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!