Amreekia min Bab Al Sharayah

On the road again!!!

2010-12-25T09:03:00.005+02:00

This blog is public again...

so you can read all the background of how I got to Egypt. But I wanted a new place so here it is. In chronological order, you can start here at this blog, go here next, then onto my newest home! Come join me. Enjoy!

My new blog...

2009-08-22T13:41:00.001+02:00

Hi All! It's public! Here!

Updates...and getting ready for Ramadan

2009-08-19T07:48:00.004+03:00

Hmmmm.....where do I begin? Well first of all, I want to ask the few people who have access to this blog to please join me as a follower--widget in upper right hand corner. Because that's the only way you will know I have updated. I am thinking either to make this blog public again, or transfer this basic blog to another url--not sure but "follow" me and then you will know what's happening. I really want to get back to blogging regularly, but every time I turn around, someone "discovers" who I really am--last time it was my crazy ex s-i-l and time before that was my husband--haha--I really prefer more anonymity. So I can say whatever the hell I want and get things off my chest! I seriously do need to vent sometimes--otherwise I would go crazy. And I think there are important issues that I, as an ex-pat, need to address without fear of reprisals. Anyway, step-by-step I will find my niche and hopefully stick to it.

On another front, my husband and I spent Monday in Khan al Khalili, which is a huge--and I mean HUGE--souk in Cairo. Think Moroccan bazaar kinda place. Monday was the day before our wedding anniversary. We had originally intended to spend 3 days--Mon-Wed at Ain Sukhna, a resort on the Red Sea. But with Ramadan beginning this Friday or Saturday (depends on the moon) I thought it was just too rushed, because Ramadan requires mega shopping/preparation.

I will do another post on this trip to the Khan/Ramadan--hopefully later today and upload some pics. Meantime, will try to add some readers. This blog was going pretty good when it was public--I'd really like to get it up and running again!

Hugs to all.....

And the ticker says...

2009-06-11T07:59:00.004+03:00

13 months and 2 days in Egypt. I've been here over a year now and I guess it's time to update and give an evaluation of sorts. Overdue in fact.

First I have to say I missed writing on this blog. I missed the many readers/commenters/friends that came with it. Unfortunately I am still keeping it private, but I think it's better that way. I recently closed another blog because my ex s-i-l discovered it--and me--on Twitter. I dont want any connection to my insane brother or anyone in his family from back home. That was a nightmare in my life and I am so thankful it is over. I moved on to bigger and better things and just want that part of my life to be as far away as possible. So the blog will remain private, but I will add readers.

So how was my first year in Egypt??? Well the first thought that comes to mind is...it was wicked hard!!! I have good and some very bad memories of all that has transpired here. While I do feel in many ways things are now on the upswing insha Allah, I am still shaken by some of the events I have experienced, and just the overall difficulties of life in a third world country.

While Egypt barely appears--on the surface at least--to still be a third world country--the mentality of the people for the most part speaks volumes that they have still not embraced a first world mentality. There is absolutely no accountability here--for actions of words. People dont do their jobs properly or with any kind of integrity. They will lie about anything and everything. While this country is loaded with brilliant minds, tons of money, advanced medical care, amazing huge stores, incredible malls, good roads, fabulous resorts, etc, the mind set of the people is still chaotic. And that pretty much describes Egypt--it is chaos. I think the country as a whole just flies by the seat of its pants--it survives only by the mercy of God, and if ever the day comes where there must be some accountability, I fear the worst. I think the whole system will come crashing down on our heads. One only needs to drive here to understand what I mean. Implementing any changes or new rules here would so upset the applecart--I think it would be worse than Hiroshima after the nuke. People just follow long-standing protocal here. It seems to work for them. I guess for them, the attitude here is...if it aint broke, dont fix it. Problem is, they cant see just how "broke" it is.

The American expats here are another mystery. They might be very nice and normal people in their own country. Here for the most part--oh God--they are snakes. I do know a VERY few really nice expat women here. Can count them on one hand with fingers left to spare. They have adopted the lying mechanisms that so pervade the Egyptians themselves. They are a selfish and unsocialable (if your not in their set) lot--in fact they are worse than a click, they are a gang. If you're not part of the "in" crowd, you dont exist. And I'm talking about so-called Muslims here. Makes me wonder what kind of people we reverts truly are??? Is it that we couldnt make it in our own society, so we changed religions and adopted a new country/culture? Why oh why are so many, almost all the reverts I know here, such selfish hypocrites? For them, promises are made to be broken. Engagements/appointments ignored or cancelled at the last second. Psychiatrists would have a field day here with the Muslim revert expats. In short, they think their shit doesnt stink. Needless to say I am not part of that crowd. Thank God.

In general, one must be very cautious here. Sad to say it is almost dangerous--certainly dangerous to one's mental health--to get close to any one here. Sooner or later you find that no matter how seemingly genuine people are here--both natives and expats--sooner or later they show their true colors. It's not a good idea to trust people here. At least not too deeply. At the least you'll get your heart broken--at worst--they could put you in jail. Remind me to continue this thought with the story of my previous landlord.

On June 1st we moved to our new flat...my husband, mom and me. And the dog! I absolutely HATE moving. I've done it too much. But the new place is so worth it. It is beautiful. Masha Allah. Patience rewards. Took me forever it seems to get to the place/point in time where I am now. The flat and garden are its own little world. It's big enough that I dont feel the walls closing in on me like I did in the last place. There's privacy. I dont know any of the neighbors nor do I want to. I dont want other tenants knocking or invading my space like what happened in my last place. I have learned that to survive with any level of comfort and privacy here, I cant be too friendly. Among other things, friendliness can be misconstrued as a sign of stupidity. A sign you are ripe to be taken advantage of. My husband has a point about his preferring to keep his life very private. We Americans tend to be open books. Egyptians pretend to be but they are not. It's just kind of a ruse to get you to open up. Sometimes one must learn the hard way. I learned. In my real life, I am now a closed book. I actually like it better that way.

I know this post seems to be written with a lot of bitterness. Because I do harbor a certain amount of bitterness. About many things I have experienced here in the last year. Egypt has changed dramatically from what it was even on my last visit in 2006. If you havent heard me say this before, I am saying it again...I blame the satellite TV and the internet for a lot of the shit that goes on here. Some days it's hard to believe I am not in America here. The net is making us so homogenous. Every society exposed to the net and international TV is changing rapidly. Old is being replaced with new--especially in terms of values. Cultural lines have become blurred. It is becoming one world--and not a very nice one at that I think. I believe the end of times are near. Which reminds me of another story I want to tell about my "bowab". Literally it means "doorman", but here it means the "super"--he lives with his family in the basement and takes care of the building and everyone in it...a kind of guard-slash-go-fer.

Well I'll sign off here. All in all, am I glad to be here? Glad I made the move? Was it all worth it? I'm not so sure. Given the fact I live in a place that has adopted all the bad of the place I left--but NONE of the good--I'm thinking maybe home is better. Better infrastructure, much more accountability, everything in my own culture and language--not to mention being closer to my kids. At this point, I dont know. I just dont know. I need more time I think. Maybe I just need a trip home. I DO absolutely need a trip home that's for sure. I need to stop here now. Will write more later.

Happy Anniversary to me!

2009-05-21T23:53:00.003+03:00

So it's been just over a year since I've moved to Egypt. Wow! What a year it's been! Good times, bad times, times when all I felt like doing was turning tail and running back home. Other times I couldnt imagine living any other place but here. Up and downs on a weekly basis. Missing my kids so much it hurts. I feel quite schizophrenic, truth to tell. It's the common story of the expat. We all go through it, and sad to say some never adjust.

I have learned one thing here though and that is PATIENCE. No westerner could ever survive here this long without it. Egypt takes tons of patience. Thank God I acquired it. Stay tuned for an update!

Back by invitation only

2008-11-29T23:30:00.003+02:00

Sorry folks! I had to hide this blog cuz hubby discovered it on one of his bad hair days and got realllly upset, thinking the only reason I'm staying in Egypt is for him...which uh, is the truth some days--not always--and anyways what if it is the truth? I think I'd be flattered if the man I loved gave up everything in this world to move halfway around it just to be with me. That's not the truth but apparently that's how he was seeing it and who knows--like I said it must have been a bad hair day or male menopause...

Which leads me to another thing I want to say...menstruation, menopause, mental illness...all troublesome to women and all begin with m-e-n. Anyway...

I'm just shooting out this quick post to the people I have invited to read it so far and thanks Mrs. Mika who wrote me a sweet tearjerker of a letter telling me how devastated she was when she could no longer read my blog...thanks Mrs. Mika!!! Big hi-5 to ya!

Truth is, I appreciate everyone who wrote to me after I exited stage left. But I think now I need to keep things on the down low cuz hubby only read that last post "Expat Hell". God only knows if he read the whole blog! For sure he'd think I was whacked out. Even though he was in on the Great Snake Adventure--hahahahaha--and used it as an excuse to scare the willies outta me.

Anyway, he's a reallllly sweet and decent guy and when he got upset about the blog I asked him if he wanted me to take it down and he said yes and now you know the whole story. But I will continue to blog for a select few. If y'all have any questions, feel free to ask.

Love, hugs, kisses...

Expat Hell

2008-11-16T10:32:00.005+02:00

I know I haven't been posting much and when I do it's a stretch to find something nice to say. I guess I've gotten past that euphoric stage where all is right with the Egyptian world and have to now start dealing with the everyday reality of all that is Egypt. If I had to sum it all up in one sentence, right now I'd say "Just point me towards the exit"!!! Yeh!

A friend of mine who's been here for nearly 20 years says the first year is the hardest. She's right and I should know that cuz I've had two first years here before this and am now working on my third "first year"--are you still with me? One day you wake up and look around and say "Where the hell am I and why did I do this to myself?" I guess that's where I am right now. Truly wishing I could turn tail and run back home to the USA. I miss my kids and right now I am sorry to say--all things American. When it hurts so bad I let myself run with the idea of actually going back and the logistics of it just seem to much to handle. First there's the issue of where I will stay in USA--sure, there's the kids but who wants Mom and Grandma hanging around forever--not them! So it means the inevitable and ever painful apartment search--something I can actually afford and will allow this moose of a dog I have. Then it needs to be furnished, which on the flip side--what do I do with all my stuff here??? Even though for now it's a furnished flat, you cant imagine the crap you manage to accumulate in the attempt to make it a little bit your own. Ah well...same crap different country.

What happens to an expat in the love/hate relationship of the adoptive country? I mean why go from loving a place to hating a place almost overnight? I guess it's like any other relationship. The honeymoon period slowly ends and real life sets in and you are forced to face the truth that your beloved is not perfect. For a time you only focus on the warts. And it's a scary thing. I know beyond this point is a happy medium where you begin to focus on the accurate picture--that everything and everyone has their faults as well as their good points. And it's at this point you need to ask yourself, does the good outweigh the bad?

I'll let you know when I get there. Meantime stay tuned for some reasons why I'm no longer thrilled with life in this sandbox.

Funnies...

2008-11-13T20:21:00.004+02:00

was surfing yesterday and found these...there are more here. Enjoy!

FYI...

2008-11-12T08:58:00.005+02:00

So far I have lost 50 pounds (22.73 kg) since moving to Egypt!!! Photo courtesy of my homegirl OTE. I like your way better, S!!!

The Great Snake Adventure ( and other Tales)

2008-10-21T06:35:00.017+02:00

So much has happened to me since I came to Egypt. I am upset that I didn't write down all the crazy things I experienced since I arrived in May. When I was still in USA, I had the intention to do a daily blog post once I got to Egypt, knowing full well the transition from living there to here would make good blog fodder--and it would have. Trouble is I got sick and stayed sick for so long, I forgot a lot of the funny stuff...like for instance my first experience with "halawa" and the "fetlah"--2 torture devices designed to remove hair from places on the body that, in my opinion...if God let it grow there, it's supposed to be there! Just kidding---I know, I know.

Ahem.

Anyway, the following is a true story (haha). I call it the "great snake adventure". And it happened here in my building 2 days ago. Now let me just preface this story with the notation that this is the 3rd in a series of adventures come to be known around the house here as "Abu Nada strikes again". Abu Nada is my neighbor and self-appointed watchdog, guardian and whistle-blower of all things great and small that happen in my building. He has led us into 2 other adventures before this great snake adventure. The first could be called the "Harami--Lock the Gate!!!" adventure and the second could be called "The Possible Prostitution Problem" adventure. Will relate those tales another time.

For now let us concentrate on The Great Snake Adventure.

The adventure started out just like the other two did...with a loud ruckus in the hall. We began to hear shouting--more and more voices joining the fray--then as usual the doorbell rang, inviting my family into the discussion. My husband handled this one. It was my turn to sit back and enjoy from behind the scenes.

As usual Abu Nada was leading the charge. This is the Egyptian equivalent of a tenants meeting. Something--anything--happens in the building and Abu Nada is the first to know about it--and the first to broadcast it. In our own little world here that is "Building #50" AbuNada is basically the Chief of Police. He reports directly to my neighbor across the hall, Hagg Ahmed who is, you could say, our Mayor. Once Hagg Ahmed approves the latest news for distribution, doorbells are rung and tenants--all 10 of us--stream out into the halls for a discussion of the latest problem, which takes place on the first floor in front of my door.

Amazingly this tale begins with a neat and tidy segue incorporating the first two adventures into this third one. The first news is that, briefly, we must continue to be vigilant and lock the iron gate at the entrance to our building, because there still seems to be "someone" lurking about. A young man was recently spotted around dawn, smoking a cigarette (gasp!) and loitering in the back garden. He could be a harami (thief) or somehow related to the (possible prostitution) apartment of ill-repute above me. So therefore continuing to keep the gate locked and informing each other of any suspicious activity is a must.

But the real news--the new news--is that some children have spotted a snake outside our building and everyone is advised to close their windows and keep them closed until...well I'm not sure until when but I'm guessing Abu Nada will let us know when it's safe to open them again! But suffice it to say this new information has the building in a tizzy cuz locking the iron gate will not avail us now. Oh no, it is much worse than that. The iron gate is no longer adequate protection for what can stop a small snake from entering our sanctuary? We must bar the windows and keep them barred!

Now this being Egypt and new territory for me, and given the fact that I live basically in the desert, I am not sure whether to fear this snake as poisonous and take this latest news seriously, or throw my windows open and embrace what surely must be a common variety of harmless Egyptian snake. I like snakes--as I do all animals--but I seriously do fear the poisonous variety and am a bit on edge.

So I asked my husband if he thinks this is a dangerous snake or just a friendly one? I trust my husband implicitly and am sure he is an unimpeachable reference on all things Egyptian. He tells me don't be afraid at all because in any case snakes cant crawl up and down buildings. He does warn me though to keep the balcony door shut at all times--because of the thief he said--not the snake.

Ahhhh, I breathe a sigh of relief and skip off to the kitchen to make us tea. Alhamdulilah I am married to such a wonderful man who can dissolve all my worries so effectively............WAIT A MINUTE!!!

Haven't I seen snakes up in trees? Yes I'm absolutely sure I have. Ergo...

I locked myself in my bedroom. I'm not coming out until the snake is found. And husband has been banished to the balcony.

And that, dear friends, concludes the story of the Great Snake Adventure.

The End.

Tell me MABROOOOOOOK!

2008-10-17T15:06:00.002+02:00

Did I even mention I had moved to Cairo from Port Fouad??? I don't remember and am too lazy to read the archives--hehe. Anyway I took up residence here on July 1 and it's been interesting. To say the least. I rent a furnished flat which I think was set up more to accommodate students than a family. Until this week, we didn't have natural gas. I used an oombooba (extremely large, heavy and dangerous propane gas tank). About a month ago the landlord started the process of having natural gas lines put in. Let's talk about making a mountain out of a molehill. What should have been a one day process took about 10 days...breaking walls to install pipes one day, the meter another, a hole in the wall to allow fresh air in, then an antique and previously very used hot water heater installed, next an exhaust pipe for the water heater, ad nauseum. Of course at each step the kitchen--and most of the rest of the house--was covered in layers of dust and dirt. I cleaned my kitchen here more times in the last month than I cleaned in a year anywhere else! Finally 2 days ago the "engineer" (I get a kick out of that word--it can basically apply to anyone here) came for a final inspection and to install the final lines and start the gas flowing! NOT! He came and did everything BUT he thankfully rejected the dang nasty old water heater my cheap landlord tried to pass off. Talk about an asphyxiation waiting to happen! Thank GOD the engineer rejected it. So 2 days ago I had gas for my stove but still no hot water. With the change in weather of late, let's talk about freezing your butt off when facing a cold shower at Fajr time. Not fun! Finally the landlord broke down and bought a new heater, then actually paid the gas company guys a few extra pounds to come after hours and install the new "sakhan" and connect the gas to it. Houston we have lift-off! And I now have hot water in my sinks, shower, and washing machine. Ahhhh, my washing machine which is not fully automatic!!! That's another post. I'm off now to take a hot shower.

Why Egypt sucks sometimes...

2008-10-16T23:33:00.001+02:00

As promised, I continue my rant. Why don't we start at the top--with the prez himself. Can we say "corruption"? "Nuff said on that issue huh? I mean say the word and realize ALL that entails and you have an accurate picture of why Egypt is the way it is. And what way is that?

Well I would characterize it as a general malaise that has overcome the populace. I mean most Egyptians don't give a hoot about the welfare of the country because they are too busy--most of them anyway--scrounging around trying to concentrate on their own welfare. I mean when you have kids to feed and you cant afford it, or you want to get married and cant afford that, or you spend years in college and grad school and then cant find a job--any job...well, it's hard to wax philosophical about the republic. Who cares about throwing their garbage in a trash bin when some people have only garbage to eat? Who cares about air pollution when they cant afford to maintain their vehicles? Why try to keep yourself chaste, and/or show respect for the feminine gender when you have no money (read no hope) to get married? Why cling to your religion when the religious people get thrown in jail for practicing it? Oh I could go on and on but you get the drift. It's just so hard to give a damn in this country--about anything other than yourself.

What percentage of the 80 or so million people here are wealthy? How many Egyptians can honestly say they don't have to worry about money? Very few I'd guess. Yes, there's money here--and with it comes a horribly gauche and low-class display of wealth. Yet by Egyptian standards, wealth somehow equals high-class. God I've seen the people here with money--and with the manners of chimpanzees. (Why am I always comparing Egyptians to animals? Once again I do injustice to animals.) Yet they are considered--and consider themselves, high-class. Oh God I want to barf.

Infrastructure sucks. Services suck. Customer service is non-existent. I cant seem to maintain an internet connection for more than 24 hours straight. But wanna bet Baba Hosni gets to play on the PC anytime he wants?

Honor and keeping your word means nothing. An honest days work for an honest wage? Not here. Get what you pay for? Not likely. Affordable housing is a nightmare. Wooden ghettos spring up in the most unlikely--and unsafe places. Does the Mokattam tragedy ring a bell?

Foreigners here get swindled all the time. I've suffered in that department for sure. Case in point--just one mind you--I had to have an iron cage sort of thing made to surround my new split AC so someone wouldn't steal it right off the outside wall. My neighbor made the arrangements for it with the haddad (ironworker). About the size of the cage and thickness of the metal. We agreed on 400 pounds, everything included. They even wrote and signed a contract. The haddad came to install it when he knew my neighbor wasn't home. It was his chance to rip me off. First he charged me for the TAXI he took to bring it to me! That was 10LE. Then instead of doing the installation himself with the "engineer" (snort) he brought with him, he got some local bowab's kids to paint it and install it up on the wall. That cost another 25. The haddad also asked for another 25 or so for the engineer who actually did nothing but stand there. Did I mention the metal was a full 2 cm thinner than was agreed upon. Heck I could bend the bars myself if I wanted to! So what should have been 400LE for a decent cage, ended up cosing me 460LE and it is so flimsy it's not I am told worth even 200LE. This crap goes on all the time here.

My husband took my Mom and I to the pyramids the other night. It was dark and we were in the car and since mom and I were both in hijab, the guard taking fees for the Sound and Light show assumed we were all Egyptian and said we needed to come back on Thursday (this was a Monday) to see the show in Arabic. My husband told him we were Americans and so when was the English show? The guard says it's tonight. 75LE per person. Hmmm, that's steep I thought. Then the husband asked how much was it on Thursdays in Arabic? 15 LE!!!!!!! It was all I could do not to curse the guy out--the guard--not my husband. ;-) Can you even imagine something like that happening in America? Can we spell CIVIL RIGHTS/DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT??? Foreigners pay one price while natives pay another? I was so ticked I said I don't want to see the dang show in English or Arabic. (I actually saw it years ago in French but Mom never did but now she doesn't care either--haha!))

In short, there's just so little personal or public honor here.Those who don't care about their own reputation certainly don't care about the reputation of the country. I know I'm not complaining of anything new. And I'm not the only one--expat or native Egyptian--to complain. And I don't see any end to this in sight.

But...yes, there is a but...I'd still rather be here than back in the USA. I'll elucidate ;-) on that point further in another post.

Not surprisingly, these days I hate Egypt!

2008-10-10T02:18:00.004+02:00

All of us expats here go through it sooner or later. And often more than once. At certain times, we all hate Egypt for one reason or another. And in fact it's not just limited to expats, Egyptians hate Egypt a lot of the time too. And for good reason. As I peruse the blogs since my Ramadan/Eid break, I see lots of bloggers--Egyptian or living here--seem to be down on Egypt these days. It might have something to do with the attack on women in Cairo overEid--the second attack in a row. Seems a bunch of nasty men were (again) sexually harassing women during the Eid . I wont even get into a discussion about the whys and wherefores--I don't care how bad things are--there's no excuse for being a pig. In fact, I insult pigs. But I digress.

I have seen blog posts on the expenses of Ramadan and Eid, clothes and fashion, crowds, parks, activities, traffic, bad manners...you name it and people in Egypt are complaining about it. Not to mention unchecked corruption and oppression. Seems thebloggers just didn't have much good to say about Egypt of late. I sympathize and join the ranks.

Ramadan was great in the beginning. Everyone was on their best behavior. But towards the end and in Eid, the old selfishness returned. Traffic was disgusting--everyone trying to get there (wherever "there" was) first! Shopping anywhere for anything was a nightmare. Kids as usual were ill-mannered and left to be as obnoxious as they wanted to be. Parents were too busy having there own fun/shopping/whatever to discipline their brats.

If the state of the country can in any way be gaged by the condition of the "shabab"--those in the 18 to 25 range I'm guessing--then Egypt is in some serious doodoo. I was out every night in Eid. I could have been in America or anywhere in Europe. Clothes were tight--apparently the height of fashion this season. Wicked crazy colors and combos of colors. And expensive. Where do they get the money for this??? The girls wear this stupid stretchy thing--be it shirt or jumper--they call "body". This is nothijab folks. This is the tightest thing you can wear--although everything is "covered"--and still manage to get a breath. I imagine it feels like wrapping your body in an ace bandage. And don't even get me started on the bouffanthijab. Cough, gag, barf. And this ridiculous body thing is worn by guys too. More gag and vomit.

Oh I saw some nice sites--I really did. Families together having fun. Some really nice young folks who minded their manners and went out of their way to be nice to/help others around them. I had a lot of laughs and made some wonderful memories with my Egyptian family. But all in all folks, Eid--and Egypt--just ain't what it used to be. My next post will be on what's wrong with Egypt in general. Hehe...more complaining from me. Stay tuned!

Holy Moly I was tagged AGAIN!!!

2008-10-09T10:36:00.003+02:00

Bug did it to me! I asked her this question and now she wants me to answer it:

Do you have any serious regrets in your life? On the other hand, what is the one thing in your life you are most proud of/satisfied with?

Wow! This is a toughie. I guess I have to say I am always "tempted" to have regrets. There are certain things in my life that for sure I wish I had done differently. Made some huge mistakes. Things happened as a result of decisions I made--even in good faith. But I'm pretty sure unless you are some kind of socio/psychopath, you must have some regrets. The question is...how do you feel about them? I learned when I was younger that who I am today is the sum total of all mu life's experiences--good and bad. So would I change anything? No, I guess I wouldn't. Who knows--what I think might have been a better decision could well turn out to be disaster in my life now. So I prefer to let fate lie. And my life, despite the hardships, has been wonderful. I've seen and done amazing things. I think I made pretty good use of the life Allah gave me--I hope so anyway, insha Allah. As for the one thing I am most proud of...that's easy...my KIDS! They're not perfect by a long shot, but they sure could be a LOT worse. They are decent, loving, kind people--each one of them. I thank Allah each day for them.

I TAG...

2008-10-09T03:04:00.005+02:00

I WAS TAGGED...SEE MY ANSWERS HERE.

IF I TAG YOU, PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION TO YOU IN A POST ON YOUR BLOG. THE POST TITLE SHOULD BE "I WAS TAGGED". THEN YOU HAVE TO TAG FIVE MORE PEOPLE. HERE WE GO!

I TAG:

"on the edge" of on the edge of something:

Is there anything in your life you would like to do over if you had the chance? Tell me what that would be...details! ;-)))

susie of susie's big adventure:

Why did it take you so many years before you married your husband? (Still wishing you would write a book!)

AUH Gal of Abu Dhabi/UAE Daily Photo:

What are you most looking forward to in your life? Something that has a reasonable chance of happening, not like "winning the lottery" ;-)))!!!

Spicy Bug of SpicyBugz World:

Do you have any serious regrets in your life? On the other hand, what is the one thing in your life you are most proud of/satisfied with?

Jaffer of ManiaRavings:

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hope you all answer your questions. I'm looking forward to this!

Last 10 days of Ramadan

2008-09-21T01:09:00.002+02:00

The Queen is going on haitus. We have entered the last 10 days of Ramadan and one of these nights is Lailat-al-Qadr. I am trying to reap the benefits of these special days. May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, du'ahs and all of our good actions. Insha Allah, see you after Eid.

McCain's Pastor wants Islam destroyed!!!

2008-09-20T14:30:00.002+02:00

This is a man of God??? Seems more like a devil to me!!! The only good thing in this whole mess is that we all know...Islam will NEVER be destroyed.

Typical Egypt!

2008-09-19T04:08:00.005+02:00

Egyptian donkey jailed for theft
Thu Sep 18, 12:06 PM ET

CAIRO (AFP) - An Egyptian donkey has been jailed for stealing corn on the cob from a field belonging to an agricultural research institute in the Nile Delta, local media reported on Thursday.

The ass and its owner were apprehended at a police checkpoint that had been set up after the institute's director complained that someone was stealing his crops, the state-owned Al-Ahram daily said.

The unnamed ungulate was found in possession of the institute's corn and a local judge sentenced him to 24 hours in prison. The man who had his ass thrown in jail got off with a fine of 50 Egyptian pounds (nine dollars, six euros).

Expat Focus: An Interview on being an expat in Egypt

2008-09-13T19:45:00.006+02:00

-Where were you born?

I was born in the USA, in a city in western Pennsylvania.

-In which country and city are you living now?

Cairo, Egypt

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my mother and my husband.

-How long have you been living there?

This is my third "permanent" move to Egypt, but this one will stick insha Allah (God willing). I have been in Egypt for 4 months now.

-What is your age?

Old enough to know better!

-When did you come up with the idea of living in that country (and what factors helped your decision)?

I have lived here twice before and visited many times. The idea to return permanently has always been in the back of my mind. The first two times I had my children with me. School here is very difficult--mostly rote memorization rather than actual "learning". It was too difficult for them to adjust. Now that they are all happily married and on their own, I decided to return.

The first 2 times I decided to live here, my decision was influenced by wanting my young children to know their father's family, and to speak, read and write Arabic fluently. Alhamdulilah they achieved that. I also wanted them to live in a Muslim-majority country, since we are Muslims.

This move was influenced by other factors. Living in the USA--far from my children--was difficult and lonely. Families are so spread out in the USA and gather infrequently. Life there is also expensive. And as a Muslimah, I felt alone there and cut off from my religion. Kind of like a fish out of water. Deciding to come here was not a difficult decision. I feel am am with my "own kind" here. My daughter, also married to an Egyptian, visits yearly. My two sons are planning to visit next year, insha Allah, and one of them intends to live here--with his wife--for a few years while she does research inti bird flu. Life here is less expensive than in USA--although some grocery items actually cost the same. But $ for $, the money goes much further here, alhamdulilah.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

A visa for an American can be purchased at the airport for I think less than $10. I am not working so never had to get a work permit, but I hear it's not difficult.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

I don't have any medical insurance. It is available but verrry expensive. Not sure I ever will bother with it. Medical care here is much cheaper than in the US, and if you find good doctors and hospitals (they are present here) you don't need more than that.

-How do you make your living there? Do you have any type of income generated? (if you have a job there, how did you get it? How long did it take you to get a job there and how hard was it to find one? What tools did you use to land a job -- a website, agency, etc.?)

I live on income from the US. However, as a native English speaker, there are plenty of jobs available here. Mostly teaching, translating and copy-editing. Bilingual persons fluent in both Arabic and English would have an easier time of finding a great job.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language? (please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs)

I speak the local language--the Egyptian form of Arabic. It's called "lowgha amia"--the language of the public. I can understand more formal Arabic as well. It is extremely important to learn the public language to survive--especially so you don't get ripped-off or disrespected. Some folks insist on speaking only English (it is widely understood) and never make an effort to learn the language but that's plain stupid in my opinion. You miss a lot of wonderful conversations, learning experiences, and just plain fun that way. In addition, Egyptians are so grateful and kind to those of us struggling to speak their language. Expats must respect local customs. It's downright rude not to. You wouldn't want to be disrespected in your own country, so why show disrespect for other's customs while abroad. The world has seen enough of the "ugly American"!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? (and describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available)

I do miss my children of course. At times I miss home, especially now that football season is here--haha. Nothing like a game day gathering with lots of yummy ethnic Pennsylvania foods. I am already thinking about Thanksgiving dinner and how I will prepare it here. And will surely miss the snow! But I intend to go back every winter for a visit, so I am sure I will survive well here between times. Truly, Egypt is now home.

I think every activity available in the US is here too. Anything you can imagine can be found here now. In fact, it's actually becoming a bit too westernized for my taste. I have always loved the local color and the simple life but things are getting very hectic here now, and some areas resemble America more than they do the Egypt I fell in love with. But time marches on and nothing stays the same. The important thing for me is I am surrounded by friendly and kind people, Muslims, and can hear the call to prayer and practice my religion on a daily basis. That's really all I need. Alhamdulilah.

Scattergories...snagged from my buddy Jaffer...

2008-09-12T15:28:00.003+02:00

who got it from Dawn here

HE'S RIGHT...IT IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!

… It’s harder than it looks ! Erase my answers and enter yours
Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following below
They have to be real places, names, things. Nothing made up !
Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial
You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question !

What is your name ? Queen

4 letter word: there is NO 4-letter word beginning with "q"...trust me I looked it up!

Vehicle: how about a "quad", as in ATV

TV Show: I used to like "Quantum Leap"

City: Queens, NY

Boy’s name: I like "QUINN (Irish) Wise"

Girl’s name: Only one I could find...QUINNE (Gaelic) Advisor

Occupation: how about "queen"--nice work if you can get it!

Something you wear: a quill feather on my hat...when i wear a hat that is

Something found in a bathroom: quarry floor tiles...nyah-nyah!

Reason for being late: I found myself in a "quagmire"???

Something you shout: QUIETTTTTTTT!!!

Tag you are it ! It’s your turn to play…EVERYBODY'S "IT"!

My third Ramadan in Egypt

2008-09-12T03:07:00.003+02:00

Masha Allah this Ramadan is not just my best in Egypt, it's my best ever! Nothing compares to Ramadan spent in a Muslim country. As I sit here typing at 3 in the morning, I hear my neighbors across the hall. They are preparing for iftar later today, in which 32 of their relatives will be joining them! Masha Allah! I don't think I even knew 32 Muslims in my town back home!

My neighbors have people coming and going this evening because tomorrow is Friday--the official day off and Islamic holy day. I love it that families and friends get together like they do here, especially during this month! It's like a month-long party! Even though we are all fasting during daylight hours, the camraderie somehow makes it so much easier. Fasting truly is not difficult if you keep in mind you are doing this strictly for Allah's pleasure. The rewards are so great, especially when it comes time to break your fast. The self-discipline learned is such a blessing. And to know the pangs of hunger and thirst and realize many poor people in this world feel this every day is a lesson worth its weight in gold.

This is a time to develop patience, and empathy for others. And to get closer to Allah, the Lord of all creation. There are a multitude of blessings in becoming closer to Allah, first of which is to feel a private connection between one's self and their Lord. Nothing compares to having a personal relationship with the One, True God.

May Allah bless us all and guide us during this sacred month. And may we always show gratitude to Him who created us.

We made it! End of my travelogue--haha!

2008-09-11T19:20:00.005+02:00

So we landed in Cairo...I am bored with this thread--haha. Family met us and all was good. We journeyed to Port Said and there began a whole new list of adventures. Egypt is just one big adventure. I admit I have had two or three "I hate Egypt" days. A dear friend of mine says the first year is wicked here. Actually I cant say my first year is even close to wicked--annoying as hell yes--but not as bad as wicked. And the annoying days are thankfully few and far between. I'll write more about that and other excellent adventures later. For now, please say a few prayers for the victims of the Mokattam Hills landslide. The death toll is much higher than the government will report. And a tragedy in Ramadan seems doubly tragic. So whisper a few prayers, and thank God it wasnt you. Peace!

Patience--and the other good things--continues Part 2

2008-09-06T22:13:00.012+02:00

So we arrived in Amsterdam and I was pretty much exhausted. The only hotel actually in the airport there is the Mercure. They were booked solid before I even left USA. The closest alternative, just outside the airport, and I forget the name now, cost something like 500 Euros a night. No matter that I only needed it during the day and for 10 hours at best--it stil would have cost wayyyy more than I could afford, or was even willing to pay. In hindsight I would now pay almost any amount of money to have been able to rest! In fact exhausted doesnt even begin to explain how I felt.

First there was the sheer relief of having finally made it that far. It took over 9 months for me to plan, sell, give away, pack, etc for this trip. 9 months of raw nerves and sheer terror at times. Oh yes, I sooo wanted to move to Egypt--it was hijra in fact. But it was scary nonetheless. There were definitely days where I could have easily given up the whole idea and just stayed there. Yet when I comtemplated that idea, I became more scared. Because my last few years in America were anything but pleasant. Mainly because I felt so cut off from Islam and Muslims, especially after all my kids left home to makes lives of their own. Living there became one worry after another--bills, responsibilities, and the feeling that particularly as a Muslimah alone, I was truly a fish out of water. So all that combined to exhaust me completely when I was finally able to comprehend we were on our way to a new life.

Did I mention the airport in Amsterdam, while beautiful, is HOT??? Sooooo hot. Pushing my Mom around in her wheelchair, with 2 carry-ons and 2 purses made it even more tiresome. I simply didnt know where to go to rest. We went outside for awhile, enjoying the lovely view in front of the terminal. But it was hot outside as well. We couldnt take it for very long. Off we went again, back into the buiding, slowly making the long walk back to our gate. Finally we decided it was time to get something to eat. Food was expensive and I couldnt figure out the Euros. I ended up just putting everything on my debit card. After lunch we discovered a place where travelers could rest--these comfy kind of chaise lounge thingies, but they were plastic and hot as well. The place where they were situated was under a skylight, adding to the discomfort. Yet I slept like the dead. I awoke even more tired and sweaty as all get out. I had just enough time to find a bathroom and wash, change my day old clothes for fresh ones, and it was time to board for the trip to Cairo. Once on the plane, I finally relaxed because I knew my Egyptian family would be waiting for me on the other end. We ate dinner and I slept again. Finally, we arrived in Cairo. Alhamdulilah and thanks be to Allah.

I have to mention here that NWA and KLM were wonderful airlines. Absolutely wonderful. I had to take them as they were the only airlines that flew internationally and at the same time could accomodate my huge dog. Funny, the dog and cat actually had a room in the pet hotel in Amsterdam. I was more than willing to bunk with them--haha--but I wasnt even allowed to see them. I was however given written confirmation each time we boarded a plane that my pets were also safely aboard, and they had food, clean cages and bedding at each stop. For that reason alone--the fact they took such good care of my beloved furry family--is reason enough for me to fly with them again. But next time--if there ever is a next time (which will be for a visit home only) you can bet I will reserve a hotel room. At my age, I just cant travel by the seat of my pants any longer.

Next installment...we arrive in Cairo.

Patience...and other good things Part 1

2008-09-06T04:34:00.006+02:00

Yes I mentioned that patience--never one of my strong suits, has finally in my apparent old age, taken hold of me. Sometimes I absolutely can not believe I am the same woman who left America (for good) nearly 4 months ago. Whewwww--it's been a trip!

Mom and I landed in Cairo after a very long and trying trip. From Pittsburgh to Detroit, Detroit to Amsterdam (complete with a 12 hour layover with no hotel room available--should have booked in advance) then Amsterdam to Cairo...wow. We were soooo tired. Things didnt start off very good. We finally got all the luggage/cartons accounted for and handed over to NWA, and then I had to give the animals to the TSA so their cages could be checked for what I can only imagine would have been explosives. I dont know why but the idea of blowing up my pets--along with anything else--was so funny to me. I tried hard to keep a straight face when the officer told me not to put my hand back in the cage once it had been cleared. Hmmmmm...was I going to shoot bombs out of my fingertips? Off they went finally, the cat looking perplexed and the dog howling and yapping--she absolutely did not want to leave me! I love dogs. They are so faithful.

Anyway, speaking of TSA and all that jazz...I, amazingly, with my Islamic name and garb, got through security without a hitch. My dear mother however was a different story. Apparently she had forgotten the KNIFE she had to peel apples was in the little purse attached to her walker!!! I suddenly found my mom and myself surrounded by security and God knows what other officials from however many departments there are that monitor the airports looking for errant terrorists. When they told me they'd found a knife in Mom's satchel, I guess the look on my face convinced them I was too shocked to mean them any harm. Immediately I am nearly yelling at my Mom "What are you doing with a knifffffffe???" In fact one officer started cracking up, shaking his head and saying :Oh my God the look on your face". Yeah! Haha. Glad one of us--NOT the Muslim one of us, thinks this is funny. Mom took her time remembering she had peeled apples with it a few days before and just stuck it in there, thinking she'd remember it once she got to the kitchen. Hmmmmm. Mom admittedly can no longer find her way out of a paper bag. But it was all OK in the end. The officers were very nice and seemed to realize Mom was a bit confused--and forgetful. I asked if there would be any repurcussions. The officer told me at worst I might get a visit from some "agency" at home in a few days. "At home where?" Pittsburgh, I was told. With a cheesy grin I said OK that's cool. Home was no longer Pittsburgh. And we boarded the plane, alternatively laughing and crying. I could only imagine a federal agent knocking on my door. Lights are on, but no one is home. And so we were off.

Our layover in Detroit was pretty quick. We just had time to get from one terminal to the other, grab something quick to drink, and we were on our way to Holland. Next stop Amsterdam. That was a killer. Will continue this part of the story soon.

For now I would just like to say how grateful I am to Allah that we passed through the trials and roadblocks, made it here safely, found our good friends and family to help us, and are finally settled in. It's been a struggle. Life has been reduced to thinking about our basic needs in most cases, not our desires. Slowly now we can begin to think "it would be nice to have this or that" as opposed to "I MUST take care of A, B and C so we dont die." Although Egypt can no longer be considered a third world country--hell--it actually seems more civilized and advanced than the USA, we still do reside on the continent of Africa. Here you witness life in its basic form--need food and shelter to survive. Must keep clean and find safe drinking water, a competent doctor, and a well-stocked pharmacy. Egypt is kind of an oxymoron. Beside people who have more money than they know what to do with--and flaunt it outrageously--are the poorest of the poor. And all that comes with that. But we are happy beyond words here. Content, at peace. I am no longer a nervous wreck. Thankfully, I even find my brain working better. My short term memory is increasing. I no longer have to write every thing down that I want to remember. Dont eat any fast food. No soda, no candy or junk food. Drink buckets of good, clean water. Work hard at home, go for walks, sit in the sun. Life in its basic simplified form. No worries mate. Alhamdulilah.

I'm Baaaaaaaaaack!!!

2008-08-23T23:54:00.002+03:00

Hey All! According to that travel counter over there I have been gone for...well quite awhile! Let me begin by saying I arrived in Egypt safely, immediately got sick, stayed sick for about 2 months, and then somehow got the strength to get moving on building a life here.

Egypt teaches you nothing if not patience. My kids would now consider me--a Type A to the max--downright laid back. I cant believe what I have been through and survived. What I can remember of it anyway!

The important thing is, I am settled here, very happy, finally got a computer and dsl at home...and so I am ready to rock! Fasten your seatbelts folks...it's sure to be a bumpy ride!

The Androgynous Pharaoh?

2008-05-04T11:15:00.002+03:00

Akhenaten had feminine physique

Very interesting article!

Busy, busy, busy

2008-05-02T10:13:00.001+03:00

Snagged from my buddy Hisham

2008-05-01T01:36:00.000+03:00

Hisham: Life Thinking

Expat Focus: What's that funny little pipe hanging in the toilet?

2008-04-27T00:51:00.007+03:00

At first Egyptian toilets might take some getting used to. If they're clean, consider yourself blessed. Most toilets in private homes and hotels are, but more public toilets tend to be, well, rather disgusting. It's a good idea to carry disinfectant wipes wherever you go--not to wipe yourself but rather the toilet seat. Also the fact that Egyptian toilets are not as full of water as American toilets are is a strange thing. Where our toilet bowls are at least half full, Egyptian bowls are less than a 1/5 full of water. They usually provide a powerful flush though so it's all good.

However, as an expat you will encounter something strange for sure. And that is a thin copper pipe which winds itself from the water connection, under the toilet seat, dipping down into the bowl and rising up again. Caution...DO NOT TURN WATER ON BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN!!! You don't want a "toilet shower". Most of us have gotten them at least once (some are slower learners), so forewarned is forearmed. This pipe is for cleaning yourself after you use the toilet. Cleanliness is a strict Islamic custom and so washing with water is a must afterwards. Just reach around to where the handle is and turn the water on gently. And I DO mean gently, otherwise you will give yourself the unpleasant experience of an accidental enema. That skinny little baby packs a mean punch, believe me. You might have to maneuver yourself around the seat a bit, depending on whether you want to clean front or back, but in any case, it's a refreshing experience.

And one last word of caution, be sure to turn water off before you stand up. Happy toileting!

Possibly MIA, definitely crazy!

2008-04-23T20:59:00.005+02:00

Hi All! The days are quickly winding down to DD--Departure Day. Almost 2 weeks and then I am outta here, INSHA ALLAH!!! I will post as I can, but my life has now become a frantic whirlwind of activity. And nerves. If you hearken back to one of my earlier posts, I advised one should have on hand an ample supply of tranquilizers when attempting an international move. Thank Allah, I do. I wouldn't make it without them. I am so freakin' nervous I have vertigo all the time now. Which might be kinda fun if I could just sit and let the feeling pass. Kinda like what I get when riding a roller coaster. Buy alas and alack, I have no time to sit. But this too shall pass. Soon I will be relaxing in sunny Port Said, insha Allah. Below, for your viewing enjoyment. Me now...then me in Port Said. One frantic pic...one me not giving a hoot! Until next time...

Now where did I put the new deodorant and shower gel???

Who needs deodorant???

An Egyptian Tale

2008-04-19T10:04:00.004+02:00

An Egyptian and an American are seated next to each other on a flight from New York.

The American asks if he would like to play a fun-game.

The Egyptian, tired, just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks.

The American persists and explains that the game is easy and a lot of fun.

He says, "I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you
pay me $5, and vice versa."

Again, the Egyptian declines and tries to get some sleep.

The American, now worked up, says, "Okay, if you don't know the answer,
you pay me $5, and if I don't know the answer, I'll pay you $500."

This gets the guy's attention and, figuring there will be no end to this
torment, agrees to the game.

The American asks the first question, "What's the distance from the
earth to the moon?"

The Egyptian doesn't say a word, reaches into his wallet, pulls out a $5
bill, and hands it to the American.

"Okay," says the American, "your turn."

So the Egyptian asks, "What goes up a hill with three legs and comes
down with four?"

The American thinks about it. No answer.

Puzzled, he takes out his laptop computer and searches all his
references. No answer!

He taps into the air-phone with his modem and searches the Internet and
the Library of Congress. No answer.

Frustrated, he sends e-mails to all his friends and coworkers. Checks
the input.

All to no avail! Finally, a long time later, he wakes the Egyptian and
hands him $500.

The Egyptian thanks him and turns back to get his sleep.

The American, more than a little miffed, stirs the Egyptian and asks,
"Well, what's the answer?"

Without a word, the Egyptian reaches into his wallet, hands the American
$5,and goes back to sleep!

Expat Focus: Packing Tips for the Airplane Ride

2008-04-15T08:46:00.006+02:00

Maybe the whole world already knows this but I just discovered it and so want to share! Most airlines now limit luggage to suitcases of 60 linear inches and 50 pounds of stuff. And most suitcases weigh at least 5 pounds--the cheaper ones that is--and the more expensive ones a lot more. So I decided to use boxes--and coincidentally U-Haul sells very large boxes that are exactly 60 linear inches! Yippee! And I don't think they weigh even two pounds but are very sturdy--enough to easily handle 50 pounds of gar-bajj! So I am buying 10--4 of them for the free luggage for Mom and me, and 6 extra which I hope and PRAY will fit all the other junk I must take! Its gonna be a stretch, but I sure will try.

And another thing I learned...instead of buying pricey "Spacebags", just line the boxes with large garbage can liners, stuff and stuff, and when you cant stuff anymore, insert a vacuum cleaner hose into the liner and gather the edges around the hose and let her rip! The suction takes out all the air--which takes up space--and you can keep stuffing then to your 50 pound limit!!! If your junk goes over the top once you hit 50 pounds, suck out the air again, tie up the trash bag and seal! Voila! Just thought you might like to know! ;-)))

WooHooooooooooooooo!!!

2008-04-12T05:43:00.001+02:00

ALHAMDULILAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Are you sitting down??? Thanks to a plan worked out with my daughter, I have booked our tickets to Egypt!!!!! Really I am so happy and so thankful to Allah, and to my daughter for helping me out. We leave during the first week of May, insha Allah! I cant believe we have finally passed this step. It's been a long road, but everything in Allah's time right? I have less than a month to prepare. Not much to do I suppose--the move to this place was the big hurdle and now it's basically a matter of repacking what I am taking. Also have to get the crates and health certificates for the animals, and buy a very few things we need and we're off, insha Allah. Just wanted to finally share the good news. Alhamdulilah, subhannak Ya Raab. (All praise is do to Allah, glory be to you Oh Lord!)

Expat Focus: Animals and Activism in Egypt...Part 1

2008-04-09T05:58:00.009+02:00

Well, since this is supposed to (soon) be an expat blog and I am plugging it as such, I guess it's time to give another personal rave/rant on something about Egypt. In light of Kenya's recent death, I decided to discuss the "animal situation" there.

First of all let me say that the treatment of animals in Egypt takes some getting used to. Maybe if I had been raised on a farm I might have a different perspective. But being a city girl who never quite associated a NY strip steak with a cow, I was woefully naive on this subject. Now I'm not really going to talk about the conditions of cows and chickens, etc--those animals that are raised for food or milk, Because I think they are probably the best treated of all Egypt's animals, but I do wish to discuss "pets" and working animals.

There are now probably more animals being kept as pets there than ever before, especially among the richer folks. If food prices keep going up though we may find a lot of abandoned dogs--just what Egypt needs--but I surely hope not! But currently a lot more people are keeping dogs, which is strange because dogs are basically considered nijas (unclean) in some schools of thought in Islam. I don't happen to believe that, and in this subject I follow the rulings of an ancient scholar called Imam Malik, but the majority of Egyptians don't want to be around a dog, don't want to be touched by one--most are even scared of them. Of course the fact that their are packs of wild dogs running lose doesn't help to ease their minds. Those dogs are basically wild, tired and hungry. And as such could be dangerous, although I've been around some myself and they were quite calm actually. Maybe it depends on the vibe you give off. But I think the so-called "higher class" tendency to keep dogs is just an attempt to appear more modern, liberal and western. It's a silly status kind of thing.

Sadly, many wild dogs are murdered by the government. I say "murdered" because their intentional killing via poison or gunfire (1 bullet + 1 animal = a slow and agonizing end) seems to me an outright act of unnecessary death.

Cats are a different story. Definitely more people keeps cats over dogs, but even so, people owning pets period is just not a common occurrence. When you struggle to feed your kids--and many people do--pets are the last thing on your mind. They are entirely permissible in the religion, and in fact of revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad was nicknamed Abu Hurayrah, which means "father of the cats" because of his love for them. Mixed breed cats are basically street cats, and purebreds like Siamese and Himalayan are bred and fetch a pretty price from those who can afford them. The feral cat population is out of control over there--at least to my western eyes. Cats are everywhere. Though wild, they usually don't harm anybody if you leave them alone, and there's no doubt they do their part in keeping the vermin population under control. And like feral cats everywhere unfortunately, many of them are sickly and most die too young from either disease or a violent accident. Some even, I am sorry to say, are beaten or stoned to death. Yes, you find those sickos everywhere, which again is such a shame as Islam enjoins upon us love for all of God's creatures. Pork is haram (forbidden) to eat and also considered nijas but that doesn't mean we are allowed to abuse a pig. Our religion is one of mercy. I am happy to say though that on my last trip in 2006 I found so many cats being fed in the souks (open air markets) and alleys. Apparently people were feeding them, laying out falafal ;-) or fish heads or bones with actual meat on them--that was a surprise. And the cats were looking a tad healthier than I'd ever seen them before. Maybe with the upsurge in the study of the religion, the Egyptians are also better understanding their obligations to our furry friends! And other than parakeets and love birds which some people keep on their balconies, or pigeons kept for sport, pets just aren't a big deal in Egypt.

I think the expat community tends to take care of these strays as much as they can. I've seen foreigners allowing animals to eat out of their hands. Many are saddened by the conditions of domesticated animals over there and do their best to defend and protect them, while at the same time trying to educate their Egyptian neighbors in regards to animal care and compassion. I am thrilled that there are now shelters and rescues such as SPARE in Giza, Animal Haven in Maadi, and the Egyptian Society of Animal Friends in Maadi to name just a few. They were founded by caring Egyptian and expat animal lovers who are striving against high odds to save lives. May Allah bless them.

Insha Allah, one day soon, Kenya's Haven will join them in Port Said!!! Stay tuned for Part 2 on working animals in Egypt.

When your world spins out of control...Part 2

2008-04-06T20:16:00.003+02:00

So I started to mention something about misunderstandings with loved ones. Which I seem to be having more of these days. There are two relationships in particular that seem to be affected. One is a lifelong relationship--solid, but prone at times to volcanic blow-ups that are due to each person having different expectations from the other. Aren't so many misunderstandings caused by that? We all expect different things out of a relationship, and when we don't get it, there's a war. Particularly if both have fairly volatile personalities, as each of us do, but strangely enough, only with each other. I guess that's just our personal chemistry and thank God it doesn't happen often. When it does though, it's a humdinger!

The sad part of this current problem between myself and another is it could be solved so very simply by applying Islamic rules of how to treat certain people in your lives--meaning extending Islamic rights--significant rights--to those who are ordered to be given them. Worse, the one I am at odds with is not the root cause. The real problem is this person's spouse--a self-styled "sheikh" who seems to take no joy in life unless he sees/causes others suffering. Knowing that he wields power over his spouse, who in turn is forced to wield it over me, is a recipe for disaster. I'm not the kind to take guff from anyone, especially unIslamic behavior cloaked as an Islamic directive. In short, don't try to tell me something is haram when I know it is halal, optional when I know it is fard, or halal when I know it is haram. Don't pick and choose what part of the religion you want to follow, particularly when it deals with family and silat-al-raham...the ties of the womb--or the breaking thereof. This is a huge sin in Islam, particularly when it involves a mother's rights over her children.

It's amusing really, because I consider myself to blame for this debacle. Having always taught my children that wives should obey their husbands, they somehow didn't get the memo specifying..."in things not contradicting the religion". I sent it, that memo--I know I did. How was it not received??? And how, each time I try to correct it, I am told..."Well, that's not what you taught me!!!" Hmmmm. I guess you must have been absent that day. But you're getting the message now, so why not implement it? Because Sheikh-al-Islam does not agree with anything that might take him away from his prayers and fasting. Yes, he understands the letter of some laws, but not the spirit of most. It's a pity.

I may never see my daughter again in life. Anything can happen between now and the end of my life. If I live long enough to step on that plane, and we land safely in Cairo, who knows how long either of us has to live after that? Anything could happen. And a 24 hour (at minimum) plane ride is a lot more precarious that a 5 hour drive up the turnpike. Either of us could be gone before we get to say our final goodbyes. Yet I feel I am being sold down the river for a simple misunderstanding, easily remedied by following the commands of Allah.

Maybe it's just that feeling of immortality in youth, and the awareness of mortality in those in middle age. And the fact that due to the "sheikh" we cant seem to meet in the middle. In any case, it is what it is, and I cant force a solution. I can only pray for guidance for all.

Then there's the situation of another relationship I am dealing with. One that is fairly new and as such, a bit fragile. I can say, alhamdulilah, mostly we have seen incredibly good things in each other. But every now and again, a misunderstanding (there's that word again) pops up and it is hard to deal effectively with it long distance. And this takes sooooo much patience. You cant help but have the feeling if you could just sit together over a cup of coffee and discuss to your hearts content, everything would be fine. Perhaps even laughable. But as things are, there's so much uncertainty--and despite repeated assurances that "all is well" and "we will discuss when we meet", one cant help succumbing to feelings of impending doom. Is anyone keeping score? Is anyone getting to the point where they wonder if it is worth it, is anyone thinking seriously to bail? I'm not, but is he? He insists no--but the way things have been going in my life, with the delays and tragedies--I wonder how much one man can take?

The crazy part of both these situations is that I am quite sure, by the power and mercy of Allah, everything will be fine when I get to Egypt. It always is. Life in Egypt is so much simpler than life here. There is so much less stress on me there, I feel my life is a walk in the park. Can every body just cooperate until I leave? Cant we all just get along??? (Sorry I couldn't resist!)

On a final note, Mom is in the hospital. Has been for 3 days now. What I first saw as an "oh NO what next???" moment, is really a blessing in disguise. It seems her MD has been over medicating her with 4 FOUR blood pressure medicines, and a few days ago it caused her to faint. I think what made it so bad was that it sure didn't look like a faint, it looked like the life going out of her before my eyes. What began with her staring off into space and unable to talk, ended with her unconscious and totally non-responsive--the medics couldn't even get a pulse, and her turning every shade of blue. All that in a matter of minutes. In the end, she came around, went to the hospital, where they are checking her from stem to stern to make sure there is nothing major wrong, but they are fairly certain she was just on too many BP meds. I see Allah's wisdom in this alhamdulilah. It's good this crisis happened here and not there, especially before I had a chance to find a good doctor capable of treating her particular issues. Now I am assuming, insha Allah, she will leave here fit as a fiddle and ready to enjoy her new life in Egypt.

So sometimes a simple move--or even one a bit more complicated on like ours--comes with issues beyond just the packing and reservations and such. We are all still people being people, dealing with each other on many levels--sometimes nicely--sometimes not so nicely, but in the end, choosing to live abroad is just decision and preparation. And while we're in the middle of all that craziness--and as if that were not enough, life continues to happen.

And as I found out while writing part 1 of this saga, life is a test. And Allah is in charge. I guess I don't need to know anymore than that.

Snagged this from TABARAKALLAH!

2008-04-06T09:50:00.000+02:00

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated

You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys

Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.

And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Egypt Protest against Oppression & Corruption...Peaceful Strike, Sunday April 6, 2008

2008-04-06T08:28:00.000+02:00

No Work
No University
No School
No Selling

We need Just Judiciary
We need Enough Salaries
We need Work
We need Education for our Children
We need Appropriate Transportations
We need Hospitals
We need Medicines for our Children
We need Freedom and Dignity

No Thug Policemen
No Cases Fabrication
No Price Hikes
No Patronage
No Torture in Police Stations
No Protection Money
No Corruption
No Bribes
No Detentions

Tell your friends and family to also start work strike by tomorrow APRIL 6.
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information backs the Egyptians right to strike.

Take 5 minutes to read and BE SAFE!!!

2008-04-05T08:16:00.005+02:00

Good advice no matter where you live!

Because of recent abductions

in daylight hours, refresh yourself

with these things to do

in an emergency situation...

This is for you,

and for you to share

with women,

children,

everyone you know.

After reading these 9 crucial tips ,

forward them to someone you care about.

It never hurts to be careful

in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:

The elbow is the strongest point

on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned from a tourist guide in New Orleans:

If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,

DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM!

Toss it away from you....

because chances are that he is more interested

in your wallet and/or purse than you,

and he will go for the wallet/purse.

RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car,

kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole

and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you,

but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars

after shopping, eating, working, etc, and just sit

doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.

DON'T DO THIS!

The predator will be watching you, and this

is the perfect opportunity for him to get in

on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,

and tell you where to go.

AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR

CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car with a gun

to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead gun the engine and speed into anything,

wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you.

If the person is in the back seat

they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes,

bail out and run. It is better than having them

find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car

in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware:

look around you, look into your car,

at the passenger side floor ,

and in the back seat.

B.) If you are parked next to a big van,

enter your car from the passenger door.

Most serial killers attack their victims

by pulling them into their vans while the women

are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle,

and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone

in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back

into the mall, or work, and get a

guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

(And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.

(Stairwells are horrible places to be alone

and the perfect crime spot.

This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun

and you are not under his control,

ALWAYS RUN!

The predator will only hit you (a running target)

4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely

WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN! Preferably in a zigzag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic.

STOP!!! It may get you raped, or killed.

Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking,

well educated man who ALWAYS played

on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.

He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often

asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle,

which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:

Someone just told me that her friend heard

a crying baby on her porch the night before last,

and she called the police because it was late

and she thought it was weird. The police told her

'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door!'

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby

had crawled near a window, and she was worried

that it would crawl to the street and get run over.

The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way,

so whatever you do, 'DO NOT open the door.'

He told her that they think a serial killer

has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax

women out of their homes, thinking that someone

dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it,

but have had several calls by women saying that

they hear baby's cries outside their doors

when they're home alone at night.

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door

for a crying baby!

This information should probably be taken seriously

because the 'Crying Baby' theory was mentioned on

America's Most Wanted when they profiled a

serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know.

It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.

I was going to post this for ladies only,

but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc,

you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send this to any woman you know that may need

to be reminded the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it

and it's better to be safe than sorry..

Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this.

It may save your life

or a loved one's someday!

On a lighter note, can you imagine I was actually pinched in the derriere on "D'Lesseps" in Port Said??? Old enough to be a grandmother (but I'm not-hehe) with a posterior as wide as...well never mind! I am starting to believe Egyptian men really do like a little "junk in the trunk"!

When your world spins out of control...Part 1

2008-04-05T04:38:00.001+02:00

Forgive me, but I need to "talk". Not to anyone in particular, and I don't even really know what I want to say, I just feel the need to vent.

I started this blog nearly a year ago. I didn't post much, as I had another blog--well 3 blogs actually--under a different name, that were more relevant to my situation then. But keeping in mind that my ultimate goal since my last trip to Egypt in November-December 2006 was going back permanently, I started this one. Kind of gave me hope for the day when I would actually be there, and be blogging as a true expat. There's so much to love about Egypt--and so many funny stories to tell--that this blog was kind of like a candle burning in the window...something I could turn to when I needed to focus on my way home. As the days drew nearer to my departure date, I put more effort into this one, and closed 2 of the other 3. It took time and effort but finally I not only had a plan but a schedule as well. Booked the estate sale, figured out my budget, found a buyer for my car thinking I would have the title by then...just made so many plans! But as Allah says in the Holy Qu'ran, He is the best of planners. For whatever reason, so many factors have prevented me from booking my tickets. Totally unexpected expenses, completely out of left field, not the least of which is the money I just spent on my beloved dogs. Subhannah Allah. As of right now, I still have some hope for booking soon, but again, it is in Allah's hands. I tie my camel, but must trust Allah.

On another note, there seem to be so many serious misunderstandings with my loved ones these days. I blame myself. I figure it must be all the stress I am under trying to get to Egypt. In short, I am a nervous wreck. I know my dear friends have commented that everything will happen in Allah's time. I am not supposed to be there yet. True enough. But as much as I beg Allah each day to give me patience and a clear mind, I seem to be failing at that as well. And so, miscommunication with those I love deeply abound. I seem to have a serious problem expressing myself in a way that doesn't do more harm than good. And I have no idea why. Which reminds me of that crazy fall I took--I wonder if my brain really was affected by that???

I'm not writing this to complain. I'm writing to try and make sense of it all. Like today...I took Alexa out for a walk and remembering Kenya, started to cry and couldn't stop. I asked Allah "WHY?" Not because I doubt His wisdom or am angry with Him. God forbid! It's not that kind of "why". It's the "why" you ask when you desperately want to understand something. I'm not questioning the qadr of Allah, but wishing so desperately to make sense of it all. Because I think only by understanding the whys of it all can I remain sane. There has to be a reason right? Why cant I find the answers? And because nothing is making sense to me these days, because I have no answers, I feel my world is spinning out of control. And even then, I ask why.

And then tonight, while looking for another verse of Quran I wanted to include in this post, I found this...“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.” [Al Qur’an 2 :155]

And in the time it has taken me to write this post, I feel my world being reeled back in. The answer to "why" is just that...all of this is a test!!! It addresses every thing I have experienced of late...fear, hunger, loss in goods (or the value thereof), loss of life, and my labor.

And then I remembered this verse..."Do people think that they will be left alone merely saying, ‘We believe!’ and not be tested?" [Al Qur’an 29 :2] And so I looked up the verse in order to cite it correctly and give the chapter and verse number and found it here. I urge you to read this profound discourse by Imam Zaid Shakir. The whole of it is amazing and comforting, and may Allah reward him for this work because surely the truths he tells are a comfort and a guidance to whomever reads them.

So between the time I started writing this post and it's end, I have come to understand "WHY?" And feel the peace of understanding, and ultimately, acceptance.

As much as I started this blog in preparation for going to Egypt, I feel Allah is preparing me as well. Only He knows what I will face there. Is He testing me to be strong for the days and years ahead? Only time will tell. But my life here in USA and getting ready to leave is as much a part of the expat experience as actually being there. Stay tuned as the test continues...

The Rainbow Bridge

2008-04-04T01:20:00.004+02:00

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown

Allah says in the Holy Qu'ran... All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book. To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. [6:38]

Among His proofs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the creatures He spreads in them. He is able to summon them, when He wills. [42:29]

SEE YOU AGAIN KENYA GIRL, INSHA ALLAH!

Rest in Peace, Kenya Girl

2008-04-03T04:22:00.005+02:00

I got a call from the police late this afternoon. They found my dogs. I am very sad to say that Kenya is dead. She was hit by a car and crawled under a tree. Alexa stayed with her and guarded her. When the police went to them, Alexa would not let them near Kenya. She protected Kenya in life and death. She was loyal to her companion. Only when I got there, would Alexa move away from Kenya's body, and let me touch Kenya. I had taken Kenya's blanket with me...the police did not tell me she was dead when they called me--only that she was injured. So I took her blanket expecting to take her to the animal hospital for treatment. Instead, I wrapped her body in the blanket and the police put her in my car. I took her and Alexa to the animal hospital. Alexa had a check-up and Kenya will be buried. Alexa has infections in her feet. Of course she is not used to walking among the trees and cement for a long period of time. So she will take antibiotics for 14 days.

This has been a very very sad day for me. I spent a long time with Kenya at the hospital. I talked to her and held her in my arms and kissed her goodbye. Alexa also said goodbye to her. Subhannah Allah, I cant tell you how I feel. I never expected anything like this to happen. And the person who hit her with his car did not stop or report it or anything. Just drove away and didn't care at all. Hasboon Allah wa nam al wakeel.

Please pray for me. I know it might sound silly, but my heart is broken. And please forgive me if I don't answer comments for awhile. I'm not up to anything right now. Thanks for understanding.

I cant say much because...

2008-04-02T05:03:00.006+02:00

everyday it gets harder without my dogs. Am in touch with every police department, animal control, shelters, etc in the surrounding areas. I go out searching at least 4 times a day. We live near a lot of woods. Deep woods. I am not sure they will ever find their way back home. Only Allah will bring them back to me, if He wills. My sister in Islam who writes On the Edge of Something sent me this in an email today. Amazing, because I don't even think she heard about me losing my dogs yet. In any case, it wouldn't be heaven without my girls!

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."

The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the man. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," he answered.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind."

And it continues...

2008-04-01T05:18:00.005+02:00

I really cant say more than this right now. Last night, on the last trip to move into the smaller place, while helping my mom out of the car, my dogs escaped. They mean the world to me. Kenya was scheduled to go to my son and dil in CA as soon as it was warm enough to fly, because even though I have kept her for years, she really belongs to my dil. Alexa however has been mine for over 6 years and has been a fierce protector to mom and me. She was--insha Allah IS--going to Egypt with us. I have been out looking for them half the night and all day. The police told me they had been spotted, so far away from both the old and the new house. I am having a very difficult time dealing with this, so du'ahs and prayers are appreciated. Will write more on this subject later. Here are their pics. Alexa is a shepherd/Norwegian Elk hound/Akita mix. Kenya is the pit bull. I ask Allah to protect them and bring them home safe...ameen.

When bad things happen...

2008-03-30T06:41:00.006+02:00

So much has been going wrong in my life, it finally made me stop and seriously examine my situation. I guess I should preface that remark by saying, without doubt, I trust Allah and everything He wills for me. In good times or in bad, I know Allah is in charge and nothing happens with out His decree. But these days, I had to stop and ask...is this a punishment or a test?

Let me just give a quick update to bring all up to speed and allow a look into why I would ask that question above.

Although heavily advertised, I have sold nothing since my second estate sale. I have even offered it in bulk, finally, for the ridiculous price of $750. The appliances alone I want to sell are worth more than that. In fact even at a fair price for "used" goods, I probably have close to $4000 worth of stuff here I cant seem to get rid of.

And I still have not been able to get the title to my car so I can sell it, but I did finally get a phone number for the DEA agent in charge of the case. No matter what, leaving for Egypt in April is now out of the question. I simply can not afford it. It will be a stretch to accomplish it in May, but I am trusting Allah while I tie my camel. I love that hadith. I sure have been tying a lot of camels lately. I hope I am trusting Allah as well.

I did donate lots of Islamic items to the masjid, and have boxes sitting in my front hall that were ready to go to the Islamic school, pending pick-up. I say "were" because they are now sitting in a pool of water! My landlord came and tried to fix the main drain in the basement, but seems to have made it worse. I now have more water than before backing up into the basement--whatever I hoped to sell down there is now probably ruined. I don't even want to go down and look. No toilets work now--thank Allah we are moving out to a small apartment tomorrow. It was bad enough we had to go to the new place to shower and do laundry, now we cant even use the "facilities". How much more fun could it get? So the school donations are wet because the toilet upstairs is dripping water all over the bathroom floor and it's leaking through the ceiling--alhamdulilah it is clean water!

Yesterday I set out to do laundry and Mom and I were going to shower at the new place first. I had a couple of bags to carry, but managed them, my purse and Mom in one trip from the car to the bottom of the steps up to the front door. I told Mom to stay put, because she has to hold on to me to walk, so I could put the bags inside the front door. I walked up about 6 concrete steps, opened the door, and don't remember anything after that. Apparently my foot slipped off the stoop, and I somehow lost my balance. I fell backwards down the steps, somehow I think I must have done a somersault, and ended up on my front. I am cut, bruised and battered from my eyes down to my ankles. I wont even go into the details except to say I am in loads of pain. Alhamdulilah...alhamdulilah for everything.

I was supposed to finish the packing between yesterday and today but I have not. In fact after I got Mom and myself in the apartment yesterday--which was no easy task after the fall, I just went to sleep. And didn't wake up for 12 hours. The pain really set in today, and I have managed to function only by the grace of Allah and ibuprofen. Tomorrow I will have some help, so I guess it will just get done before we pick up the truck--scheduled for 3 PM. I am doing the very best I can do.

But upon careful consideration of all the above--and plenty of other things I am not revealing, I seriously got scared. I know I commit sins. We all do of course, but I am thinking only about my sins. Is all this a punishment? Or is it just a test. The more I thought, the more scared I got. If Allah is punishing me, maybe there's more to come. Things can always get worse. I never tempt fate and say it couldn't get any worse. Things can always get worse. Never test Allah!

Or, is this a test? Nothing good comes easy. I am so very sure that moving to Egypt is the best thing for my mom and me. So maybe this is a test--to see how committed I am to seeing this through? In any case, I'm scared. I cant help feeling Allah is not satisfied with me...perhaps He is downright angry. And so to try and understand all that is happening to me, I went to Sheikh Google (smile) and typed in the phrase "Muslims problems test or punishment". And here I found a beautiful answer. I will paste some of it here. Meantime, remember me in your du'ahs please. Inna maa al usry, yusra...with hardship comes ease.

1. Sufferings occur to teach us that we must adhere to Allah’s natural and moral laws.

2. Sufferings are sometimes to punish those who violate Allah’s natural or moral laws.

3. Suffering of the righteous people also become a healing and liberation for others. Those who patiently bear their pain and suffering are also promised great blessings from Allah.

4. Sufferings of some people are a test for other people’s commitment to human values and charity. Whenever we encounter suffering we should ask ourselves, “Have we broken any law of Allah?” Let us study the cause of the problem and use the corrective methods. “Could it be a punishment?” Let us repent and ask forgiveness and reform our ways. “Could it be a test and trial for us?” Let us work hard to pass this test with patience if we are suffering; or with charity and kindness if we see others are in difficulty. Believers face the sufferings with prayers, repentance and good deeds. The non-believers face the sufferings with doubts and confusions. They blame Allah or make arguments against Him. May Allah keep us on the right path.

Tag...I'm IT!!!

2008-03-28T01:07:00.004+02:00

I was tagged by Arima so here goes!

1) Include a link to the person who tagged you.

2) Answer this question: "What is the purpose of your blog" (yes in bold-italics)

3) Tag 5 of people you know.

I actually have 2 blogs. I started Amreekia Min Bab Al Sharayah a lonnnng time ago, thinking I would be in Egypt before now. I basically wanted to detail the (mis)adventures of an American-Muslim expat in a land I love more than life itself. I wanted my readers to see Egypt through my eyes, a woman who feels more at home there than in the land of her birth. I also wanted to joke around about the "balady" (see my glossary in the sidebar) factor in Egypt, something I get a huge kick out of and revere as local color. I also wanted my friends and family stateside to be able to read my updates and keep in touch. A secondary reason is to help any other expats with their transitions in making Egypt their home. There's lots to love about Egypt and I just want to share it with the world.

My second blog was started more recently, called Islam is the Solution. I really wanted to do an Islamic blog for a long time, based on my devotion to the teachings of the Muslim Brotherhood. I think it is an ever-growing worldwide movement for reform based on the timely and easily applied principles outlined by Imam Shaheed Hassan Al Banna. Easily applied, but not so easily received, as is evidenced by the arrest and torture of its members. They have to be doing something right to be so persecuted! They are a threat to the status quo and corruption everywhere. Most importantly they are moderate and open-minded. I guess this blog was just my way of saying thank you for all the knowledge I have gained from them, and for their supreme sacrifices in the way of Allah.

Now, I tag:

1. Cairogal

2. on the edge of something

3. egianqueen

4. Bugswingz (private)

5. Layla (private)

My Egyptian family

2008-03-27T06:00:00.002+02:00

Allow me to introduce my Egyptian family. The people I will be living with in Port Said. Those whom I have known--and loved--for almost 20 years. More importantly, those who loved me and my kids, unconditionally, seeking no gain other than the pleasure of Allah. The ones, without whom I never would have survived my first visit to Egypt, yet alone living there for years. Mama and Baba are actually a few years younger than I, but since it's basically their country and not mine--I often feel like the errant little kid whose foreign escapades lead to near disaster sometimes, so I take guidance from them. And in return, I always seem to give them something to laugh about.

Baba "H" is originally from the other side of the country--a village outside Alexandria called Kufr al Duwar. I just found this out recently because my daughter's husband is also from that area, and so coincidentally is another very sweet man I know. What is this strange connection I seem to have with Kufr al Duwar all of a sudden??? How Baba H ended up in Port Said I am not sure, but I do know--like his father before him, he works for Al-Haya, the Suez Canal Authority.

Mama "E" is a school teacher, born and raised in Port Fouad, specializing in the Arabic language. I actually met her before Baba H, as she was chosen to be our Arabic teacher on our first visit in 1991. We spent the whole summer learning Arabic, with formal lessons 2 hours a day 6 days a week, but actually learned much more just hanging out with her and her family, which at that time included only 2 of her 4 daughters--and they were so little then. Taking walks, trips to the beach, and shared dinners helped us learn more than we ever could have from the books.

Daughter #1, "M" is now 20 and in her second year of college in Zagazig. "H" is #2, 18 and in her first year of college in Port Said. #3 is "A", now 12 and one of the top students in Port Said--born into my hands (as I assisted the doctor who delivered her--long story) when I lived there in 1994. "L" is #4, now 5 years old--and was a "surprise". As most children not planned--or expected--she is a real character who makes us all wonder how we could ever have lived without her.

To say the girls are beautiful is an understatement. Masha Allahhhhhhhhhh, I don't think I have ever seen 4 more beautiful girls in my life. The oldest 3 wear the hijab, pray, fast, study the religion and are the sweetest girls I've ever met. The "baby" L, sometimes wears hijab for fun and prays in her own speedy way. She loves to fast, a few hours into it breaks for a snack, then resumes fasting. She's learning. Like we all had to. But I am in love with--and as proud of these 4 girls, as if they were my own. In fact, I am blessed to say they call me Mama "I". I consider it an honor.

Being with them is always like going home. They couldn't be my real family if they were from my own blood. It always reminds me of the Prophet's (saw) statement that your family is from the religion, not blood. It's true, those who love each other for the sake of Allah forge bonds far stronger than those of obligatory family ties. When loving each other is an option, it makes it all the more sweet.

Our days together have usually been blessed with laughter, although there have been a few tears along the way, especially when it's been time to say goodbye. We've made thousands of lovely memories over the years. As I wandered through Port Fouad on my last visit a little more than a year ago, there was hardly a street or a shop that didn't call to mind a fond remembrance of something we had done together in that particular place. There are so many stories to tell, which I hope to share over the course of writing this blog. With pictures too! Truly I am blessed to have such people in my life. Stay tuned for much more to come. Insha Allah.

A day late and a dollar short...

2008-03-27T04:16:00.002+02:00

the truth comes out! Allah yarhumu!

US says 1 dead in Suez Canal shooting

By PAUL SCHEMM, Associated Press Writer
Wed Mar 26, 9:31 AM ET

CAIRO - The U.S. Navy expressed regret Wednesday that an Egyptian citizen was killed when a navy-contracted ship fired warning shots at approaching motor boats in the Suez Canal.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident late Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and the U.S. Navy maintained that according to the security team aboard the vessel there were no casualties.

But on Wednesday, an embassy statement said it "appears that an Egyptian in the boat was killed by one of the warning shots."

Mohammed Fouad was buried Tuesday amid expressions of anger against the Egyptian government and the U.S. by family members.

"We express our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased," Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet said in a statement. "We are greatly saddened by events that apparently resulted in this accidental death. This situation is tragic, and we will do our utmost to help take care of the family of the deceased."

Cosgriff added that the investigation was continuing to determine exactly what happened.

"We're concerned about doing the right thing and helping to take care of the family," 5th Fleet spokeswoman Cmdr Lydia Robertson told The Associated Press.

The Navy has been leery of small boats getting near its warships since al-Qaida suicide attackers rammed an explosives-packed motorboat into the USS Cole off Yemen, killing 17 sailors in 2000. Cmdr. Lydia Robertson, spokeswoman for the Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet, said cargo ships sailing under contract to the Navy follow the same rules of engagement as American warships in dealing with approaching boats.

The Global Patriot, a civilian ship under short-term contract to the Navy, was approached by small motor boats that often conduct informal commerce with canal shipping.

"The boats were hailed and warned by a native Arabic speaker using a bullhorn to warn them to turn away. A warning flare was then fired," the embassy said Tuesday. "One small boat continued to approach the ship and received two sets of warning shots 20-30 yards in front of the bow." Blah, blah, blah.

I'm sure the dead man...

2008-03-25T18:21:00.003+02:00

...will be glad to know America says he's not dead! Allah yarhumu!

From CNN:

U.S. ship fires warning shots at boat in Suez Canal

updated 2 hours, 18 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. military security team on a cargo ship transiting the Suez Canal Monday fired warning shots at a small Egyptian boat when it got too close, U.S. officials said.

A small boat comes close to a ship transiting the Suez Canal in this 2007 file photo.

Initial reports from the cargo ship indicate no Egyptians were hurt or killed, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. The Associated Press, however, citing Egyptian sources, reported one person was killed.

The incident involved the M/V Global Patriot, a contractor cargo ship, which was operating on behalf of the Military Sealift Command. An armed military security team was on board for the canal transit.

Three small Egyptian boats approached the ship, a senior U.S. military official told CNN. The contractor ship made radio calls and fired flares to warn the small boats away, he said, and two of the three veered off.

The third boat, however, kept moving toward the contractor ship, the official said. The security team fired six warning shots with small caliber weapons, hitting the water in front of the small boat, he said, which then veered off.

The Global Patriot reported no injuries on any of the vessels involved, according to the embassy statement.

But an Egyptian security official told The AP that after the warning shots, further gunfire killed one man in the small boat and wounded three others.

Abbas al-Amrikani, the head of the Suez seaman's union, told AP the dead man was Mohammed Fouad, a 27-year-old father of three.

"We are praying over his the body right now," al-Amrikani told the AP by telephone. Prayers could be heard in the background as he spoke, AP reported.

"The bullet entered his heart and went out the other side," AP quoted al-Amrikani as saying.

The Egyptian security official, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity, said merchants often use small boats to try to sell cigarettes and other items to ships transiting the Suez Canal.

The merchants know not approach military vessels, he told AP, but the fact that the Global Patriot was a civilian vessel may have led to confusion.

Cmdr. Lydia Robertson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, stressed that U.S. troops are trained to fire warning shots if ships get too close, but they use the minimum amount of fire possible.

"It's worth emphasizing that we have our teams well-trained to exercise disciplined restraint to minimize impact, to take graduated steps to keep any incidents from happening," Robertson told CNN.

She said the Navy is cooperating with Egyptian authorities through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

CNN's Barbara Starr contributed to this report.

Let's Talk About STRESS Ba-byyyyy!!!

2008-03-23T17:50:00.002+02:00

I've had that darn song in my mind since Arima wrote this post! Trust me...that's the furthest thing from my mind right now. I am so stressed I don't know whether to scratch my watch or wind my butt! But I am singing it anyway, substituting one "s" word for another. Seems to help me make light of an ever darkening situation.

OK, so we got to the point where I was finally ready for the "cleanout" lady. The one who came to my estate sale, bought a great TV at a bargain-basement price, and then told me she was in the cleanout business. Was willing to offer me a price for everything once I was done with the sales. So I finally got everything separated as I posted in my last update. Time to tell her she can come now. And so I called her. She was supposed to be here yesterday at 1 PM. She never showed. To top it off she wouldn't answer her #$%&* cell phone either. I am ticked. Because I cant stand games. If you're serious OK--if you want to waste my time--something I have precious little of--how about ya just buzz off, OK???

I searched the internet and couldn't find any other cleanout people who would pay me for my stuff. They want me to pay them for hauling away great stuff they will just turn around and resell at flea markets or their own garage sales. I don't thinnnnnk so! I'm naive but not that naive! So I put another ad on craigslist hoping to just sell everything in one fell swoop. At a negotiable (read "desperate) price. Ya Raab, I pull this off!

Next comes the chat I had this morning with my best friend already living in Egypt. She tells me airfare rates are to due to be raised shortly--you know they go up and down seasonally--and all of a sudden it dawned on me--oh hell--it's near the end of March and rates usually change the first of April. Thanks D for the info--the vertigo is already starting to set in again!

So I get off chat with her and race to the NWA/KLM website and see I can still book tickets for April--even May at a great "promo" rate, insha Allah. But I still wont have enough cash to book until April 1st. By then the promo might be gone! Can you feeeeel me? Can you hear me biting my nails up to my elbows and ripping my hair out by the roots? Ya Allah when will this end? Not yet apparently because...

Even if I book the tickets, I still need more money to fly the pets and carry extra luggage---hahahahahahahahah--yes, that is the insane kind of laughter, thanks for asking. I am losing it! So assuming I don't sell this crap I have left, and assuming I still can't get the title to my car to sell that, I will be stuck here until after May 1st, at which time I should have enough money to do it...providing the summer (higher) rates don't take affect by then and I lose the promoooooooooooo...blah, blah, blah.

And that ladies and gentleman is basically the story of my life. Alhamdulilah for everything! ;-)

Eid Al Um in Egypt...March 21st!

2008-03-21T13:46:00.000+02:00

One small step for man...

2008-03-21T02:58:00.002+02:00

one giant leap for--------womankind!!! Yes! Well, two women to be exact--my mother and me! My friend's sons came today and we actually finished what I wanted to do! Mission accomplished. With the exception of a few piles to sift through, everything has been sorted, and the masjid donations are already on their way there! The boys and their father took them tonight. Several boxes for the school still have to be delivered, but at least they are all packed and near the front door. And in the rest of the house, what I am keeping and what will be sold at cleanout has been carefully separated! Alhamdulilah, I cant believe we got as much done as we did.

We actually had the basement done in about 1 hour at most, and I never have to go down there again thank God! We worked from 9:30 this morning until about 5 and ordered pizza for dinner. Waiting for the delivery, I promptly fell asleep. Woke up when the delivery lady knocked on the door, made sure everybody had food and drink, ate a piece of pizza, and fell back to sleep! I was exhausted--more mentally I guess, but that constant brain chatter makes your body tired! So the boys watched TV in my room until they woke me up to tell me their Dad would be here in 10 minutes. Had to shake the cobwebs out of my head, said goodbye to them, and sat down here to write this post. I am just so happy, alhamdulilah, I had to share!

Now on to the next step! Insha Allah! With hardship comes ease, truly with hardship comes ease.

In honor of the Prophet Muhammad's birth

2008-03-20T08:43:00.002+02:00

Today in Egypt they are celebrating the birthday of the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon him. May we learn to love him as much as he loved us...Ameen.

From AsiaRooms.com:

Prophet Mohammed Birthday Celebration in Egypt is a major festival of Egyptian Muslims. Celebrated all over the country with same enthusiasm and zeal, it is a public holiday festival.

The Arabic name of Prophet Mohammed Birthday is Moulid An Nabi and is celebrated around the month of May. However the date for the holiday changes every year because Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar. According to the Egyptian culture religious festivals in Egypt that were associated with great religious leaders are known as moulids. According to the Islam, Prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca.

The celebrations of Prophet Mohammed's Birthday in Egypt include parades in the city streets, with lights, feasts, drummers and special sweets. Singing, dancing, music, prayer, children's games, puppet shows, and foods carnival are all a part of this festival of Egypt.

Along with parades and other celebrations the main attraction of celebration is Sufi music played at Prophet's moulid. Prophet Mohammed's Birthday in Egypt is equivalent of Christmas. Streets are bejeweled with lights and two special sweets called hellawayat al moulid are made. People wear new clothes and families get together to celebrate this day.

SOME MOULID PICS FROM EGYPT. THE DOLL BELOW IS MADE OF CANDY!

I've Been Tagged

2008-03-19T10:08:00.003+02:00

Cairogal from the blog Here, there, and everywhere tagged me.

*Post 10 random things about yourself
*Choose 5 people to tag and a reason you chose each person
*Leave them each a comment directing them to your blog so they know they are it
*You can’t tag the person who tagged you (you’ll have to make new friends)
*As a courtesy to the person who tagged you, please let them know when you have posted so they can have the sheer delight and extra work load of reading your answers)

1. Lot of the time, I love animals more than people..and usually trust them more too.

2. I went to a private Catholic convent high school. The sisters there had me all picked out to stay and be a nun. Even now, 34 years later, I cant imagine life without sex.

3. I used to be a killer soccer and hockey player. Although I preferred field hockey, I also dreamed of being the first woman goalie for the NHL.

4. I LOVE long hair on men. Ponytails make me even crazier.

5. I was born a blonde but often dyed my hair darker. People used to joke I was the only brunette in the world with blonde roots.

6. I am addicted to all things Egyptian--especially the music and movies.

7. My best friend in the world is a man.

8. I love to sing but sound like nails on a chalkboard. I cant draw a straight line but wish I could paint. I am however, a published poet.

9. I cook Arabic food better than most Arabs.

10. The best gift I ever received in my life was being guided to Islam.

I'm tagging:
Sydney
Marian
The Sphinx
Fadfadation
Arima

Bumps in the road...

2008-03-19T00:10:00.009+02:00

Dear Readers...please do not click on the links in "dumaro's" comments below. They seem to be a virus of some sort. Also please do not clink on his blog name FLASH if you go to view his profile. All 3 set off virus warnings on my PC. I have reported him to blogger and don't want to delete his comment before blogger sees it. Thank you!

Seems a while since I updated my progress. And it is progress, slowly but surely alhamdulilah! Sales are all done, and I still have a lot left. My Islamic books and other religious items like artwork, jilbabs and scarves I bought and never wore, etc, will be donated to the masjid. All the books, handouts and stuff I have from my years as a teacher will be donated to the Islamic school here. The rest of it, tons of things I have collected over the years, as well as appliances, etc will be sold to the cleanout company.

This coming Thursday starts spring vacation for the public school kids, so my friend is sending her high school aged sons to help me get it all packed. This weekend, or next at the latest, we will move from this house to a small apartment with only those items we are taking to Egypt. Now you may wonder why we are moving from this house to another place, rather than just staying here until we leave for Egypt??? Well, since Murphy's law always prevails (anything that can go wrong, will), we have had a major problem with the sewer in this house, and thus can not take showers or do laundry or dishes. We have been running back and forth to the apartment that my landlord has generously provided for our convenience to accomplish those tasks. Talk about major headache. The sewer problem could take weeks to fix and involves digging up the front yard to uncover the collapse of the drain line...sooooo, it is far better to just move out until we are ready to fly. This feels like a big setback, wasting all that time between houses, but I think it's Allah's way of just telling me to slow down. By force, I have had to.

Insha Allah tickets will be booked April 1st. Probably won't leave until close to mid-April because I still have a lot of shopping to do. Also have to get the dog and cat their international health certificates and buy their travel kennels. I have a list a mile long to accomplish of running here and there, but it's all good. Nothing wonderful comes easy! And...inna maa al usry, yusrah...with hardship comes ease! And we did get my mom's passport last week, so she is relieved and more excited than ever. She wants to go as much as I do.

So once again the timeline has been extended a bit but it's out of my hands. It's in Allah's hands. And it's allllll good!

For your viewing pleasure ;-)))

2008-03-18T08:45:00.002+02:00

No Comment?

2008-03-17T04:31:00.002+02:00

I am very grateful that I seem to get an amazing--for me anyway--number of visitors to this blog everyday. But I don't get any comments! Except a very few from personal friends. I LOVE comments. Makes me feel a viable part of the blogosphere--and that I'm not just talking to myself. So dear readers...your comments would be most appreciated. Don't be shy. Leave your mark here on my blog! Many thanks!

10 Reasons Why Egyptians Can't Be Terrorists!

2008-03-14T00:55:00.002+02:00

I'm kind of down these days because things arent moving fast enough for me. I am trying to be patient, but it's depressing. I am so close to leaving and staying permanently in Egypt. I just want it to happen! So I thought to inject some levity into my day. Hope you enjoy!

1. We are always late; we would have missed all the
flights.

2. The pretty girls on the plane would distract us.

3. We would talk loudly and bring attention to
ourselves.

4. With food and drinks on the plane, we would forget
why we're there.

5. We talk with our hands; therefore we would have to
put our weapons down.

6. We would ALL want to fly the plane.

7. We would argue and start a fight in the plane.

8. We can't keep a secret; we would have told everyone
a week before doing it.

9. We would have put our country's flag on the
windshield.

10. We would all have fallen over each other to be in
the photograph being taken by one of the hostages.

Egypt, Mother of the World

2008-03-09T00:49:00.010+02:00

Woooooooooosh. That's the soft and gentle sound of the winds of change blowing through my life. Yes, things are progressing and I am changing. We applied for my Mom's passport last week. We should have it in two weeks time from the date of application. I have also heard back from the US Attorney's office who has the DEA agent-in-charge looking for the title to my car. Our sale today went much better than last week's sale, and we still have another sale day tomorrow. Things are, alhamdulilah, definitely looking up. I might even, insha Allah, be out of here sooner than I planned. We will see. I keep saying alhamdulilah for everything. I feel Allah working miracles in my life. Subhannah Allah.

More important than what's going on around me, is what's going on inside me. Actually moving to Egypt and living there for the rest of my life is starting to sink in. While it is dark and gloomy today, with an ice storm this morning and lots of snow to come, I see the Egyptian sun shining in my mind--and feel it in my heart. It's actually very warm over there these days, and I am emotionally so far removed from the cold here. So far removed from many feelings that I identify with life here in the USA.

I am going home. It might be hard for someone to understand that a person who was born and raised in one country can consider another country home, but I do. And believe it or not, there are many others like me. There is an Egyptian proverb...One who drinks from the Nile must return. Many of us know that to be true. For us, Egypt has become our true homeland. I cant even begin to explain it, or expect anyone who hasn't felt it to understand it, but the fact is I am returning to the place where my soul belongs.

I wrote the following poem a few years ago about a small town called Raas Al Bur. This is where the Nile River feeds into the Mediterranean Sea. It is mostly an inexpensive resort town, with many seasonal rental apartments and cottages. It's a quiet, unhurried, peaceful place. I love it--hence the poem. But in fact, this work describes the feelings that are welling up inside of me right now. Remembering that there is a place on this earth I am completely attached to, a place where I belong as surely as if I was born there. I am immersed in it, engulfed by it and cradled within its embrace. Egypt, Mother of the World. I love you.

In This Small Town by the Sea

In this small town by the sea
My heart finds joy
Peace and contentment…
But more than this,
It finds a safe haven
In which to recline,
And become all
That it was ever
Meant to be.

Perhaps the joy
And other sentiments
Are not apart
From this protection,
But rather because of it,
For this heart
Has never rested
Unless it was secure.

In this small town by the sea,
This heart is safe
By day and night,
And night is most important…
For I can walk alone
In the dark
Beside the water,
With no fear of attack-
Neither from outside forces
Nor the ghosts
Who reside within.

I am comforted
By the quiet of the night,
Eyes looking upward
Into indigo skies
Gazing at silver stars
That dance in brilliant splendor.
And the quiet reflection of
The full moon on
Calm currents reminds me
I have left a candle
Burning in my window.

And I turn back towards home-
My sanctuary, and again
I am moved by the
Warmth of the candle’s glow,
Reminded that, secure I am at last…
In this small town by the sea.

MY BEAUTIFUL HOMELAND...SUNG BY DALIDA

Flight Delay

2008-03-05T05:46:00.003+02:00

Well, the sale didn't go as I had planned but alhamdulilah for everything. I am about $2700 short of my "getting to Egypt" goal, which is also roughly the same amount short of my "estate sale proceeds" goal. It's Allah's will. He's trying to teach me patience and to depend totally on Him. I don't even try to second-guess His wisdom. In the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, I trust Allah and tie my camel. Which means I do my best and Allah does the rest.

I wouldn't be in such a mess if I could sell my car. The problem is I can't seem to get the title. The dealership I bought the car from was raided by the Feds for laundering drug money. Now the whole dealership is under the hands of the US Attorney's office. I have been dealing with them since November of 2005, even paying off the car to the "United States of America" with a certified check. Seems nothing I do can get them to release my title. The attorney in charge of the case doesn't even return my phone calls. I know someone who knows someone who knows the attorney well and am hoping she will make a call on my behalf. And I continue to call daily. I'm doing my best.

Anyway, if worse comes to worse, I will only have to wait until April 1st to book my tickets. I guess that's not so bad. At least it means I can get there, insha Allah--even if a bit later than planned. Alhamdulilah. Alhamdulilah for everything.

Today's the Day!!!

2008-03-02T08:02:00.003+02:00

I wanted to say tomorrow is the day, but it is 1 AM here and even though I haven't slept yet, it is officially March 2...ESTATE SALE DAY!!! I still have a few last minute things to do and am not even sure I will sleep tonight. Doors open at 7:30 AM and as I inch closer to that magic hour, all I can think of is pleasssssse Allah let me make the price of the tickets, animals, and extra luggage! The seller says to expect 300-400 people. I cant even imagine it. But I am hoping and praying and trying my best to rely on Allah. What He wills, will be.

Cowinkidink or Divine Sign???

2008-02-28T04:33:00.006+02:00

I'm not sure...but I tend to look at everything "coincidental" as part of Allah's divine plan to strengthen my faith.

Yesterday we did the set-up for the estate sale. Or I should say the company did it. We did all the prep of getting the "keep crap" out of the way during the 5 previous days. So the "sell crap" is already out, priced and ready to sell. Alhamdulilah for professionals! What took them one day to do would have taken me months! Now everything is ready to go. And so am I. Insha Allah.

Yesterday, I had another near-meltdown and spent all day on the computer after some nutcase at Northwest/KLM told me I could NOT take my dog with me. This imbecile told me NW could ship her as far as Amsterdam--on a cargo plane mind you--not even on the same plane with me!!!--and from there I would have to contact a "private broker" to fly her into Cairo!!!! Ya Allah--what a shock. Can we say major bucks and major stress here? Because the one thing I was sure of was there would be no problem with the dog. So I was in a huge tizzy yesterday, yes I was.

So I searched every airline in the world that could somehow get me from my hometown to Cairo. They were either cost prohibitive or inept at pet transport. Like EgyptAir who said I would have to remind the Captain to turn the heat on in the cargo hold. Oh yeah! And what if he didn't??? Popsicle/dog lands in Cairo frozen to death. I don't think so. So in one last desperate attempt, I called NW/KLM again. And got the same woman I had talked to months ago who made it so easy for me in the first place.

In short, she told me they had hired a lot of new reps and most didn't bother to look up info--they just quoted off the tops of their heads. But this woman told me she had been at this for 30 years and she never quoted anything without having it right in front of her on the computer screen. Smart woman! So not only did she assure me that the dog will fly with me the whole way, but she will be placed in a pet hotel in Amsterdam and fed, walked and have her cage cleaned as well. And we will arrive in Cairo happy to see each other! Further, she told me that when I am ready to book my flight, she will handle tickets, the dog and the cat, and any and all arrangements I need for my Mom who uses a wheelchair. Amazing! Huge alhamdulilah here!

Now the interesting thing in all this is...both the estate seller and the rep at NW/KLM have the same last name. And it's not a common name either. Two women who truly are making this move easy--even possible for me--have the same unique last name! Yes, I think it's more than a coincidence. It's a sign from Allah! He's telling me to trust Him only and everything will be OK. Alhamdulilah! I grow to love Him more and more each day!

Panic Mode

2008-02-23T15:36:00.006+02:00

Panic...sheer, unadulterated panic!!!! That's all I feel right now! I got a call yesterday morning from the estate seller. Calling to confirm the sale for March 2. Yes, it's still on I tell her. OK, she says, because it has to go into the newspaper today so I just wanted to make sure. Yes, I tell her, every thing's a GO!

Then she drops the bomb. She and her crew will be here Tuesday morning to set up for the sale. Bright and early 8:30 AM. Price and set up everything! Tuesday!, I exclaim...you cant come later in the week? No, she's going out of town and everything has to be done Tuesday. So I tell her it's fine and hang up the phone.

I sit in shock for a few moments. Then waves of anxiety and nausea rush through me. On so many levels I am so not ready! First, it's just that there's still so much to do. So many things I cant lift or carry alone that need to be moved. OK, I tell myself, put that out of your mind for now. Just get done with what you can do. I try to remember the wise words of my son, that somehow along the line he says he learned from me...Everything always works out in the end.

Did I teach him that? Oh Allah where is he when I need him? A 6 hour drive away! I could sure use him right now. I could use his strong arms to move the things I need to move, and also around me in a big bear hug. He's tall and strong, and always knows how to comfort me. Keep me calm. But like his siblings, all grown and gone far away, he is not able to come in now. Two of them will be in after the sale, the strong one and his big sister. The "baby" is too far away and can't get the time off.

So for once in my life...when I think I really need them, they can't be here. It seems Allah knows I can do this alone. He never burdens a soul with more than it can bear. Ya Allah, You are the best of planners. You know what I do not. There's a reason for everything. One day, maybe I will understand. But right now I'm just trying to control the panic.

There are other reasons for the fear I feel coursing through me. I found out yesterday as well that my airline misquoted the price for extra pieces of luggage. They first told me $50 per bag. It is actually $150!!! Huge difference huh? That really limits me in what I can take. And means that maybe I should sell things I had originally wanted to take with me. Decisions, decisions, and my brain is not up to making any more decisions at this point! Can you feel me pulling my hair out by the roots?

My family in Egypt is in much the same situation. They have been waiting for over a year to take possession of a villa given to them for their use by the company our "Baba" works for. Six months ago only, work finally began on renovating the place. Until now they are renovating. Everything takes so much time in Egypt. Insha Allah bukrah, maa lish! (God willing, tomorrow, sorry about that!) Here, the opposite is true...everything needs to be done yesterday, yet both are equally nerve-wracking. So while I am still running around like a chicken with its head cut off, they sit on mountains of packed boxes, waiting for the word they can move. Subhannah Allah, life is a strange contradiction. And as they say in Egypt...youm asl youm basl. One day honey, the next onions. I'd like to see some honey right about now. Insha Allah.

Among my other fears, is a bittersweet relationship I am dealing with long distance. Someone is waiting for me in Egypt. Someone very special. A good, kind and, most importantly, deeply religious man who wants to marry me. What started out purely as knowing each other for Allah has turned into the subject of marriage. And while this is quite the miracle, with me having no plans or ideas to begin another relationship, especially while still here in the USA, this has taken on a life of its own. Allah dropped this one into my lap. Quite unexpectedly. Yet dare I look a gift horse in the mouth? In fact, it has brought me much peace and gotten me through some dark days here...days which I might not have passed so easily had it not been for his kindness and reminding me always to rely on Allah...and then offering himself to rely on as well. Subhannah Allah, if I could have dreamed this, it wouldn't have been more perfect. Yet, at the same time, it is one more matter to consider. Because once you care about someone so much, it adds another concern to the ever-growing list. Yet, Allah in His infinite wisdom has chosen this for me. I need to see it through until the end...whatever that will be...whatever Allah has written for us.

So let me end this post on a lighter note. I have been through worse in this life, for sure. And I survived my the mercy of Allah. Insha Allah, this too shall pass. Time for me to put my big girl panties on and just wing it. Insha Allah soon I'll be posting from Egypt and all this will be behind me. And I'll probably be laughing about it. Inna maa al usry, yusra...with hardship comes ease.

An Egyptian Interview

2008-02-16T14:33:00.004+02:00

An intimate look into the Egyptian "man on the street". In some cases, this is an accurate portrayal. Hey, you can love a country and still admits it has some "faults" right? Enjoy!

Reporter : Hi
Egyptian: Hello

Reporter: Do u speak English?
Egyptian: Berfect

Reporter: Do u mind if I interview u?
Egyptian: No, I don’t have a mind

Reporter: What's your name?
Egyptian: Taha

Reporter: Sex?
Taha: I love it

Reporter: Oh no, I meant male or female?
Taha (yelling): What do u sink?

Reporter: it's just for the sake of the report. Never mind...male. ...
Taha: Yas male..and i can brove it any time u want

Reporter: No, thanks, I'll take ur word for it...so. How do u find life here in Egypt?
Taha: Egybt..Very nice cantry..nice wezar..nice food..byramidz

Reporter : Oh well..beside the weather and the pyramids! ...What else do u like in your country?
Taha: Byramids, nice wezar, nice food

Reporter: DO YOU WORK?
Taha: Yas yas..

Reporter: What do u think about the traffic problem in Egypt ?
Taha : Very big broblem..very much cars..u see?..but za guvurment is trying to make it bettar..zey did za circle street and za mehwar street..and zey make all streets one way so if u go..u cant come back!!!

Reporter: What about the economic problems in Egypt ?
Taha: I do not undurstand what u say

Reporter: I mean..how do u deal with money problems in Egypt ?
Taha : Egypt very rich cantry...we have alot of cotton..alot of water..and we have byramidz

Reporter: So do u make a lot of money?
Taha : No no.. it is not legal to make money..one frend I know make money at home..and he go to brizon..if u make money at home.. you will go to brizon

Reporter : Let me rephrase..since Egypt is a rich country.. do u have a lot of money?
Taha: me? I ..Not a lot…..but I eat and drink Alhamdulelah?

Reporter: Then where does all the money go?
Taha: Guvurment

Reporter: And what does the government do with the money?
Taha : Zey Build circle street (the Ring Road), mehwar street and make all streets one way

Reporter: Well , Ok...Do u vote?
Taha: What duz zat mean?

Reporter: Do u choose your president?
Taha: Mubarak?

Reporter: Yes
Taha (nervously) : I didn't give my voice..But if I was.. I will give him my voice

Reporter: Why him?
Taha : Because he was an airoplane in za war..he waz za leadar airoplane

Reporter: But there r no wars right now
Taha : But if we have war..u see?...we know we will have a very good airoplane in it

Reporter: What about the last 26 years?
Taha: I got marry..and have Ahmed and Amira..and……….

Reporter: No, I meant what did Mubarak do for Egypt in the last 26 years?
Taha: He build circle street, mehwar street and make all streets one way

Reporter: Thank you very much for ur time Mr. Taha
Taha: No broblem, only 10 bounds

Reporter: I never said I will pay u for this.
Taha : ok ok .

Moving along...

2008-02-14T08:53:00.004+02:00

I paid the deposit for the services of the estate seller this week. Our date has been confirmed. It's a small step but each step has meaning...I'm moving ever closer to my goal, insha Allah. One door nearly behind me slowly closing...another just ahead slowly opening, I am moving between the two like an anemic turtle, but I am moving nonetheless.

Still lot's of work to do in the house here. But I'm on it. This weekend we get my Mom's passport photos taken, and complete the forms. They'll be in the mail sometime next week. Beyond that, I'm trying to have a life in the meantime...enjoying my friends, playing on the 'net, thanking Allah for His favors upon me, and generally just enjoying the current peace.

After the sale, the pace will quicken, probably more than I want it to but, insha Allah, nothing I can't handle. Steady as she goes.

Mabrook ya Misr!!!

2008-02-12T08:22:00.000+02:00

Sunday, 10 February 2008, 18:55 GMT, BBC

Egypt 1-0 Cameroon
By Steve Vickers

Egypt rejoices!!!

Defending champions Egypt won a record sixth Africa Cup of Nations with a fully-deserved victory over Cameroon.

The only goal of the game came in the 77th minute when Mohamed Aboutrika pushed home a Mohamed Zidan pass after a mistake by Cameroon's Rigobert Song.

The Pharaohs also went close when Hosni Abd Rabou hit the post on 61 minutes and they become the first side to win back-to-back titles twice.

Cameroon were seeking a fifth title, but rarely troubled the Pharaohs.

It was a triumph for Egypt coach Hassan Shehata who becomes only the second coach to win successive trophies.

His team had much the better of the first half, creating most of the scoring chances with their speed and mobility.

Once again Cameroon based their game on physical power, taking a defensive approach that supplied few openings to lone striker Samuel Eto'o.

Aboutrika came close on 13 minutes, with a 35-yard shot that was pushed around the post by Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.

Two minutes later the Indomitable Lions were forced to make a substitution, with Gilles Binya replacing Alexandre Song, who was carrying an injury from the previous game.

Cameroon defender Geremi forced a save from Essam Al-Hadari from a free-kick, but the Pharaohs almost took the lead seconds later.

Hadari's clearance found Emad Moteab, whose 15-yard shot was parried brilliantly by Kameni, but into the path of Aboutrika, whose shot was too high.

Nine minutes before half-time a ball over the Cameroon defence found Moteab inside the area, Kameni made a fine save from the shot, and it remained goalless.

Cameroon came back from the break with purpose, causing the tempo of the match to increase considerably, but Egypt quickly took control of the game again.

Kameni had to make two more fine saves, from a close-range Amr Zaki shot, then from Abd-Rabou's 25-yard cracker that he punched away.

The Pharaohs continued to pile on pressure, and Abd-Rabou hit the post with a header on 61 minutes.

With 13 minutes remaining, Egypt finally got the goal they deserved.

Cameroon captain Rigobert Song was punished for untidy defending, losing a tussle with substitute Zidan.

Zidan pushed the ball along the edge of the box into the path of Aboutrika, who had a simple finish from 15 yards.

As Egypt celebrated, Song covered his face with his shirt, knowing that he should have cleared the ball away.

Song headed over the bar in stoppage-time, but there was to be no redemption for the defender, in his seventh Nations Cup.

Egypt won the first two editions of the tournament, in 1957 and 1959, but with the competition far more intense now, these victories have far greater significance.

Shehata's feat of two Cups in a row matched that of Ghana's CK Gyamfi, who won the tournament in 1963 and 1965.

Aboutrika's goal was the 99th of the tournament, which produced more goals than any other Nations Cup.

Forgot this pic...and an update!

2008-02-02T17:21:00.001+02:00

This pic was the reason I did that "gotta love Egypt" post to begin with! But I couldnt find it---luckily I did. This is typical Egypt. Gotta laugh about a lot of things.

Moving ahead, I spoke with my landlord today--an absolutely wonderful man--and told him we will be leaving the house by the end of March. I'd told him last summer when I renewed the lease that I would probably be moving out before the term was up. Ever the sweetheart, he asked me only for 60 days notice--which he got today! He'll probably put the "For Rent" signs up soon.

Looks like there's no turning back now huh? Actually it hasnt even entered my mind. I cant wait to be done and gone. I will finally, insha Allah, get some rest and peace of mind in Egypt.....sleeping guards not withstanding! Notice the guard on the left and the position of his gun...I have seen this so many times--that and leaning their chins on the barrel. Arent they afraid they'll blow their brains out??? As I have said before, there's nothing if not baraka in Egypt. Alhamdulilah!

Gotta Love EGYPT!!!

2008-01-26T10:00:00.000+02:00

Just a few examples of why I love Egypt. Not everyone gets a kick out of these things like I do...but to me, local color is everything.

I know there is baraka in the day, but a whole extra hour's worth?

Sounds like a happenin' kind of place huh? NOT!

Except if you are a road sign.

Yoohoo...spell check anyone?

What can I even say about this one?

Snobs!

Egyptian ambulance...those less severely injured must stand.

Just wondering where the seats are???

Passing more hurdles

2008-01-25T07:40:00.000+02:00

Alhamdulilah, things are moving right along. We had a great time at my son's wedding and it was more than wonderful to have my kids home. I miss them so much and know I will miss them even more in Egypt. But they will come to visit, insha Allah, for sure. They have all lived there before, and while the boys are not thrilled with actually living there again, my daughter is married to a man from Kafr Al Duwar, and they most likely will settle there or in Alex one day. So she at least will be closer on a full time basis.

The kids took a lot of their belongings, and I gave them each some special things I wanted them to have. But--yes there's always a but--they still left too much of their stuff here. The USCG moved my son's things a few days ago, and the other 2 kids have only until the estate sale to get the rest of their junk outta here. If I cant sell it, it goes in the garbage. How many times must a mother beg for her kids to take charge of their own property? It's been here so long I am quite sure they don't need it, but there are things here I am sure have some sentimental value attached--maybe more for me than them. One more chance--and it's gone...end of story.

Now I begin the task of removing everything I want to keep, out of each room. Only those items to be sold can remain. What I want to take--or store at my daughter's house--hahaha--the tables will now turn, has to be hidden away. The estate seller told me customers will go into everything--even if it is sealed shut or marked "not for sale". So I have one month to rid the rooms of anything I don't want to give up, as she and her crew will actually be here the last week of February to set up. I'm on it!

Good news...moving forward!

2008-01-20T07:34:00.000+02:00

Finally met the estate seller who really seems to know what she's doing. The sale is set for March 2. Everything goes, except the few things I will take to Egypt. It's a bit scary to give up everything Mom and I worked hard for over our lifetimes, yet nothing compares to the peace of mind I know I can count on in Egypt. Soon the house will be empty, except for the suitcases we're packing. And the dog--and cat. Yes, the animals are going. Wouldn't leave my babies behind!

I will book the tickets right after the sale. Do some legal and power-of-attorney type stuff for my kids here in USA. And then...insha Allah, we're off. I expect to arrive in Egypt no later than the end of March. If Allah wills.

I expect some last minute jitters. Saying goodbye to many people and things in this city I probably will never see again in my life. That's a sobering thought. But the kids have all settled far from here, so there's really no reason to come back. I might get teary-eyed when I leave, but I know I wont miss it. Probably wont give it much thought later on. Too many stressful memories built up in this city. I associate it with only negative experiences. Sometimes there's a lot of good in goodbye.

It's EID in Egypt and I'm still not there!

2007-12-20T09:59:00.001+02:00

Can you hear me sobbing?

Yes, I should have been gone by now, I know. In fact I started this "Egyptian" blog over 5 months ago-- even though I have a few others that detail my life here in USA--thinking I would be leaving soon and would have much to tell. But that hasn't happened. But other stuff has...sh*t happens so they say, and it's particularly true in my case. I've been through the wringer since I first planned on moving back to Egypt and it hasn't been fun, believe me. Whoever said "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" really knew what they were talking about. Yes, I've become incredibly strong in the face of so many difficulties these past few months. But that doesn't ease the pain of spending one more Eid here in USA, and missing one more in Egypt. Oh it's so painful I can't stand it. I pray I live long enough to see the next Eid in Misr! Ameen.

I guess the good news is I got screwed by the first "estate seller" I found, and then in a strange twist of fate, while combing the yellow pages for something unrelated, found four other estate sellers whom for the life of me I couldn't find previously! I finally settled on one I think could sell ice to the Eskimos, so that means more traveling money for me, insha Allah. Of course this is all part of Allah's plan. Other things came up which necessitated my being here in America for longer than I'd anticipated. Some serious health issues, the marriage of my son in October and the impending reception in early January, a stay in the hospital for my mother--who had a simple infection that was actually affecting her brain, and a few other things I could discuss if I wanted to put you all to sleep. Since I don't, I wont. But suffice it to say I can see Allah's wisdom in the delays. I pray I can always accept Allah's will for me...Ameen.

But still, it hurts to be here. Especially on Eid. I became Muslim over 25 years ago in the city in which I am living now. I only stayed a few years here after that, and moved with my Egyptian husband and children to New Jersey. Funny but I think most Egyptian immigrants manage to pass through NJ at least once during their lives here. It's like a mandatory thing--Egyptians must live for a few years in NJ. That's the rule. We spent many years there. Then he passed away in an accident and it was up to me to carry on and raise my 3 children without him. That meant moving to wherever I could find a better job, as I was a teacher in Islamic schools. Even though the salaries were low, we made it by the grace of Allah. And just when I thought we were finally settled in a place we loved, and I had secured a job in an Islamic school which (finally) paid well and offered benefits too, my Mom became very ill and I had to come back home to care for her. Had I known she would have recovered to the extent she did, I would have taken her back to where I was settled, but I didn't. Alhamdulilah she recovered well, and somehow I just stayed here in the city of my birth. I never liked it here, even when I was a child. I always wanted out. All those years away let me forget how much I disliked it. It's a fairly big northeastern city with a redneck small town populace. And it's gotten even worse since 911, as has just about everything for Muslims in this country. And also having been gone for so long, I found so many folks I new had long since moved away. In fact I only have two Muslim friends here, and see them rarely. The masjid, like so many in USA, is a bureaucratic nightmare filled with too many wannabe chiefs and not enough Indians. Again, like so many masajid in USA. So no, I'm not a happy camper here, especially during the Eids. In fact I no longer participate in any Islamic activities here. I find my peace of mind more intact when I stay away. Nuf said.

What it comes down to is this...life here is just sooooooo very different than life in Egypt. Egypt today reminds me of America 50 years ago. When faith and family where the focus of one's life. When things didn't move so fast. When a good time was packing up the family and a picnic lunch and heading off to the park or beach for a day of fun and relaxation. When you could actually afford to buy gas to go on vacation and your tankful cost less than your motel room! When it was safe to walk the streets after dark. Where you could discipline your neighbors kid without fear of a lawsuit. Where morals and manners counted for a lot. Where if you got a spanking at school--yes they really did allow that at one time--you got a worse one at home. Ah...the good old days.

I know Egypt isn't Paradise. I know that satellite dishes and the internet are rapidly taking their inherent problems into a country that now tries to imitate too much of the west. It's not perfect. But there's still a lot of respect for family--and traditions.

If I was in Egypt today celebrating Eid al Adha, I'd be surrounded by family and friends. We would have cooked liver and other organs for breakfast from the sheep we slaughtered, and "fatah" for dinner. The kids would be all dressed up in their new clothes, having gone to sleep the night before in their new pajamas. They'd all be running around, getting their Eidayahs (a small gift of money) from the relatives and neighbors. There would have been the obligatory visit to the amusement park, zoo or public garden. Some would have gone to graves to pray for their dead. Customs would be strictly followed and the day would have been over too soon. And yet, 3 more days of celebration would follow until everyone was finally able to say "enough". Oh how I miss it.

Especially since I spent it cleaning the house. And no, we didn't eat the traditional lamb and rice dish. We couldn't afford to slaughter an animal here, and somehow it's just not the same when you have to run to the grocery store to buy a non-halal leg of lamb. We opted for chicken instead. And made du'ah that this is our last Eid outside of Egypt...Ameen.

Balcony view in Port Fouad

2007-10-02T17:59:00.000+02:00

This is the view I woke up to every morning on my visit to Egypt last year. My dear friend lives in Port Fouad right near the beach. Port Fouad lies just across the Suez Canal on the tip of the Sinai peninsula. She is soon to be moving to a villa closer to the canal. It's more convenient, but I sure will miss this view!

Delays, delays

2007-10-01T07:30:00.001+02:00

I should have been gone by now according to my first post. Or at least ready to go shortly. But, stuff happens. First, I got sick. Then, my "adult" kids didnt remove their own junk from my house in a timely fashion. And the estate sale got delayed because the coordinators are so very busy. Which makes me think, if they're so busy with other people who want to sell their own crap, what chance do I have of selling mine? Who buys this stuff anyway???

In the meantime, I took a trip to NJ to visit my daughter, and a son who lives nearby in Pennsylvania. Stayed there until another son rolled in from California. Then all 3 kids and I traveled back home together supposedly for them to get their things out of here once and for all. Did I mention that didnt happen? Well, they have one more shot before the end of October when the estate sale will finally be held. Good luck kids--otherwise it's off to Goodwill.

I did have the carpets cleaned 2 months ago. But they need cleaned again before the sale. Damn this dog! She was left behind when my son broke up with his fiancee. It was the fiancee's dog. And fiancee wasnt allowed to have it in her apartment. So Mom got stuck with a dog who has "accidents". Damn, damn and triple damn. Now son and fiancee are an item again, and will be getting married later this month, before son (who is in the Coast Guard) goes out on another Pacific tour. Which is another reason my trip will be delayed. Because the wedding reception will take place the beginning of January. And I do want to be here for that. But no later than January 31, 2008, I will God willing be on the plane, winging my way to Cairo, then on to Port Said where I will live. My mother will be joining me. Finally!

There's a reason for everything. I am not fretting the delay as much as I am still fretting getting everything done. It's a massive task. I am a nervous wreck. I wish I had help but I don't. I'm trying to take it small steps at a time. Hopefully this time I'll stay on schedule.

What's it like to make an international move???

2007-07-18T07:04:00.001+03:00

First, have on hand plenty of boxes, preferably the ones your tranquilizers were shipped in, because your going to need loads of them too. In fact I don't recommend any kind of move unless you are on mind-altering drugs. It lessens the pain a lot--trust me. I'm a veteran. I have moved over 20 times in my life, and this is the third international move as I said before. It doesn't get any easier with experience, nor with age. In fact the older you are the worse it gets. You just don't have that get up and go anymore. It's gone, probably left behind at the last house you lived in. Anyway...

Moving is high-anxiety drama. Especially for a pack rat like me. I save everything. Heh, you never know when you might need those half million twist ties that are used to close bread bags, or all those spaghetti sauce jars--they come in handy for storing more crap. I definitely inherited this trait from my grandfather who used to save burnt-out light bulbs! Yes, folks it is true. I think he thought some day someone would find a way to recharge them or something. When I had to move my Mom from her ancestral home, I threw away tons of burnt out light bulbs, not to mention those empty cardboard toilet paper and paper towels rolls. I think Granddad was considering crafting in his old age. He never did make anything with those though.

That move was such a terror, you'd think I would have learned something. But in 3 years in my rental home I have still managed to stuff this place with crap. Especially the kitchen, pantry and basement. I have this idea that this crap might be worth something to somebody and I could make a killing with a garage sale. Yeah right! Tried that once too. I nearly ended up paying the buyers to take my junk! Oh God.

I haven't yet gotten into the meat and bones of the work yet, because there are a few prerequisites before I tackle the household wares. First I had my house cleaned. I have a wonderful cleaning lady, which if I could afford, would be here daily, trust me. As it is, it was a few months since I brought her. There was so much going on in my life, I was very busy with outside activities, and my cleaning consisted of a lick and a promise. So I brought Martha to give this place a good going over. Now I can work in cleanliness, if not peace. Second step is to have the rugs cleaned, which will be done on Thursday. I have pets. Need I say more? Accidents happen. So the rugs need to be cleaned and then I can start filling the floors with boxes.

Here's the general rule: You need three boxes and a HUGE garbage bag in each room. Into the boxes go: what you want to keep, what you want to sell, and what you want to give away. Into the garbage bag is everything else. Sounds simple right. Not! Because sometimes it's hard to decide what to sell or give away--let alone make the decision to actually part with something. A general rule of thumb...make sure your sell and give-away piles are higher than your keep pile. Otherwise you really aren't going anywhere.

I did make plans though--for the first time--an estate seller to come in here and sell all my stuff once it's all arranged. They take about 1/3 commission on your sales, but they also set everything up and do most of the work, the worst of which is haggle with customers. The stress of not having a "garage sale" type of situation is worth paying the commission, believe me. Cuz I've been there and done that and I think I came out the loser.

So in these days before I get to the heart of the packing and selling, I am busy arranging for passports, tickets, international health certificates for my pets ( yes my babies are going with me), and a million other things and all that in itself is a full time job. Am I stressed? You bet! It's hard to drag myself out of bed most mornings. And sometimes I just sit and veg in front of the TV. But what keeps me going? At the end of it all, lies this...Egypt. The closest place to heaven I have found on this earth!

Welcome to my world

2007-07-08T09:32:00.002+03:00

Join me as I venture into my third--yes third--"permanent" move to Egypt. Between vacations and actually living there I've bounced around more times than I care to count. But this move will be the last. Planned for October 2007. For those of you who have never moved, let alone internationally, you might not appreciate my trials and tribulations. For those who have, you'll breathe a deep sigh of relief as you read this and say "Thank God it's not ME this time!" In any case, I hope you enjoy yourself here. Welcome to my world!

The title of my blog, Amreekia min Bab Al Sharayah, needs some explaining. It means American (female) from the Bab Al Sharayah area of Cairo. This area is supposedly a lower class area filled with common folk who might best be termed the "working poor". You most likely wouldn't find any 5 star restaurants there, just fava bean and falafal shops and dreary old "ahwas"--coffeehouses for men only! I've never been to the Bab, but because I watch so many Egyptian movies on the Arabic Dish, I've managed to pick up a lot of slang. Low class slang, apparently--haha!

So one Egyptian officially dubbed me, after hearing me speak Arabic, an American from Bab Al Sharayah. I cherish the title. I like being "balady"--and I don't even know how to explain that one! I guess it means countrified in a way. I don't want to belong to the hoity-toity, so-called Egyptian "high" class. I prefer to be one of the common folk. Because high class in Egypt doesn't mean the same thing that it means in the USA.

High class there means you have MONEY--even if you have no manners! You can be a rich drug dealer or cop on the take and spend a 1000LE on a meal, wipe your mouth on your sleeve and belch loudly when you've finished and be considered high class. On the flip side, you can be a hard working, family oriented man or woman whose word is gold and is always ready to share their last piece of pita with a neighbor and be considered "low" class. That's for the birds! It's a mixed up society. But I love the commoners, and am proud to be considered one of them.

Call me what you want. Just don't call me late for falafal!