed a good church service and then played Frisbee. Saturday’s highlights consisted of lifting weights and going to my Arabic tutorial.
So far today, I’ve gone grocery shopping with my friend Mike and then learned how he makes his really tasty spaghetti sauce. Now I’m back for a bit of studying this afternoon and a nap before church tonight.
The countdown is on, as I near my June 16th move to Tanta. I’m getting nervous about both the move and my teaching. It’s all becoming real now! No more of this time of relaxation, taking classes, learning about Egypt, and just enjoying myself. I need to start earning my keep!
As I was getting ready to type, a helicopter flew overhead a few times. It was quite close – must be something going on with President Mubarak today. I live just a few blocks from the palaces/offices.
Anyone want to join me in Egypt? In a magazine today, I saw an ad for a “speechwriter/editor” for the Korean Embassy in Cairo. *smirk* Perfect for those of you with political science, economics, or English degrees!!!
For your reading pleasure, 2 unrelated links:
Sri Lanka on verge of aid billions -- I have a friend here from Sri Lanka and also my friend Suren back in Michigan, so this is important to me.
Young Japanese becoming "freeters" (only working part-time jobs and taking time to enjoy their lives more than the previous generation)
Saturday, June 07, 2003
Well, I'm waiting a few minutes while trying to connect with my friend Julie on MSN Messenger. She seems to be ignoring me at the moment. *frown* I also had problems connecting, so...
I had a good day of weights, chatting with Mike, studying, and then my Arabic tutorial tonight.
Sunday morning, I'm meeting up with Mike for a grocery shopping at one of the bigger Western-style places near him that I haven't been to yet. I'm curious to see what they have. We're also going to get ingredients for spaghetti sauce. He makes it from scratch and he's going to show me how he does it.
I'm hoping to put a longer entry in here tomorrow and tell a story or 2. You've been warned.
I had a good day of weights, chatting with Mike, studying, and then my Arabic tutorial tonight.
Sunday morning, I'm meeting up with Mike for a grocery shopping at one of the bigger Western-style places near him that I haven't been to yet. I'm curious to see what they have. We're also going to get ingredients for spaghetti sauce. He makes it from scratch and he's going to show me how he does it.
I'm hoping to put a longer entry in here tomorrow and tell a story or 2. You've been warned.
Friday, June 06, 2003
I'm glad that people still appreciate good music! (and they buy it, too!)
See: Led Zeppelin rules the Charts
See: Led Zeppelin rules the Charts
Ran into Heather Berlin from Albion again today. So silly!
She does work for one of the guys at my church, so he asked her to join the worship band this morning! There she was, playing guitar and singing (very well, I might add).
That's my random bit of Albion-connected life. These things always happen to me, don't they???
Now if I meet someone randomly in _Tanta_ once I move on June 16th, then that will be impressive!!!! *laugh*
She does work for one of the guys at my church, so he asked her to join the worship band this morning! There she was, playing guitar and singing (very well, I might add).
That's my random bit of Albion-connected life. These things always happen to me, don't they???
Now if I meet someone randomly in _Tanta_ once I move on June 16th, then that will be impressive!!!! *laugh*
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
Staying up late tonight to type in my thoughts from the day…I wrote while on the train to/from Tanta.
Deep thought for the day:
Everywhere here, people have copies of the Koran open. They read on the bus, on the train, etc and sometimes even chant/sing verses. What would America (or any other heavily-Christian country) be like if more Christians did that? (the reading in public, not necessarily the chanting)
Barely made my train (5 minutes before it left). Lots of traffic, then I took time to grab breakfast. *smile* Pancakes covered in powdered sugar and rolled up. Tasty ad filling but not very healthy. On that note…
I think my legs are getting shorter!!! *smirk*
All my dress pants seem to be longer than usual, this past week or so. Ah, it’s b/c they’re slipping off my waist now that I’ve been exercising a lot! Time to start wearing a belt, I guess!
Today I saw the classrooms, found out about printer/photocopier, grabbed a textbook, and talked with my teacher/director. I was able to wander the neighborhood where I’ll be living for about an hour before I caught the train back.
Yesterday, I had 2 decent (but short) conversations in Arabic. One with a taxi driver tnd the other to buy my train ticket. I should have been talking with the guys who work in my building and taxi drivers all along but I let my lack of confidence hold me back. Now I have the desire and a bit of confidence.
One other conversation…I was waiting for the tram to come home after Arabic and I got surrounded by a pack of teen-aged schoolgirls! I’ve heard about this happening with talkative girls chatting with male foreigners, but this was the first time it happened to me. “Do you speak English?” then on from there. “Where are you from?” “What’s your job?” Their English wasn’t very good, but it was better than my Arabic! Still, I tried to mix in some so that I could practice.
When getting ready to leave Tanta today, I stopped to ask for help and to make sure I was walking the right direction to the train station (I wasn’t). A helpful guy said he’s walk with me, since he lived near the station. People in Egypt will often offer to do this. We chatted a bit in Arabic and English.
His name? Mohammed. Of course… The odds are pretty good, but it’s reassuring that even though I’ll be in a heavily-Christian setting with my teaching, I will still be able to have random contact with Muslims.
My neighborhood seems alright. Not a lot of action, but a few restaurants and a coffee place or 2 for playing backgammon.
Deep thought for the day:
Everywhere here, people have copies of the Koran open. They read on the bus, on the train, etc and sometimes even chant/sing verses. What would America (or any other heavily-Christian country) be like if more Christians did that? (the reading in public, not necessarily the chanting)
Barely made my train (5 minutes before it left). Lots of traffic, then I took time to grab breakfast. *smile* Pancakes covered in powdered sugar and rolled up. Tasty ad filling but not very healthy. On that note…
I think my legs are getting shorter!!! *smirk*
All my dress pants seem to be longer than usual, this past week or so. Ah, it’s b/c they’re slipping off my waist now that I’ve been exercising a lot! Time to start wearing a belt, I guess!
Today I saw the classrooms, found out about printer/photocopier, grabbed a textbook, and talked with my teacher/director. I was able to wander the neighborhood where I’ll be living for about an hour before I caught the train back.
Yesterday, I had 2 decent (but short) conversations in Arabic. One with a taxi driver tnd the other to buy my train ticket. I should have been talking with the guys who work in my building and taxi drivers all along but I let my lack of confidence hold me back. Now I have the desire and a bit of confidence.
One other conversation…I was waiting for the tram to come home after Arabic and I got surrounded by a pack of teen-aged schoolgirls! I’ve heard about this happening with talkative girls chatting with male foreigners, but this was the first time it happened to me. “Do you speak English?” then on from there. “Where are you from?” “What’s your job?” Their English wasn’t very good, but it was better than my Arabic! Still, I tried to mix in some so that I could practice.
When getting ready to leave Tanta today, I stopped to ask for help and to make sure I was walking the right direction to the train station (I wasn’t). A helpful guy said he’s walk with me, since he lived near the station. People in Egypt will often offer to do this. We chatted a bit in Arabic and English.
His name? Mohammed. Of course… The odds are pretty good, but it’s reassuring that even though I’ll be in a heavily-Christian setting with my teaching, I will still be able to have random contact with Muslims.
My neighborhood seems alright. Not a lot of action, but a few restaurants and a coffee place or 2 for playing backgammon.
Sunday, June 01, 2003
The first of June!!! How is that possible???
Well, probably because I’ve been staying really busy lately!
Let’s look at the highlights.
On Saturday, I spent the day at “Aqua Park” – a nice waterpark with pools, waterslides, etc. The main reason for the trip was to have a day of fun for Craig and Karen’s boys, but the rest of the MCC group was invited along, too. It’s been really hot lately, so it was a great break from the heat. Price was good too. 45LE ($7) for the full day and that included a sandwich, small pizza, and a drink!
I haven’t been to a waterpark since the party for some baseball team! That’s over 15 years ago! Great fun. Everything worked out ok, except for the small hole I now have in the back of my swimming suit. *frown*
The place had some pretty big waterslides, including one that you went down in the dark! In that one, you were also sitting on a big inner-tube, or on a double-tube with someone else. You could go forward or backwards! I guess they had about 5 different slides and a nice area for the kids, too. Since Egyptian schools are still in session, it wasn’t very busy. A few Egyptians, but mostly expats (including lots of Russians).
I feel odd when I do such fun things but in talking with Craig, I decided that part of what I’m learning about Cairo (and what I should be conveying to people) is that it _is not_ this really exotic place. Sure, you’ll see odd things here (carts pulled by donkeys, women carrying large objects on top of their head, etc) but you also get many things that could be part of life in N. America (like taking kids to a waterpark).
Every MCC’er has a different experience and each country/city where we serve plays a big part in that.
This weekend, I also watched 2 movies. Friday night, I saw my first “western movie” in an Egyptian cinema. 10LE (less than $2) to see “The Hours”. Has anyone else seen it? Apparently, it was nominated for many awards and I can see why. I really enjoyed this film. The performances were excellent by Nicole Kidman, Julian Lewis, and Meryl Streep. Ed Harris and Jeff Daniels were good too, but the ladies stole the show!
The cinema was nice, if a bit run-down. Comfortable seats, decent sound, a normal-sized screen, and even a guy who escorted us to our seats (requiring a small tip, of course)
We were an international group that went after Frisbee. 2 Americans, 2 Sudanese, and a young woman from Turkey.
On Saturday after Aqua Park, I met at the office with Mike and Carmen to watch “Chicken Run” from Nick Park, the guy who made the Wallace and Gromit . Funny and filled with so many puns! References to Star Trek and everything!
Well, probably because I’ve been staying really busy lately!
Let’s look at the highlights.
On Saturday, I spent the day at “Aqua Park” – a nice waterpark with pools, waterslides, etc. The main reason for the trip was to have a day of fun for Craig and Karen’s boys, but the rest of the MCC group was invited along, too. It’s been really hot lately, so it was a great break from the heat. Price was good too. 45LE ($7) for the full day and that included a sandwich, small pizza, and a drink!
I haven’t been to a waterpark since the party for some baseball team! That’s over 15 years ago! Great fun. Everything worked out ok, except for the small hole I now have in the back of my swimming suit. *frown*
The place had some pretty big waterslides, including one that you went down in the dark! In that one, you were also sitting on a big inner-tube, or on a double-tube with someone else. You could go forward or backwards! I guess they had about 5 different slides and a nice area for the kids, too. Since Egyptian schools are still in session, it wasn’t very busy. A few Egyptians, but mostly expats (including lots of Russians).
I feel odd when I do such fun things but in talking with Craig, I decided that part of what I’m learning about Cairo (and what I should be conveying to people) is that it _is not_ this really exotic place. Sure, you’ll see odd things here (carts pulled by donkeys, women carrying large objects on top of their head, etc) but you also get many things that could be part of life in N. America (like taking kids to a waterpark).
Every MCC’er has a different experience and each country/city where we serve plays a big part in that.
This weekend, I also watched 2 movies. Friday night, I saw my first “western movie” in an Egyptian cinema. 10LE (less than $2) to see “The Hours”. Has anyone else seen it? Apparently, it was nominated for many awards and I can see why. I really enjoyed this film. The performances were excellent by Nicole Kidman, Julian Lewis, and Meryl Streep. Ed Harris and Jeff Daniels were good too, but the ladies stole the show!
The cinema was nice, if a bit run-down. Comfortable seats, decent sound, a normal-sized screen, and even a guy who escorted us to our seats (requiring a small tip, of course)
We were an international group that went after Frisbee. 2 Americans, 2 Sudanese, and a young woman from Turkey.
On Saturday after Aqua Park, I met at the office with Mike and Carmen to watch “Chicken Run” from Nick Park, the guy who made the Wallace and Gromit . Funny and filled with so many puns! References to Star Trek and everything!
Saturday, May 31, 2003
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Can it possibly be the end of May already???? Amazing! In some ways, it feels like I’ve been here a long time with all that I’ve done but in other ways it barely feels like I’ve been here any time at all! Yet it’s been almost 4 months!
Up early to have breakfast with Scott and Willie before they head off to the airport. After that I’ll do a bit of studying, take a nap, and go to Arabic tutorial tonight.
After Willie and Scott went to bed last night, I went up to the office to plunk away on the guitar a bit. Unfortunately it’s out of tune, so I need to get some help on that. While I was there, I turned on the TV and got sucked into “Maverick” with Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson.
What a funny movie! I had forgotten how many little jokes were in there! My favorite is the Danny Glover cameo. If you haven’t seen this western or haven’t seen it recently, I highly recommend it!
Hot, hot, hot! It never cooled off last night like it has the past few nights. *sigh* That’s not a good sign! It can’t be summer yet, can it???
So a few days ago, while window-shopping at one of my local computer stores, some of the young Egyptian guys started talking excitedly around me. They were convinced that I look like this famous French soccer player:
Zinedine Zidane
...and some pics...
I had no idea who this guy was, so I went hunting on the net, found some pictures, and then ask for a couple of opinions from folks back home (you know who you are) to see if they agreed.
Opinion 1: “Yeah, I can see the resemblance”
Opinion 2: “Are you taking something hallucinogenic?”
Now, you get to decide. What do you think? Let’s get a vote going here!
Up early to have breakfast with Scott and Willie before they head off to the airport. After that I’ll do a bit of studying, take a nap, and go to Arabic tutorial tonight.
After Willie and Scott went to bed last night, I went up to the office to plunk away on the guitar a bit. Unfortunately it’s out of tune, so I need to get some help on that. While I was there, I turned on the TV and got sucked into “Maverick” with Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson.
What a funny movie! I had forgotten how many little jokes were in there! My favorite is the Danny Glover cameo. If you haven’t seen this western or haven’t seen it recently, I highly recommend it!
Hot, hot, hot! It never cooled off last night like it has the past few nights. *sigh* That’s not a good sign! It can’t be summer yet, can it???
So a few days ago, while window-shopping at one of my local computer stores, some of the young Egyptian guys started talking excitedly around me. They were convinced that I look like this famous French soccer player:
Zinedine Zidane
...and some pics...
I had no idea who this guy was, so I went hunting on the net, found some pictures, and then ask for a couple of opinions from folks back home (you know who you are) to see if they agreed.
Opinion 1: “Yeah, I can see the resemblance”
Opinion 2: “Are you taking something hallucinogenic?”
Now, you get to decide. What do you think? Let’s get a vote going here!
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