Days 9-13

We are quickly feeling at home here in Cairo. We've made a few slight adjustments in the apartment since we can't do anything dramatic. Some of the furniture pieces have moved a little bit. A few of the rugs have been rolled up and stored in the Guest Room. Little by little, the wall colors are growing on us.

The Living Room

Kitchen (The washer is hidden in the first cabinet)

Kitchen

View of apartment upon entry

Bathroom

Bathroom

Guest Room

Guest Room (right outside that window are our lines to hang our laundry)

We're finding more things about the culture that's unique. For example, Egyptians are night owls. No joke. We get home from work one day only to find the neighboring round-a-bout (called a midan here) is crowded with mostly men. That was only about 7pm. That's when the evening is just beginning.

Another thing is how things are built or fixed. Egypt surely doesn't have the strict building codes like the US. Dereck and I often have to close our eyes and pretend we didn't see what we just did. Especially after just doing our own remodel back in the states. The other day when I left work, there was a leak coming from the ceiling. The next day, I come to see it fixed like this.

Yep, I'm pretty sure that's duct tape.

The teachers here are a whole different breed of teachers. Most of them have been teaching overseas for many years. With that, they have tons of experience and stories to share. I also feel like I'm surrounded by the best of the best. Whereas before, I felt like I was surrounded by a few of the best teachers. Nothing against where I've worked previously because I know there's a massive teacher shortage in Arizona so it's extremely hard to find many great teachers.  Dereck and I have quickly made friends with many of them and enjoy getting to know them.

As part of the social events offered by the school, we got to go visit the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphynx of Giza. Here's a few photos to make you squirm and wish you were here with us.

We got to climb the inside of the biggest pyramid here. There wasn't much to see inside but you had to hunch over the whole way of climbing up. I was so sweaty this day. You can see how wet my hair is from sweat.

On another location, we saw hieroglyphics. 

Inside this building is a boat built the way it would have been in those days with no nails.

These rocks are huge when you're up close. Almost as tall as me.

Cairo is in the background there on the left.

The group of teachers and their families who went on the trip. (This is probably only 1/2 of the new teachers)

After returning from the pyramids, we were so exhausted and worn out. 5 of us couples decided to stop at a yummy Chinese restaurant. We might be different in age but we get along so easily.

Often times, I do think of our pets and miss them tremendously. Aunt Jane sent me a picture of Whisper on my birthday and told me she's doing well and adjusting to her new home.

Whisper (who apparently isn't living up to her name during the photo)

My niece, Kaila (who's becoming an incredible photographer), took this lovely photo of Janie. She definitely seems happy. From what I hear, Willy and Janie are enjoying going on walks with my nephew, Bailey.

Janie

Till next time everyone! Be safe!