Rolling On

(I wrote most of this back in December but never finished it until just now.)

Christmas: 4 days away

I have to admit, I "live" Christmas vicariously through the Internet (i.e. Facebook), Pandora Christmas music, etc. Living in a country where the Christmas holidays isn't a big holiday, the feeling is more relaxed and not focused on Christmas. Yet, so many Egyptians have wished me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It's incredible! There are tough moments because the "feeling" of Christmas isn't the same but the generosity of the culture makes a huge difference.

We made it to Winter Break! That's a major accomplishment considering it's a different country, different culture, different lifestyle, and different type of school setting. Albeit, it's been the best year yet in my teaching career. I've had great years before and I miss those students tremendously. Yet, this year, just seems to flow naturally.

Please allow me to interrupt and toot my horn for a moment: I've had 100% attendance this school year. That's right, I haven't missed a school day yet. Luckily, I've only had a few colds but nothing that kept me home from work.

With each passing day, I'm less shocked when I see crazy stuff (to an American's eye). I've become more immune to the stuff I see on a daily basis. I guess you could say I'm more oblivious as it's now my new normal. I have far fewer of those moments, "Oh gosh, I MUST take a picture of this. I can't believe what I'm seeing!"

The weather has a chill in the air. Similar to Phoenix winters. I enjoy each day even though I look forward to my next break and where I get to travel next. These are the best of times. I sure feel spoiled being able to experience life like this.

Every Day is a Great Day

"Every Day is a Great Day" seems to be my daily motto here. Everyday truly is a great day! A great place to work at depends on many parts. In an educational setting it depends on your students, the classroom setup (what's available or not available), your team, the administrators, school/campus directors, parents, etc. The list can go on and on. Here's what I have to say:

1) the campus is beyond incredible

2) the classroom setup is great...in fact, I can request just about anything I want/need (within reason)

3) the students in 5th grade are AWESOME! I love them and they are such great leaders. I recently had the students lead a class meeting about what we're doing well or not well and they completely took charge with discussing possible solutions, voting, etc. I just sat there, listened, and only answered when they asked for my advice/input.

4) the administrators (or more specifically the Elementary administrators since we have "4 schools" in 1: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School)...the Elementary administrators are by far amazing! They're positive and are quick to share some positive thing they've heard or seen recently in your classroom. It's great to feel uplifted and receive any possible criticism in a truly constructive way. I can't say enough wonderful things about my admin. They respect our role and support us in any way!

5) My grade level team! I've had some great teams before. This team here is exponentially great! I always feel like I'm not keeping up with their level of awesomeness yet we work our strengths in different ways to benefit the team.
6) coworkers - the staff is wonderful...I walk down the hallways and feel like I'm surrounded by exceptional teachers. It sure makes the bus rides to and from work entertaining talking with them or going to events after work.

7) the school leadership (the people who direct the school above the Elementary administrators level) - Simply positive! It's the daily vibe I get when I see the Director walking around the campus. I have no idea how stressful his job is, yet he manages to problem solve strategically and keep a smile on his face. That truly shows his character.

8) Parents - Although I can tell many of these parents are helicopter parents, I've had mostly positive interactions with them. It's learning how to work with them without changing your expectations.

Granted, not everything is perfect but life isn't perfect. I've had my hard moments. I don't think I've hit the culture shock yet. Either I skipped that phase or it's taking longer for it to hit me. I did start listening to Christmas music but it doesn't quite give me the Holiday vibe when I'm riding the bus home past all the crazy traffic, litter everywhere, stray dogs running around, and the bustle of Cairo. 

I do feel completely safe here. There are various local workers or neighbors we say hi to often. I have this feeling as if they've "adopted" Dereck and me as their neighbors and protect us, in a sense. We've got a taxi cab driver who often parks near our road. His car is old, looks like it's had better days (and sounds it too) yet he is so friendly and waves to Dereck and me every time we pass him. One morning, we mentioned where we wanted to go and offered a price...most cab drivers would up the price (because we're foreigners) but this driver says, "Don't worry about the price. You're my friends and I will take you where you need to go." That's the first I've heard anything like that. WOW! I love the people here. They truly are remarkable. I hear what's going on in the news....don't let that frighten you! The Egyptians are good people.

Staff Events

Back in September, it was the end of our first full week with students where the school had put together a weekend outing for any staff who wanted to go. The school paid for the transportation, booked the hotel for us, while we paid for our hotel room and meals. I must say, this is the way to finish your first full week with students. I ALWAYS have a hard time lesson planning (or planning in general) for that week. You don't know the kids, you're not ready to start content. It can become a lot of the teacher talking rules/procedures stuff. Kids don't feel very comfortable talking to each other yet. I just can quite figure out the best balance of teacher talk vs. student talk in that week. So that finished and off to Ain Sukna we went.

Ain Sukna (or the many versions of Spelling - considering Arabic names when written in English could be spelled many different ways depending on how the writer hears the word) is on the Eastern coast of Egypt with the Red Sea. Beautiful!

Many of us teachers relaxed, socialized about non-work things, talked travel, and slept. The bus ride was on the boring side. This is what we had to watch out the window.

On the bus was an armed guard. Not something any of us were expecting. I guess it's better to be prepared. Although I'm becoming more used to seeing various guards throughout the city with rifles, not just handguns. It's the norm here. I rarely hear gunshots here (which I couldn't have said back in Phoenix).

Back to Ain Sukna...as you can see, we had a great time.

Our hotel

The view from the hotel

Our hotel

Selfie while stepping down into the Red Sea

Dereck's in the Red Sea

Hanging out with friends

Our school is really good about taking care of us and providing some events that allow us to explore and have a great time relaxing!

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!