Fino's Bakery

After work a few days ago, I walked into Fino's bakery just a few blocks from my house.  I was looking for the delicious Italian pastry pizza (as I had skipped lunch because the rest of the staff has been fasting for Ramadan making it nearly impossible to find a sandwich or cola light on campus).  

It is always the same two very nice Egyptian ladies working the front.  I know they are Egyptian because they are wearing a pink polo shirt and pants (similar outfit you might see an employee at Panera Bread wearing), however they wear the tight long sleeved, mock turtle neck shirt covering every inch of their torso, arms, neck and a short hijab under their ball cap.  

As I was waiting for my order I got to chatting with a man, Tony, sitting at the small section of tables.  Tony turned out to be the owner of this and several other bakeries around Cairo.  First thing he asks is if I was from Chicago or Minnesota, explaining he could tell I was a Midwesterner by the "bubbliness” coming from me and, of course the hair.  Tony had lived in NYC for 20 years and opened a few restaurants and nightclubs; he seemed very western in his thoughts and ideas.  I got the impression he might know EVERYONE and EVERYTHING in Cairo so I made sure to secure this friendship.

I shared with Tony the trouble we’ve been having in obtaining a bank account over here and how worried I was traveling back to the States with a large wad of cash.  He immediately picked up the mobile and started shouting in Arabic.  He asked me a few more questions and continued his convo with his banker.  When he hung up he assured me that we could have a bank account by the end of the week.. Inshalla.

Our interaction quickly turned to a Grandfatherly-like conversation; as he was worried about how we were being safe in Cairo, watching out for certain things and people.  He reminded me how wonderful a country Egypt really is- the friendly people with the extremely inexpensive and culturally unique places to eat, party, travel and learn- But, as both a US and Egyptian citizen, he understands how messed up things can be around here and offered his help in my transition in anyway that he could.  Then he gave me a free pastry for breakfast and I gave my goodbyes. 

Later, I thought about how quickly that conversation progress and how helpful and thoughtful Tony seemed to be.  I am not used to others being so inquisitive so quickly but I am getting the impression that if an Egyptian believes you’re a friend they’ll go pretty far for you (even shout Arabic obscenities at their banker).  I hope I am lucky enough to find many friendly and welcoming Egyptians like that one along the way.

Is that grass green?

Yes, oh yes, and I couldn't have been happier to be running, jumping and diving through it.  At noon today was the first day of women's softball practice in the Cairo American Softball League.  What a wonderful time to play an outdoor sport in the desert in August, ehh?  (my new Canadian friends are rubbing off on me).  I have to admit, it was great to get out there and play an organized sport again- the dirt, the heat, the dirt..  Really, nothing can compare.

The team is comprised, for the most part, of American and Canadian teachers from several schools around Cairo.  Many of them have been around town a number of years so it will be nice to have another outlet in the the expat community.  After a deep refection on the day's practice, it is hard to believe this new group could reach the skill level and talent of the KC Beavers (preggo's and all) but I am fairly positive these traveling teachers know how to have a good time.

Hope to be playing shortstop and plan to have games every Tuesday and Friday until December... No matter how the season goes (I mean, I don't exactly like to lose),  it is a pretty great feeling knowing I will see, touch and smell green grass at least twice week, Inshalla.

Ashley Rand-

Happy birthday, my dear Dark Hair.  I miss you, have a great day in the Lou.

Ramadan Kareem

Today was a rather odd one at that.  We began our first day of orientation for the Academy's entire staff, and to my surprise the Egyptian staff was much larger than I had anticipated.  The expat's numbers are currently hanging around 45 including both teachers and administration, while the local staff is well over 200.  However extreme these differences may be, I think this environment makes for an incredibly interesting and culturally rich work place, I am excited for the new challenges ahead.

We began the ceremony with new teacher introductions and led straight into news from the Ministry of Education.  As of yesterday, every "madrassa" (school) in Egypt (public or private) must push back their start date until after Ramadan and the "Eid" break, on September 14th.  What makes this so crazy is that students were to begin school only on week from now, on August 29th.  Anyone who has gone to public school in the States or worked in such setting, understands how hard it would be for the government to pass such regulation on EVERY school with only a seven day notice (particularly without an emergency of sorts).  But they tell me this is Egypt, anything can happen!  For instance, last year, teachers arrived to school one morning to find out there was an unscheduled national holiday (Police Day) the following day and were not to come to work.

At first, I was bummed to find out we were delayed another three weeks as I could have stayed in KC or CR a few weeks longer, then I began to realize- I now have 9 days paid leave.  What do you do in Egypt when you have nine days off in a row?  We get the hell out and head to the beach!  As of now, we plan to head to the Red Sea or hop a plane for someplace on the Med.

Ramadan Kareem!

In the beginning..

Made it!... in style.  The last leg of my trip was upgraded to business class and I of course accepted with a smile.  

Germ-Germ to Egypt went something like this: Sparkling white wine with OJ, glass of sparkling water, German appetizer, another glass of white wine, four course meal served on their momma's best china and some red Portuguese wine to wash it all down. All the while I owned a massive amount of leg room and a lazy boy to fall asleep in.

When I arrived in Egypt, a very large (as in could pick up my 77 pounder over his head with one hand) and friendly man named, Mustfasa picked me up in a bright orange van with a beautiful decor of multi-colored tassels around the windows.  This man’s English topped at about 35 words, but you know I made that 40 minute car ride convo an interesting one.  We sang a lil Madonna together and by the end of the ride he called me "amigo" and we parted with an Egyptian high-five.

My apartment is beautiful with Middle Eastern furniture, glass tiling, large bedrooms and tall ceilings.  The balcony is right off my dining room and has room to seat at least four at a table.  However, there are still many improvements and soft touches to be made.  These things will come with time and a paycheck.

Went on an walk with my superintendent today, checked out both American Clubs and joined some kittens for a cola light... I'm sorry Dad, they were pretty cute.  However, not wanting to bring their parasites back to my apartment with me, I refrained from petting any of them.

Hayah’s orientation begins on Sunday... let the good times role.