Howdy!

I truly cannot express how I much I miss all of you. It's been one week since I have arrived in Cairo and while I can't say it's growing on me, I am beginning to adjust (but only at a snail's pace).

Here's a quick re-cap from the last week:

• Everyone and their mom (and dad) smokes.
• I have been ripped off nearly every single day.
• Al-Azhar Park is beautiful and quite literally the only place I want to take a deep breath in this city.
• I've found a fabulous dessert shop just a few blocks from my hotel. Great ice creams and middle eastern treats! Let's just say I've become a familiar face.
• I've learned a few Arabic phrases to help me get around and am in search of a tutor.
• Apartment hunting, not as easy as in the States. $1000 does not get you that far, even in Africa.
  
• Adam and Dianne (Trinity grad and his wife, both at the US Embassy) = AWESOME
• I have to exercise extreme self control in not asking for the chef and telling them what Italian food should really look and taste like. Margherita pizza here is a hello lot of nasty cheese and olives.
• The Indian restaurant had Egyptian chefs. I was given a Naan and told it was a Paratha.
  
• They have chicken flavored chips.
• My commute to work is about 45 minutes -1 hour but there is a beautiful mosque/citadel on my route which is breathtaking.
• I have to remind myself everyday that I am in AFRICA and that I need to chill out.
• There are funny signs that make me laugh: We are not open because we are closed.
• Within 2 hours on the job, I was given the nickname Her Royal Highness. I can't help that our standards of cleanliness differ!
• There are no traffic lights and no lane markings on the roads. Few parts of Cairo do have marked lanes but it is as though they are invisible. Four lanes of traffic fit easily in 3 lanes.
• I need a good 10-15 minutes to recuperate after every taxi ride but I'm sure I will get used to it.
• They say standing on a Cairo street corner for a day is the equivalent of smoking 1 pack of cigarettes. So much for preserving my lungs. Though I do think the tissue regenerates every 6 years -Scott, correct me if I'm wrong.
• Ali, a Londoner who is helping out with AKF, has been great support in teaching me the ways of the Egyptians.
  

It has been an experience and Insha'allah, it can only get better. I have to remember the purpose for which I am here; I have been lucky to live such a privileged life and I have my parents to thank for that.

Khalas. Ma'a Salama.