Hey everyone,
Sorry for not posting anything, but I've been sooo incredibly busy! It is currently 8:46am in Cairo and I'm ready for day 2 of orientation. I don't really have time to write my experiences as a travel story or anything, so here's the basics of what I've done so far/what it's been like.
I haven't really gotten to experience Cairo yet, so I can't say if I love it or not. AUC and the people here and everything else I've done so far have been spectacular!
Day 1: Arrive at Cairo International after a mere 8 hour flight from JFK (surprising, considering that's how long it took to get to Heathrow in London..guess that's why there was so much turbulence? haha) I met this really cool lady on the plane, both of us fortunate the seat between us was unoccupied, and we seriously just bonded over a plane ride. Anyway- the airport wasn't as crowded as I had expected, but as soon as I stepped in, a series of awkwardly funny events just kept coming up. Shirley, a girl on my flight and also my current roommate, and I just kept messing up. Our bus driver (taking 11 of us to AUC and Zamalek) was too funny and knew little English. Note: try packing as little as possible. I was really embarrassed to have 2 big bags for my four-month stay.
As soon as we arrived at AUC, were in awe at the beautiful architecture. The drive to the place made us aware to the fact that we were completely isolated. We passed a multitude of unfinished, mansion-esque houses. I later learned that a lot of people in the city live in unfinished houses (as in the roof will not be there or something) because then they don't have to pay taxes on them. Another random tidbit: Egyptians are guaranteed a job if they complete university. I mentioned this to an Egyptian student I met last night and she told me it was not all that great because the job you get may not match your abilities. So basically, you may still end up with a crappy job-- especially if there are not enough jobs and they make some up. In a way it's a good thing AUC moved their campus. After all, imagine how many jobs are open to Egyptians now-- from the cleaning ladies to the construction workers to the people who sit at the desks outisde each building to check if you're a legit student or visitor.
Turns out we were the second group to arrive on campus and the first group already were out in Old Cairo on a tour which we had missed by 20 minutes. Instead, we went on a felucca ride on the Nile and ate pizza and baklava/other sweets I don't know the names of. We were so hungry that we didn't mind having pizza, despite my eagerness to try real Egyptian foods.
The weather has been in the 70s but with lots of wind. If you're in the sun it feels nice, but we've all been wearing jeans, long-sleeved shirts with jackets or sweatshirts, etc. Since we're in the desert it gets really cold at night. They say the weather will get really hot starting end of February/beginning of March.
Wow, I feel like I've written a lot for one post. I have to go to breakfast (part of our orientation, and hey- free food? I'm on it!) but will write more later hopefully. Here's a sneak peek:
Day 1-Evening Friday: City Stars Mall = HUGE and crazy hours. + Awkward Communication...
Day 2 Saturday: Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel ride, Egyptian restaurant ("The Village")
Day 3 Sunday: Explore campus, Survival Arabic class, Bedouin Night (sheesha, dancing, horseback riding)
Day 4 Monday: Breakfast, Orientation, Lunch, Survival Arabic, SLEEP.
On today's itinerary.....
Day 5 Tuesday: Breakfast, Orientation, Lunch, Survival Arabic, Cairo Market
Hopefully in the next entry I will also include the cultural differences I've come across. :)
Hope all is well back at home and thank you everyone who supported me going to Egypt and to my parents who in the end, let me go. :D
