tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122440222024-03-07T03:15:03.373-05:00Egypt RamblingsJust a Kentucky gal rambling about life abroad in EgyptErin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-21980898360164072212011-04-25T22:40:00.000-04:002011-04-25T22:40:55.245-04:00Adjusting to Life after Unexpected Repatriation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMg3cjlqXjuFtzifdxIGJfmCeNSi_UOQx0XwFarLsFfVfQY4Fdo4LwkCR7gxon56B3ovR5x5vRTfj-z5o4k7k3VidxFqQ0GDr0vaAWfD3TXIjUt4_cT53NX11lr-gdJClvJFH/s1600/moving+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMg3cjlqXjuFtzifdxIGJfmCeNSi_UOQx0XwFarLsFfVfQY4Fdo4LwkCR7gxon56B3ovR5x5vRTfj-z5o4k7k3VidxFqQ0GDr0vaAWfD3TXIjUt4_cT53NX11lr-gdJClvJFH/s320/moving+boxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>I have been happy living overseas all these years. </b>So having to move back indefinitely to my home country unexpectedly (aka "repatriation") has been a bit of a shock, to say the least.<br />
<div><b><br />
</b></div><div>Someone told me that the emotional side affects of moving can be more difficult to deal with than the physical moving.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I think they might be right.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The feelings of loss that sneak up on you in the middle of the night can be a bit overwhelming. It's not just about the physical loss of the familiar space you call home. It's not knowing where things are in your kitchen anymore... all of my stuff is still in Egypt... my hot water kettle... my special mugs... all of my spices carefully arranged in my spice cabinet...</div><div><br />
</div><div>I know it sounds trivial. I mean, who cares that you know where your favorite mug is?</div><div><br />
</div><div>But here we are in Kentucky, my son and I - that is. My husband is still in Egypt. It's not like he can just pack up and leave his job.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So after being evacuated from Egypt to live sort of indefinitely away from my home, my stuff, and - most importantly - my husband, I still feel a little lost sometimes.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I read an article recently about the <a href="http://iwasanexpatwife.com/2011/01/14/10-ways-repatriation-is-nothing-like-home-leave/">10 ways repatriation is nothing like home leave</a>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>#10 describes me exactly. "You're no longer a rock star." I've lost my identity. I don't live in Egypt anymore. I meet people, and I have to tell them that we live out towards the Anchorage area in Louisville, KY. I'm not interesting or special anymore... at least I'm not until I can't help myself and open my big mouth to spill the beans (about having lived in Egypt, that is).</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's not all bad. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Actually a whole lot of it is good. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My son has adjusted well to life in America. My parents live about 15 minutes from our apartment. He has toys to play with. We have things to do, fun things like storytime at the library, playtime at the local park's playground, or visits to the local super pet store to watch their doggie daycare dogs play.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Some of it we could have done in Egypt. But a lot of it we couldn't have.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's great to have everything so easily available. I can go to the store here and buy just about anything I need or want. And if I can't get it in the store, I can always buy it online. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And, oh, how I love buying things online.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Plus I get to drive here. And not just a rental, our own car. Definitely a plus.<br />
<br />
<b>Do we plan on moving back to Egypt? </b>ABSOLUTELY! I miss Egypt desperately. And it will be nice to live on the same side of the Atlantic with my husband. And if there's anything you've picked up after reading any of this blog, I hope it's been how much I love Egypt.<br />
<br />
<b>But if you do find yourself in a similar situation (becoming a repatriate unexpectedly), I would definitely recommend the following:</b></div><div><b>1. If you can, stay somewhere familiar when you go home. </b>While you might suffer from reverse culture shock with all the unexpected changes, it's a lot less stressful to move to a place you already know.</div><div><b>2. Have a home base. </b>Even if you're not sure how long you'll be back, make sure to create some sort of normalcy in your life by having a place to call home.</div><div><b>3. Have a schedule. </b>Give yourself something to look forward to every day. Find things to do for yourself and for your kids (if you have any).</div><div><b>4. Live a healthy lifestyle. </b>Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Remember that moving and repatriation is stressful. Exercise helps relieve stress.<br />
<b>5. Keep in touch with people you knew abroad. </b>While it may seem strange to hang onto relationships that you've left behind, I think keeping them may help you transition into life back home more than you realize. </div><div><b>6. Take it one day at a time. </b>Some days might be good. Some days might be bad. Just keep moving and you'll get through this.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>At least that's what I keep telling myself.</b></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-45110719254640871032011-02-07T15:47:00.000-05:002011-02-07T15:47:03.942-05:00Egypt Protests, Part 2: Community Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoEUXI69HjvEwDljGXXv49GA-5SXUDBW_D6JGjZNwVm9ajpqbcpULqtSNg3g5X2YPTI7pnI8SWY-kG6Mo_EZ0EFYsugJjrhhx_huPa2BzrmDJBaXKWmOy_PzqjF8lSHjBayJH/s1600/neighborhood+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoEUXI69HjvEwDljGXXv49GA-5SXUDBW_D6JGjZNwVm9ajpqbcpULqtSNg3g5X2YPTI7pnI8SWY-kG6Mo_EZ0EFYsugJjrhhx_huPa2BzrmDJBaXKWmOy_PzqjF8lSHjBayJH/s320/neighborhood+watch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>While the world was busy watching the events going on in downtown Cairo, the truth is that most of us here were just sitting at home waiting. </b><br />
<br />
We were more worried about the basics. Did we have enough food? Were we safe? Were our families safe? Were our neighborhoods safe?<br />
<br />
Because after the Egyptian police were pulled off the streets last Friday, homes and businesses were put in danger. Poor people from across Cairo as well as criminals taking advantage of the situation ransacked malls and businesses, carrying off anything and everything that wasn't nailed to the floor.<br />
<br />
<b>It's a pretty scary situation sitting at home knowing that you are helpless to control the situation.</b><br />
<br />
I have never been scared in Egypt before. Never felt nervous about being in the streets. Never thought anything would or could happen to us or our home here.<br />
<br />
Not that we were ever in any real danger. The part of Cairo where we live isn't exactly in the thick of things downtown. But the unknown can still be a scary thing.<br />
<br />
<b>Nobody knew what could happen. Nobody knew how much could happen. And nobody knew when it would end.</b><br />
<br />
But when news hit our neighborhood of looters at the edge of our part of town and my husband went down with all the other men of the building to stand guard in the street with a shovel in his hand, I must say I was worried.<br />
<br />
Just a little bit.<br />
<br />
<b>It was interesting to see how something like this could bring together a community. </b>We've lived in our building for five years now and although we know our neighbors, this was the first time we'd really interacted with them.<br />
<br />
And it wasn't just the people in our building.<br />
<br />
It was the first time I'd spoken to our neighbors on their balcony in the building beside us. I'd seen them out on their balcony numerous times and was shy to speak to them. I respected their space, and they respected ours.<br />
<br />
But this gave us something to talk about. Because who else were you going to talk to?<br />
<br />
<b>At this point even our mobile phones were still off. </b>The only way we were getting our news was through the international news we were getting via satellite... and the rumors that drifted through the streets from building to building.<br />
<br />
I think we'll see in weeks, months, and even years to come how these days of coming together to defend our streets and homes will create a long-lasting bond in our neighborhood. I'm sure this will be true across Cairo and perhaps across the country of Egypt.<br />
<br />
Because just like in any other country around the world, when ordinary people step up to do their duty to protect their homes and families, you see a strength of character and spirit of camaraderie unlike any other.<br />
<br />
It made me feel safer knowing that the men who lived in our neighborhood were stepping up to keep it safe. We came home from the airport only to get stopped by 10 separate neighborhood checkpoints.<br />
<br />
It didn't matter if you were rich or poor, Christian or Muslim.<br />
<br />
This was about something bigger. These are our homes. These are our families.<br />
<br />
If the government chose to turn a blind eye to the damage and destruction being caused by looters across the city, the men in our communities were stepping up to to fill the void.<br />
<br />
<b>I have never been prouder of my adopted country.</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-90864998871088193862011-02-01T16:53:00.000-05:002011-02-01T16:53:39.248-05:00Egypt Protests, Part 1: Communication Blackout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCkbAk2bUg38pkGfMV4mcHx1pG6b4dlyGSyuNU8DWozzbY_zzrTTwFdTv00GftI0hZoibDpnuUoD1jnWxB8ZWPln_k6-SZ8O_BntNjNU8L4GD3jQrsEycy3S6dTHnyb6nzuo3/s1600/internet+blocked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCkbAk2bUg38pkGfMV4mcHx1pG6b4dlyGSyuNU8DWozzbY_zzrTTwFdTv00GftI0hZoibDpnuUoD1jnWxB8ZWPln_k6-SZ8O_BntNjNU8L4GD3jQrsEycy3S6dTHnyb6nzuo3/s320/internet+blocked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Note to governments worldwide: if you want to freak out every expat living within your borders, turn off all mobile phone networks and cut off all Internet access. </b>Hey, it worked in Egypt and it could for you too.<br />
<br />
I never knew how much I relied on these two relatively insignificant things to keep me *plugged in* to the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday morning we woke up to a very normal feeling day.</b> Everyone knew that protests were being scheduled after Friday prayers (which ends around 1:00PM Cairo time). Usually we're up earlier and off to the international church around 9:30AM but I forgot to set my alarm so we got up a bit later and went out for breakfast.<br />
<br />
<b>Cairo is always a quiet city early on a Friday morning and this Friday was no different.</b> The streets are mostly empty (as in fewer cars that don't have to stop because of traffic, we're still talking about a mega-city of approximately 20 million people here).<br />
<br />
First thing on Friday I noticed that the service for my mobile phone was down. It surprised me, and I thought at first there was a problem with my phone.<br />
<br />
So I called for my husband. His phone's service was down too.<br />
<br />
Then we pulled out another mobile phone (I think we have them coming out of our ears in our house) with a line for another mobile company to see if it was working.<br />
<br />
It was not.<br />
<br />
<b>I tend to think worst-case scenarios here. </b>I don't know if it's the result of being married to an insurance guy for over 5 years or just my own life experience so far of how often Murphy's law comes into play when you live in a foreign country.<br />
<br />
The questions started running around in my mind. What happened if I got separated from my husband? What happened if his mother (who lives across town) needed something? What about hospitals, what if there was an emergency and we needed to go to the hospital, how could we reach them?<br />
<br />
Let me just interrupt to say that landlines stayed working through all of this.<br />
<br />
<b>But, seriously, who uses an actual phone these days?! </b>Certainly not in Egypt. Even the poorest of the poor somehow manage to have mobile phones in Egypt.<br />
<br />
In our house I don't even bother to plug in our landline phone anymore because (and I do not exaggerate here) we got more wrong number calls to the house than we did legitimate calls looking for us. I think the only people who know our landline number are the delivery guys from Papa John's, McDonald's and Peking.<br />
<br />
So like I said we went out for breakfast but we were on our way home long before prayer time was over.<br />
<br />
<b>We all knew something was coming. We just didn't know how far and how long it would last.</b> Protests (of any kind) plus the Egyptian police never equals a very safe environment for everyone. And with the Muslim Brotherhood announcing on Thursday that after officially sitting out of Tuesday's Jan. 25 scheduled protests that they would be joining in on Friday, we knew that was NOT a good thing.<br />
<br />
<b>So protests plus the Egyptian police PLUS the Muslim brotherhood had the potential to be a very volatile situation.</b><br />
<br />
And after protests in downtown Cairo on Tuesday had gotten out of hand and had spread to other neighborhoods on Wednesday, we had no way of knowing how close the situation would get to us.<br />
<br />
Even as far out as we live by the Cairo airport. It's not that we live that far from downtown Cairo. In fact, on a good traffic day you can reach downtown within 20 minutes or less. But there's still a whole lot of Cairo between downtown and us.<br />
<br />
<b>Somehow during the course of the morning we had realized that all internet service had been cut as well.</b> Now block Facebook... block Twitter... I can live without them... at least for a little while. We can go retro here and go back to email (I'm kidding).<br />
<br />
<b>But cut off my access to the outside world... that's a WHOLE different situation.</b><br />
<br />
As I write this from our hotel room in Cyprus tonight internet access in Egypt is still down. There have been various rumors that it's been up and running. And it seems that some places like embassies (or at least the U.S. embassy) and hotels have had intermittent over the past few days.<br />
<br />
I won't comment on the privileged few.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about the humble masses out there without internet access here.<br />
<br />
People like me. People who have iPhones and Blackberries that are never beyond arm's reach. Bloggers. Facebook and Twitter junkies. People who live and breathe having access to the world at their fingertips. People who actually enjoy the information overload of the Internet.<br />
<br />
I wear this badge proudly.<br />
<br />
<b>Because I could've cared less at this point what was going on downtown.</b> All I was thinking is when this began to hit the news (which got turned on in our house the minute we stepped in the door after getting home from breakfast Friday morning and didn't get turned off for about 48 hours), what is my family going to think? How was I going to get word to them that we're okay? Would my mother have another mild heart attack wondering and worrying where we are and how we're doing?<br />
<br />
So, yeah, thanks for that. I appreciate the fact that you were trying to stifle the protests by cutting off communication in Egypt.<br />
<br />
Oh, and look where that got you anyways.<br />
<br />
<b>It certainly made MY life a little more enjoyable in Egypt.</b><br />
<br />
Image courtesy of <a href="http://itn.co.uk/810a95e9829c947e36ac84342191d15c.html">ITN</a><br />
<br />
<b>Stay tuned for more on an expat's perspective of the protests in Egypt.</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-41408597055082697402011-01-27T03:31:00.000-05:002011-01-27T03:31:44.590-05:00Egypt School of Driving: Traffic Lanes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvVykJCfRzVEYxAw2dMEP0kuXVDyYkd-4e1plL7dcfYSBuF8k_iiR-iD6XTd56b0mYj6yqhP7SNPe4pyzxW5Bwcr_E_TLjHbCowjF2f9IKzvlJ9RRWI96tnGQM07MkRSaxOqy/s1600/Cairo+traffic+lanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvVykJCfRzVEYxAw2dMEP0kuXVDyYkd-4e1plL7dcfYSBuF8k_iiR-iD6XTd56b0mYj6yqhP7SNPe4pyzxW5Bwcr_E_TLjHbCowjF2f9IKzvlJ9RRWI96tnGQM07MkRSaxOqy/s320/Cairo+traffic+lanes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Did you ever wonder who decided why lines should be put on the roads? </b>Why are only 3 lanes put on the road when actually 4 lanes of traffic will fit on the road? I mean, seriously, if no one follows the lines why bother putting them on the road in the first place?<br />
<br />
<b>In Cairo, lines on the road are more of a suggestion than the rule.</b> You might be surprised to find that even when the roads are clear that most Egyptian drivers still manage to completely ignore the *suggested* lanes.<br />
<br />
For me, I have learned to appreciate the idea of staying within the lines ever since I was a child. Years I spent coloring inside the lines. Now I cringe to think of all those Egyptian coloring books scribbled all over by children with no regard for the lines!<br />
<br />
Okay, so maybe I've taken it a little too far.<br />
<br />
But there are distinct differences between we Americans use lanes on the road and how the majority of cars on Cairo streets use lanes. As usual, we'll use the 2006 Kentucky Driver's Manual as a reference.<br />
<br />
<b>How to use lanes.</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"Smooth driving allows you to keep more distance between yourself and other drivers and also helps improve fuel economy.<br />
<br />
If there are three or more lanes in one direction, the middle lane or lanes are for through traffic. The left lane is for drivers who want to pass or turn left. The right lane is used by drivers who want to go slower or who are entering or turning right. If a road has only two lanes in one direction, the right lane generally has the smoothest traffic flow, with the left lane being reserved for the passing of other vehicles. Remaining in the left lane on a limited access highway is illegal."<br />
<br />
EGYPT<br />
Smooth driving is not having to stop EVER. Everyone knows that the lines on the road are for decoration. Make sure to use the far left lane if a u-turn is coming up and you're wanting to go straight. Everyone turning left will appreciate having to wait for you to block traffic to go straight instead of turning left yourself. The same goes for turning right. If you need to make a right turn, be sure to wait until the last minute to cut straight across several lanes of moving traffic to turn right. Again, who wants to be bored while driving?<br />
<br />
<b>How to pass properly.</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"In general, you should pass on the left. Passing on the right can be dangerous since other drivers do not expect it. Vehicles on the right side are also more difficult to see. The operator of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movements safely. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway, unless the vehicle passed comes to a complete stop and such movement may be made safely."<br />
<br />
EGYPT<br />
It is true that passing is safer done from the left side. But the best way to pass is to move to either the left or right side of the car you want to pass, flash your lights or honk your horn to tell them to move aside. Just remember that there are no personal space laws so be sure to use every available inch to fit your car between other cars while passing. The tighter the space, the more points you get.<br />
<br />
<b>How to turn properly.</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"When turning into another street, turn into the lane nearest to you. If you are turning left from a street with two or more lanes, turn from the lane nearest the center line. If you are turning right, turn from the lane nearest the curb.<br />
<br />
If you need to change to another lane, do so only after you have finished your turn and when the traffic is clear.<br />
<br />
If you have already started through an intersection when the light changes, keep going. If you have started to make a turn, follow through. Last-second changes can cause collisions.<br />
<br />
If you miss your turn go on to the next intersection and work your way back to where you want to go."<br />
<br />
EGYPT<br />
Turning on the roads of Cairo is a national sport. Whether it's cutting across several lanes of traffic to catch that u-turn rather than continuing on down the road to the next one or making oncoming traffic come to an abrupt halt by veering right suddenly to make a quick right turn, you don't want to miss out on making your mark on the road.<br />
<br />
And as for last-second changes, well, didn't someone say better late than never? If you start to get on the 6th of October bridge and realize it's blocked, don't worry about backing back down the ramp. The traffic coming up behind you is just waiting for a car to swerve to avoid so no worries. It may seem crazy to back down a busy street but in Egypt, that's just the way things are done!<br />
<br />
Image courtesy <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tronics/380379732/">walid.hassanein</a>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-61989374982226956872011-01-25T03:41:00.000-05:002011-01-25T03:41:36.931-05:00How to See Luxor in 3 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76aVKhyphenhyphen-5qeGfqU0SEfPRuRNY62pP3lGDB0TwKF4JMjmUx4o94dLr92M4Ox9P9Hzu9o8CLIeLz2wE69dHoWBCX_gbJaLPk98Y-y_gXjKu-qIius4PBTWmggcFLfkC3evTMs_W/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76aVKhyphenhyphen-5qeGfqU0SEfPRuRNY62pP3lGDB0TwKF4JMjmUx4o94dLr92M4Ox9P9Hzu9o8CLIeLz2wE69dHoWBCX_gbJaLPk98Y-y_gXjKu-qIius4PBTWmggcFLfkC3evTMs_W/s320/IMG_2159.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>If you come to Egypt to get a taste of history rather than just a place to relax by the sea in the sun, well, you don't want to miss going to Luxor. </b><br />
<br />
The good news is that it doesn't take much time to see the main sites of Luxor. You can very easily see them in 3 days.<br />
<br />
<b>Getting to Luxor is easy. </b>Flights to Luxor run about $100 and trust me, you will appreciate spending the extra cash to fly rather than spending the night on an overnight train to Luxor.<br />
<br />
<b>The best places to stay in Luxor are on the East Bank. </b>There are hotels on the West Bank as well but you will have to take a ferry across the Nile to get to most of the restaurants.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is a sample schedule for seeing Luxor in 3 days:</b><br />
DAY 1<br />
Afternoon - arrive in Luxor, check into hotel<br />
Evening - visit the Luxor Museum (Open 9am-1pm, 4-9pm WINTER)<br />
*Arrange for next morning's hot air balloon ride<br />
<br />
DAY 2<br />
Early, early morning (times vary) - Hot air balloon ride over Luxor<br />
Morning - return to hotel, eat breakfast, rest<br />
Afternoon - visit the Luxor Temple (East Bank)<br />
*Buy tickets for Karnak Sound & Light Show in the afternoon<br />
Evening - attend the Karnak Temple Sound & Light show<br />
<br />
DAY 3<br />
Morning - get up, eat breakfast<br />
Late morning - take the National Ferry across to the West Bank<br />
*Hire a taxi for the day<br />
West Bank schedule: Temple of Hatshepsut (1 hr), Valley of the Kings (1 1/2 hrs), Valley of the Queens (1/2 hr), Ramesseum (1/2 hr), Medinat Habu (1/2 hr)<br />
Evening - return to hotel, rest, go out for dinner, take a carriage ride along the Nile<br />
<br />
DAY 4<br />
Morning - catch flight back to Cairo<br />
<br />
<b>If you have small children I recommend taking an extra day in Luxor. </b><br />
<br />
<b></b>It is easy to do East Bank Luxor one day and West Bank Luxor another and finish it all at one time. However, it is quite exhausting to do so.<br />
<br />
<b>We used a modified schedule from the above when we went to Luxor recently.</b> Keep in mind that I have a one-year-old that needed to go back to the hotel every day for a nap (and I think the rest of us much appreciated this down time as well).<br />
DAY 1<br />
Early afternoon - arrive in Luxor, check into hotel, eat lunch<br />
Afternoon - put son down for a nap<br />
Evening - visit the Luxor Museum<br />
<br />
DAY 2<br />
Morning - get up & eat breakfast, take National Ferry over to West Bank Luxor<br />
Late morning - visit the Valley of the Kings<br />
Afternoon - return to hotel, rest & relax, eat lunch<br />
*Buy tickets for Karnak Sound & Light show<br />
Evening - attend Karnak Sound & Light show<br />
*Arrange for hot air balloon ride<br />
<br />
DAY 3<br />
Early, early morning - Hot air balloon ride over Luxor<br />
Morning - return to hotel, eat breakfast, rest<br />
Late morning - take National Ferry over to West Bank Luxor<br />
Afternoon - visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Ramesseum, and Medinat Habu<br />
Late afternoon - return to hotel, rest & relax<br />
Evening - go out for dinner, carriage ride along the Nile<br />
<br />
DAY 4<br />
Morning - get up & eat breakfast<br />
Late morning - visit the Luxor Temple<br />
Afternoon - late check out from hotel, catch flight back to Cairo<br />
<br />
<b>What advice do I have for someone visiting Luxor?</b><br />
<ul><li><b>Buy books about Luxor before arriving in Luxor.</b> I recommend the <a href="http://www.aucpress.com/p-3378-the-illustrated-guide-to-luxor.aspx">Illustrated Guide to Luxor</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Egypt-Country-Guide/dp/1741793149/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295867216&sr=1-1">Lonely Planet Egypt</a> guide. Carry them with you to help guide you through the sights.</li>
<li><b>Stay close to the center of town.</b> If you plan to spend a week in Luxor, by all means, stay out at a nice resort and enjoy the heated pool in the sunny Luxor afternoons. Otherwise you'll hate have to hop in a taxi every time you need to get anywhere. </li>
<li><b>Don't buy souvenirs in Luxor.</b> If you're going back to Cairo, wait to buy any souvenirs from the Khan El-Khalili. The stuff you'll find on the streets of Luxor is much cheaper at the Khan.</li>
<li><b>Don't forget that a taxi on the West Bank of Luxor can take you home to the East Bank</b> (there's a bridge down the Nile). So if you're really exhausted after a long afternoon in the hot sun, ask the driver how much he'll charge to take you all the way back to your hotel. If it's reasonable, enjoy the air-conditioned ride back.</li>
<li><b>Check the Sound & Light website for times & days for the Karnak Temple shows.</b> Shows are offered in different languages at different times. You'll want to plan your schedule around that.</li>
<li><b>Buy your tickets to the Sound & Light show early.</b> You don't want to get stuck without a ticket when all those tour groups have snagged all the tickets for that day.</li>
<li><b>Don't forget that monuments and museums offer discounted tickets for students and also for spouses of Egyptian citizens. </b>You MUST show your student ID to receive the student discount (so make sure you have it on hand). If you're married to an Egyptian, you MUST show your passport with the resident's visa stating that you're married to an Egyptian in order to receive the Egyptian ticket price. Trust me, it is WORTH the trouble (try 10 LE vs. 80 LE) </li>
<li><b>Choose wisely which tombs you'll enter in the Valley of the Kings. </b>Remember that you can only enter 3 tombs on one ticket. Tutankhamen and Rameses VI are separate tickets (but well worth the money). Watch out because a lot of tombs are closed at certain times when least expected. Recommended tombs to visit are: Thutmes III (Tutmosis), Amenhetep II (Amenotep), Merneptah, Tausert & Seknakht. Try to start at the top of the Valley and work down (read: most difficult ones first).</li>
<li><b>Carry a bottle of water with you. </b>Places like the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings are hot and don't provide much relief from the sun & heat (those tombs aren't any cooler) so you will need to have a water bottle handy. </li>
<li><b>Take the time to visit the Luxor Museum. </b>I know it seems crazy to waste time in a museum when there are sights to see, but I've found that visiting the museum before seeing the sites kind of helps put a face to the pharaohs (after a while they all kind of run together).</li>
</ul><div><b>What about you? Do you have any advice for visiting Luxor?</b></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-18096844738926622572011-01-17T17:26:00.000-05:002011-01-17T17:26:59.079-05:00Confessions of an Expat Mom: Babysitter Woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M1md4XNJSwD2lwAbrvwZgCCR2b0PHWeECJTEWQCr9nXrhTY6tutSwAtXp2uUwelW-jzKhDNFQGs9V-6xafIFjzrsvYDCH8W0cZ7xYv0Kpj_FypGy0O1PV3Ld-A-tUjeHont3/s1600/IMG_2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M1md4XNJSwD2lwAbrvwZgCCR2b0PHWeECJTEWQCr9nXrhTY6tutSwAtXp2uUwelW-jzKhDNFQGs9V-6xafIFjzrsvYDCH8W0cZ7xYv0Kpj_FypGy0O1PV3Ld-A-tUjeHont3/s320/IMG_2046.JPG" width="251" /></a></div><b>I love my son. </b>And as much as I love my son, I keep thinking to myself... it sure would be nice to be able to do ONE thing without him every once in a while.<br />
<br />
Is that too much to ask?<br />
<br />
<b>Finding a babysitter in Egypt is difficult.</b> Ask any mom who lives here and you'll most likely hear a long, drawn-out story about how they either found the babysitter they have (grrrr) or their lack of babysitter and why.<br />
<br />
I would be a member of the latter group.<br />
<br />
<b>It is interesting to see how carefully people guard their babysitters in Egypt.</b> I mean, seriously, it's not like I'm trying to steal her away from you to offer her a full-time job here - I just want one hour or two to myself.<br />
<br />
<b>Egyptians themselves don't seem to suffer from a lack of babysitters.</b> With apparently entire families of baby-lovin' women sitting at home willing and able to watch children at the drop of the hat, I have yet to hear of someone not being able to attend a certain event because they couldn't find a babysitter. In fact, I don't think the thought ever crossed their mind.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, I could be WAY off but it's just the way I see things from where I sit.<br />
<br />
My husband is sympathetic to my plight. At least he seems to be. And while he DID offer to stay with our son at home while he takes a nap on Fridays so that I can go to the ladies gym for an hour or so, I've yet to take him up on that offer.<br />
<br />
But I still might.<br />
<br />
<b>All in all I really can do most things I want to do in Egypt.</b> But it takes so much more time and energy from me to do the same things I did before I had my son.<br />
<br />
Because you can't just pop out the door on a whim the way you used to anymore. It takes a good 15-20 minutes (or some SERIOUS pre-planning) to get out the door with you, your baby and all your stuff. Even if you're like me and keep using the same bag from day to day, there's still so much to take care of first.<br />
<br />
Still don't understand what I mean?<br />
<br />
<b>Here's a list of all the stuff I have to bring with me every time we go out the door.</b><br />
*Diapers<br />
*Wipes<br />
*Toys<br />
*Change of clothes<br />
*Wallet<br />
*Sunglasses<br />
*Packs of tissues<br />
*Chapstick<br />
*Pen AND paper<br />
*Mobile phone<br />
*Food<br />
*Juice/water<br />
*Blanket<br />
<br />
See why I dread going out sometimes? I'm already sitting here now and thinking about all the stuff I need to prepare for our trip out today and it makes me cringe.<br />
<br />
So, yes, it would be nice to have a sitter available every once in a while.<br />
<br />
<b>Perhaps the solution to all of this would be to put my son into a daycare center.</b> I know for many expats (like myself) putting your child into a daycare so that you can sit at home alone seems awfully selfish.<br />
<br />
Because isn't the best person to take care of my son (and be there for every single moment) his mother?<br />
<br />
Yes, it is. So sometimes even the THOUGHT of putting my son at his age seems somehow lazy and selfish. Sure I want the best for my son. And I certainly don't want to miss out on all those important moments (those first-time for doing... a moment that can never be replaced).<br />
<br />
And I am happy to be a stay-at-home expat mom. It's a challenge and a blessing all at the same time.<br />
<br />
<b>I know I am not alone in my feelings. </b>Mothers I've met in Egypt with children young and old all face these kinds of issues at one time or another. It might look or smell a bit different. But we are living in a culture very different from what we're used to back home.<br />
<br />
I know for me that childcare in the States is viewed very different than they see it here in Egypt. I started babysitting when I was in my early teens. My sister still works part-time as a nanny (and she's a college-grad working on her MBA). It's actually pretty good money if you're willing to sacrifice the time (and the evenings).<br />
<br />
In Egypt, Egyptian teenage girls do not babysit. Even college-aged girls don't babysit. I think there are several reasons for this: (1) young people do not usually work until they finish school and (2) young ladies don't know much about taking care of kids.<br />
<br />
So it seems that only older Egyptian ladies babysit.<br />
<br />
Of course many foreigners (and Egyptians) go the route of hiring a nanny. But I am not so desperate as to give up my one-on-one time with my son just so I can leave him with someone once or twice a week. Plus it's expensive.<br />
<br />
Maybe one day I'll figure this whole babysitter thing out. If I do, I'll let you know.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Have you had any luck finding a babysitter in Egypt?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-62098542388499771272011-01-14T16:40:00.000-05:002011-01-14T16:40:23.603-05:00Egypt Essentials: The Bowab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqm-4OIYXbyIrrXcjtJbmxUAFKaClHKtK6PyyDLESICSGSgT_J1Rhgf_pddvGQIoIQs_baXKDLAby5fkgtBNFr1x2qZem07_Ie-KF25cOlmVbfqOheIS9tCgvL8_6lHXF22Uc/s1600/bowab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqm-4OIYXbyIrrXcjtJbmxUAFKaClHKtK6PyyDLESICSGSgT_J1Rhgf_pddvGQIoIQs_baXKDLAby5fkgtBNFr1x2qZem07_Ie-KF25cOlmVbfqOheIS9tCgvL8_6lHXF22Uc/s320/bowab.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>A bowab is neither a thing or a place but rather a person. </b>However, if you live in Egypt long enough, he might just become the most important person you'll meet.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The Arabic word "bowab" loosely translates into the English word "doorman," but he does so much more than just hold the door open to your building.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Years ago when I lived in Egypt the first time around, I lived in several apartment buildings. But I cannot tell you today whether any of them had a bowab present.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What a shame!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>The first thing to know about dealing with a bowab is that you must be able to speak Arabic. </b>Bowabs may be Muslim or Christian, but they are always from a lower class (and many times from upper Egypt) so they will not be able to speak any English.</div><div><br />
</div><div>There is one person in the building who usually serves as the building *manager.* This person usually owns a flat in the building and is responsible for all of the building maintenance and upkeep. They are also in charge of the bowab.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In our case (like many others) the bowab lives in a small room usually in the lower level of the building. We have a garage so his room is in the garage. Some bowabs have their families with them and some do not. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>The bowab is responsible for certain things as part of his regular job:</b><br />
*Guard the building (although this does not meet to stand guard all night)</div><div>*Cleaning the inner shared parts of the building, including the stairwells, elevator(s), and entry or foyer to the building</div><div>*Cleaning of the front outside of the building, including the steps leading up to the building, the front sidewalk, and usually the part of the road or curb directly in front of the building</div><div>*Watering and caring for any plants inside or planted in front of the building</div><div>*Maintenance issues (elevator, lights in the stairwell, water pump, gas line, etc) that may need to be addressed by the building manager</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>However, the bowab is also able to perform services directly for the inhabitants of the building. </b>This is where you'll find that he becomes invaluable. I never realized how many things a bowab could take care of until we moved into our building. Of course, some of these things require a certain amount of trust on your part.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Here are some things our bowab does for us:</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Cleans our car daily. </b>As far as I understand it, this is not part of our bowab's regular job but rather an understanding that he and my husband have decided on through the years.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Collects the mail. </b>I have yet to see a mailman in our current building. Often when I lived in Egypt before I would receive a package while I was out of the house and all I'd get was a yellow slip that told me I'd have to go pay money down at the post office to collect it. However, with our bowab he pays the fee (usually) and holds the package for us until we come home.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Assists in carrying things. </b>This might be when I'm getting out of a taxi with my young son on one arm and bags in that hand, struggling to wrench the stroller out of the car with the other... so you can see how this comes in handy. Other times he's there to help is when we come home from the grocery store or if we're off to the airport with all our luggage. In one way or another, his poor back has been saving ours for several years now.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Sends and receives the ironing. </b>I'm not sure exactly when this started, because it used to be that the ironing guy would come up to the flat and deal with us directly. However, through the years - perhaps because we were often not in the house when the ironing guy would get around to coming by - we've taken to leaving the bag of clothes we're sending out for ironing with our bowab. Then when the ironing guy comes, he collects it from the bowab and when it's finished he brings it back to our bowab who then delivers it to our door.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Runs errands. </b>This includes a wide variety of things. Our bowab buys fruits and vegetables for us. He goes to bring us foul (Egyptian beans eaten for breakfast) and freshly baked Egyptian balady bread. He runs to get milk or yogurt or whatever else I may have forgotten from the store or run out of suddenly. We might have surprise guests at the door and have nothing cold in the refrigerator to offer them to drink; when this happens I just call the bowab and he goes quickly to get some drinks for us.<br />
<br />
<b>There are a million other things that our bowab does for us, many of which are perhaps not part of his job but that he does anyways.</b><br />
<br />
Honestly it can take years to build up a rapport with your bowab. And of course with many or most of these little extras it's customary to give a little tip out of thanks and respect for his hard work. Remember that those things aren't part of his everyday job.<br />
<br />
<u>Note</u>: Although we personally have been blessed these past 5 years with an excellent bowab, it is important to know that you should be wary when dealing with your bowab. They should not be allowed in your house when you're not at home nor (particularly if you're a single lady or married lady alone without your husband or son) when you're at home. Unfortunately not every bowab is honest or trustworthy so be careful when you're new (you might get opinions from your neighbors in the building if you're concerned).<br />
<br />
You may give your bowab a small gift at feast time (Muslim feasts if he's Muslim and Christmas & Easter if he's Christian). This is usually money. Sometimes we also give sweets like cookies or chocolates (not bought special but because we already had them in the house).<br />
<br />
<b>If you live in Egypt, I hope that you are able to fully appreciate your bowab. </b>It is a very difficult job they have. However, at the same time if you can learn to both communicate and understand how to deal with your bowab, this will make your life in Egypt much easier in many ways.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Can you share any advice or experience you have on dealing with a bowab in Egypt?</b><br />
<br />
Image courtesy <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/87985439@N00/375385494/">walid.hassanein</a></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-39595921654165066522011-01-12T08:51:00.000-05:002011-01-12T08:51:14.813-05:00Where to Take Guests to Eat in Cairo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LXWyaAgRQNAdrkp56p_D2JedZ6VP0xGjjZEWp8CAfyHHECsmy2t1Q7vgrxHpkD4FY68nIARuoyGmaZgtyC-Pu9Z5DwzSFojGXAgLrOdwG0VV4cDnOaE8JwUNu1mK-WS_kqYu/s1600/al+azhar+park+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LXWyaAgRQNAdrkp56p_D2JedZ6VP0xGjjZEWp8CAfyHHECsmy2t1Q7vgrxHpkD4FY68nIARuoyGmaZgtyC-Pu9Z5DwzSFojGXAgLrOdwG0VV4cDnOaE8JwUNu1mK-WS_kqYu/s320/al+azhar+park+restaurant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>It is the greatest joy to have people visit you when you live abroad. </b>Of course, it can also be stressful and exhausting as well if you don't plan at least a little.<br />
<br />
And let's face it - food requires planning.<br />
<br />
There are many places that we like to take our guests when they come to visit. We usually don't have a lot of time so I try to be smart about where we go to eat.<br />
<br />
<b>I usually decide where to take our guests to eat based on the following 3 issues:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Atmosphere. </b>Is it a warm and inviting place? Is it dim and crowded? Is it family friendly? Is it large and spacious? It depends on your group where you'd like to go. If you have young kids, you want the family friendly place. For large groups, you want the large and spacious place. For those wanting a more *authentic* dining experience in Cairo, they might want the dim and crowded place.<br />
<br />
<b>Location. </b>A schedule will always revolve somehow around food. There are lots of great places to eat in Cairo, but not all of them are the best choice when you're all the way across town. Other things to consider are that you might want to give your guests a varied experience. For example, you might take them to Al-Azhar Park to dine at the Citadel View Restaurant on a Friday or Saturday just before sunset where they can overlook Islamic Cairo and enjoy the view while eating their fill at the oriental buffet.<br />
<br />
Or you might take them to City Stars to eat at Abou El Sid restaurant to experience another side of Cairo while also having the opportunity to taste some authentic oriental food. I love to sit at the circular tables and to order a selection of dishes and just to whirl the middle around to share.<br />
<br />
Or still another experience with eating at Andrea (I recommend either the Mokkatam or Mattareya locations) where you're out in the open air and you can smell the chicken roasting. The lady is usually sitting there baking fresh bread. You can feast on dips (salads) and starters to your little heart's content (and really should because it takes 30 minutes to get that chicken freshly roasted).<br />
<br />
<b>Quality of food. </b>There is nothing more embarrassing than to take a guest to a place that doesn't have good food. I always feel like I have wasted my time and energy to come to a place where I don't get food that tastes good.<br />
<br />
My advice is never to take your guests to a place that you have never tried before. No matter how high of a recommendation a place gets from someone you know, you'll feel more comfortable with your guests if you've been there before. That way you can recommend certain dishes to your guests and in general get a feel for the place. Plus if you tip well, they might remember you the next time you come and you may even get better service than you did the last time.<br />
<br />
<b>All-in-all eating in Cairo can (and should) be a delightful experience for your guests. </b>They may never be able to experience the best Egyptian food which is, of course, homemade Egyptian food. However, they may be able to get a feel for the traditional culture and food here by tasting it in some of the fabulous restaurants available in Cairo.<br />
<br />
<b>I would recommend the following places to take guests in Cairo:</b><br />
*Citadel View Restaurant (Studio Misr), Al-Azhar Park<br />
*Andrea, Mokkatam or Marioteyya locations<br />
*Felfela, Downtown<br />
*Abou El Sid, Zamalek or City Stars locations (the only ones I can vouch for)<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? What is your favorite place to take guests to eat in Cairo?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-68551336887776610582011-01-10T05:45:00.000-05:002011-01-10T05:45:44.563-05:008 Tips for Sightseeing in Egypt with Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4eLxazJwUZEEKUeWF9qp3jgXNsDl2iuSh2wjs0xTv8D6eoCQ_gslVMckvcqS8qw8DL2P_sKX6cvNmUhPHRU59AgvclpCXuDXg_YqjNIJk4kcIynACH2X4x306sq4lDmfyCh4/s1600/IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4eLxazJwUZEEKUeWF9qp3jgXNsDl2iuSh2wjs0xTv8D6eoCQ_gslVMckvcqS8qw8DL2P_sKX6cvNmUhPHRU59AgvclpCXuDXg_YqjNIJk4kcIynACH2X4x306sq4lDmfyCh4/s320/IMG_2142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>We went last week to Luxor with my sister. </b>For those of you who don't know what Luxor is, well, it's basically where all the *good* stuff is to see in Egypt.<br />
<br />
You want well-preserved walls covered in brightly painted hieroglyphs. Well, you have to go to Luxor.<br />
<br />
You want building-high obelisks and large-sized statues of pharoahs or ancient Egyptian gods in their original positions of glory. Well, you have to go to Luxor.<br />
<br />
You want to walk through the corridors of Egyptian history at night - perhaps the Sound & Light show at Karnak. Well, the only place you can do that is Luxor.<br />
<br />
I guess you've got the picture.<br />
<br />
<b>Now I have done a lot of sightseeing in Egypt over the years. </b>But I hadn't done any with my son before now. So when it came to planning our trip to Luxor, I was a bit nervous because I wasn't quite sure how he was going to do.<br />
<br />
<b>I had a lot of questions about trying to go sightseeing with a young child in Egypt.</b><br />
<ul><li>Would I be able to use our stroller or would I be limited to our carrier? Would my son take to the carrier (he hadn't been much of a fan of it when he was younger)?</li>
<li>What about meals? How were we going to find food for our son? Would any of the restaurants have highchairs?</li>
<li>What about the hotel? Could he sleep in a bed provided by the hotel or should we bring our own?</li>
</ul><b>These are good questions to ask whenever you go just about anywhere in the world with a baby.</b><br />
<br />
I find that no matter where I go with my son that I need to be as flexible as possible. While it's good to plan in advance, I always keep in mind that plans (particularly in Egypt and ESPECIALLY with a little one) are mostly suggestions than actual step-by-step guides.<br />
<br />
For example, I brought the carrier with us to Luxor planning to use it solely as a backpack. Having been to Luxor myself once before, I knew that most of the sites were not stroller-friendly so we wouldn't be able to bring the stroller along.<br />
<br />
And our son was pretty happy the first couple of days sitting in the carrier as a backpack. We went to the Valley of the Kings that second day in Luxor, and he even slept about halfway through our time there. We just pulled that sunshade up over his head and off we went down into all those tombs.<br />
<br />
However, our second day in Luxor ended at the Temple of Karnak where we went for the Sound & Light show. It was dark and we had to walk in the midst of a crowd of people for a while and then stand waiting for the next part of the narration. My son was happy during most of the walking part in the carrier on my husband's back. However, into the 2nd part of the show he started fussing as we stood for maybe 10 minutes listening to the narration.<br />
<br />
Nothing my husband could do was making him happy. He bounced him around in the carrier. He took him out of the carrier. He let him stand on the base of one of the big columns (although I promise his little hands didn't touch anything ancient).<br />
<br />
Finally I took him and realized that my arms were not going to hold out till the end of the show. So in exasperation I decided to try switching the carrier to the front instead of the back.<br />
<br />
Problem solved.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few things I would recommend regarding how to make sightseeing (and travel) in Egypt with baby easier:</b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Don't go it alone. </b>Quite frankly if my husband hadn't been there to take my son at times, I couldn't have made it to that last day in Luxor. It would be extremely exhausting if you don't have someone to help carry baby or feed baby or play with baby while you're trying to see the sites.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Invest in a baby carrier (or borrow one). </b>We bought this carrier before our son was born and had used it only once since he was born. But like I told my husband last week, that carrier more than paid for itself during our trip to Luxor. I would highly recommend one that is back-friendly such as the <a href="http://www.becobabycarrier.com/">Beco</a> or <a href="http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/">Ergo</a> carriers. You will thank yourself after you're through climbing out of one of those tombs in Luxor (after having climbed down into it). Oh, and don't forget to use that sunshade included with the carrier - there may be no real break from the sun until you're done at that site.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Use a travel highchair. </b>A friend lent us a <a href="http://www.totseat.com/">Totseat</a> for our trip to Luxor, and even though I was a bit skeptical at first about using it, it became a very useful item during our trip. I take our stroller everywhere in Cairo, and it often doubles as a highchair for us when highchairs are unavailable. However, in Luxor we were often out without the stroller (or it took up too much room to keep it out for our son to sit in). So as a last resort I packed the Totseat in my bag thinking we'd just hold him in our laps anyways. I was wrong, and I wish I'd had one of these portable cloth travel highchairs earlier.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Pace yourself. </b>You can be out all day in the hot sun when you don't have kids with you. Sure you'll suffer a bit later and come back to the hotel exhausted, but you'll be okay. This is not a good idea when you have a little one.<br />
<br />
I would definitely recommend that you take a break in the middle of the day with a young child. Sure they can sleep in the carrier, but it's a lot hotter in Egypt than you realize so they may just need the break from the sun that going back to the hotel affords.<br />
<br />
Plus if your child is anything like mine, he or she will enjoy the freedom of playing on the floor of the hotel room with toys from home than being cooped up all day in a carrier.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Bring baby bowls and utensils with you. </b>This seems like a no-brainer to me, but I thought I'd throw that in there. I was able to snag some fruit off the breakfast buffet for our son, cut it up, and feed it to him later while we were out. Cheerios and Kiri-sandwiches are great for snacks, but fresh fruit is even better.<br />
<br />
By the way, those plastic bowls also make great bath-time toys (rinsed out, of course) on the fly when you suddenly realize that you've got nothing to keep your son distracted while you scrub all that ancient dust off of him.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Double-check that the hotel has baby beds available. </b>We were so very close to having to let our son sleep in between us on our big bed that I was almost too scared to think of how I was ever going to manage that. Be very clear that you need a crib for a baby (or cot, as the British call it) so that you don't end up with a rollaway bed for an older child (what they tried to give us at our hotel).<br />
<br />
<b>7. Be flexible. </b>Like I mentioned earlier, if there's one thing I learned again last week about taking my son along on a sightseeing trip, it's that I should go with the flow. So even though we started each day with the most difficult thing (farthest tomb up in the Valley of the Kings or the Temple of Hatshepsut, etc.), we didn't stick 100% to our plan. We moved things around a bit in the schedule. We ordered sandwiches in the room one day rather than going out for lunch when my son and my sister both fell asleep right after coming in from our morning sightseeing (this was AFTER our sunrise hot air balloon ride so we were all exhausted).<br />
<br />
<b>8. Bring a hat and sunscreen for baby. </b>This was the first week of January! But even though I'd been to Luxor around this time of year before, I'd forgotten how hot the sun can get there. Even though it's not summertime, you still need to be prepared to protect your child (and yourself) from the sun year-round in Egypt. So don't be like me and forget your son's hat at home!<br />
<br />
<b>Would I have chosen to bring my son to Egypt to go sightseeing if we didn't already live here?</b> Probably not. But I'm sure one day he'll grow up and look at the pictures and enjoy the fact that he was experiencing history even before he could walk (maybe).<br />
<br />
<b>Plus if there's anything I've learned about being a mom overseas so far is that you don't have the luxury here to be afraid of the unknown.</b> It might be scary to get out of the house sometimes to try something in Egypt that you've never done before. But if I didn't try it - well, I might NEVER get out of the house (and that, my friend, would not be a pretty picture).<br />
<br />
You just do what you need to do... and baby just goes along for the ride. Sightseeing in Egypt for me was no different.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Have you been sightseeing with a young child in Egypt (or another country)? If so, what other tips can you share?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-90052183139015161532011-01-04T09:00:00.002-05:002011-01-04T09:00:10.268-05:00Egypt Essentials: The Pharmacy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqtdyGsHCUjkvFxJAlw7ylrP_-e9tZlX5h6D_GenVIcC-AaFeQoO4WDNe-_02GtWumVfcgwoEZDpH_nKyToR15izGEd7_L3awQOPkYiG7ZwW1kI2N15HECMUd8PRrvBnUg350/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqtdyGsHCUjkvFxJAlw7ylrP_-e9tZlX5h6D_GenVIcC-AaFeQoO4WDNe-_02GtWumVfcgwoEZDpH_nKyToR15izGEd7_L3awQOPkYiG7ZwW1kI2N15HECMUd8PRrvBnUg350/s320/IMG_2066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All of these items are available in Egypt</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>A pharmacy would be important in any country for obvious reasons. </b>But in Egypt, the average pharmacy is bound to surprise with all kinds of secret items hidden away.<br />
<br />
I know you think I'm exaggerating. But it's really true.<br />
<br />
Sure you can buy medicine under the counter, over the counter, you name it counter and well, no prescription is required.<br />
<br />
And just like I've mentioned already about <a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/12/fighting-cold-in-egypt.html">fighting a cold in Egypt</a>, you can simply walk up to the pharmacist, name your ailment and get the appropriate medicine (or at least something that might work).<br />
<br />
<b>But did you know that pharmacies here also carry the following items?</b><br />
*Shampoo<br />
*Conditioner<br />
*Shower gel<br />
*Hair gel<br />
*Hair wax<br />
*Hair spray<br />
*Face wash<br />
*Hand & body lotion<br />
*Anti-aging creams<br />
*Sunscreen<br />
*Boxed hair coloring sets<br />
*Toothpaste<br />
*Toothbrushes<br />
*Floss<br />
*Mouth wash<br />
*Band-aids (adhesive bandages)<br />
*Elastic bandages<br />
*Compression stockings<br />
*Cotton balls<br />
*Sterile gauze pads<br />
*Tweezers<br />
*Nail clippers<br />
*Nail files<br />
*Nail polish remover<br />
*Nail polish<br />
*Make-up (lipstick, eye shadow, foundation, eye liner, etc)<br />
*Pill cutters<br />
*Scales<br />
*Razors<br />
*Shaving cream<br />
*Hand soap<br />
*Victoria's Secret lotions<br />
*Perfumes of all kinds<br />
*Colognes of all kinds<br />
*Baby food<br />
*Baby cereal<br />
*Formula<br />
*Bottles<br />
*Diapers<br />
*Swimming diapers<br />
*Diaper wipes<br />
*Diaper rash creams<br />
*Baby shampoo & body wash<br />
*Dr. Sholl's shoes<br />
*Vitamins<br />
*Hair appliances (straightener, curler, blow dryer)<br />
*Eye glasses<br />
*Feminine products (sanitary napkins, tampons, hair removal creams)<br />
*Strollers<br />
*Highchairs<br />
<br />
This is really just the beginning of the list of things you can find at pharmacies in Egypt. I'm telling you, these places are like mini goldmines just waiting to be explored.<br />
<br />
Yes, I have known to be a bit of a pharmacy junkie in Egypt (I guess it stems from my addiction to Walmart and Target back home in the States).<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few well-known pharmacies that tend to stock a lot of the above items:</b><br />
<b>El-Ezaby Pharmacy. </b>Locations across Cairo.<br />
<b>Seif Pharmacy. </b>Locations across Cairo. Watch their prices, though, because I've seen some things priced higher than other local pharmacies.<br />
<b>Abdel Maksoud Pharmacy. </b>Heliopolis. My experience is that this is hands down the best pharmacy in Heliopolis. I used to frequent this place at least once a week.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep in mind that pharmacies in Egypt deliver. </b>You do, however, have to know what exactly you need. If you don't speak enough Arabic to communicate what you need, just speak in English slowly and they'll most likely hand the phone over to the closest English-speaker on hand.<br />
<br />
Delivery is great because if you're sick you just have to call the pharmacy instead of dragging yourself out the door to get what you need. Trust me, this will save you one of these days (if it hasn't already).<br />
<br />
<b>I hope that you will appreciate the pharmacy in Egypt as much as I do. </b>I get really excited when I see another pharmacy near us opening up. This means I have more places to find what I need!<br />
<br />
<b></b><u>Note</u>: Keep in mind that many of these items can also be found in larger supermarkets - sometimes even at cheaper prices - so keep your eyes open when you're out shopping for groceries as well.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Do you have any recommendations for a great pharmacy near you (if you live in Cairo)?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-8712822821424926152010-12-30T07:04:00.000-05:002010-12-30T07:04:06.423-05:00Egypt School of Driving: Redefining the Right-of-Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEEdrVpU-88iDmuADZOqoRt4isM3MHF9oxJvHW8rMzX5_8RoiNLExFmCXoNLCxaDPizafl1o3LehwiRkMu62QryrtYaq45hMw3wN_h0kGSUgfpZE8T2tFRbpNOob-ekdROV7U/s1600/pedestrians+in+Cairo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEEdrVpU-88iDmuADZOqoRt4isM3MHF9oxJvHW8rMzX5_8RoiNLExFmCXoNLCxaDPizafl1o3LehwiRkMu62QryrtYaq45hMw3wN_h0kGSUgfpZE8T2tFRbpNOob-ekdROV7U/s320/pedestrians+in+Cairo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Just because I got my driver's license in Kentucky doesn't mean that I've got this driving thing all figured out. </b>Egyptians take driving to an entirely new level, and I think it's high time I share the notes I've been taking about how a *real* Egyptian should drive.<br />
<br />
Be forewarned, however, that driving in Egypt is not for the faint of heart.<br />
<br />
And if you're like me and you've only ever ridden as a passenger in Egypt, well, prepare for the ride of your life.<br />
<br />
To show a real comparison, however, between the way we drive in the States (namely, Kentucky), I have decided to do a comparison between the "rules of the road" according to the official <a href="http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/2006_ky_drivers_manual.pdf">Kentucky driver's manual</a> and the "rules of the road" as they play out on the streets of Cairo.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's take a look first at the Right-of-Way.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Point 1: Pedestrians</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"By law, drivers must yield to pedestrians under the following conditions, (1) when pedestrians are in a crosswalk or at an intersection and there is no traffic light and (2) when turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light."<br />
EGYPT<br />
Pedestrians are a driving obstacle. Every good driver in Egypt knows that the object is to get as close as possible to a person walking in the street without actually knocking them over. And if you get too close, don't worry - they'll just lay there for a second groaning in pain (surely it's not THAT bad) and get right up and go again.<br />
<br />
*This includes mothers walking with babies in strollers and older persons trying to cross the street.*<br />
<br />
If you're concerned with their safety, honk the horn real loud right before you pass them. That way they can jump out of the way in time before you run them over. At night, be sure to substitute flashing your lights for the honking of the horns. This is particularly true for foreigners walking in the dark because they're foreigners, they understand exactly what you mean.<br />
<br />
<b>Point 2: Turns</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"Drivers turning left must yield according to oncoming vehicles that are going straight or turning right."<br />
EGYPT<br />
"If there isn't a police officer with a pad & pen in his hands ready to take down your license number, feel free to turn left at your leisure. Don't worry about the cars coming straight towards you. They'll appreciate the fun in swerving to avoid hitting you at the last moment.<br />
<br />
<b>Point 3: Traffic Circles / Roundabouts</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"Drivers entering a traffic circle or roundabout must yield right-of-way to drivers already in the circle."<br />
EGYPT<br />
A roundabout (called a "midan" in Egypt) is no fun when there aren't any cars in it. So please be sure - regardless of how many cars are already packed into the midan - to force your car into the stream of cars. It's best if you take the extreme left and go straight across to the extreme right - that way you stop more cars in the process.<br />
<br />
<b>Point 4: Minor Roads vs. Main Roads</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"Drivers on a minor road must yield to drivers on a main road."<br />
EGYPT<br />
Who cares what the difference is between a minor road and a main road is? If you're driving straight, people should stop for you. If you're turning left, people should stop for you. If you're turning right, people should stop for you. And especially if you're going the wrong way down a one-way street, the rest of traffic should come to a screeching halt and get out of your way because you have extenuating circumstances which mean you have to drive the *wrong* way.<br />
<br />
<b>Point 5: Intersections</b><br />
KENTUCKY<br />
"At a 4-way, 3-way, or 2-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection and stopping first should go first."<br />
EGYPT<br />
Regardless of how many streets are intersecting, the only reason to stop is if another car's nose or tail is in your way and you can't find a way to inch around it.<br />
<br />
<b>I know you're itchin' to do a little driving in Egypt yourself now, right?</b><br />
<br />
But seriously, I have been studying this whole right-of-way concept in Egypt for years now, and I'd say that it's all basically a matter of being completely fearless. If you're shy and timid and don't get the nose of your car out there to enter the stream of traffic, well, you'll be sitting there for a while. You have to just get out there and do it - leaving your fear in the cloud of dust behind you.<br />
<br />
My husband and I have been discussing lately whether or not I'm ready to begin driving in Egypt yet. <b>And I'm telling you (just like I tell him) that I'm ready.</b><br />
<br />
Just ask my grandma who taught me how to drive. When it came time to merge onto the interstate highway that first time - a time when most people gradually accelerate to move into the oncoming stream of traffic - well, I floored it.<br />
<br />
No fear here!<br />
<br />
<b>So I think I'm ready. What do YOU think?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-59074456854517794482010-12-27T05:24:00.000-05:002010-12-27T05:24:42.064-05:00Confessions of an Expat Mom: Resisting the Urge to Compare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia18zYWLdhdCzuc0HTKak1yBBvZyrXn6qIqVL5saTHU-o7GAxFk04CqiewYzqnObQNHltG_nqywnsqQreV_r6UIXjay8CunO9_9baM-TPn7vA0AZL5Qfy_4tchB9j70URnFQIc/s1600/scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia18zYWLdhdCzuc0HTKak1yBBvZyrXn6qIqVL5saTHU-o7GAxFk04CqiewYzqnObQNHltG_nqywnsqQreV_r6UIXjay8CunO9_9baM-TPn7vA0AZL5Qfy_4tchB9j70URnFQIc/s200/scale.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Everything I read as a new mom told me not to compare my child to others. </b>And I've been pretty good overall about realizing that each baby develops at their own rate.<br />
<br />
But what I didn't realize about being a mom AND an expat is that it's not just the development issue that tempts us to compare.<br />
<br />
<b>It's also our living situations.</b><br />
<br />
It might be about what kind of flat you live in, what type of car you drive (or if you don't have a car), where you're able to shop, what you can afford, how many times a year you're able to fly home for a visit...<br />
<br />
<b>Because you meet people of all kinds when you live in a place like Egypt. </b>You might meet oil executives, teachers, American diplomatic workers, people serving in roles of all kinds, foreign women married to Egyptians, people with money and people without, people who've been here for years and others who just arrived...<br />
<br />
Some people are happy and well-adjusted. Others are not.<br />
<br />
And regardless of where you fit into this list, you might look at someone else and think how easy of a life they've got or how hard your life is. Or you might look at them and realize how easy you've got it.<br />
<br />
<b>Either way, I encourage you to resist the urge to compare. </b><br />
<br />
We all have something unique to offer that no one else has. We all have a mission in life to fulfill. Your family is special, regardless of what you have and don't have.<br />
<br />
<b>Don't let it become a barrier for you. </b>Don't let it keep you from making friends with people who are different than you. Don't let it cripple your lifestyle to the point where you can't leave the house. Go out and experience new things.<br />
<br />
<b>Honestly this isn't just an issue for expat moms. </b>We all need a little reminder to keep our heads up and our eyes from judging.<br />
<br />
Because call me crazy but I find that no matter how sad a story someone has there always seems to be a sadder story that's out there.<br />
<br />
This might seem trivial but if you're stuck taking taxis everywhere and wish you could have a car. Well, maybe you'll meet someone who's hauling around 2 kids (and not just 1) across town in a taxi (a black-and-white one, no less) on a regular basis. Or maybe you'll meet another expat family with three little girls all under the age of four who can't afford a car.<br />
<br />
<b>Kind of puts things into perspective, doesn't it? </b>I whine about things sometimes and then I meet someone who makes me look at my life. And then I kick myself for ever thinking I've got it so hard.<br />
<br />
And if you're frustrated because you can't find Cheerios at the 10th place you've looked. Or the right kind of soy formula your baby needs because he's lactose intolerant. Or that brand of diapers you always use for your infant.<br />
<br />
Well, unfortunately sometimes things don't go the way we want them to. And no matter how well we plan when we live abroad, something always happens to throw everything off.<br />
<br />
<b>But the worst thing you can do in a time like that is let it get to you. </b>Please, for my sake, don't let it get you down.<br />
<br />
You never know what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow is a brand new day. And tomorrow you're sure to discover something new that you'd never find in your home country.<br />
<br />
<b>Being an expat isn't easy. Being a mom isn't easy. </b>Just get through today and see what tomorrow has in store for you.Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-3256434822436549662010-12-26T06:11:00.000-05:002010-12-26T06:11:10.324-05:00"Egypt Ramblings" Article Featured in Escape From America Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWyddGKJctMMTcSH-VQ42xZmTHZGWOtmY8PrbPvVgD6_7-VDRKjpc15Vag9XigSyBxu2oC_cbrauSK6odM9y6C2tX9JN1ZrBr-hIYBs3YQBbW5tWYNmtRIH2wx5_KzLwo0m72/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-18+at+11.30.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWyddGKJctMMTcSH-VQ42xZmTHZGWOtmY8PrbPvVgD6_7-VDRKjpc15Vag9XigSyBxu2oC_cbrauSK6odM9y6C2tX9JN1ZrBr-hIYBs3YQBbW5tWYNmtRIH2wx5_KzLwo0m72/s400/Screen+shot+2010-12-18+at+11.30.55+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Egypt Ramblings' article <a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/10/intro-to-my-cairo-kitchen-key-to.html">My Cairo Kitchen: The Key to Successful Cooking Abroad</a> is featured this month in the <a href="http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2010/12/living-in-egypt-successful-cooking-abroad/">Escape from America</a> magazine December 2010 issue.</b> This issue is available online where you can read many articles pertaining to life abroad all over the world.<br />
<br />
I must admit that I am new to Escape from America as well as their <a href="http://www.escapeartist.com/">Escape Artist</a> and <a href="http://www.expatdailynews.com/">Expat Daily News</a> sister sites (on which my article <a href="http://www.expatdailynews.com/2010/11/pet-lover-in-exile.html">Pet Lover in Exile</a> appeared last month). But at just a glance, you will realize - like I did - that the overload of information about expat living available on these sites is just the beginning.<br />
<br />
There so many sites out there with great resources for expats living abroad as well as those considering moving to a foreign country! I hope you keep this in mind if you ever plan on moving overseas!<br />
<br />
<b>And let me just say that if you're reading Escape from America BEFORE you move abroad, you are way ahead of the game!</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-82137772647630426302010-12-24T07:55:00.000-05:002010-12-24T07:55:17.035-05:00Celebrating Christmas Overseas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ2FVCtLQcQnhzJd9qId42o4tmoTIRNtD1qeX5woayZgn-uyIeSF8yDkVID2c-eomLAtAEcg7v7DhSOuCnH1-BISlCqYuooEsK0xalaTsa0gWOMxZm-Hw73O1dJaz7FxfsrmE/s1600/IMG_0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ2FVCtLQcQnhzJd9qId42o4tmoTIRNtD1qeX5woayZgn-uyIeSF8yDkVID2c-eomLAtAEcg7v7DhSOuCnH1-BISlCqYuooEsK0xalaTsa0gWOMxZm-Hw73O1dJaz7FxfsrmE/s320/IMG_0356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>Christmas is often a hard time to be an expat living overseas. </b>For me, it's not just about being four-thousand miles away from family but also the struggle to keep the holiday traditions alive while living abroad.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Sure I love to trim the tree, bake cookies, sing Christmas carols, watch Christmas movies, and go to the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.</div><div><br />
<b>But it's still not always easy to make it feel like Christmas around here, but I do my best.</b><br />
<br />
</div><div>Even if I usually trim the tree alone. I might bake cookies and find that nobody likes them. I still sing carols loud and proud around the house even there's no one else to sing along. We still watch my favorite Christmas movies - like White Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and Home Alone - even if they're not the type of movies my husband grew up with.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Don't get me wrong, my husband's a good sport about the whole thing, even if these aren't the same Christmas traditions he's used to. And after being married for several years now he's used to me wanting to keep all those American holiday traditions alive in Egypt.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Even if sometimes it seems like I'm forcing it to feel like Christmas. And that can be downright exhausting.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyone else ever feel that way?</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>This is the life of an expat living abroad.</b> We celebrate our holidays and traditions the best way we can. The longer the span of time you spend abroad, a little more distant you feel when the holidays come around.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One interesting fact is that most Egyptian Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 instead of December 25. Apparently Eastern Orthodox national churches in Egypt, Greece and Russia (to name a few) use the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar (used by Catholics and most Protestants as well) which means that holidays such as Christmas and sometimes Easter fall on a different day.<br />
<br />
My son is going to love this when he gets older. What more could a little guy ask for than to get 2 Christmases every year?<br />
<br />
Anyhow here we are again, it's Christmas Eve. The tree is sparkling, the cookies baked, presents wrapped, and all that's left is to attend the candlelight service at church tonight.<br />
<br />
<b>Merry Christmas everyone!</b> <b>May it be blessed wherever you are in the world!</b></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-1858542732746005682010-12-22T10:14:00.000-05:002010-12-22T10:14:09.493-05:00The Wonder Years, Part 5: Making Egyptian Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypEULy9Bu2rccmjvEH35WeIUi2vrkETxWGjZPJXs_6aWC-DYkIRYeluvTIrNmDsBFc3Q6Vjha77Fjbegv9HKdtOauMQaxUD8vrX63sphhEXWrqFJNDDRaBDlFUj2A4qFkUiMa/s1600/with+Egyptian+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypEULy9Bu2rccmjvEH35WeIUi2vrkETxWGjZPJXs_6aWC-DYkIRYeluvTIrNmDsBFc3Q6Vjha77Fjbegv9HKdtOauMQaxUD8vrX63sphhEXWrqFJNDDRaBDlFUj2A4qFkUiMa/s320/with+Egyptian+friend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Friends make the world go round. </b>Sure it's your family that has to love you through thick and thin, but it's your friends that CHOOSE to love you.<br />
<br />
Plus they make life a whole lot more fun.<br />
<br />
<b>Egyptians are friendly. </b>There is no doubt about that. I would say that most newcomers could agree with that, considering how many "Welcome to Egypt" greetings you might get your first several years here.<br />
<br />
I always say that the sign that you've been here long enough to fit in is when you don't have people coming up to you and saying that to you here in the street.<br />
<br />
<b>Making local friends is an important step to settling down in Egypt.</b><br />
<br />
I already told you about how hard it was for me to begin to learn to speak the language here and how I suffered from the side-effects of culture shock early on during my first years in Egypt. So I guess it's no surprise to you that I didn't make any Egyptian friends until after I'd been here for several months.<br />
<br />
I think that if I'd made Egyptian friends earlier that I would have had an easier time those first few months.<br />
<br />
But once I did find some locals to become friends with, this was all I needed to open the door to me feeling at home in Egypt. Of course it helped that I had learned a little Arabic and understood a little more of the Egyptian culture by this time.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't say it's hard to make friends in Egypt. It's just that it's not something you can really measure at first. So when you think you've made a friend, maybe in a week's time they won't call you back. Or maybe someone you hadn't counted on becoming friends with sticks to you like glue.<br />
<br />
<b>In the beginning I found it easier to befriend the people I spent the most time with. </b>Since most of my time was spent studying Arabic, I became friends with my Arabic language helper (a girl my age who helped me practice Arabic and learn about Egyptian culture 3 times a week). Also I enjoyed being with my Arabic grammar tutor who I met with twice a week - an older lady but still friendly.<br />
<br />
I did also get the chance to spend two weeks with a young married Egyptian couple as a sort of cultural immersion experience. So after struggling through speaking all Arabic to the wife for two weeks and getting to know all her family and friends (especially from the church), I because such good friends with her I decided to marry her older brother.<br />
<br />
Okay, so it wasn't JUST because I liked her so much. (He was pretty great himself...)<br />
<br />
So my Egyptian friends were mostly the people around me, people I saw on a fairly regular basis. I didn't usually consider people I met while I was out and about as friends.<br />
<br />
<b>In fact, it's pretty difficult to become friends with just someone off the street. </b>I'm not saying it can't happen in Egypt, just that it can be hard to really make that kind of a connection out on the streets of Cairo. Seriously, do you meet your friends back home while you're out at the mall? Most people become friends with people they know - not complete strangers. I'm not saying it can't be done, just that it's difficult.<br />
<br />
But I can honestly say that I had some great friends in Egypt after I'd been here for a while. They have been such a help in making Egypt feel more like home to me.<br />
<br />
And now that I live in Egypt full-time, well, since so many expats come and go every few years, it is nice to know that there are some Egyptians that will stand with me through the years, regardless of circumstance.<br />
<br />
And despite the fact that I'm still American and stick my foot in my mouth occasionally...<br />
<br />
<b>There are some definite advantages to having Egyptians as friends:</b><br />
<br />
<b>They open the door to the Egyptian culture. </b>Sure after living for so long in Egypt, I could sit here and try to give you a rundown of all the things you need to know about living in Egypt... or you could watch them being lived out by an Egyptian. Which is more interesting? Which is more accurate? (Trust me, after almost 8 years in Egypt, I still make mistakes)<br />
<br />
<b>They can teach you Arabic. </b>The only skill they need is to be a native speaker. An Egyptian can tell you if you're pronouncing something incorrectly... and they can tell you how to say it right. You can (and will) learn all kinds of new vocabulary from them.<br />
<br />
<b>Egypt is their world. </b>They know all the best stores to buy things. They know all the best places to eat and drink. You'll experience things you'd never dream of doing simply because you're with an Egyptian. It doesn't get any better than that.<br />
<br />
Let me just say that I was more than thankful for the friends I had back then... they certainly made Egypt a home away from home for me.<br />
<br />
<b>Just keep in mind these important things when trying to make friends in Egypt:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Be sincere. </b>People anywhere in the world respond to sincerity. Cross-cultural communication doesn't really allow for that "fake it till you make it" stuff. If you don't mean it, don't say it. (This is not to be confused with some of the cultural traditions you might pick up in Egypt.)<br />
<br />
<b>It takes time. </b>Be patient. Friendships don't happen overnight. I've found that a real friendship develops with shared experiences which, of course, requires time. Try not to get discouraged (like I did in the beginning) if you can't write home about all the new friends you're making in the first weeks (or months) you live in Egypt.<br />
<br />
Another thing about time is simply that Egyptians spend more time with their friends than we're used to back home in the States. So if I hung out with my best friend once every couple of weeks, here they might see their friend minimum of once a week and they talk to them even more often. My husband talks to most of his closest friends on a daily basis, and if he doesn't call them - they call him.<br />
<br />
<b>Be a friend first. </b>An Egyptian you meet may not understand that you want to be friends with him or her (stick to same genders please, ladies to ladies and guys to guys, just to be on the safe side). You might have to make a little more effort from your side from the beginning.<br />
<br />
<b>Learn the Egyptian culture. </b>The first mistake a lot of expats make when they try to become friends with locals is they put their foot right in their mouth by saying the wrong thing. They say something (usually a direct translation from their native language to the Arabic) and it just doesn't mean the same thing here. Depending on how much exposure your newfound *friend* has had to Western culture, they might not be so forgiving if you say or do something wrong (or offensive). I'm not saying don't make mistakes, because - let's face it - nobody can just move to Egypt, learn the language and assimilate into the culture without making any mistakes. I'm saying just be aware. Try to learn all you can.<br />
<br />
<b>Don't force it. </b>Just because an Egyptian is friendly doesn't mean that they necessarily want to be your friend. If they give you their number and then don't answer your calls, then they don't want to be your friend. Or if they do and yet they never call you back on their own, well they probably don't want to be your friend then either. Trust me, if they never EVER call you - they don't really want to be your friend.<br />
<br />
<b>Location matters. </b>It's hard to be friends with someone who lives all the way across town. But if you find someone who lives close to you, you might find it easier to keep that connection with them in the long run.<br />
<br />
<b>Don't get discouraged. </b>Lots of people who move to a new country don't know anyone when they first get there. You're in the same boat that every other expat has been in. If you can't find local friends, stick with your expat ones for now. But keep trying to get out there and meet people. You might be surprised at the friends you'll make in the end.<br />
<br />
Also, don't get discouraged if your friend doesn't open up his or her entire life to you right away. Maybe if you're female the family might want to meet you to make sure you're a *good girl* for their daughter to spend time with. But often you might just meet with your friend one-on-one. Eventually they might introduce you to other friends, but again just be patient and try not to force the issue. You don't want to make them uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
<b>Try not to complain. </b>Egyptian friends are not the people you should complain about Egypt to. I don't care if you hate the traffic, hate the crowds, hate the dust, the pollution, the heat... try to find something positive about Egypt when you talk with your Egyptian friends. And ESPECIALLY do NOT complain about the Egyptian people to Egyptians... be careful not to make any kind of negative generalizations about Egyptians in their presence. Trust me, they won't say it, but they'll be wondering if you think that of them in the back of their minds.<br />
<br />
<b>They're just people too. </b>Maybe this is just an American thing, but I've had to catch myself from thinking about how much better things are in the United States than they are here. Sure, there's room for improvement in Egypt in many ways but we can still come here as expats and learn from the people here. So if you have in your mind that you're somehow *better* than Egyptians (even in the very very back of your mind), this might be an unconscious barrier to making any real friends here.<br />
<br />
All in all, the point is that if you're living in Egypt as an expat you're missing out on the most important part of the Egyptian experience if you don't make local friends here.<br />
<br />
<b>Because the best part about Egypt is the Egyptians.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Don't forget to check out the rest of this series:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/wonder-years-part-1-arriving-in-cairo.html">The Wonder Years, Part 1: Arriving in Cairo</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/wonder-years-part-2-learning-to-speak.html">The Wonder Years, Part 2: Learning to Speak Arabic</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/wonder-years-part-3-seeing-sights-of.html">The Wonder Years, Part 3: Seeing the Sights of Cairo</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/12/wonder-years-part-4-dealing-with.html">The Wonder Years, Part 4: Dealing with Culture Shock</a></b><br />
<br />
<i>The Wonder Years is a series about Erin's first 2 years in Cairo before she met and married her Egyptian husband. Stay tuned for more of her adventures in Egypt the first time around.</i>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-29634813135969058732010-12-20T16:55:00.000-05:002010-12-20T16:55:58.410-05:00Buying Children's Books in Cairo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzxUP6hLlTiEqQWeao4sZf6DQnR7yjAGrLyO2b0rCVgzItEtlE7mHxtnkynjfSw04rVLpp47lIH2pamjyTnNW50h75IAJlJzBZjYu4zwR2oXuli-8S8zgEtRJrfnjkPIFPFsq/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzxUP6hLlTiEqQWeao4sZf6DQnR7yjAGrLyO2b0rCVgzItEtlE7mHxtnkynjfSw04rVLpp47lIH2pamjyTnNW50h75IAJlJzBZjYu4zwR2oXuli-8S8zgEtRJrfnjkPIFPFsq/s320/IMG_0361.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>Reading is definitely one of those things you really want to encourage in your children from a young age. </b>At least that's what I read in the books and online.<br />
<br />
And I've seen this to be true from my own childhood, having grown up in a family that reads as well.<br />
<br />
<b>One of the first things I wanted to do for my son was to read to him.</b> This was, of course, after the initial shock of becoming a mother in a foreign country wore off.<br />
<br />
Except I didn't have any books yet to read to him.<br />
<br />
Luckily my family - who came from the States to visit last Christmas right after he was born - very generously provided those first books (especially my dear sister) for us.<br />
<br />
At first it felt a little silly to read out loud to my son. I mean, he was barely awake or sleeping. But I kept reading that reading was so important so I trucked on.<br />
<br />
And I have to say that after several months of reading to him, he began to show interest in the books. Now at one year old he is pulling the books off the shelf and flipping through them himself.<br />
<br />
Not a reader yet but hey, we've got plenty of time for that.<br />
<br />
And while I was able to stock up on books the two times we visited the States this year, there is still a limit to how many books you can carry in your suitcase. Trust me on this, you need to WEIGH your bag before you get to the airport and have to go running to the airport store to buy another suitcase because the books are just too much!<br />
<br />
So I have kept my eyes open here in Cairo for good places to buy books for kids. There are quite a few places to pick up books for kids. Most of what I have been buying lately is still board books, but there are lots of others out there as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few places I would recommend:</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.virginmegastore.me/Index.aspx?ID=4">Virgin Mega Store</a>.</b> located in City Stars. Provides a decent selection of books for younger children in English. There is also a small section of books for young readers in English. Good place to buy pregnancy and baby books as well.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.diwanegypt.com/">Diwan Bookstore</a>. </b>several locations around the city (Zamalek, Maadi, Heliopolis). The store in Heliopolis has a big section upstairs for kids and also has a great selection of pregnancy and baby books.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.bookspotonline.com/middle.php?file=home">The Bookspot</a>. </b>located in Maadi (Road 9). Great location with a surprising selection of books for all ages (considering how small it looks from the outside). They also carry used books.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Where do you buy books in Egypt?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-23669686859927679872010-12-17T15:43:00.000-05:002010-12-17T15:43:21.915-05:00Egypt Essentials: The Stationery Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrF1W44ulnZwxgjkQ6s65O_mCgLYMe93qwSjcQSOcthAcvTbfg0KCWS_WRo2QPJv-wfEcFsZYnn7bgKfrdgTy6e-iZU1Cv7bnnhqcqdWwLIgEYbm2jhCvtFiF-guKZlsEF3uo/s1600/wrapping+paper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrF1W44ulnZwxgjkQ6s65O_mCgLYMe93qwSjcQSOcthAcvTbfg0KCWS_WRo2QPJv-wfEcFsZYnn7bgKfrdgTy6e-iZU1Cv7bnnhqcqdWwLIgEYbm2jhCvtFiF-guKZlsEF3uo/s320/wrapping+paper.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>There are some things here in Egypt that I could live without... and others that I rely on time and time again. </b>The typical stationery shop in Egypt is the latter. I honestly don't know what I'd do without them.<br />
<br />
You KNOW how I love <a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/08/ky-chronicles-3-confessions-of-walmart.html">Walmart</a>, but since there's not one here I have to make do with what's available.<br />
<br />
<b>And that's where the stationery shop comes in...</b><br />
<br />
I mean it's not like I go running to one just about every day or even every week. But there are times - like today - that I need something random like Christmas wrapping paper and I know just where to get it.<br />
<br />
<b>You might be surprised at what these places carry. Here's a small list:</b><br />
*Notebooks of all sizes<br />
*Notepads of all kinds and sizes<br />
*Pens (ballpoint and gel)<br />
*Pencils (the graphite and mechanical kinds)<br />
*Colored pencils<br />
*Markers of all types<br />
*Envelopes of all sizes (white, brown, A4, A5, etc.)<br />
*Staples & staplers<br />
*Rubber bands, paperclips, scissors, etc.<br />
*Greeting cards<br />
*Wrapping paper<br />
*Gift bags<br />
*Day planners<br />
*Picture frames<br />
*Candles<br />
*Books (used & new)<br />
*Arabic-English dictionaries<br />
*Calendars<br />
*Magazines<br />
<br />
Trust me, I used to be an office manager for an Egyptian company here, so I KNOW that these places carry what you need. If you can't find it in one place, ask them and they might be able to order it for you or maybe direct you to another place that might carry it.<br />
<blockquote><i>Unless you're me - who still brings packs of my favorite blue Pilot G2 0.7mm fine point gel rolling ball pens from the States and hoards them for years, only opening a new pack of 3 when ABSOLUTELY necessary!</i></blockquote>But that's just me.<br />
<br />
<b>I do have a favorite stationery shop in Egypt.</b> My particular favorite has been <b>Everyman's</b> in Korba, Heliopolis for years. And let me just say that this place rocks!<br />
<br />
Everyman's has the best selection of wrapping paper, gift bags, and greeting cards year-round here on the main floor along with other great items like picture frames. Upstairs is a haven of basic office supply items including some of my favorites like good-quality notebooks (which can be hard to find here), blue gel 0.7mm pens, and those A5 brown envelopes with bubble paper inside (great for sending things back to KY), along with new & used books (a pretty good selection of books about Egypt if I'm in a pinch and have no time to run to <a href="http://www.diwanegypt.com/">Diwan</a>).<br />
<br />
Today I went looking for Christmas wrapping paper and I was pleased that - as usual - they had a great selection of paper available. There were also these great Christmas tins that I can imagine would make great gifts (fill them with <a href="http://www.patchi.com/#">Patchi</a> chocolates or homemade fudge). I even found gift tags, something I don't usually find in Egypt.<br />
<br />
I didn't make it downstairs today, but I know that they usually have a great selection of knick-knacks like candles and figurines and such. This time of year, they are sure to have Christmas decorations like lights and garland among other things available.<br />
<br />
<b>In case you don't live in Heliopolis, I can recommend a few other places:</b><br />
<b>Samir & Aly</b> (branches all across Cairo)<br />
<b>Bakier Stationery</b> (Maadi, new branch now in Korba-Heliopolis)<br />
<b>Volume 1</b> (Maadi)<br />
<b>Attic Stationery</b><br />
<br />
I have to say, though, that you'd be surprised at how much those little shops can carry - even that small one you have around the corner in Cairo. Plus they are a great place to make cheap copies (they'll even bind copies together into a book for a small fee).<br />
<br />
Seriously, you can't really live in Egypt for very long without walking into one. They might seem a bit cheesy on the outside, but I promise there's much more than meets the eye inside.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Any recommendations for a great stationery shop near you (if you live in Cairo)?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-65991425794955814212010-12-16T08:02:00.002-05:002010-12-22T16:19:13.297-05:00Holiday Cooking Overseas: Christmas Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLjRq3pM_XCoCIL1r8VCW0TtPb90BXSAiy0jxxWRaGvNNBy_gQhwSavmleS-YuO6Kr_o8DDvSNS9MFABDSwaUSo9tx7viIZW1eo5OP7wawvTd8vR3YOT3GN-gw5Zan1CPYzj1/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLjRq3pM_XCoCIL1r8VCW0TtPb90BXSAiy0jxxWRaGvNNBy_gQhwSavmleS-YuO6Kr_o8DDvSNS9MFABDSwaUSo9tx7viIZW1eo5OP7wawvTd8vR3YOT3GN-gw5Zan1CPYzj1/s320/IMG_1999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>There is nothing that smells like Christmas more than the smell of sugar cookies baking in the oven. </b>I can remember this from my childhood. We'd help my dad string the lights on the tree while my mom baked up a batch of sugar cookie cut-outs in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Oh the memories the thought of that smell brings me now!<br />
<br />
I'm one of those people that likes to carry on the traditions we had growing up, are you like that too? And it doesn't really matter that I live in Egypt now. I still like to put up the Christmas tree, decorate the house with poinsettias, and - of course - bake Christmas cookies.<br />
<br />
And while the nostalgia of it all sometimes makes me a little more homesick than usual when December 25th comes around, but at the same time it just doesn't feel like Christmas without them.<br />
<br />
As most of you know, I have a 1-year-old son. So this time last year, I did not make my usual hoard of Christmas cookies for gifts to family and friends because I'd just given birth to a beautiful baby boy.<br />
<br />
Something about not getting a full night's sleep that just takes the baking urge right out of you!<br />
<br />
But this year I've been dying to jump back into my Christmas baking. Unfortunately with said 1-year-old, I can only bake when he's taking a nap or in bed for the night. But I still managed to whip up a batch of sugar cookie dough earlier this week while he was sleeping.<br />
<br />
The problem is that my tried-and-true recipe for sugar cookies makes <u>8 dozen cookies</u>! Well, I have a solution for some of those... namely the tea time after church tomorrow, especially since it's Christmas and everyone's bringing cookies. But don't worry, I've got plans for that other 4-dozen sugar cookies that the other half of the dough will make.<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe, in case you've been looking for a great recipe (especially if you'd like to share a few cookies with some friends because it makes A LOT):<br />
<br />
<b>Classic Sugar Cookies</b><br />
Makes: 8 dozen cookies<br />
<br />
3 cups powdered sugar<br />
2 cups butter, softened (as in room temperature, not melted)<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. almond extract<br />
2 eggs<br />
5 cups flour<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
2 tsp. cream of tartar<br />
<br />
In LARGE bowl, beat 3 cups powdered sugar, the butter, vanilla, almond extract, and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed (or with a spoon if you don't have a mixer). Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.<br />
<br />
Heat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheet (if you don't have a non-stick one). On lightly floured surface, roll each half 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with 3-inch cookie cutters. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.<br />
<br />
Bake 5-7 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div><u>Notes</u>:</div><div><ul><li>You don't want the dough to warm up too much so only take out enough to roll out cookies for one cookie sheet at a time. Then after you cut out the cookies, roll the scraps up into a ball and put back into the refrigerator to chill before reusing.</li>
<li>The thinner the cookies, the better they keep their shape. Something about the Cairo air makes my cookies spread like wildfire in the oven so I make them as thin as evenly possible (watch them if you do this because they may only need 4 minutes if they're really thin).</li>
<li>I usually split the dough in half and roll into long logs before wrapping them up in plastic wrap and refrigerating. I find the logs are easier to cut off just enough for one sheet of cookies than a big glob in a bowl.</li>
<li>My favorite way to decorate is using sprinkles and egg yolk paint BEFORE the cookies bake. This keeps the cookies simple and less sugary (Egyptians aren't used to really sweet cookies with icing).</li>
<li>Make sure you sift the powdered sugar in advance. A great makeshift sifter is a mesh strainer - I actually find this easier to use here because sometimes the powdered sugar in Egypt is really lumpy.</li>
</ul><b><div><b><br />
</b></div>UPDATE - Sugar Cooking Icing Recipe: Combine 3 tbsp softened butter, 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 1/2 tbsp milk until reaches a smooth consistency. You may want to add more milk if it's too thick for you. Add any color food coloring you like (start with 3-4 drops, then add more drops to darken the color). You can switch out the vanilla for almond extract, lemon juice, or any other flavoring for a different kind of cookie.</b><br />
<ul></ul><div>Oh how I love cookies at Christmastime!</div><div><br />
</div>So I'm sitting here now and contemplating if I can manage to make any more cookies. Because you have to understand that my usual Christmas cookie repertoire includes about 6 or 7 different kinds. So whether it's Buckeyes or Thumbprints or - my particular favorite - Christmas Casserole (these delightful little balls filled with dates, walnuts, and coconut) cookies, I am going to try to find the time to make something else as well. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>What about you? Do you make Christmas cookies at Christmastime? Or do you have a favorite cookie you like to eat this time of year?</b><br />
<b><br />
<b>And in case you live in Cairo and don't have the time or energy to make Christmas cookies yourself, you might check out the <a href="http://snsbistro.com/main/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1">Sugar n' Spice</a> shop (6 Brazil St, just around the corner from the Mobinil shop) in Zamalek.</b></b></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-5786172140328221602010-12-13T08:02:00.000-05:002010-12-13T08:02:40.114-05:00Getting Immunizations Abroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezhLpo-75OiU2P0qfDBmifbXRVDxl6Wqi0cjbtuiW6HLRNFwVK0ul76nCFSbNhszMJPgQcCSLubMHVTZkXT6UVIA30Ljicbi-UPTwd4TthJ4t0KcvUxnIFDxmegZmCyv4FbOu/s1600/shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezhLpo-75OiU2P0qfDBmifbXRVDxl6Wqi0cjbtuiW6HLRNFwVK0ul76nCFSbNhszMJPgQcCSLubMHVTZkXT6UVIA30Ljicbi-UPTwd4TthJ4t0KcvUxnIFDxmegZmCyv4FbOu/s200/shot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Have I mentioned before that being a parent overseas can be a bit scary at times? </b>No? Well, it can. And there is nothing more nerve-wracking than to watch a doctor poke your son with a needle, especially in a foreign country.<br />
<br />
Vaccinations are just one of those necessary evils.<br />
<br />
We parents all know this. But I must admit that I didn't know much about them before I became a parent myself.<br />
<br />
Sure, I'd gotten all those shots before I arrived in Egypt that first time. I was given a list of what I needed and the doctor gave them to me. That was about it.<br />
<br />
And if you have kids before you move abroad, you're sure to take care of this issue long before you step foot in a foreign country. <b>But what if you give birth to a child in a foreign country? What do you do about vaccinations then?</b><br />
<br />
After I had my son last year, one of the first things we had to think about was getting him immunized properly here in Egypt.<br />
<br />
I had a lot of questions rolling around in my head about giving my son vaccinations in Egypt. Were the vaccinations in Egypt safe? Were they as effective as the ones back home? How would my son react to them? Would he get all the right ones that he needed here? What would happen if we had to move home to the States, would they be considered *done* even if he'd gotten them abroad?<br />
<br />
These are all valid questions for a new mom living abroad to ask, don't you think?<br />
<br />
And wherever you live I have found that the best thing to do when getting started with vaccinations is to do a little research. Well at least that's what I did.<br />
<br />
Being American, I looked up the <b><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm#parents">U.S. vaccination schedule</a> </b>online on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. I printed it out and took it to our pediatrician in Egypt and discussed it with him. I compared it to the one here in Egypt. I read about vaccinations in the baby books. I talked about with other expat moms.<br />
<br />
<b>My theory is that you can never have too much information when it comes to your kids. Just make sure that the information you're getting (and relying on) is from credible sources.</b><br />
<br />
And actually you might be surprised to learn - like I was - that vaccinations given in Egypt are pretty similar to what you have back home. For example, the only vaccination my son's received so far that is not listed on the U.S. schedule was the BCG for tuberculosis. And the timing of shots for him here has been fairly on target with what's customary in the States as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is what he has received so far (and when he received them):</b><br />
<ul><li><b>BCG:</b> (shot) Newborn</li>
<li><b>Rotavirus:</b> (oral) 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 23 weeks</li>
<li><b>Polio:</b> (oral) 8 weeks, 16 weeks, 25 weeks</li>
<li><b>DTP/Hib/HepB (combination):</b> (shot) 8 weeks, 16 weeks, 25 weeks </li>
<li><b>Pneumococal (PCV):</b> (shot) 10 weeks, 18 weeks, 27 weeks</li>
<li><b>MMR:</b> (shot) 12 months old</li>
<li><b>Future vaccinations scheduled: </b></li>
<ul><li><b>Chicken Pox (varicella): </b>13 months old</li>
<li><b>HepA: </b>14 months old</li>
</ul></ul><u>A note about vaccinations in Egyp</u>t: In Egypt, you can choose to get vaccinations done at the pediatrician of your choice or at an Egyptian government health clinic. Although as I understand it that once you start with one, you must continue with that choice. We were told that shots from the health clinic may be more *fresh* although in the end we decided to have our son's pediatrician give our son his shots.<br />
<br />
I still need to make sure his immunization records are in order for when our son starts school (either here in Egypt or back home in the States). In case you're American and wondering about this for yourself, the CDC has all the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/laws/state-reqs.htm">state vaccination requirements</a> available in one place.<br />
<br />
Now I don't know where you are and what is available where you're at so if you're reading this and wondering about vaccinations for your child where you live abroad, you will need to do a little legwork to make sure you have all the info you need.<br />
<br />
<b>The CDC has great health information specific to Egypt <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/egypt.aspx">available</a> as well. </b>If you're not in Egypt, you may be able to find your destination <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx">here</a>. And here is another great <a href="http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Vaccination_schedule">resource</a> for vaccination information as well.<br />
<br />
<b>My advice for getting vaccinations for your child in a foreign country</b>:<br />
<ol><li>Print out the vaccination schedule from your home country (if this is what you feel the most comfortable with).</li>
<li>Don't be shy to talk to your pediatrician abroad about it. Ask a million questions if you need to. A good doctor will understand your need to discuss it.</li>
<li>Ask about the local immunization schedule and standards for children. You may be surprised that it might not be so different from your own.</li>
<li>Keep track of updated information regarding vaccinations in both countries (abroad and back home). More information comes out every year and it's important that we as parents know what's going on. One way to stay up-to-date is to sign up for email updates from the CDC.</li>
<li>If you have a pediatrician or family doctor back in your home country, ask them about vaccinations as well. They may not be able to tell you about the country you're in, but they can certainly answer any questions you might have about what your child needs according to that country's standards.</li>
</ol><div><b>What about you? Have you had experience giving your child vaccinations in a foreign country?</b></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-52773715340899438942010-12-10T17:59:00.000-05:002010-12-10T17:59:59.713-05:00100 Things to Do in Egypt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1umPyjuEgf9slVJFR8QuNrpXElMfJ3fGbuA8Voox8nditpidUR4j3qfJKLxqEcPTW7G8Lt2fKtUVGaiXRNbLUsiv5fZFs1yN92-NQnlo5jvQxGElXddAPI8pfkZJ83lrD5oRV/s1600/100_sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1umPyjuEgf9slVJFR8QuNrpXElMfJ3fGbuA8Voox8nditpidUR4j3qfJKLxqEcPTW7G8Lt2fKtUVGaiXRNbLUsiv5fZFs1yN92-NQnlo5jvQxGElXddAPI8pfkZJ83lrD5oRV/s400/100_sculpture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><ol><li>Visit the <a href="http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/archaeology/giza-pyramids/">Giza Pyramid</a>s</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://sacredsites.com/africa/egypt/sphinx.html">Sphinx</a></li>
<li>Visit the Solar Barque (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khufu_ship">Boat</a>) Museum</li>
<li>Ride a camel</li>
<li>Take a Cairo taxi</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Museum"></a>Eat lunch at the Pizza Hut overlooking the Pyramids</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Museum"></a>Have lunch at <a href="http://www.cairo360.com/article/restaurants/324/felfela-traditional-and-tasty-egyptian/">Felfela</a> downtown</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_Museum">Egyptian Museum</a></li>
<li>Watch the <a href="http://www.soundandlight.com.eg/">Sound & Light Show</a> at the Pyramids</li>
<li>Walk across the Qasr el-Nile Bridge from downtown Cairo to the Gezirah or Zamalek island</li>
<li>Buy books at the <a href="http://www.cairo360.com/article/shopping/473/auc-bookstore-downtown-design-meets-function/">American University of Cairo bookstore</a> in downtown Cairo</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.cairotower.net/CT/">Cairo Tower</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cairotower.net/CT/"></a>Have dinner at the <a href="http://www.cairo360.com/article/restaurants/723/revolving-restaurant-grand-hyatt-cairos-most-stunning-view/">Revolving Restaurant</a> at the Grand Hyatt Cairo hotel</li>
<li>Sit inside the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque_of_Muhammad_Ali">Mosque of Muhammad Ali</a> and look up at the chandelier and dome lamps (Citadel)</li>
<li>Check out all the different pillars inside the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qala'un_Mosque">Mamluk</a> mosque (Citadel)</li>
<li>Enjoy the view overlooking Islamic Cairo from the Citadel</li>
<li>Take a <a href="http://www.nileguide.com/destination/cairo/trips/walking-tour-of-islamic-cairo/3770500">walking tour</a> of Islamic Cairo</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hanging_Church">Hanging Church</a> (Coptic Cairo)</li>
<li>Visit the Church of St. George (Coptic Cairo)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/cairo-ben-ezra-synagogue.htm">Ben Ezra Synagogue</a> (Coptic Cairo)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.egyptarch.com/historicalcairo/islamicmonements/amribnelaas/amribnelass0.htm">Amr Ibn Al-Aas mosque</a> (1st mosque built in Egypt and in Africa)</li>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.alazharpark.com/">Al-Azhar Park</a></li>
<li>Watch the sunset at the Citadel View restaurant at Al-Azhar Park</li>
<li>Shop for souvenirs at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khan_el-Khalili">Khan El-Khalili</a> tourist bazaar</li>
<li>Eat lunch at the <a href="http://www.cairo360.com/article/caf%C3%A9s/1004/naguib-mahfouz-cafe-quiet-oasis-in-khan-el-khalili/">Naguib Mahfouz cafe</a> in Khan El-Khalili</li>
<li>Drink coffee at E<a href="http://www.cairo360.com/article/caf%C3%A9s/234/el-fishawy-the-place-for-ahwa-and-tradition-and-the-sometimes-bizarre/">l Fishawy's</a> coffeehouse in Khan El-Khalili</li>
<li>Ride the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Metro">Cairo metro</a></li>
<li>Walk along the Corniche El-Nile</li>
<li>Eat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kushari">koshary</a></li>
<li>Eat foul sandwiches</li>
<li>Eat <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falafel">ta'amiya</a> (fried fava bean patties)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Azhar_Mosque">Al-Azhar</a> mosque</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Hussein_Mosque">Al-Hussein</a> mosque</li>
<li>Walk over the bridge to visit the other side of the Khan El-Khalili area</li>
<li>Watch a whirling dervish show</li>
<li>Watch a belly dancing show</li>
<li>Take a Nile cruise in Cairo</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://cavechurch.com/home/index.asp">Cave Church</a> in Mokattam</li>
<li>Visit the Recycling Center in the Garbage Village</li>
<li>Ride on a felucca sailboat in Cairo</li>
<li>Attend an Egyptian wedding</li>
<li>Walk in downtown Cairo at night</li>
<li>Eat at <a href="http://www.cairo360.com/article/restaurants/670/abou-el-sid-zamalek-travel-back-in-time-with-egypts-cuisine/">Abou El Sid restaurant</a> in Zamalek</li>
<li>Visit a glass blowing factory</li>
<li>Go shopping for used books in Abbassia</li>
<li>Walk around the Wikalat al-Balah area downtown</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.gizazoo-eg.com/">Giza Zoo</a></li>
<li>Drink fresh fruit juice from a street fruit juice stand (at your own risk)</li>
<li>Eat Roz bi-Leban (Rice with Milk) from <a href="http://www.elmalky-eg.com/en_branches.php">El Malky</a></li>
<li>Have dinner at an Egyptian family's home (best food in Egypt)</li>
<li>Attend an Egyptian church service</li>
<li>Attend an <a href="http://www.maadicommunitychurch.com/">international church</a> service</li>
<li>Visit an Egyptian orphanage</li>
<li>Learn how to make ma3shi wara aneib (stuffed grape leaves)</li>
<li>Eat fresh fetir</li>
<li>Ride on a microbus</li>
<li>Visit an Egyptian sporting club</li>
<li>Break the fast with Muslims during Ramadan</li>
<li>Visit the Saqarra Pyramids</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/379/73491/The+Cairo+Camel+Market?destId=355224">camel market</a></li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.pharaonicvillage.com/">Pharaonic Village</a></li>
<li>Shop at City Stars Mall</li>
<li>Take the train to Alexandria</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.bibalex.org/Home/Default_EN.aspx">Alexandria Library</a></li>
<li>Visit Montazah Palace Gardens in Alexandria</li>
<li>Walk along the Corniche in Alexandria</li>
<li>Visit Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria</li>
<li>Eat at an open-air fish restaurant in Alexandria</li>
<li>Go snorkeling at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Hole_(Red_Sea)">Blue Hole</a> in Dahab</li>
<li>Climb Mt. Sinai</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/sinai-monastery">St. Catherine</a> monastery</li>
<li>Go parasailing in Sharm El-Sheikh</li>
<li>See the mangrove trees at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ras_Muhammad_National_Park">Ras Muhammad National Park</a></li>
<li>Walk along the boardwalk at night in Naama Bay (Sharm El-Sheikh)</li>
<li>Eat at the <a href="http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=80&MIBEnumID=3">Hard Rock Cafe</a> Sharm El-Sheikh</li>
<li>Spend the night in the desert</li>
<li>See the White Desert</li>
<li>See the Black Desert</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahariya_Oasis">Bahariya Oasis</a></li>
<li>Go four-wheeling on the sand dunes</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siwa_Oasis">Siwa Oasis</a></li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor_Temple">Luxor Temple</a></li>
<li>Watch the S<a href="http://www.soundandlight.com.eg/">ound & Light Show</a> at the Karnak Temple (Luxor)</li>
<li>Watch the sunrise by hot air balloon over Luxor</li>
<li>Visit the Temple of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatshepsut">Hatshepsut</a> (Luxor)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_the_Kings">Valley of the Kings</a>, in particular King Tut's tomb (Luxor)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_the_Queens">Valley of the Queens</a>, in particular Queen Nefertari's tomb (Luxor)</li>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/luxor-medinet-habu">Medinet Habu</a> (Luxor)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/luxor-ramesseum.htm">Ramesseum</a> (Luxor)</li>
<li>See the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossi_of_Memnon">Colossi of Memnon</a> (Luxor)</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor_Museum">Luxor Museum</a> (Luxor)</li>
<li>Take a carriage ride in Luxor</li>
<li>Eat at the McDonald's across from the Luxor Temple</li>
<li>See the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aswan_Dam">Aswan High Dam</a></li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Simbel_temples">Temple of Abu Simbol</a></li>
<li>Take a boat ride on Lake Victoria</li>
<li>Take a Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan</li>
<li>Visit <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/kom-ombo.htm">Kum-Ombo</a> Temple</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/edfu">Edfu</a> Temple</li>
<li>Visit the <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/philae">Philae</a> Temple</li>
</ol>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-81913047216541068572010-12-08T16:04:00.000-05:002010-12-08T16:04:09.137-05:00Fighting a Cold in Egypt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmPpLOJd5k8ubDAv_QvEIJxYb1R4kttXuzz1uW8wEkkJLQrqoM1WjFLEAVhuZMrBlkgNlg2ypYRMwfe15gTOej8jQo3alh1AUlWOvIGhx8rv3o9WRbF7xkKda2jZ7BccnJPO8/s1600/winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmPpLOJd5k8ubDAv_QvEIJxYb1R4kttXuzz1uW8wEkkJLQrqoM1WjFLEAVhuZMrBlkgNlg2ypYRMwfe15gTOej8jQo3alh1AUlWOvIGhx8rv3o9WRbF7xkKda2jZ7BccnJPO8/s320/winter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>It's that time again in Egypt that we wait around for all year. </b>The nights are cooler. The days are still warm, but the sun doesn't shine quite so bright. In short, it's the "most wonderful time of the year."<br />
<br />
Okay, well so it's not Christmas (yet). Not that Christmas in Egypt is anything like the white Christmases I grew up with in Alaska.<br />
<br />
<i>By the way, don't you just love this snow scene? Doesn't it make you just want to go out and go sledding?</i><br />
<br />
<b>But the one thing I hate that the change in the weather does bring is the dreaded cold virus.</b> Maybe it's because people don't dress quite as warmly as they should. Maybe it's because they don't cover their mouths like they should when they cough or sneeze in public. And maybe, just maybe it's because they forget to wash their hands afterwards when they do...<br />
<br />
Because even though many people in Egypt might believe that sleeping with the air-conditioning on can cause a cold. It CAN'T!<br />
<br />
You catch a cold, as in a virus, from another person. Maybe it's something they've touched. Maybe their germs have traveled through the air over to you (due to the lack of covering their nose and/or mouth). Maybe it's when they kissed you hello.<br />
<br />
I hate having a cold.<br />
<br />
<b>The good news is that fighting a cold in Egypt isn't as hard as you might think. </b>I know that finding medicines when you live abroad can be a bit of a headache, especially if you're from somewhere like the States where there's always a newer and better pill on the market to cure what ails ya.<br />
<br />
I know that (especially if you're new here) you might assume that Egypt doesn't have any medicine that you'd want to take. I mean, who knows WHAT they have hidden away in all those pharmacies on practically every corner here in Cairo... or how LONG it's been there?<br />
<br />
But the good news is that if you have a name, you can write it down and give it to the pharmacist, well, if they have it, he or she'll sell it to you. No prescription required. Just make sure you check the expiration dates.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is the low-down on what's available in Egypt for fighting a cold:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li><i>Claritin</i>: A non-drowsy antihistamine. I brought loads of this in liquid gel form back from the USA recently. Great for all ages, be sure to check the package for dosage.</li>
<li><i>Tavegyl</i>: A mild antihistamine, the drowsy kind. My OBGYN prescribed this for me while I was pregnant. You have to be careful about medicines if you're expecting.</li>
<li><i>Physiomer</i>: A saline nasal spray. The best prevention method out there, especially for children (even newborns). And it will work wonders to clear that blockage in your nose in ways that blowing alone can never do.</li>
<li><i>Halls</i>: Throat lozenges. Helpful if you have a sore throat. Egyptians eat these as candy (seriously!) so you'll find them just about anywhere.</li>
<li><i>Vitamin C</i>: The most common form is effervescent tablets that dissolve in water.</li>
<li><i>Cough syrup</i>: Ask for this at the pharmacy and they should be able to give you something.</li>
<li><i>Tissues</i>: Sorry no special tissues with lotion are available in Egypt, but small packs of tissues are available just about anywhere (even at the little kiosks down on the corner). </li>
</ul>The great news is that winter is the season for oranges in Egypt. You'll find oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and even mandarins. And, of course, lemons are available all year round. So I recommend that you keep your kitchen stocked with these fresh fruits as the cold season comes round.<br />
<br />
And everyone knows that natural Vitamin C is better than taking the tablets, right?<br />
<br />
<b>But in case you're tired of all that orange juice, did you know that the following fruits and veggies are good sources of Vitamin C too?</b><br />
Kiwi (imported year-round)<br />
Papaya (not in season now)<br />
Tomatoes (available year-round)<br />
Cantaloupe (a summer fruit)<br />
Strawberries (just bought our first bunch last week)<br />
Brussel sprouts (available frozen)<br />
Broccoli (coming into season)<br />
Sweet green pepper (available year-round)<br />
<br />
And the one thing I know I need more than ever when I come down with a cold is SLEEP. If it's one thing I know after 7+ years of living abroad it's that I need more sleep than I ever did back home. And when I'm sick, well, nothing works better for me than a few hours extra of sleep.<br />
<br />
But that's just me.<br />
<br />
<b>And if all else fails, just ask the pharmacist. </b>The good thing is that in most pharmacies the pharmacist will most likely speak English. So if you need medicine for a certain ailment (sore throat, cough, runny nose, etc.) just go in and tell them you need something for... fill in the blank... and they'll probably be able to give you something for it. It might not work as great or as quickly as what you had back home, but it'll work... eventually.<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? Do you have any great home remedies for treating a cold? </b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-51793723154755020422010-12-06T05:50:00.000-05:002010-12-06T05:50:31.443-05:00Activities for Baby in Egypt: A Review of Dados Egypt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDIYlE6Ebh_lI-ME2bd31bFlMhZVABPn0nxSXPyyD2HofNe5dWE2ao1yAq681QjarbPa8SuKfryE5IUNp5hn7nyubt5QPvdzQzBALPFhVl0wJksvXzdxfQp0ipvB0oWwTOVrV/s1600/dados.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDIYlE6Ebh_lI-ME2bd31bFlMhZVABPn0nxSXPyyD2HofNe5dWE2ao1yAq681QjarbPa8SuKfryE5IUNp5hn7nyubt5QPvdzQzBALPFhVl0wJksvXzdxfQp0ipvB0oWwTOVrV/s1600/dados.jpg" /></a></div><b>Finding things to do with a young child in Egypt is not easy. </b>This has been a great source of frustration for me, particularly being from a place like Kentucky where green grass is everywhere and activities for children abound.<br />
<br />
Here in Egypt green spaces are usually surrounded by a fence, and you have to pay admission to enter by the gate. Then once you get inside, you find the playground old and decrepit and unsafe for young children.<br />
<br />
All I wanted was to let my son swing, for heaven's sake. Was this too much to ask?!<br />
<br />
Our solution to this problem finally was to join an Egyptian sporting club. But that is a subject for another time.<br />
<br />
So when it came time to think about trying to find any sort of class for my son - music, art, or even just story time - I honestly had no clue where to begin. At first I was determined to find something close to home. He was young and took naps at random times, so I preferred to stay on our side of town.<br />
<br />
<b>Then I discovered <a href="http://www.dadosegypt.com/Home_Page.html">Dados</a>.</b> A friend of mine had taken her son to both the <a href="http://www.dadosegypt.com/Music.html">Music</a> and <a href="http://www.dadosegypt.com/Create_Fun.html">Create Fun</a> classes in Maadi and recommended both classes to me.<br />
<br />
<b>So we tried a Create Fun class. </b>The age range for this class is pretty large, from 10 months to 3 years. It's all about letting your child discover things through his senses.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MQcs-OtOK79DyWW4ypVJvyOaj1_5cIJCqKoJymztUVkV0JF86PJhTPxxyBiy4CyA8wIpfD5l8geE-6mFmI-YqLwFTfo6JCEHVV2a1FWqIn7uIlI92NmlwNSfvUn4XtqfrdkR/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MQcs-OtOK79DyWW4ypVJvyOaj1_5cIJCqKoJymztUVkV0JF86PJhTPxxyBiy4CyA8wIpfD5l8geE-6mFmI-YqLwFTfo6JCEHVV2a1FWqIn7uIlI92NmlwNSfvUn4XtqfrdkR/s200/IMG_1862.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My son at the Create Fun class</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For example, we went to a class based around rice. Each activity allowed him to discover rice in a different way.<br />
<ol><li>Small square bean bags filled with rice to throw and touch.</li>
<li>Larger socks filled to the brim with rice that to bang on the padded floor.</li>
<li>A baby pool filled with rice allowed him to sit in the rice and discover the feel of it on his hands and feet.</li>
<li>Cooked rice to squeeze out into ropes to feel it (and taste it) on his hands.</li>
<li>Finally making a *sushi* snack of bread, cream cheese, cucumber, and rice. </li>
</ol><b>We tried the Music class as well.</b> This particular class is perfect for my son at his age now (1 year). The age range is from 3 months to 5 years (although most of the children in the class are 1 to 2 years old).<br />
<br />
With the music class, the teacher brings out a new instrument for each song. At the age of 1 year, it is helping him to learn not just about music but also how to watch the teacher and to play his instrument at the same time. Then at the end of each song, they *clean-up* together by putting up the toys. This is a difficult lesson for him to learn (giving away the new toy after just a few minutes), but he is also watching the other kids and learning this way as well.<br />
<br />
We live in Heliopolis and have tried the classes in our part of town. But I personally enjoy the Dados center downtown in Zamalek more, even if it is farther away.<br />
<br />
There are other classes offered at the Zamalek center that are not offered anywhere else. For example, there is a <a href="http://www.dadosegypt.com/Create_Fun.html">Story Fun</a> class on Saturdays that we might try because I believe my son might enjoy as well.<br />
<br />
All in all, I must say that I have been impressed with the overall experience with Dados. These are the first of this type of classes that I have tried with my son, and he has enjoyed them thus far.<br />
<br />
I have been looking into other classes like this around town, so if I find anything else I will be sure to let you know. <b>What about you? What kinds of activities do you do with your child?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-54736172509763739062010-12-03T06:19:00.000-05:002010-12-03T06:19:06.552-05:00Photos of Egypt: What to Do in Cairo Traffic?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9DFHR9JTFnSy5nGTfYAr-9I2tiJalgy7Fu7pY0ROu2h2K1wHVnoBfH4SVmPfC9qtlUQHrbtVq_FX-Bwg3KlvG-20XZvRSukJ9mjDHILxbMPSP0likTMUmCVDz7XA4neJOdZt/s1600/IMG_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9DFHR9JTFnSy5nGTfYAr-9I2tiJalgy7Fu7pY0ROu2h2K1wHVnoBfH4SVmPfC9qtlUQHrbtVq_FX-Bwg3KlvG-20XZvRSukJ9mjDHILxbMPSP0likTMUmCVDz7XA4neJOdZt/s320/IMG_0321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>I never suffer from a lack of things to do while sitting in traffic in Cairo... and we sit in traffic A LOT in Cairo.</b><br />
<br />
I like to read billboards along the road. If they're in Arabic, I try my best to read them. This one for Galaxy chocolate has Arabic along the bottom (although I'm thinking it says "Fruit & Nut," what do you think?)<br />
<br />
There are lots of billboards everywhere so this keeps me busy for a while.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7soz3xJtXJIUB02kVfTkNmgkk-U4saqZg0JsDbdNtErCVabEdR-CtZT_CL_tEF4dHbzX-jvSKioEqez02ZTPCa2NCtxE0le1CdQc2-BkLaPDMvlZtVcqXsWcmjnQcFTxeqC1K/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7soz3xJtXJIUB02kVfTkNmgkk-U4saqZg0JsDbdNtErCVabEdR-CtZT_CL_tEF4dHbzX-jvSKioEqez02ZTPCa2NCtxE0le1CdQc2-BkLaPDMvlZtVcqXsWcmjnQcFTxeqC1K/s320/IMG_0322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I like to look down on the crowded streets below full of cars and people and think to myself... <i>I'm so glad I'm not down there.</i><br />
<br />
Or I might look down at the moving traffic down below and think... <i>I sure wish I was down there.</i><br />
<br />
I do this kind of wishful thinking pretty often while riding on the roads in Cairo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zDMsyTJdd1fpWACt34bEAuFmqMyYXGDDVM_TaM90sNZ1d6facTrmhXle86a1HjfnTHU_8zyUrC7w2fRqoIU6dbIU-yiYQ-ZVtiKGdUZ1yh8FW6emzakHrnIBRPv4sz8y8Pkh/s1600/IMG_0325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zDMsyTJdd1fpWACt34bEAuFmqMyYXGDDVM_TaM90sNZ1d6facTrmhXle86a1HjfnTHU_8zyUrC7w2fRqoIU6dbIU-yiYQ-ZVtiKGdUZ1yh8FW6emzakHrnIBRPv4sz8y8Pkh/s320/IMG_0325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I might be thinking... <i>Oh, those poor people sitting in that traffic over there.</i><br />
<br />
Although secretly I'm thrilled because there's nothing worse than sitting in traffic on this bridge with no exits in sight to escape it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglZbznd76ccQa_s_f2sLginAnntJvvnZ3f_gkllPilOgF3_8B29TBe4fBtrw3jc7mduVhv7Vjn29aXOvdcFbnDQ68H3urxqCEl76LcpjCfxqu3g7w59FHKU9stmOB9GG0xQxI/s1600/IMG_0326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglZbznd76ccQa_s_f2sLginAnntJvvnZ3f_gkllPilOgF3_8B29TBe4fBtrw3jc7mduVhv7Vjn29aXOvdcFbnDQ68H3urxqCEl76LcpjCfxqu3g7w59FHKU9stmOB9GG0xQxI/s320/IMG_0326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But less than 2 minutes later I'm thinking... <i>Oh, I wish we were over there in that lane.</i><br />
<br />
Until we get a little farther down the road to find that the reason why traffic is so good on that side is because there's an accident holding up the cars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FDdnDIVUJKdu4nsFpwr2gxNWkay4edVx_blY_gA0kgsN6JPFgd-UZ-jLPkGXzH9iLr9otzUyUV0qKkcJC3vTNk6VtH7R6LHAXPvG-ez9DLUQWQwq2dRbrcOWBZM6-ZUpCfRA/s1600/IMG_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FDdnDIVUJKdu4nsFpwr2gxNWkay4edVx_blY_gA0kgsN6JPFgd-UZ-jLPkGXzH9iLr9otzUyUV0qKkcJC3vTNk6VtH7R6LHAXPvG-ez9DLUQWQwq2dRbrcOWBZM6-ZUpCfRA/s200/IMG_0328.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>Then I check to make sure my son is still asleep...<br />
<br />
I think we wore him out in music class that day because he fell asleep the moment we got in the car and slept all the way home.<br />
<br />
Doesn't he just look so peaceful? When he was younger I used to spend a lot of time sitting and watching him sleep.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceyjiKu6Dk0osK-QID1LQVby7kwWdkX8_aNU2aDtFKx54IY7ASJb8ToEQoy4kdtKk2lCSSIuwTt8iHcwOghY922fydVvLM5UXxToyBrZ5Hy5z602RIjXYVuCMfzLF6H8i3DZ6/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceyjiKu6Dk0osK-QID1LQVby7kwWdkX8_aNU2aDtFKx54IY7ASJb8ToEQoy4kdtKk2lCSSIuwTt8iHcwOghY922fydVvLM5UXxToyBrZ5Hy5z602RIjXYVuCMfzLF6H8i3DZ6/s320/IMG_0329.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>But back to the road...<br />
<br />
Now I'm watching the Aramex guy fly down the road on his motor scooter. He's weaving in and out of cars, sometimes squeezing through narrow gaps between cars that don't seem quite bit enough for him to fit through.<br />
<br />
Until he gets a phone call. Then he slows down because I'd imagine it's hard driving a motor scooter with one hand.<br />
<br />
Mobile phones are a serious driving hazard in Cairo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcuYwmc0XO365c5SEQIDQBcUJJrt-SaMJNqzApuzSMmj5PPsYbeEycxUsMWlHX0jeZWNVyvpSFGs3l3m2UlJRpTnyLh32FXm1KnH00C9ZoNwUKVvOdsVK3GEJyIKGVlkXRlUh/s1600/IMG_0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcuYwmc0XO365c5SEQIDQBcUJJrt-SaMJNqzApuzSMmj5PPsYbeEycxUsMWlHX0jeZWNVyvpSFGs3l3m2UlJRpTnyLh32FXm1KnH00C9ZoNwUKVvOdsVK3GEJyIKGVlkXRlUh/s320/IMG_0337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We finally reach our neighborhood.<br />
<br />
I'd forgotten how busy Sheraton is during the day. This is because there are lots of companies in our area.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad we don't live on this street where people double-park on both sides of the road.<br />
<br />
Then it's just two rights and a left... and we're home.<br />
<br />
Finally!Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-7411783305588963502010-12-01T08:55:00.002-05:002011-01-10T06:00:56.887-05:00The Wonder Years, Part 4: Dealing with Culture Shock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNthhNP-1jMIjXUCN9PmszHZXTKf2vZYeaDkaCWgXb-xW8GW4gzX0J2XGnqh1g1iiWOZXs0wFEFpF7tS_PCSi_g4ml3_s-Puz3gAR1y1A7EDyoj07X8KlLeIp7ZzewmyhaM2KS/s1600/downtown-Cairo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNthhNP-1jMIjXUCN9PmszHZXTKf2vZYeaDkaCWgXb-xW8GW4gzX0J2XGnqh1g1iiWOZXs0wFEFpF7tS_PCSi_g4ml3_s-Puz3gAR1y1A7EDyoj07X8KlLeIp7ZzewmyhaM2KS/s320/downtown-Cairo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>As much as I love Egypt, I must admit that it may not leave the best of first impressions. </b>Traffic is insane with cars weaving in and out beeping their horns incessantly like they're in some PlayStation game gone wrong.<br />
<br />
The air is thick with pollution and dust. In fact, everything seems to be a permanent dull beige in color.<br />
<br />
It's hot. And the sun just doesn't ever seem to stop shining. By midday, you're praying for just a small tree somewhere to lend you some shade. Or at least for that building's shadow to move just a little bit to give you a break.<br />
<br />
It can all be a little too much to bear.<br />
<br />
All in all, if some pharaoh hadn't thought so much of himself to build himself a huge monument of stone that's lasted for centuries... Well, perhaps we wouldn't be so enamored with the thought of making the long trek here.<br />
<br />
That's the Pyramids, by the way, in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
But in all seriousness, it's important to highlight the difficulties alongside the good things. I mean, we ARE trying to paint a real, authentic picture of Egypt here on Egypt Ramblings, now aren't we?<br />
<br />
<b>So what is culture shock anyways?</b> I like Wikipedia's take on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock">culture shock</a>, in case you've never experienced it for yourself. The only thing I would add is that culture shock comes in cycles. It's not all cut-and-dried, the first few weeks in the Honeymoon phase, the next few months in the Negotiation phase, etc.<br />
<br />
The fact of the matter is that while the phases might come in this order the first time around, well - if you're in Egypt long enough - you're bound to go through them again.<br />
<br />
And again.<br />
<br />
And again.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately I didn't last very long in my initial Honeymoon phase the first time around. It might have even lasted days. It may have been the fact that I arrived on Friday and started language school across town bright and early on Monday morning.<br />
<br />
Getting to language school was no easy task. First, it didn't help that I had to wake up earlier than I'd gotten up in years (as in Northern Kentucky University, freshman year, 2nd semester - when I foolishly signed up for a 5-day-a-week 8:00 AM Calc 2 class). Secondly, the 10-minute taxi ride to the Metro station took 20-30 minutes at that time in the morning (yeah, I know, since when do people actually STOP for the traffic lights in Cairo?) Then it was just a small matter of braving the morning rush to work by squeezing onto the ladies car on the Metro.<br />
<br />
Forty-five minutes later we'd peel ourselves from the glass to step out onto the platform and breathe fresh air (that did not include the stink of some polyester-clad lady's sweaty armpits).<br />
<br />
Only to find that we were 15 minutes late for the opening remarks by the language school principal... who promptly scolded us in front of the entire school for being late.<br />
<br />
I think the girls had to hold me back from scratching his eyes out.<br />
<br />
Yep, I definitely hit culture shock pretty fast.<br />
<br />
My way of dealing with culture shock back in the old days was mostly withdrawal. I was perfectly happy hanging out at home. My roomie and I became experts at McDonald's delivery and late-night movie marathons. She also happened to be a Law & Order junkie so I got my fill of *dun-dun* pretty quick.<br />
<br />
Sure, I'd get out and walk around the neighborhood. I'd buy fresh bread from the bakery around the corner. I'd go hang out with some of the girls from time to time. I enjoyed hearing their stories about all their exciting escapades through out the city and marvel at how brave they were.<br />
<br />
But I was not about to go out and experience it for myself.<br />
<br />
I was what you might call a "late bloomer" in Egypt.<br />
<br />
It took me a while to get used to being here. I was too afraid of making mistakes to try very hard. Life for me in Cairo was more about just treading water than actually going out for a swim. I was just trying to make it from day to day.<br />
<br />
It didn't help that I felt like a fish out of water here. Too many things had changed for me in too little time. I was paralyzed from the shock of it all.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are a few things that had changed for me:</b><br />
<br />
<b>My clothes. </b>I'd been a t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes girl all my life. And here I was in Egypt wearing dresses and skirts. Whose idea was this anyways? It was downright uncomfortable. I didn't know how to cross my legs properly. I didn't have the right shoes. And somehow I lived in constant fear that some crazy Egyptian guy was gonna come up behind me and flip my skirt up.<br />
<br />
<b>The attention in the street. </b>Let's just say that in America, I was invisible. I was never the kind of girl that turned heads. And I was okay with that. But suddenly everywhere I went in Cairo, men were looking at me. And when I mean looking, I mean LOOKING. It unnerved me. And they said things to me. I didn't understand the words but I didn't need a translator to know that I didn't want to know what they were saying.<br />
<br />
<b>Living in a big city. </b>I had never lived in a city even remotely close to the size of Cairo. So dealing with the Cairo crowds and having to take public transportation everywhere was overwhelming. I couldn't believe how many ladies could fit into a single Metro car, especially when schools started... and then Ramadan came.<br />
<br />
<b>Being unable to communicate. </b>I was a Speech Communication major for cryin' out loud. Words were my life! And suddenly 2-year-olds could communicate better than I could. I felt like an idiot.<br />
<br />
<b>Not having any friends. </b>I struggled to connect with people. I had a great roommate and had class with some great girls at language school. But that was more like "friends by force" than true friendship. They were basically stuck with me. The good news is that I became great friends with them later, but it was rough starting out.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I think about the Erin back then and I want to go back and shake her. I wish I could tell her to JUST. DO. SOMETHING! Stop being so afraid. Stop waiting for the world to stop and take notice of you. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop trying so hard to keep from failing that you fail from doing NOTHING!<br />
<br />
I still struggle with culture shock in Egypt at times. I do love this country, I really do. But there are times, days, weeks, even where I have just had it up to here. I don't want another guy looking at me that way. I'm tired of trying to think in Arabic. I get lonely. I miss home. And if I have to explain one more taxi driver this week why I don't want to put my son's stroller on top of their car...<br />
<br />
Hey, I'm only human.<br />
<br />
But I've gotten better at reading the signs of culture shock for me. It still creeps up on me occasionally, but I recognize the feeling a lot quicker than I used to. I know when it's probably better that I sit at home and watch reruns of Glee or NCIS than go out. That maybe today my son and I should just take a stroll down the street to our favorite local coffee shop rather than braving the traffic to go somewhere more exciting. That when he's taking a nap maybe I should too.<br />
<br />
And if I have a cold... well, just forget about getting out of the house. Because I am not a very nice person in any language when I can't breathe right.<br />
<br />
I think we all have days like that.<br />
<br />
<b>What is my advice to anyone experiencing culture shock? Answer these questions.</b><br />
<ol><li><i>Have you lived in a big city before?</i> Not everything we small-town folk have to deal with is culture shock... sometimes it's just big city shock. The crowds, the traffic, the buildings everywhere, the noise. Maybe your problem is that you just need some quieter, less-polluted air to breathe (so skip down to #8).</li>
<li><i>Do you have a support system where you are?</i> Not everyone comes to Egypt with all the details worked out. Maybe you're having trouble because you don't know how to do basic everyday things... and you have no one to ask for advice. If so, find a community. This might be a gym, a church, a expat group, you name it, whatever works to get you the help you need. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I'm not saying everyone has the resources to help, but we've all been there so maybe they can point you in the right direction.</li>
<li><i>Do you have friends, as in people you'd actually CHOOSE to hang out with?</i> This is hard because as expats we're often surrounded by people and feel all alone in the meantime. If you're anything like me, you don't like to put yourself out there. But I think we probably all feel that way. Give it time. Find small things in common with people and build on that. Friendships don't happen overnight (and if they do, you are extremely blessed.)</li>
<li><i>Do you have a regular schedule?</i> I'm not saying pack your schedule full of meaningless errands. But seriously, having something to get up for every morning will take your mind off of what you're struggling with and back onto what you have to get done for the day. Just be careful not to overdo it (and don't let anyone else make you overdo it too).</li>
<li><i>Do you have frequent contact with family back home?</i> Trust me, it is cheap and easy to keep in touch with people back home. Try using Skype which lets you call computer-to-computer for free (or you can use Skype Out which lets you call computer-to-phone for set fees). Just do yourself a favor and limit yourself to once a week. Too much contact can make it more difficult to be here. </li>
<li><i>Are you doing okay with language learning?</i> I know this isn't a simple question but it's an important one. If you've been here 3 months and aren't making any headway with the language maybe you need to change your tactics. If you're in a school, switch to using a one-on-one tutor. If you're using a tutor, enroll in a school. This might shake things up a bit to let you get back into the groove of language learning.</li>
<li><i>Are you trying to do too much?</i> Maybe you just have too much on your plate. I've seen a lot of volunteers get worn out here in Cairo because there's so much that needs to get done and there's no one else to do it. You're only one person. You'll last longer here if you focus your energy on just a couple of things rather than stretching yourself too thin across more responsibilities.</li>
<li><i>Have you been out of Cairo?</i> Get out of the city for a few days. This might mean going to the Red Sea or the North Coast, or even just taking the train to Alex for the day. </li>
<li><i>Have you taken some time out for you?</i> One time me and the girls went to a spa somewhere in Zamalek and it was a nice change. Other friends of mine went for day-use at a 5-star hotel near the Pyramids where they swam and just enjoyed the sun for the day. </li>
</ol><div><b>Don't forget to check out the rest of this series:</b></div><div><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/wonder-years-part-1-arriving-in-cairo.html"><b>The Wonder Years, Part 1: Arriving in Cairo</b></a></div><div><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/wonder-years-part-2-learning-to-speak.html"><b>The Wonder Years, Part 2: Learning to Speak Arabic</b></a></div><div><b><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/wonder-years-part-3-seeing-sights-of.html">The Wonder Years, Part 3: See the Sights of Cairo</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://erinsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/12/wonder-years-part-5-making-egyptian.html">The Wonder Years, Part 5: Making Egyptian Friends</a></b></div><div><br />
</div><div><i>The Wonder Years is a series about Erin's first 2 years in Cairo before she met and married her Egyptian husband. Stay tuned for more about her adventures in Egypt the first time around.</i></div>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12244022.post-35233441071328510262010-11-29T04:57:00.000-05:002010-11-29T04:57:17.760-05:00Finding Baby Items in Egypt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd596ByjpVpmya7bDCsZXIuW1XjkZd0DUKex7hXJ-kfXtbJzMdUziOLx6Oh4Qjv2uDdmeMtMvBB55h_C1XPKJMf5yncEjaWr6S3jOooXIV9Evkrm2dPgU23TGF4AqgK7kI0r7H/s1600/pampers-premium-care.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd596ByjpVpmya7bDCsZXIuW1XjkZd0DUKex7hXJ-kfXtbJzMdUziOLx6Oh4Qjv2uDdmeMtMvBB55h_C1XPKJMf5yncEjaWr6S3jOooXIV9Evkrm2dPgU23TGF4AqgK7kI0r7H/s1600/pampers-premium-care.png" /></a></div><b>Last week I mentioned that my son just turned 1 year old recently. </b>And while having a baby in Egypt has been one of the greatest blessings for me here, I have often found it a challenge to find the things I need for him here.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know I've been home to Kentucky twice in the past year so what am I complaining about?<br />
<br />
Well, I can't buy EVERYTHING in the States. Some things just don't last long enough to warrant them valuable enough to bring back to Egypt from America.<br />
<br />
That and they won't fit in a suitcase. (I know, I tried)<br />
<br />
But seriously, in case you're wondering yourself about where to get things for a baby in Cairo. Because there are a lot of things available here, but sometimes you just have to look where you least expect things to be to find them.<br />
<br />
Here's a rundown of some everyday baby items you might be looking for:<br />
<br />
<b>Diapers. </b><i>Supermarkets, pharmacies, and Seif stores (City Stars, Maadi, Giza).</i> My personal favorite is the Pampers brand (Premium Care, white package, imported from Saudi Arabia)<br />
<br />
<b>Diaper wipes. </b><i>Supermarkets, pharmacies, Seif stores (City Stars, Maadi, Giza), and Mothercare stores (City Stars, Maadi, 6 October).</i> I stick with the Pampers brand. My 2nd choice is Johnson & Johnson.<br />
<br />
<b>Antibacterial wipes. </b><i>Supermarkets, some pharmacies.</i> I use these to wipe down a table or a highchair before I put my son's food out on it. I like the Wet Ones brand (you can find the individual travel packs).<br />
<br />
<b>Shampoo, conditioner, baby wash. </b><i>Supermarkets, pharmacies.</i> Just about everyone carries the Johnson & Johnson brand which is supposed to be tear-free. Honestly what we use is a Johnson & Johnson head-to-toe baby wash brought from the States (it's not available yet in Egypt). We did use a Sanosan (blue bottle) bath and shampoo combo wash when our son was first born that was okay.<br />
<br />
<b>Diaper rash cream. </b><i>Larger pharmacies.</i> You might have to look around for this because it comes and goes. Mine is from the States because 1 jar lasts forever. My advice is if you can't have someone bring you some and you're nervous about diaper rash, you can use a small amount of olive oil until you can find some here.<br />
<br />
<b>Bottles, nipples, breast pumps, sterilizers. </b><i>Toys R' Us (Babies R' Us section in the back)</i> carries the hands-down best selection in Egypt. <i>Mothercare</i> may have a few things and you might find bottles in a <i>Seif store or various pharmacies</i>. But the prices at Toys R' Us are better. I recommend the Avent (Philips) brand.<br />
<br />
<b>Bibs. </b><i>Mothercare</i> probably has the best selection I've seen all the way up to toddler-age. A lot of ours are from the States. Sometimes you can find them where they sell baby clothes.<br />
<br />
<b>Teething rings. </b><i>Toys R' Us, Mothercare, Seif stores, some pharmacies.</i> Toys R' Us carries the Avent brand which has different teething rings for different stages. I bought my son a teething rattle from the Seif store that he loved.<br />
<br />
<b>Teething gels. </b>I have not seen this here in Egypt. You might check in a larger pharmacy first. Ours is from the States.<br />
<br />
<b>Baby brush, nail clippers, droppers. </b><i>Mothercare</i> had sets including these items. Ours is from the States. You might find these individually in a pharmacy.<br />
<br />
<b>Baby bathtub. </b>Cheap and available just about anywhere (try <i>Spinney's</i> or <i>Carrefour</i> for cheaper ones, <i>Toys R' Us/Mothercare/Hallmark store</i> for a Fisher Price or other name brand). If you have a little baby that needs a support, I'd go with the Fisher Price brand. We bought a little white *chair* that fit inside a regular baby bathtub that held our son at an angle so that we could wash him without having to hold him in our arms. It was pretty reasonably priced from Mothercare.<br />
<br />
<b>Baby monitor. </b><i>Toys R' Us and Seif stores</i> are the only places I've seen these so far. Check if they'll work okay in your home, these cement walls are terrible for reception in Egypt.<br />
<br />
<b>Bouncy chair. </b><i>Most toy stores</i> will carry bouncy chairs in Egypt, just sometimes they sell out pretty fast. I hardly ever see them at Toys R' Us. Check <i>Kams</i> stores and <i>Love & Care</i> stores. I recommend the Fisher Price brand.<br />
<br />
<b>Baby swing. </b>Expensive and bulky but if you insist to buy one, you might want to price them first before you make a decision. I've seen them at <i>Toys R' Us, Kams, Mothercare (occasionally), Hallmark store, and Premaman (City Stars) store.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Highchair. </b>Do yourself a favor and wait to buy this until they're several months old. We bought our Graco brand highchair at <i>Toys R' Us</i> and we love it. I've seen them at <i>Premaman (City Stars) and Seif stores</i>, as well as <i>Mothercare</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Crib. </b>You need to evaluate your safety priorities before you make this decision. Safety was #1 for me and I wanted a crib built on an international standard. Larger Egyptian toy stores carry cribs sometimes. You can also have one made to your specifications by a carpenter (just check on the mattress size first). Ours is from the <i>Mothercare</i> store.<br />
<br />
<b>Mattress. </b>Be careful to buy a mattress where you buy the crib. Dimensions will vary greatly in Egypt and I'm not even sure what is available from a regular mattress store.<br />
<br />
<b>Mattress pad. </b>I have never seen these in Egypt. Mine are from the States.<br />
<br />
<b>Changing table. </b>I have seen very few changing tables in Egypt. We bought a changing table topper at <i>Mothercare</i> for our son's crib which was (and is still) a lifesaver.<br />
<br />
<b>Pack n' play, playyard. </b><i>Toys R' Us, Seif store, Kams store, Love & Care store, Premaman, and sometimes Mothercare.</i> A bit pricy in Egypt. We don't own one (yet).<br />
<br />
<b>Stroller. </b><i>Toys R' Us, Mothercare, Premaman, Seif stores, Kams store, and Love & Care store.</i> Ours is from the States.<br />
<br />
<b>Sheets. </b>Sheets for cribs seem to be a novel idea because I've not really seen them anywhere except Mothercare in Egypt. But take care at Mothercare because what I know as a "crib" is really a "cot" so be careful before you buy something. Another option (which is what we've done for almost all of our sheets) is to take the dimensions of the mattress and had someone make sheets for us. There are many shops that sell bedding & towels that might perform this service for you if you ask. This is cheaper and made to order - can't beat that.<br />
<br />
<b>Baby towels & washcloths. </b>Special towels for baby? Someone gave us a set for our newborn boy that included some sort of hooded towel that was from Egypt, but I'm not sure where they bought it. I think you might ask in the same type of shop as the sheets above where to get these. Washcloths (for anyone) don't really exist in Egypt. Most of the ones I've seen for adults are small towels which are not really suited for washing your face with. What we have at home are mostly what my husband has received on an airplane or snagged from a hotel.<br />
<br />
<b>BABY CLOTHES</b><br />
<b>Onesies. </b>White, short-sleeved, snapped one-piece typically worn by babies as an under-layer. I buy the Gerber brand from the States, but I have bought them here from <i>Ladybird</i> (Toys R' Us brand) and <i>Mothercare</i>. I've seen them also at <i>Spinney's</i> (might check Carrefour as well).<br />
<br />
<b>Sleepers. </b>Long-sleeved, footed, snap-up or zippered one-piece typically worn by younger babies to sleep in. Most of mine are from the States (Carter's, Just One You, Okie Dokie brands) but I have had to buy some here as well (sizing can be tricky with a new baby). I've seen these at <i>Mothercare, H&M, United Colors of Benetton, and just about any other store that carries baby clothes.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Shirts, pants, socks, jackets, coats. </b>There are a lot of baby clothes stores in Cairo. Sometimes they have sales with some good deals and/or clearance prices. I've bought random shirts and pants for our son this way to supplement what I've bought in the States. I cannot vouch for the quality of the local Egyptian made items because I haven't had to buy any yet. Most of our stuff from Egypt was bought on sale from stores like <i>H&M</i> (bought some great jeans & overalls there), <i>Mothercare</i> (his coat is from there), <i>United Colors of Benetton</i> (they had a great clearance sale back last summer for winter items), and a few things from the <i>Ladybird section of Toys R' Us</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Shoes. </b>If you're looking for newborn baby shoes, just keep your eye out in stores that sell baby clothes because sometimes they have accessories like shoes as well. There is a section in City Stars on the 4th floor around the corner from the Food Court that has a bunch of kids stores, including 3 or 4 stores dedicated to shoes for kids. You can find shoes in <i>Mothercare</i>. My main concern now with a 1-year-old who will walk soon is finding flexible soles that are easy to get on and off.<br />
<br />
<b>MEDICINES</b><br />
<b>Fever-reducer/pain reliever. </b>Try Infant Panadol.<br />
<b>Cold/cough (under 2). </b>Try a saline rinse like Physiomer (with Baby comfort tip). For anything stronger, I recommend you get a doctor's opinion first.<br />
<br />
<b>I find shopping for clothes for any age (including myself) in Egypt a bit of a challenge. </b>This is true especially if you have something specific in mind (which I usually do). I want to buy things that are good quality and are not going to fall apart the first time (or 2nd or 3rd time) I wash something. Make sure you check the washing instructions before you buy anything because I've learned this lesson the hard way by buying something that said don't dry in the dryer (what?!) and I did anyways.<br />
<br />
But if you keep your eyes out for things and make a note when you see them at a certain place, this will help you later on when you're in a jam and need something quickly.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there anything missing from the list above?</b>Erin Owenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228970022413715753noreply@blogger.com1