I'm here!

Finally, I have internet in my flat. Sorry my blog has been bare for so long.

I feel so fortunate to be given the opportunity to take these 2 months off. I was really touched at how supportive everyone at work was about me taking this trip even though it meant more work for them. Thanks everyone who has helped me out. As some people know, I injured my sciatic nerve and I wasn't able to sit or lay without pain. I couldn't shovel or carry anything. Mary Donated a massage discount. Judy carried 10 bags of litter and 4 bags of cat food into my house. My Dad offered to drive a half hour in a snow storm to shovel my car out. My brother, Shawn, drove me to the airport and disconnected my battery for me; so it won't die while I'm gone. Mary and Chris held their annual New Years party early; so I could come. Paula's looking after my cats while, Anne - the woman kindly caring for my cats and house while I'm gone, is briefly out-of-town. Nicole offered to be the vet-on-call should anything go awry with my cats. Lucy's taking my mail, and Mary and Chris are back-up for Anne.

The airplane ride was relatively easy and quick. Fortunately, by chance, I had an aisle seat. The plane space was incredibly tight and I needed to stand a lot because of my back. The only real excitement on the plane was a women who seemed 'slightly off.' She screamed her way onto the plane early. Then, screamed hysterically when a baby started to cry; the attendents had to settle her down. Later, She started playing a game with the people in front of her and, once again, screamed and laughed so loud the attendents had to hush her. About 2 minutes before we hit the ground in Egypt she was giggling and dodging the attendents who had to chase her into her seat. In the end all was safe and good.

Drayah, the Arabic school I'm going to, picked me up at the airport. Egyptian drivers are really crazy. We came within inches of shaving cars a number of times. At one point I screamed. Waleed, the manager at Drayah, explained that I shouldn't worry because Egyptians like excitement. The driver and Waleed were also playing with their cell phones swapping songs etc... After this, no one can convince me I'm a bad driver.

Waleed dropped me off at the Kings Hotel which is in Dokki - the city I'm living in. I spent my New Years with a friend. We went out to eat, then to the Sheraton to see the entertainment there. Happy be-lated New Years everyone!

I moved into my new flat the next day. I REALLY like my rooomates. Aisha is a journalist from South Afirca. Khalidah is another, more advanced student, from Drayah. They're both fun, thoughtful, and socially conscious.

Our flat has 'rules.' no drinking, no men overnight, and no loud parties.
We decided to test the 'No loud parties' rule and hosted a housewarming party last weekend. We had people from Korea, South Africa, America, Egypt, Canada, and Belgium. Most people here have either been here for awhile or plan to be here for some time. Everyone has an interesting story to tell.

I'll write more later...I need to go now as I'm writing this instead of doing my homework. Will write more later.

Love you all.