Walk Like an Egyptian

I spent my Eid/Thanksgiving holiday in Egypt with my good friend, Allison. After arriving in Cairo, we flew out to Aswan early the next morning. We met our group which consisted of a lovely British couple, the Southerns, and a French family-Cedric, Christian, and Claudine with whom we became fast friends, and our Coptic Christian leader, Magdy.

Aswan is in "Upper Egypt" near Lake Nasser, the lake that was formed from damming the Nile River. We spent the evening in Aswan, visiting the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk. Ar 1168 tons this obelisk would have been the biggest and heaviest single stone ever used by the Egyptians, but late in it's process, it developed a crack, so it was abandoned.

The next day took a felucca ride with our group, and some of us got off in the Nubian village to explore. After lunch we took off and had a lovely day cruising the Nile, watching the people who farm and live along the banks. We visited the Temple of Kom Ombo which was dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek, and the god Horus the Elder in the evening.

The next morning it was off to the Temple of Horus, more cruising and then Luxor. The next morning we were up and heading to the famous Valley of the Kings. We visited the Tombs of Ramses the VII, Ramses the IV and Ramses the IX. Despite the crowds, the tombs were amazing to see with their beautiful paintings and hieroglyphics. The tomb of King Tutankhamen, "King Tut" is also in this area, but we didn't go in it. He is the most famous of the Kings because his was the only tomb found intact. The rest were robbed by workers during the ancient times. We got to see all the treasures from King Tut's tomb in Cairo at the Egyptian Museum. The guy had a lot of loot! Our last stop was the amazing Temple of Karnak with its obelisks, pillars, and rows of lions. While waiting to catch our flight, we joined our French friends for lunch and a felucca ride to Banana Island. We thought this island would be a rare find, but instead we found a line of tourists! They left shortly, so after we returned from our walk around the quaint, agricultural island, we were the only tourist left to enjoy a nice, quiet evening drinking tea and Stela!

Back in Cairo, Allison showed me around all the shopping areas and souks where I proceeded to help the economy of Egypt by spending too much money. Her trusty tour guide, Mohamed, took us to the Egyptian Museum, and to the Pyramids/Sphinx. We had a great meal at a local restaurant with all the traditional Egyptian food-yum, yum. Cairo is a amazing city of mass humanity, piles of rubbish, ancient taxis, blowing sand, fun shops and souks, ancient wonders.

After a mix-up on which day I was supposed to leave, I had to say goodbye. I was sad to leave Allison, but am happy to be back home in Abu Dhabi.

I am just sitting here, having a lazy weekend day, reflecting on my last 80 in my new country of choice. I have survived my first quarter at school, two swim meets and triweekly practices, one burst hot water heater, endless shopping sprees to fill my home, and one trip to Dubai. I think the ground is settling beneath my feet.

I miss my friends and family, and am excited to see my good friend, Allison, in November. We will be taking a Nile Cruise, and doing a quick visit to the sites in Cairo. In December I will be celebrating another Christmas with the McCrindle family. Same great family, different great location. Megan has made grand plans for us to tour the area of Kerala, India. Both trips should give me renewed energy to work through the haul to spring break!

It's Halloween week, so I must get cracking on my costume! We have a festival filled with kids, games, and too much candy. Some of the staff are throwing an adult party too, so I have to make a costume suitable for both! Will post photos! Happy Trick or Treating!!!!

Night View of Abu Dhabi

George Clooney-Coming to Abu Dhabi

Well, that's the rumor anyway! The Abu Dhabi International Film festival is going on for the next few weeks, and George is starring in one of the films (Men Who Stare at Sheep). We weren't able to get tickets to that movie because it's by special invitation only (guess I'm not special enough), but we got tickets for 12 other movies. Guess what I'll be doing in October?

I went to with a friend from work to get the tickets at the Emirates Palace-a seven star hotel! It was very nice. We sat down and enjoyed a cup of coffee and pretended like we could afford to stay there. The waiter asked us if we wanted regular or the Emirates lattes, and when we inquired about the difference, he told us the Emirates version is sprinkled with gold!! We opted for the regular. I'd rather wear gold than drink it.

This morning I went kayaking with Kelly and Bonnie, the two ladies in my classroom, Kelly's daughter, Nicole, Heidi (a nurse) and her Eram. We paddled out to an area with flamingos, so you know that made me happy! We docked on a little island, went for a swim, at some snacks, then headed back before it got to hot. It was very nice.

So now it's Saturday night, and it's time to get ready to back to work tomorrow. Next Thursday is our first swim meet! The kids are excited to be getting out of school early and going to Dubai. All I can think of is that I hope I don't get sick on the bus!

An Elephant Hunt in Dubai

We had the week off to celebrate Eid, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A new friend, Stephanie, and I rented a car, and headed to Dubai. I was a little worried about driving on the highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai because I have heard so many horror stories about the accident rate, but it was much easier than driving in Syria or Jordan.

In Dubai, we stayed with our friend, Joni. The apartment, which actually belongs to Joni's boyfriend, Peter (who wasn't there), is located on the 26th floor with a spectacular view the marina. We packed a lot into our short trip, including a trip to the Dubai museum, a visit to the Palm (the manmade island that looks like a palm tree from the air), a souke visit, and many excursions to the malls. Dubai malls are a cultural experience unto themselves.

At the gentle urging of Moe, we sought out the Al-Jazari elephant clock. Al-Jazari was a Muslim inventor, engineer, and astronomer in the 13th century. The clock replica is located at the Ibn Battuta mall which has an amazing theme focused on the travels of Ibn Battuta (an Moroccan scholar who travelled for thirty years, covering most of the Islamic world). Each section reflects the different countries to which he travelled. The elephant clock is located in "India", and is, apparently unknown to anyone outside of that country (except some old, wise man in Oregon). There were tons of India's taking pictures, and just us three American girls! The clock never did it's thing, but they had the animated screens to show us what it does. You can see it on youtube.

Once back in Abu Dhabi, I took advantage of the rental car and did some major shopping for my house. It is looking and feeling so homey. I got my cable hooked up, my spare bedroom furniture delivered, bought plants at the plant souke, and am now busy swearing as I assemble my IKEA wardrobe. The house is ready for visitors, who's first?!

Home Sweet Home

I have been in Abu Dhabi almost a month. I am getting my apartment put together slowly but surely. The curtain guys and internet man came yesterday, so I am very happy. I feel connected to the world again. I can't wait for my shipment. Who knows when that will get here. Now it is Ramadan, so I don't expect it to come until after Ramadan is over.

I am loving my new job and my students. I visit a lot of classrooms throughout the day, so I am still putting names with faces, but that will come. We started swim team practice today. It is torture to stand on the side of the pool, drenched in sweat. One day I might "accidently" fall in.

It is an understatement to say it's hot here. The heat and humidity are a physical presence. I think it's supposed to be 111 F tomorrow. You know it's hot when people don't even go to the beach. The mall is definitely the place to be in this weather.

Yesterday we took a tour around Abu Dhabi. It was fun to see where all the Sheiks live although it is hard to see their palaces because they are behind high walls. We stopped by the Grand Mosque, but didn't go on a tour. It's quite impressive.

Red Couch, Orange Egg, and Green Bus

I finally made a decision and bought some furniture. My sofa and two chairs are almost identical to the ones I had in Beaverton except they are all three red, and slightly larger. I also bought a dining set that is rectangular and seats six. It all looks nice, but reminds me of how much I still need. When my shipment comes, I will have my paintings and carpets to add warmth too. The echo in my living room has been drastically reduced!

Shopping is a breeze here with lots of super markets and shops. I love having a smaller market just a block from my house. I am so impressed by all the products I can get. Sara Lee is a well traveled lady! The other morning I made myself an egg, and discovered that the yolks are orange. Not a little orangish, but Crayola marker orange. I am sure they are just as delicious as yellow-yolked eggs, but I just couldn't eat them!

I have decided, at least for now, to not buy a car. I am on a convenient bus route, so I am going to go hop on the green bus and head home for the weekend! It's my first run, so I hope it goes well! Wish me luck!

Abu Dhabi

My first days in the United Arab Emirates are a bit blurry, but otherwise fine. I have managed to fall asleep, and stay asleep,  at reasonable times. I have yet to locate the mosque that has a lovely 4:30 call to prayer, but it must be close because it's my early morning alarm. I am having a harder time with my eating schedule more than sleep. I am starving at 9:00 p.m., midnight, and 5:00 a.m-breakfast, lunch, and dinner time in Oregon!

My apartment is massive, pretty, and very empty! I am not in the apartment I thought I'd be in, but this one is much closer to school, and one block from a super market and bus route. I am excited about all three of those aspect because it means I don't have to have a car! I guess parking in my neighborhood is a nightmare, so I am willing to brave the heat for the next month or so. 

We did a lot of shopping yesterday and this morning. Yesterday I couldn't make any decisions, so I left the mall with mostly cleaning supplies, bathroom accessories, and bedding. Today I jumped right in an bought a beautiful, painted, India cabinet, a flat screen TV (my first REAL TV), DVD, and a microwave. I still don't have any furniture to sit on, and my living room is the size of a small gym, but I'm sure I won't be sitting on the floor forever. IKEA calls me back. Hopefully the echoing with subside with some curtains and sofas! For now though, we're off to do official stuff, so it's goodbye, goodbye, goodbye...