We went to the beach yesterday (back to Muntazza) to another staff members “Day House”. Most of the teaching staff was there. We walked over to an area right on a little point that juts out into the sea that was going to be a summer retreat for President Sadat. They started it and it was never finished. The sea and weather have really worn it down. It is owned by the government and for some reason it just sits.
The breeze off the sea was so nice and it was a very relaxing time. The family who hosted the event put on a great buffet of local foods and desserts. One thing that we have noticed when we visit families is that each adult family member makes time to come to each table or small group and introduce themselves and visit for a while. It is so interesting to speak with them and learn of life here. We were so worn out when we got home that we went to bed early.
This morning Pat and I took another walk in the neighborhood before breakfast and didn’t get lost!! In the early morning it is so quiet. We have noticed that there are street sweepers – not the truck version but rather individuals. They are all dressed alike (a yellow t-shirt and blue jeans with a yellow panel of material around the knee). They have a broom (looks homemade) and a trash barrel on wheels and a long handled dust pan. They sweep up on the sides of the streets and haul it to the nearest dumpster. It seems like a never-ending job. Mornings are also a time for people to wash their cars. They will bring a bucket of water and a wash cloth and wash off the dust that has accumulated. Often they will have the wipers off the glass pointing straight ahead. Most of the cars parked on the streets keep their mirrors tucked in. One oddity we have noticed is that with all the cars in Alex, we see very few gas stations. Most are on the Cornish and I don’t know if there are many in neighborhoods such as ours.
Not sure if we mentioned it before or not – but very little is thrown away here. Even items that one would think would be of no use to anyone is grabbed up. The people are very resourceful and clever when it comes to making and fixing things.
Yesterday, Pat discovered that the full length window in our bed room opened to a small private balcony overlooking a street below. What an interesting view. Today Pat is doing the laundry and putzing around the apartment while I prepare for my lessons. Then we are going to meet with Dennis to plan our fall break trip to Turkey and then watch or listen to the Hawks!
