Things are very busy for us – we were talking tonight and thinking about things that we do now here and used to do in the US. Our life has changed somewhat. We have seen probably 30 minutes of TV in the past 3+ weeks. Surprisingly we don’t really miss it other than not really knowing what is happening in the news. I try to read the newspapers (Gazette, Courier or Register) online but after working with computers all day the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer screen. Pat has finished two books since she has been here and I look to start reading again when things slow down. We rarely have any bugs or insects – guess it is because it hasn’t rained yet. Once in a while we will have a pesky fly – and that’s not too bad considering our windows and balcony doors are wide open in the evening when it cools down.
Speaking of the weather – the weather man must have an easy time of it – “Warm and sunny” that’s it – same so far every day. Once in a while we see a cloud but not often. Weather is ideal. Maybe we will get tired of it and the winter is the rainy season here. Funny how the Egyptian school calendars has no days built in for snow nor are their any late start schedules!
We have gotten three pieces of mail since we came – no credit card offers, siding offers, etc. Guess our daughter is bearing the brunt of the mail back home in the states. School mail is also almost non-existent as well, mostly just in-school communication. Our phone rings maybe once or twice a week. All calls go through a switchboard and it is kind of nice not to get those pesky telemarketer’s calls. I also like it when I come in at night and Tony (our nighttime telephone operator) tells me “No calls for you tonight Sir!”
Our meals are all prepared for us and they are really something. Breakfast can consist of cereals (hot and cold), home made granola, hard boiled eggs, juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, waffles or pancakes, made to order omelets or eggs, toast, rolls, fruit and croissants. Lunch usually has a main entrée, vegetables, some type of potato or rice, soup, and fruit or a very light dessert. Supper is a feast, again a main entrée or two, potatoes, vegetables (usually two types), fresh fruit and a dessert to die for. Of course a salad bar, ice tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, etc are available at lunch and dinner. The chefs are very well trained and all of the kitchen staff works very hard to please us. When they find of something someone likes, they will make sure that it is available. Most of the dishes are western, but usually one dish at each meal will be local to Egypt. Almost everything is purchased within one or two days of preparation. I haven't had a Mt. Dew since we left the States in mid-August and we have probably had 1 snack since we came. While we have a kitchen in the apartment, all it has in it is water and occasionally some fruit or yogurt. Hopefully with all the walking we do (since we do not plan to get drivers licenses) we should stay pretty healthy.
Our school enrollment right now is at 230 students representing 26 countries. Some students have to take tests to see if they can get in as it is considered one of the finest schools in Alex. I was talking with two sophomore girls in my class after school today and both will be in AP classes pretty much their entire Jr and Sr year (except for a few required classes). Sports have begun. Fall is for boys and girls volleyball. You try out for the teams as only 8 to 10 are selected. Most all of the contests are away hence all students that are trying out now are bringing their passports in to get the necessary visas and paperwork done. There are more boys in school here but not as much of a disparity as there is in the public schools.
One more day of school this week – there is a social tomorrow night at the Portuguese Club (a local establishment) for teachers from the two American schools, British and German schools in Alex. We hope to go and meet the other ex-pats.
