January 31

We watched the inauguration of President Obama with great interest on the 20th. It was very exciting to see the enthusiasm and hope that his election has stirred. The past eight years have not been kind to America and the challenges facing the new president are huge; the war in the Middle East, the faltering economy, rising health care costs, educational issues, etc. These problems will not be easy to solve, after all it took eight years to get where we are now. The inauguration was one of the most heavily viewed events by the local Egyptians as well, even rivaling the Ahly Soccer matches. Many have commented to us how happy they are to see a change. To think that the US could elect an African-American man with a Middle Eastern sounding name to the highest office in the land gives them some hope as well. Throughout its long history it is remarkable to know that the first presidential elections in Egypt were held in 2005 and even then the outcome of the election was never in any doubt. Anyway, we wish President Obama well and hope that the branches of government and corporate America have learned their lessons and are finally going to work for the good of all Americans.

On Friday we went for an early morning walk – Fridays, of course, is the holy day for Muslims and there is barely any traffic in the early morning. The call to prayer echoed through the streets and a few shops that were opened were empty. Even the shop owners left and were on their way to the mosques. The little fruit and vegetable stands stood empty yet no one in the neighborhood would even think of going in and taking anything. We walked along the Mediterranean and enjoyed the sunrise across the sea. Crossing the Corniche, normally a terrifying experience, was a piece of cake at 6:30 in the morning.

We ventured to Chili’s on Tuesday evening for an “American” meal. Traffic was unusually heavy. It is the end of the semester for the university students as well as the public school students so people were out in droves. It is nice to have a western meal occasionally. Even here the portions are larger than they would be for a traditional Egyptian meal. Our server was a young man who teaches at an English language school. Pay is very low for teachers here and most have to supplement their income with another job or tutoring.

Our big technology expenditure this year is for new computers for all our staff. We have purchased 54 machines. We are having these built by a local company. I sent a list of components to a friend in the states who is very knowledgeable about computer components and he gave us suggestions. We are able to get a pretty decent unit built for approximately $500. The company is bringing them as they get built so we get a shipment of 10 or so a week. In the first shipment, they also brought all of the monitors, keyboards, mice and speakers. They delivered them in a private car and a regular taxi. The idea of a truck making its way up Schutz Street would be too hard. Staff are pretty excited to be getting new machines.

January 16

Sometimes we just get an urge for a MacDonald’s hamburger so the other night we strolled down to San Steffano Mall to the food court and order two meals. Pat got a regular cheeseburger, fries and soft drink while I ordered a quarter pound cheeseburger, fried and drink. The total cost was 39 LE. (approximately $7.00 including tax). As a franchise, these restaurants order all of their food supplies from the states, but they have to keep their prices a little lower because of the low per capita income of the Egyptian economy. We’ve been told that American franchises, while very popular, are not as profitable as many of the local Egyptian restaurants because of the cost of supplies. The labor cost is very low for both, as workers make a minimal wage, but since local food supplies are low there is a higher profit margin for local restaurants. By the way, I know it is said that a MacDonald’s quarter pounder is supposed to taste the same no matter where in the world you are, that is not the case. They are much tastier here than anywhere we have been!

Here is a rough currency breakdown based on the current rate of exchange for common denominations:

25 piasta – 4.5 cents (this will get you a tram ride anywhere in the city)
50 piasta – 9 cents (usually a small fee to use a restroom)
1 LE – 18 cents (this is the base unit of currency – also used for restroom use. We also pay 2 to 3 LE for someone who helps us park in a parking lot or carries luggage from the hotel to a taxi)
5 LE – 91 cents (a typical tip)
10 LE -- $1.83 (a very generous tip for someone who performs a service – such as a delivery person)
20 LE -- $3.66 (the cost of a taxi ride (one way) to most anywhere in Alex)
50 LE -- $9.16
100 LE -- $18.35
200 LE -- $36.70

Transportation costs are very inexpensive. We took a car and driver to and from the airport (Borg El Arab) which is located about an hour from the school and the total cost was 68 LE or $12.50 for 4 people. When we take the train to Cairo, it is usually around $8.35 one way per person. Pat got her hair cut and washed the other day for 40 LE with a 10 LE tip while I pay 20 LE with a 5 LE tip for my haircuts (granted there is not much there to cut). Egypt is primarily a cash society. There is very little credit card use and we have never seen a person pull out a check book to pay for anything.

Next week is the end of the first semester. The high school will have final exams. Students will test for 2 hours for each of their classes. Semester tests are comprehensive and can account for 20 % of their final semester grade so students usually take this very seriously. We are beginning a 10 week stretch with only school day off until spring break. It will be a very tough grind for both students and staff. Spring break begins April 3rd and we are already looking forward to a relaxing trip to the island of Crete!

January 07

We began classes on Sunday for three days and began a break on Wednesday for Coptic Christmas. Several students did not attend classes on those three days and opted to extend their holiday break. Both Pat and I have been battling colds so it is nice to have a little extra time to rest before the end of the semester. Today several of us went out to Carrfour for a shopping excursion. The mall wasn’t very busy during the time we were out there – probably due to the holiday and the traveling that many of the middle and upper class Egyptians are doing. Tomorrow we are having a Pizza Night for the resident staff. We are all getting together and preparing pizza – it should be fun. Friday evening 6 of us are headed to a movie, supper out and a few games of cards. It is nice to be able to get together like this socially.

As many of you know, there is a crisis situation right now between Hamas in Gaza and Israel. It is making for a tense time in the Middle East. Both sides have been trading bombing and rocket fire for several days and now Israel has staged a ground strike in Gaza. Two schools have been bombed in Gaza and the death toll keeps rising. Many of the civilian population are under heavy fire and are caught in the middle between the Israeli army and the Hamas militants. Egypt is in a very tenuous position – they are an Arab nation and member of the Arab League and they are also an ally to the United States and Israel. In addition, as a neighbor of Gaza, they are under pressure to accept refugees from Gaza and provide assistance (usually in the form of Medical assistance, etc) to the citizens of Gaza. But because Egypt is not on good economic ground, they are not able to provide for a large influx of refugees. Many in the Arab world are upset with Egypt’s position with Israel. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks. We do not feel in any danger where we are at, but one never knows what turn of events may take place.