Day 3: Apartment Hunting continued (Wednesday)

Our group was formed of 5 married couples with no children or no children traveling with them (adult children). One couple had a place lined up before arriving and had moved in yesterday. Another couple signed on a place that we had seen yesterday. A third couple decided to go more on a private touring of possible rentals with a real estate agent. That left one other couple and us.

We had discussed last night how we felt most of the places shown to us were overpriced and too big for our budgets. Going into the apartment hunting today, our realtor and school volunteer were quite aware of the budget we wanted to aim for and the approximate size. We were shown many more possible contendors today. I would have to say we viewed about 20 apartments today. That was tiring in the 95 degree heat with humidity. Eventually, the very last place we were shown before meeting back at the hotel had 2 units available. We toured both of them. The location is perfect because it’s in a nicer looking street, near shops and other pertinent places, close to a school bus pick up & drop off point, and the landlord completely reminded us of “The Godfather” minus the suit. The price was set too high and with the help of our school volunteer (who knew the landlord already) and the realtor, they got the price dropped a little bit if both couples moved into the building and take the 2 units available. After leaving we felt like the price was still a little too high and weren’t too sure because the look inside the apartments were okay. Not too bad but not the best we’ve seen. Later this evening, we called the landlord and were able to sweet talk him into lowering the price a little more and he would have both units rented immediately. Lucky for us, he agreed and we’ll be moving in on Friday.

The major things we get: live in the same building as this other couple who works at our school and are quickly becoming great friends, good price, great location, balcony that overlooks a small grassy area (nearly impossible to get in the city), nice looking bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, and decent furniture that’s provided.

The major things we don’t love: the kitchen leaves a lot to be desired but that’s 95% of the kitchens we’ve seen in apartments. On the plus side, we at least have a dishwasher which 50% of them didn't.

Tomorrow, we sign our lease, pay our deposit and first month’s rent.

Prior to moving in, this is what the place looks like:

Living Room (sorry for the dark lighting)

1/2 Bath

Kitchen leaves a bit more to be desired - Oh well, can't get everything here in Egypt

Dining Room

Master Bedroom with Balcony

View from Living & Dining Room Balcony

Main Bathroom - looks good compared to many apartments we had seen

Living Room

No photos of the 2nd bedroom.

Then this evening the school director and his wife hosted a dinner party on their rooftop. It was fabulous to mingle with many of the people in the attendance. I would say there were about 50 staff members in attendance.

I'm LOVING this experience so far. I have not even had a moment to have the "culture shock" hit me. There's one man who's been part of our apartment hunting group who has the same name as my dad, talks like my dad, and looks very similar to my dad's oldest brother, Uncle Bob. I teared up a little this evening listening to him and feeling like I was listening to dad. Even 6 years after my dad's sudden passing, I miss him terribly. That's the only moment I've even shed a tear since I've arrived here in Cairo.

I cannot say enough good things about this adventure.  I'm incredibly grateful I've jumped on board this opportunity as it seems like an almost perfect fit for Dereck and me (after all, most things aren't exactly perfect). The people are so warm and friendly, both the Egyptians and staff members. We're excited for each day's new adventures.