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.

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!

Day 8: Testing, Testing (Monday)

Day 2 of Orientation is simple: Bank forms, basic policy information, Work Visa related items including a blood sample for HIV testing (required testing in order to receive the work visa). The fascinating part is with a married couple only one person has to provide a blood sample. It just depended on if your name was on the list or not. I won the lottery, my name wasn't on the list. Dereck had to provide the blood sample. SORRY HONEY!!

The rest of the time was spent working on the classroom.

After work, many of us took a bus to go check out one of the local clubs that is geared towards expats (requires membership except for attending today with the school). It was great to sit down and socialize with our new friends.

This city has quickly become home. We're adjusting well, so far. Give us another month or two for the real answer. I'm grateful I at least have my husband here with me as a few of the teachers had to leave their spouse in their home country until the work visa is finished to allow a spouse visa. Everyday is an adventure.

Day 7: Back to Work (Sunday)

It is strange getting up, getting ready, and going to work on a Sunday especially the sense of how Sunday isn't the Holy Day of the week here (Friday is).

We caught the staff bus about a 10 minute walk from our apartment.

Orientation wasn't like any normal orientation I've been to. It lasted about 3 hours and focused more on Egyptian culture. A few important things I learned:

• Don't stick your hand out for a hand shake unless the other person initiates it
• As women, don't give men eye contact while you're walking on the street
• If going to Downtown Cairo, women must dress even more conservatively than here in our location

The most incredible part of the day was lunch provided by the school. The school cafeteria has 2 local restaurants/kitchens that sell food. Think of it like this: Your cafeteria has 2 food options from your local mall's food court.

Approximately 50 new staff members are sitting around eating when the school director (the guy we had our interview with and hired us) begins saying something like this, "I hope you're enjoying your lunch. While we're all down here I'm going to start singing and if you happen to know this tune, I would like you to join in." He starts singing.....make a guess....what do you think? Happy Birthday. I think my face became as red as a cherry. Him and his wife had even purchased two different kinds of birthday cake.

I couldn't believe how kind they were to do this. It completely made Saturday's disaster nothing. I'm blown away! This staff has been so welcoming and genuine about anything we need.

The rest of the day was given as time to work in our classroom. Sweet! I'm not used to having so much time in the classroom already.

Day 6: My Birthday - Change of Plans (Saturday)

A night of little sleep, because I chose to stay up way too late, started the day on the wrong foot. Totally my fault.

After having an afternoon and evening to clean out and inventory what's in the apartment, we quickly realized we needed some essentials right away. Without having a vehicle or knowing where the appropriate shops are located, we got a Taxi and took it to a Carrefour that's on the outskirts of our town. Entering the store, it was a madhouse, literally. I felt like it was Walmart times 10 based on how crowded it was (no more shopping there on Saturday). We spent nearly 3 hours there trying to go through each aisle & section to find our items. By the end, I was ready for a nap (as you would know, I'm cranky when I need to sleep). Dereck was having a hard time finding what he needed. This didn't bode well. Somehow we got out of there and back home with some of our necessities.

Tonight was a planned school social event for anyone who wanted to join. Of course, being my birthday, a new location, country, and a Felucca on a Nile, I was all in. We located the meeting spot on a map. Planned our route to walk there and began the journey. Lo and behold, we can't believe the location given to us on Google Map or Apple Map. It was the wrong location. It was already the meeting up time. We asked about 5 different taxis if they knew how to get to our meeting spot. None of them had a clue what I was talking about. That's when we realized we wouldn't be going on a Felucca on the Nile on my birthday. I was broken hearted. This was the first day in Egypt I wasn't happy. Being in tears, Dereck tried everything he could to cheer me up. I wasn't having it. So instead of going on this fun event, here I was eating an Auntie Anne's pretzel.

We walking the major road and explored all the shops and tried to go with the flow. Of course, we arrived home and I felt so mad at myself for just assuming that map would be correct. We learned our lesson....don't believe the map every time.

For now, I'll make sure to get a good night's sleep and tomorrow is a new day.