Relaxed Teachers are Happy Teachers (Alexandria, Egypt)

When I say relaxed teachers, I refer to what they do outside of work to relax, not being a relaxed teacher in the classroom. So much research can support the fact that teachers who feel overwhelmed with all they have to do so often aren't happy at work. That could probably be said for almost any career.

One month in, and I still feel like I've made the perfect decision to teach abroad. I work just as hard, as back in the states, to teach each day and prepare for those lessons but I get such a tremendous "upgrade" (with the easy ability to travel). My admin is incredible! They don't bother us with the nonsense work. They expect the best from us but let us keep on teaching without having to worry about doing this paper or fill out that form, etc. I don't have to turn something in just for it to sit there and have nothing done with it. I still create my lesson plans and plan what I'm teaching but how I do that is different than the past. I feel my time is sincerely valued and I'm able to be so much more productive and precise in my planning. I don't have to use a particular format other than what works best for me with implementing effective teaching strategies.

On the other hand, I feel as if we're encouraged to be us as a person when we're outside of work. Put work away and relax. Something I'm terrible with unless you get me away from home.

Here are pictures of the latest happenings or "wow, dude" moments (there's TONS of those):

How many cats & kittens do you see?

Our School Campus on a day with the massive Middle East sandstorm. Instead of a storm, it was more like sand eclipse.

While at Ain Soukna (on the Egyptian coast next to the Red Sea), a previous trip we did with staff, some of us played Phase 10. Great memories from my childhood family trips. Most teachers thought we were playing Uno and had never heard of Phase 10.

City Stars Mall in Cairo Suburb - This place is massive and there's a whole lot more than what you see in the picture.

Recently, with the Muslim Eid Holiday creating a 5 day weekend, it was off to explore Alexandria.

On the drive to Alexandria from Cairo, there was so much to see including:

Some sort of castle/lavish church

Beef anyone? It's what's for dinner....well literally especially since it was the Eid Holiday where Muslims will sacrifice a 4 legged animal, usually a sheep, cow, and/or goat

Apparently people need to "Chill Out" while driving hence the road sign

We finally saw a traffic light in Egypt and just to Egyptian character, it was useless for following "rules and order"

Arriving at the hotel:

We were handed a delicious lime juice drink (kind of like lime kook-aid)

Just gorgeous: the view from our hotel's top floor balcony (where Breakfast was held) of the bay in Alexandria

Exploring Alexandria:

Lights at a store - Doesn't it just make you want to play "Whack-a-mole"?

Amazing Strawberry "juice"

We couldn't get enough of this fruit juice stand - We (the group of us that went to Alexandria) went there everyday

 

Momma with her babies

 We hired a Taxi cab driver to take us around the city and wait for us as we went and explored the various famous landmarks that were open on this Muslim holiday (he did a phenomenal job):

I've got to make sure to exchange phone numbers before leaving the Taxi in order to track each other down when we were done exploring each place he dropped us off at

Abbas-Mursi Mosque - the most historic mosque in Alexandria

Just before entering Fort Qaitbay, that houses the Citadel, with our tickets (looks like money)

Qaitbay Citadel

One of the cannons at Fort Qaitbay

Sign on Citadel in Arabic

This kept happening all day long...people were asking to have a picture taken with me...I don't know why and I know I'm not famous. It was mainly women and young women (if it were men, it would have been awkward). Somehow as a foreigner a picture is requested even though most Muslims believe pictures take away a part of their Spirit. 

Pompeii's Pillar

Pompeii's Pillar

Pompeii's Pillar

Something doesn't make me feel very safe crossing this bridge

Pompeii's Pillar

Roman Amphitheater (it was closed on this Muslim holiday) - picture is taken with my hand through the gate

I've come to realize that many restaurants/cafes really do care for their stray cats in the neighborhood and provide them with water (except I'm glad I wasn't sitting at that table or using that saucer for any food)

After a cool drink, time to cool off for a nap (it was hot outside)

This cafe had the most fascinating coffee/tea maker - Although it's not my drink, I'm fascinated by how the unit works with the fire in the bottom to heat up the water in the coils stored from the top and the canister sits in sand on top of the heated "oven". Just amazing!

As you can see, my journey here in Egypt is ongoing and I'm having a blast: Teaching AND Traveling!!

One Month Later...

So, I have survived the first month as: one, I'm still alive, and two, I didn't run back to Phoenix.

Yes, internet has been such a fiasco here. I'd have to say that is what I miss the most from the United States. Upload & download speed is ridiculous here.

I don't want to update the blog if I'm not adding some sort of photos because it takes nearly 10 minutes to upload 1 picture that in the States would take mere seconds to upload.

There are numerous stories, observations, or things to share. Everyday the bus ride to and from work gives quite the array of abnormalities for a foreigner from the States.

There are tons of stray dogs and cats everywhere. Yet, I haven't seen any roadkill on the road. These animals seem to know how to stay away from traffic. For example, this picture is at our bus stop area with the local puppy who loves to come and say hi. He was quite entertained by two kitties having a small spat.

Spaying/neutering is a big faux paux here. It is highly regarded as wrong and yet the pet population is crazy. Abuse is not considered an issue here. I have to look away from many of the donkeys or horses pulling carts as you can see they have a tough life. Kids on the streets will often abuse stray dogs/cats along the way. It's tough! My heart breaks for these street creatures.

Livestock is transported quite oddly. Sometimes you're on the "freeway" and you'll see a pickup truck with 1-4 cows loaded up in it. How bizarre!

Or sometimes you'll see this on the side of the road. Just a reminder how delicate being in a car is. I'm so grateful our bus driver is cautious and determined to keep us safe. Especially since seat belts, when present, most people don't wear them here in Cairo. If I have it available, you can trust me, it's ON!

More stories to come!

MIA

I know, I know...so many of you are wondering where we are and what's happening. Let's just say that Internet in Egypt is a whole different circumstance. Think about the Internet in the states from 20 years ago, dial up speed. Well, that's Egyptian internet. Our house internet hasn't been working for the last week to two weeks. I will update and post pictures when it seems our internet is more reliable and "fixed." Hopefully any day now.