I am only here for 3 more days before my plane takes off for the States. Its hard to believe how fast this month seems to have gone by! I've had an excellent time!
I am sad, though, that I will be missing the fourth of July. BTW Happy Birthday in a day in advance to you, Comrade Tony! I realized just a few minutes ago that, if I do indeed leave for my mission in December like I would like to, than I will not be celebrating the 4th properly for 3 years!!! That is some what disappointing, though me and my airforce friend CJ are going to have a little patriotic 4th of july moment while we are in alexandria. Hopefully we will atleast beable to find an American flag.
So yesterday I decided I was going to try and go to the Commissary here in Cairo. The family who teaches insitute here gave me money and a shopping list, they were desperate for some Pork! I contacted someone from institute who works at the US Embassy, and clarified that I could get in with my military ID. That was the simple part. I called the place and had the worst time trying to find it. I caught a cab to Maadi, the rich part of town. It took 30 minutes to get there. I then found out that the Commissary wasn't in Maadi, but New Maadi, another 15 minutes out. Once there, the people knew exactly what I meant when I said "The American Building" in my bad Arabic. The security was tight, the road was completely blocked off from vehicles. There were several Egyptians filling out files of papers to be granted admittance into the complex, I just had to flash an ID and they let me march right in. However, must to my intense disappointment, when I got to the commissary they asked me "Are you Stationed here?" No, I am not. They told me only soldiers who were posted here could have access to the commissary. I asked them to show me the order in writting. Unfortunately, the flipped to it instantly "Military personal who usually have access to Commissaries do not have access to the Cairo Commissary. Only miliary personel who are stationed in Cairo on Active duty may be admitted. No one vacationing, studying, or passing through in Cairo may be admitted." Sadness. It had taken me an hour and a half to get there! It took me another 45 minutes to get back. I have to say, though, that it was an experiance. I actually tried to go by the Embassy to see if I couldn't get any special exemption, but because of the VIA 4th of july party it was closed. I don't think I've ever seen more Egyptian police and military personel in one place. They had a humen wall along the road, as though they believed their bodies would make great buffers against raging car bombers.
Oh yes, and Susan, we are getting new Class A uniforms that look very much like old calvary uniforms. Whats worse is people who are actually in the Armour MOS get matching cowboy hats!
Anyway, we are off to Alexandria tomorrow. All of my work and schooling is done here, we are now in chill mode. I will see you all soon, I hope everything is well back in the States!
Greg
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
And the Final Week begins
I haven't posted in afew days, but that is because not a great deal has transpired. Thank you for your comments, thanks for letting me know that stuff about riding, Kristen, but Caitlin is right, I do look silly on a horse, and, lets be honest, if I actually became a good rider I would start dressing up as a knight every time I went riding!
Here things are about the same. My clothes keep getting dirtier, and I keep refusing to do laundry again. My feeding habbits are getting alittle better as I eat at American restraunts alittle more often than I did before. I know, its odd to come to Egypt and eat American food, but actually a number of the dishes are different, such as the MacArabia, an excellent thing they should definately sell in the US!
The most unique oppertunity I had since last post was to attend Church here for the first and only time while I've been here in Egypt. Suprisingly, there is actually a relatively decent communicty of LDS here in Cairo, but apparently we are in the off season because most of the members are here during the school year studying. I highly enjoyed the oppertunity though. A Nigerian, an American and a Ukrainian spoke in the main meeting, and they all sounded like speakers I would here back in the States! Its nice to beable to go halfway around the world, but find that the Church you belong to operates exactly the same way it does back in Cary NC. Actually, the Villa the Church owns that it uses as a building has the largest patch of grass I have seen in a yard in all of egypt. It was amazing, I didn't want to step on it because it was a sight I had grown so unaccostum to seeing.
We now only have 4 classes left before we leave for Alexandria for acouple days, and then I come home 7 days from now. Its probably a good thing because decentions are beginning to occur within the program, and I mean that some people are starting to not get along with other people very well. Its to be expected when we live in such close quarters with eachother for so long, its almost impossible to have alone time on this program. Its hard to believe, its very surriel, just like showing up here was. I'm pretty sure I will miss it once I've been back in the States awhile, but I have drunk from the Nile, and that means I will most certainly one day return!
This is probably the Lamest post on this whole blog, I apologize, not much interesting has happened. I am looking forward to coming home, and seeing my family and friends, I'll admit that now! I hope everyone back in the States is doing well!
Greg
Here things are about the same. My clothes keep getting dirtier, and I keep refusing to do laundry again. My feeding habbits are getting alittle better as I eat at American restraunts alittle more often than I did before. I know, its odd to come to Egypt and eat American food, but actually a number of the dishes are different, such as the MacArabia, an excellent thing they should definately sell in the US!
The most unique oppertunity I had since last post was to attend Church here for the first and only time while I've been here in Egypt. Suprisingly, there is actually a relatively decent communicty of LDS here in Cairo, but apparently we are in the off season because most of the members are here during the school year studying. I highly enjoyed the oppertunity though. A Nigerian, an American and a Ukrainian spoke in the main meeting, and they all sounded like speakers I would here back in the States! Its nice to beable to go halfway around the world, but find that the Church you belong to operates exactly the same way it does back in Cary NC. Actually, the Villa the Church owns that it uses as a building has the largest patch of grass I have seen in a yard in all of egypt. It was amazing, I didn't want to step on it because it was a sight I had grown so unaccostum to seeing.
We now only have 4 classes left before we leave for Alexandria for acouple days, and then I come home 7 days from now. Its probably a good thing because decentions are beginning to occur within the program, and I mean that some people are starting to not get along with other people very well. Its to be expected when we live in such close quarters with eachother for so long, its almost impossible to have alone time on this program. Its hard to believe, its very surriel, just like showing up here was. I'm pretty sure I will miss it once I've been back in the States awhile, but I have drunk from the Nile, and that means I will most certainly one day return!
This is probably the Lamest post on this whole blog, I apologize, not much interesting has happened. I am looking forward to coming home, and seeing my family and friends, I'll admit that now! I hope everyone back in the States is doing well!
Greg
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
On the Penninsula
We spent this weekend on the Sinai Penninsula, and it was awesome! First the flight over to Sharm El-Sheik gave an excellent view of what the terrain in the Penninsula is like. I always found it astonishing that thousends of people could be lost in a "wilderness" for 40 years, as the children of isreal were. Now I am completely unsuprised, wilderness is an understatement. The Children of Isreal would surely of parished without divine intervention wondering around in that mountainus wasteland!
Mt. Sinai was about a 2.5 hr drive from Sharm El-Sheik, and when we arrived at 2 pm we could not see the mountain from our hotel, and we promptle went to sleep before climbing. We also played soccer at 9, and I discovered that you cannot play basketball style guarding in soccer. the rule made me relatively useless on the field... However the climb to the top of the Mountain was amazing!! The view was unbelieveable, and the clear night sky with a full moon soothing. I have decided that I do hate camels and tourists, they had a tendency to ruin the moment numerous times up the mountain. For some reason, people do not realize that if you turn you're flashlight off, you do actually see more than if you had it on. I did restrain myself, and all who envoked my wrath were spared. The 750 (not 3000) stairs of penatence leading to the top were the hardest part of the climb, particularly since I refused to stop and rest once as I made the ascension. I arrived first in my group to the top, and the summit beat out all other vantage points on the way up. After a hour and a half of waiting in the cold, yes it was freezing up there, the sunrise came, yet another spactacular sight that mere words cannot discribe as if rose over the peaks of the desolate desert mountains. The climb down was extremely more difficult than the asencsion, but we made it without incident.
Sharm El-sheik was were our resort was located. The place we stayed, the sofitel, was probably the best place I've stayed at for a vacation. Beautiful view, buffet breakfest and dinner, tons of stuff to do, all be it pricey. After resting the rest of the day after Sinai, and playing water polo for several hours, I experianced the buffet dinner. I had to make up for my relatively odd and inconsistant eatting habits I had back in Cairo. I at several plates of food, but the next days dinner topped that all. I had 2 full plates of food, a piece of cake, and 22 scoops of various kinds of ice cream. That ice cream was unbelieveable, and they were not about to stop me from getting my lions share!! While at the resort I also went snorkling along the reef, and it was quite an experiance!! The fish were exotic and beautiful, as well as the coral it self. At one point I was adjusting my mask, when Dr. Khater and Micah swam up to me underwater, I thought for sure they had plotted against me, but it was actually because about 50 fish had surrounded me! It was surely the highlight of my stay at the resort. The next day I also went horseback riding on the beach, my guide was excellent and I had a good time. I wish I had the oppertunity to ride much more, but it is an expensive sport in the States. While I am well, there is a girl in our group who got bite by some kind of spider, she has a huge black spot on the foot where she was bitten, I don't think it is a good thing.
Now we are back in messy, loud and smelly Cairo, but I really don't mind! Resorts are a bit too touristy to stay at for too long. We're back to the daily grind, and we are all coming to the realization that we have less than 2 weeks left, 11 days to be exact before be board the plane to return to the States. I miss everyone back home, and part of me is looking forward to returning to familiar people and familar thing, but Cairo is an exciting place. I probably wouldn't want to live if I lived in a more settled atmosphere, living out of a suitcase and dealing with the difficulties of loundry, taxies, and food grows tasking since it is extremely difficult to develop consistant patterns for unentertaining tasks. I hope everyone back home stays safe and, I must say, I am disappointed by the lack of comments this time around! But thats alright, I don't really respond to them so that may be my doing... Farewell, you'll hear from me in afew days!
Greg
Mt. Sinai was about a 2.5 hr drive from Sharm El-Sheik, and when we arrived at 2 pm we could not see the mountain from our hotel, and we promptle went to sleep before climbing. We also played soccer at 9, and I discovered that you cannot play basketball style guarding in soccer. the rule made me relatively useless on the field... However the climb to the top of the Mountain was amazing!! The view was unbelieveable, and the clear night sky with a full moon soothing. I have decided that I do hate camels and tourists, they had a tendency to ruin the moment numerous times up the mountain. For some reason, people do not realize that if you turn you're flashlight off, you do actually see more than if you had it on. I did restrain myself, and all who envoked my wrath were spared. The 750 (not 3000) stairs of penatence leading to the top were the hardest part of the climb, particularly since I refused to stop and rest once as I made the ascension. I arrived first in my group to the top, and the summit beat out all other vantage points on the way up. After a hour and a half of waiting in the cold, yes it was freezing up there, the sunrise came, yet another spactacular sight that mere words cannot discribe as if rose over the peaks of the desolate desert mountains. The climb down was extremely more difficult than the asencsion, but we made it without incident.
Sharm El-sheik was were our resort was located. The place we stayed, the sofitel, was probably the best place I've stayed at for a vacation. Beautiful view, buffet breakfest and dinner, tons of stuff to do, all be it pricey. After resting the rest of the day after Sinai, and playing water polo for several hours, I experianced the buffet dinner. I had to make up for my relatively odd and inconsistant eatting habits I had back in Cairo. I at several plates of food, but the next days dinner topped that all. I had 2 full plates of food, a piece of cake, and 22 scoops of various kinds of ice cream. That ice cream was unbelieveable, and they were not about to stop me from getting my lions share!! While at the resort I also went snorkling along the reef, and it was quite an experiance!! The fish were exotic and beautiful, as well as the coral it self. At one point I was adjusting my mask, when Dr. Khater and Micah swam up to me underwater, I thought for sure they had plotted against me, but it was actually because about 50 fish had surrounded me! It was surely the highlight of my stay at the resort. The next day I also went horseback riding on the beach, my guide was excellent and I had a good time. I wish I had the oppertunity to ride much more, but it is an expensive sport in the States. While I am well, there is a girl in our group who got bite by some kind of spider, she has a huge black spot on the foot where she was bitten, I don't think it is a good thing.
Now we are back in messy, loud and smelly Cairo, but I really don't mind! Resorts are a bit too touristy to stay at for too long. We're back to the daily grind, and we are all coming to the realization that we have less than 2 weeks left, 11 days to be exact before be board the plane to return to the States. I miss everyone back home, and part of me is looking forward to returning to familiar people and familar thing, but Cairo is an exciting place. I probably wouldn't want to live if I lived in a more settled atmosphere, living out of a suitcase and dealing with the difficulties of loundry, taxies, and food grows tasking since it is extremely difficult to develop consistant patterns for unentertaining tasks. I hope everyone back home stays safe and, I must say, I am disappointed by the lack of comments this time around! But thats alright, I don't really respond to them so that may be my doing... Farewell, you'll hear from me in afew days!
Greg
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I'll be gone a few days
The day after tomorrow I will be leaving for Mt. Sini!!! I am very excited to climb what is believed to be the sacred mount where Moses recieved the 10 commandments. I realize some peope (Jed) believe that this isn't the real Mt. Sini, but when it comes to these things isn't only the belief that really matters? BTW this was considered the be the sacred Mt. long before the Egyptians took it over, thus the 3000 stairs of penatence carved into the side of the mountain. Anyway, it means I won't be writing again until next Monday, I believe, but I will have great stories to tell!
Now many people are making sure I'm keeping a written journal... well... I hate to break it to everyone, but I'm not. However, I am taking lots of pictures, and I review them every so often, all of them have a story!
The most exciting thing that has taken place in the last few days was when we went to the double walled Mosque (I don't remember its real name). It is the only mosque in Cairo that has the stairs leading to the top of the minerate (The tower) on the outside, and we got to climb it! It was 100% safe, until we went up to the highest level and afew of us stepped out onto this ledge with no rails! Talk about exciting!!! You could see so far in every direction, and the wind was so crisp and refreashing up away from the cars and buses. Yes, it was extremely dangerous and the directors totally disapproved, but it was diffcult for us to make out this protests from several hundred feet below us. However, in my opinion there was no real danger, and I don't think Ill have any similar oppertunities for the remainder of my time here in Egypt.
But more about that Mosque, I found it to be very intriguing and, according to our guide and Dr. Khater, more in form with traditional Mosque design, since most of the mosques we have been to have been unique in nature. I have to say that I prefer the more traditional form, because it is truely a muslim art, while the most popular mosque we've gone to, the something sultan mosque in the Citadel, is just a replica of the glorious Hagge Sophia, and a heretical monument to a dead king (from a traditionalist muslim point of view, I don't actually care).
We've also been playing some good soccur with the locals. I suck extremely bad, and don't know a lick about soccor even though I watch it on TV here. It is the most popular sport in the world, and it would probably do me good if I found out alittle more about it. The game can be entertaining, and its definately fun to play, but personally I find American football superior! Speaking of that I'm really looking forward to NCSUs season this year...
Anyway, I must go! Remember, it will be several days before you hear from me again. I hope everyone is well, and be safe! Please continue to post comments. I miss you all, and am beginning to look forward to returning to the States, but I'm not quite ready to yet, Egypt is still tons of fun!
Greg
Now many people are making sure I'm keeping a written journal... well... I hate to break it to everyone, but I'm not. However, I am taking lots of pictures, and I review them every so often, all of them have a story!
The most exciting thing that has taken place in the last few days was when we went to the double walled Mosque (I don't remember its real name). It is the only mosque in Cairo that has the stairs leading to the top of the minerate (The tower) on the outside, and we got to climb it! It was 100% safe, until we went up to the highest level and afew of us stepped out onto this ledge with no rails! Talk about exciting!!! You could see so far in every direction, and the wind was so crisp and refreashing up away from the cars and buses. Yes, it was extremely dangerous and the directors totally disapproved, but it was diffcult for us to make out this protests from several hundred feet below us. However, in my opinion there was no real danger, and I don't think Ill have any similar oppertunities for the remainder of my time here in Egypt.
But more about that Mosque, I found it to be very intriguing and, according to our guide and Dr. Khater, more in form with traditional Mosque design, since most of the mosques we have been to have been unique in nature. I have to say that I prefer the more traditional form, because it is truely a muslim art, while the most popular mosque we've gone to, the something sultan mosque in the Citadel, is just a replica of the glorious Hagge Sophia, and a heretical monument to a dead king (from a traditionalist muslim point of view, I don't actually care).
We've also been playing some good soccur with the locals. I suck extremely bad, and don't know a lick about soccor even though I watch it on TV here. It is the most popular sport in the world, and it would probably do me good if I found out alittle more about it. The game can be entertaining, and its definately fun to play, but personally I find American football superior! Speaking of that I'm really looking forward to NCSUs season this year...
Anyway, I must go! Remember, it will be several days before you hear from me again. I hope everyone is well, and be safe! Please continue to post comments. I miss you all, and am beginning to look forward to returning to the States, but I'm not quite ready to yet, Egypt is still tons of fun!
Greg
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Its not boring here!
I guess my blogging has been so bad that I make it seem like Egypt is not fun. WRONG! Egypt is an absolute blast!! Yeah, sometimes class is boring, sometimes the evenings are alittle long, but for the most part I'm always having a good time! I enjoy the people in my group very much, and we are expanding our horizen of things to do. A couple days ago we bought a soccer ball and played in the streets! No one was badly injured. An Egytian Army guy posted on one of the street corners played with us, until his superior came and got him in trouble. We were then asked to leave, but we had a good time. The Egyptians are amazing at Soccer, and I am terrible! I called home today, my folks were pleasently suprised! I was glad to talk to them, but it made me miss home just alittle bit more. However, I don't get sick from it, thank goodness!
On Friday we went to this huge bizzar called Khallal Halili. It was unlike anything in the United States. There, every price starts at about 300% the price it should be, and then we haggle and argue until its a price we like! many of the people there were very friendly, but as I interact with more and more people (especially salesmen and shop owners) I'm increasingly becoming aware that there is rempent dishonesty here, atleast towards forigners. One time I went to a shop, one of the heritage kids got something for a pounds, immediately after him the guy charged me 2.5 pounds for the same thing. I have a problem with that. In a society that claims to be so religious, it is amazing to see the lack of integrity. But I have also encountered many excellent people here. The people who run the place we live work crazy hours making sure our stay is comfortable, and many of the normal people on the streets are willing to talk and to help you. Besides, there is good in everyone. I've come to the conclusion that if the United States did not have such a policy of order like it does, than I would have the same complaint about it as well. However, the issue is not helped that egypt is in such an economic hardship right now because of high grain prices from the Wests futile attempt to change to organic oil.
Class continues to go alittle slow. The teacher that I did not like very much is starting to not be so bad, maybe shes just getting used to teaching us. The work is not hard, which makes enjoying everything else much easier! There is always a feeling of accomplishment when I'm albe to apply something I learned to an experiance on the street.
Yesterday I did laundry. I know have a huge appreshiation for washing machines and dryers. For so many years have taken forgranted those wonderful machines! And now, I know what it is like to wash you're cloths by hand. It was not fun. My socks got to the point where I could no long recycle them, because there is no piece of clothing that causes me more irritation while dirty than socks. Just washing my socks, my undershirts and my underwear alone was a feat. I will continue to recycle everything else, hopefully to the end of the trip because I do NOT want to have to deal with those larger articles of cleaning! Fortunately most of the members of the group have the same mentality.
I'm coming to realize that I'm using my blog, somewhat, as a forum where I can complain about things. I'm trying to limit that, but I'm not doing a very good job. There are many things here, like converstations with people, places we go, and things we do that are extremely enjoyable, fun, and satisfying, but that don't have anything at all that I'd like to take time to put into the blogg. Could I post pictures (Oh yes, disasterous, but for somereason these computers at the internet cafe cannot read my data card, I cannot post pictures. I will look for other avenues, fear not) it would increase what I could say about my experiances here. Needless to say, I will have a huge on-return report to give when I can show the pictures of the amazing places we have been!!
I hope everyone takes care. Thank you for your comments! Please continue to comment. I hope Jiana gets better soon. Ryan, why must you make me suffer? I miss goodbarries alot... I miss you all, and will give another report soon!
Greg
On Friday we went to this huge bizzar called Khallal Halili. It was unlike anything in the United States. There, every price starts at about 300% the price it should be, and then we haggle and argue until its a price we like! many of the people there were very friendly, but as I interact with more and more people (especially salesmen and shop owners) I'm increasingly becoming aware that there is rempent dishonesty here, atleast towards forigners. One time I went to a shop, one of the heritage kids got something for a pounds, immediately after him the guy charged me 2.5 pounds for the same thing. I have a problem with that. In a society that claims to be so religious, it is amazing to see the lack of integrity. But I have also encountered many excellent people here. The people who run the place we live work crazy hours making sure our stay is comfortable, and many of the normal people on the streets are willing to talk and to help you. Besides, there is good in everyone. I've come to the conclusion that if the United States did not have such a policy of order like it does, than I would have the same complaint about it as well. However, the issue is not helped that egypt is in such an economic hardship right now because of high grain prices from the Wests futile attempt to change to organic oil.
Class continues to go alittle slow. The teacher that I did not like very much is starting to not be so bad, maybe shes just getting used to teaching us. The work is not hard, which makes enjoying everything else much easier! There is always a feeling of accomplishment when I'm albe to apply something I learned to an experiance on the street.
Yesterday I did laundry. I know have a huge appreshiation for washing machines and dryers. For so many years have taken forgranted those wonderful machines! And now, I know what it is like to wash you're cloths by hand. It was not fun. My socks got to the point where I could no long recycle them, because there is no piece of clothing that causes me more irritation while dirty than socks. Just washing my socks, my undershirts and my underwear alone was a feat. I will continue to recycle everything else, hopefully to the end of the trip because I do NOT want to have to deal with those larger articles of cleaning! Fortunately most of the members of the group have the same mentality.
I'm coming to realize that I'm using my blog, somewhat, as a forum where I can complain about things. I'm trying to limit that, but I'm not doing a very good job. There are many things here, like converstations with people, places we go, and things we do that are extremely enjoyable, fun, and satisfying, but that don't have anything at all that I'd like to take time to put into the blogg. Could I post pictures (Oh yes, disasterous, but for somereason these computers at the internet cafe cannot read my data card, I cannot post pictures. I will look for other avenues, fear not) it would increase what I could say about my experiances here. Needless to say, I will have a huge on-return report to give when I can show the pictures of the amazing places we have been!!
I hope everyone takes care. Thank you for your comments! Please continue to comment. I hope Jiana gets better soon. Ryan, why must you make me suffer? I miss goodbarries alot... I miss you all, and will give another report soon!
Greg
Thursday, June 12, 2008
So this is what its like to be a Resident...
Alright! Well, the week has been a good one! I like my Primary educator, he is a great deal of fun, and I learn alot from him. Unfortunately he does some trading off with another teacher i dont really like. Oh well, we must bear these things! I've come to realize that these classes will be EASY A's, they are all get what you put into it classes. We will have no assessments! It makes class and the whole trip much more enjoyable.
I finally realized I had to create a budget. The trip is not quite as cheap as I had anticipated, due to certain economic tensions rising in the area due to environmentalist fanatasizim in the west. I'm sticking to it alright, I've found a good grocery store so I don't have to dine out every day. I find egyptian milk to be VERY good!
Now that things have winded down, we are finding more time on our hands and as a result we have discovered Chess. Now I enjoy playing chess, but most of my friends dont on a regular bases. However, on the trip with me are Several people who love playing it, and it makes things much more entertaining when there is nothing else to do!
The food here isn't bad, infact sometimes its great! And other times, its not so great... Needless to say I miss good home cooking. I'm craving several things at once, and I'm quite confident I'll get none of them here in Cairo. But, across from this new internet cafe I use is a Cinnabun, an offical Cinnabun! I plan on going there soon, but due to my new budget I'm having some difficulties getting down there to even look at the prices! Here, most things Western are more expensive than we're used to here in Cairo. A friend of mine accidently baught a box of western ceral for 50 pounds! Thats 10 american dollars... Granted, it was some super nutricious ceral. I think my favorate place to eat so far is this place by our school, it has the most delicious cheeze pastery pie thing, and it fills up well! That favoratisim might change tonight, because we are going to quite a nice resteraunt, and hopefully I'll get something excellent!
Perhaps the most unique thing going on right now is my assignment to "bodyguard" the professors younger daughter, Micah. Shes only just 15, and they don't want her going places by herself, or even in unorganized groups without specific people watching over her because it is very inefficent for them to get her to and from class themselves (we've all got to take taxis). Shes a funny girl, CJ and I try to avoid filling her mind with Armed Forces propeganda, but in getting to know her she seems to already have plenty of that in her head! She has asked that, once she is adopted into her family, we have a Band of Brothers marathon. I liked the idea. And the Khaters will pay us to adopt her, so thats good news too.
So I heard that we bombed pakistan. I've also heard several sides of the story. In any case, lets hope they just accept the apology and we move on. We don't need more confict than we've already got!
Anyway, I hope everyone is well. I again apologize for NO PICTUREs because I forgot my camera, again. But I will have some up soon!
I finally realized I had to create a budget. The trip is not quite as cheap as I had anticipated, due to certain economic tensions rising in the area due to environmentalist fanatasizim in the west. I'm sticking to it alright, I've found a good grocery store so I don't have to dine out every day. I find egyptian milk to be VERY good!
Now that things have winded down, we are finding more time on our hands and as a result we have discovered Chess. Now I enjoy playing chess, but most of my friends dont on a regular bases. However, on the trip with me are Several people who love playing it, and it makes things much more entertaining when there is nothing else to do!
The food here isn't bad, infact sometimes its great! And other times, its not so great... Needless to say I miss good home cooking. I'm craving several things at once, and I'm quite confident I'll get none of them here in Cairo. But, across from this new internet cafe I use is a Cinnabun, an offical Cinnabun! I plan on going there soon, but due to my new budget I'm having some difficulties getting down there to even look at the prices! Here, most things Western are more expensive than we're used to here in Cairo. A friend of mine accidently baught a box of western ceral for 50 pounds! Thats 10 american dollars... Granted, it was some super nutricious ceral. I think my favorate place to eat so far is this place by our school, it has the most delicious cheeze pastery pie thing, and it fills up well! That favoratisim might change tonight, because we are going to quite a nice resteraunt, and hopefully I'll get something excellent!
Perhaps the most unique thing going on right now is my assignment to "bodyguard" the professors younger daughter, Micah. Shes only just 15, and they don't want her going places by herself, or even in unorganized groups without specific people watching over her because it is very inefficent for them to get her to and from class themselves (we've all got to take taxis). Shes a funny girl, CJ and I try to avoid filling her mind with Armed Forces propeganda, but in getting to know her she seems to already have plenty of that in her head! She has asked that, once she is adopted into her family, we have a Band of Brothers marathon. I liked the idea. And the Khaters will pay us to adopt her, so thats good news too.
So I heard that we bombed pakistan. I've also heard several sides of the story. In any case, lets hope they just accept the apology and we move on. We don't need more confict than we've already got!
Anyway, I hope everyone is well. I again apologize for NO PICTUREs because I forgot my camera, again. But I will have some up soon!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Today classes started, and we were all alittle afraid of how difficult they might be. We were not suprised to find that they are, indeed, somewhat difficult. However, they are also very interesting and entertaining! To get to the school we must take Cabs, and that is quite an experiance. Atleast in a bus one is confident all the other cars wouldnt dare taking you on, but in a cab the traffic just swarms around you. I thought it was exciting, we must have avoided about 4 accidents or so, but nothing life threatening. The school were we take our Egyptian colloqual class is small, but the teachers are beyond excellent. Our professor only speaks to us in Arabic, except for when we really arn't getting the meaning of what we are saying. The class moves at about 500 miles an hour, its like getting hit with a brickwall made from Arabic. Our afternoon class is much more chill with Ustaaza Khater, where we focus on finding everyday uses for Fushu (Modern Standard Arabic). As we have explored the city, it is very suprising how little Fushu these people understand, so this class is helpful for teaching us when we can use it and be understood. I also met a Professor from BYU, who taught Ustaaza Khater, and I also met a guy who works for the New Zealand Embassey who is also a member of the Mormon church. I was suprised to find out that the Mormon presence is quite significant considering the country we are in! He invited me to go to the movies with them Tuesday. Anyway, I probably won't give a back to back report like this very often. I hope everyone in the States is well, and be safe!!
Greg
Greg
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