Last night (Wednesday) we went out with the trainer and our headmaster and his wife to Chili’s for some good old American food. The service is always so very good no matter where you go. You know how in the states when you finish eating, the server will come by with the check and usually say “I’ll take care of that when you are ready.” Here, they will wait so as not to disturb any conversations because meal time is such a social and visiting event. You have to almost get up and get your server when you are ready to o. The traffic on the ride home was extremely hectic as there are so many here to enjoy the beach this time of year.
Discussions at faculty meetings are very interesting – it seems like that bargaining is a major part of the culture of Egypt. Students bargain for grades along with their parents, much like the vendors bargain in the street markets. I think our faculty has really picked up on that as there is much bargaining going on during meetings. The HS staff is very colorful – I don’t think school will be considered dull!!
I have two young men serving as Technicians for me – one speaks very good English and one is limited in his use of English – but both will be a very big help for me. At least one will be here each day from 8 to 4 to help out. Once we get settled in they will be able to do a lot of tasks for me. I get the impression that upkeep will be a challenge because of the climate and the uncertain electrical conditions.
There seems to be a number of weddings in the neighborhoods. Weddings in this area, while short in duration, can be very loud occasions. Cars are decorated and they have a little parade around the neighborhood with horns honking and people singing and yelling. They can occur at all hours of the night usually after dark. Of course that makes traffic quite a bit more hectic on these narrow streets.
Tonight we had a barbeque around the pool here at the school for all of the staff (teaching, administrative and support). It was almost like a formal affair except for the casual clothing. The servers were dressed in white with hats, while the serving tables were like a fine restaurant. Our head cook really takes care of all of us. If she sees something you like, she will make sure to fix it again. It was very enjoyable sitting around the pool visiting with all. There is really a camaraderie that exists here among the staff due in part to living in the same area. It reminds us of married student housing in college where everyone just helps each other out.
Pat will be helping our in the elementary most of the time – she will work with PK and Kindergarten on Sundays, 1st and 2nd grade on Mondays, 3rd and 4th grades on Wednesdays, and 5th and 6th grades on Thursdays. I think she will be very busy during the days doing a variety of jobs with the students and staff.
Tomorrow we are possibly going to the beach. One of the staff (the one we had tea with the other day) has invited out to their beach place near the Muntazza Palace we visited earlier. When owners lease these out they often go for $1,000 a week. Most have been in the families for a very long time.
It is still hard for us to follow the days -- since today was the last day of the work week -- we automatically kept thinking it was Friday. Hopefully we will get use to it.
