Back in Egypt

I've been back in Cairo for about two weeks now, and the time has been full of adventures. The first few days, I stayed in the Pearl Hotel with other new teachers while everyone hunted for apartments. As people found places to live, I slowly moved into mine. I say slowly because I only slept there about half of the time. I've never lived alone (and now know that I probably wouldn't like to), so I stayed in friends' spare bedrooms a few nights.

One treat that AIS had for new teachers was an iftar meal at Al Azhar Park in Cairo. We went before sunset to enjoy some views of the city. Once the sun set, the iftar began and we enjoyed a buffet of delicious rices, meats, vegetables, and eventually desserts.

The next night, AIS planned a felucca trip on the Nile for any new or current teachers in town. We had three boats tied together because there were so many of us! We enjoyed getting to know each other while eating and sipping on sakara beer.

My first trip to Egypt did not include a visit to the pyramids, so I made sure to get there early in this stint so I didn't miss out again.

One last important note...I got my stuff back! I had left two suitcases here in January when we left in a hurry, and the school stored them for me. I've noticed a few things that I thought would be in the suitcases were gone, but I don't know who all had hands in storing them. I'll just assume that I misplaced those items or didn't pack them...

School starts tomorrow for teachers, September 6th for most students, and September 11 for early childhood students. Looking forward to some structure!

Here Goes...

It has been nearly seven months since I left Egypt. Tomorrow I will venture back to begin the school year. I am looking forward to new experiences once I land. I will be teaching KG1 (4-5 year olds) at AISE.

As I think about this summer, I remember how much fun I had...I was lucky enough to have a great summer job and live with a wonderful family in Cedar Falls for a while. Enjoy the pictures from my summer break!

My sister and I spent some time visiting my friend in Italy.
A good friend of mine got married, and I was lucky enough to be a part of her special day.

My friend Ben and I went to a huge party in Chicago (aka Lollapalooza).

I went to the UP of Wisconsin with my dad for a trip full of biking, hiking, and kayaking.

I got to see my Grandpa and some extended family for a mini-reunion in Dubuque.

I spent plenty of time in Eldridge with my family and old friends. What a great summer; it will help me get geared up for such a huge transition in my life!

Cairo is Shocking

Literally. Cairo is shocking. I have been shocked (is it just called a shock when it goes throughout your entire body, gives you a headache, and makes your muscles spasm?) more than once this week. Seriously though, I am looking into getting our washing machine fixed because it is not safe. And I'll be careful not to touch the prongs when I plug in my blow dryer next time.

In other news... I have signed a contract to stay at AIS for the next two years. I'll be teaching KG1, which is similar to PreK in the United States. My current placement is in this grade. The students are so cute! It's a great challenge, because they hardly speak English. I am really looking forward to staying in Cairo; an international job is what I was hoping for going into this experience. I feel so lucky!



I finally did something touristy this past weekend. We took a sunset felucca ride on the Nile. It was beautiful and relaxing! I went with other student teachers and teachers. It was quite the challenge getting there...we took a taxi from Heliopolis to Maadi to meet up with everyone. When we got to Maadi, it was a part we were unfamiliar with. Then, we tried to find other taxis to take us to the place where we were meeting everyone. We got in and out of several cars, because cab drivers seem to rarely know where they're going. Finally, we found our way with the help of several pedestrians, police officers, and little help from actual drivers. It was a great night! I look forward to doing more in the future...I just hope it is easier to get there.

I continue loving my adventure in Cairo. Check out my facebook for more pictures!

The First Few Days

I have now been in Cairo for about a week and a half. We have been beyond busy getting adjusted and used to our new city. One thing that immediately stands out and seems different than Iowa is the traffic. With millions of people living in such a small space, you'd think traffic laws would have to be strict. However, I have yet to even see a stop light. There are unspoken rules that drivers follow, but to me it still seems like everyone weaves in and out of traffic ignoring any road markings while honking their horn constantly. Every taxi ride is an adventure, to say the least.

Not being much of an animal person, I'm learning to ignore the hundreds of cats and numerous dogs that wander the streets climbing through piles of trash. I've adopted the same philosophy with animals as I have with men in Cairo. Don't look at them; ignore them. Then you'll be left alone, as well.

I have had an entire week of school with my students. Work weeks are Sunday-Thursday here. My first placement is in KG1, which is similar to PreK in the United States. My cooperating teacher already trusts me completely. She has let me do so much in just five days. It surprises me how little English the students know. I have already been trying to force them to speak English with me, so I feel like some of them are using more phrases and words just in the past week. I wake up excited to go to school and excited to see the students!

I feel like I am adjusting well and falling in love with Cairo. I live in Heliopolis, an incredibly conservative, non-western neighborhood. I feel like living there has given me more culture shock and excitement, for which I am grateful. Hopefully we can get out soon and be tourists at the pyramids or cruise the Nile!

Welcome to My Blog

Every time I travel, I fail to keep in touch and keep friends/family updated on my whereabouts. In order to keep everyone up to date, I've created this blog. Feel free to follow and avidly read! I will try to update as often as possible (or whenever something interesting happens) throughout my time in Egypt. Please reciprocate and comment or write to me regarding your life! Thanks for reading.