My new Apartment

I've settled into my apartment in Cairo. It's HUGE with plenty of room for visitors. I will figure out soon how to post pictures. I have 2 large bedrooms (sleeps 6 -8 depending on how friendly you are). And a living/dining room, kitchen and balcony. The view leaves a lot to be desired but I'm happy to have the outdoor space. It's taken me a while to figure out all the appliances. I've come to think about it like camping - you have to turn off the gas when you're done cooking, you need to plan ahead to shower and turn on the hot water heater a good hour ahead and you need plenty of bottled water around. The building also has laundry facilities in the basement, which I was relieved to learn. I had fears of my delicates being air dried over the trash heap like my neighbors. It also has security and a very patient apt. manager named Housien who has helped me figure everything out as best he can in his only Arabic and my only English languages.

I have spent this weekend exploring my neighborhood and am happy to report I found a convenience store, a decent and clean restaurant, and the Egyptian equivalent of Super-Walmart. It may sound like a cop-out to some to shop at Ragab Sons aka Walmart but I think it'll take me a while to work up the nerve and the language skills to shop at the traditional sooq or open air market - where they sell flipflops along side fresh fruits and veggies and where you can buy your chickens still clucking or dressed on site for you.

I endured the stares as I walked around. And I figure they will get used to seeing me around and I will get used to them as well. No one really speaks to me yet except a few children who are brave enough to attempt, "Hallo." And then they run off giggling when it says "Hello" back.

Overall it's off to a good start. Slow but good that seems to be the Egyptian way.