President Obama’s speech was well received throughout Egypt. This televised event probably was viewed by nearly as many people as who typically watch soccer matches. It is clear that the President has made a connection to the people here. While they were impressed with his words, they are anxious to see if the actions of the US government reflect the words of its leader.
Two previous Schutz staff recently returned for a visit. Last year’s first grade teacher, Barbara, and our good friend from two years ago, Denny, flew in late last week. Denny will be here for graduation while Barb has returned to teach summer school and will stay on to teach 1st grade next year. It has been quite a treat to have them here as they like to get off campus and walk and explore the sights and sounds of this wonderful city. Most of the government schools have released their students for the year and as the temperature is rising, the crowds on the Corniche and the beaches of the Mediterranean have increased dramatically. People are out cooling down from the warm weather with a stroll along the Med or a dip into the sea.
On Saturday, the movers came to pack us up for our return to the states. While we didn’t think we had purchased much (and we did send a very large suitcase home in April with our family), we ended up with 10 boxes which will be shipped home. The crew came in a U-Haul type truck with several employees – three in the cab of the truck and at least a half dozen in the back of the U-Haul. They also packed up another couple who is heading back to the states. Our apartment is pretty barren right now and it certainly seems more like we are indeed leaving.
There have been a few cases of swine flu reported in Cairo and one or two in Alexandria the past week. Parents are getting very nervous about this and in some cases are keeping their children home, especially at the lower school. We had a sleepover on Thursday and some parents would not allow their children to attend. The school is trying an outside vendor to provide food for the Canteen on a trial basis and we had a few cases of food poisoning reported as well.
