Bye Scott. Bye Cristienne. Bye Seamus. Bye Issy. Good night John Boy...
Safe travels! It won't be long 'til we've all moved to Denver. Andrew is already organizing the ride out there. Denver is fortunate to have you guys. :-) I miss you guys already!!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
A Pyramid Day...
I'm in Cairo! Everything went fine on the flights over. I slept, ate, read, ate, and tried to remind myself that I really was going to Egypt for a month. When I landed, it still didn't seem real. I was met at the airport by May, my friend who I worked with for a year at the CDC. It's a bit of a hectic airport, to say the least, and seeing a familiar face was absolutely wonderful! The drive to NAMRU, where I'm working, was interesting--more about the driving later... At NAMRU, I met more people who I'd be working with and then got to join the carpool home to Maadi.
Ma'adi is south of the main city of Cairo. Many Americans live there and numerous embassies are also located there. It has more trees and is greener than much of the surrounding area. At one time, it was located outside of Cairo, but Cairo has grown to meet it. On the way home, we drove past the City of the Dead (it's homes and mausoleums all mixed in together) and the Citadel and then were treated with a view of all three pyramids of Giza. The pollution is so bad that that is a rare occurence--maybe only once every other week or so. I'll take it as a good omen that I was fortunate to see the pyramids on my first day in Egypt.
Now about the driving...First of all, I am not allowed to complain about Atlanta traffic or drivers ever again. Driving here is like organized chaos. There are no traffic lights and almost no traffic signs. Turn signals are rare, hand signals are much more common. Lines in the road are merely suggestions, as are arrows & one ways. Honking means everything--it's not out of road rage or anger, like in the states, but is a necessary form of communication. Pedestrians cross where ever. This morning, we passed a few donkeys with carts on the main road. At night, lights are considered rude & wasteful. They will be flashed on to signal to other cars and/or pedestrians, but mostly kept off. The people I've been driving with are amazing. They have nerves of steel and seemed to have adapted quite well to the organized chaos that is Cairo traffic. I feel safe & it's quite the way to start and end every day.
One amazing part of Egypt is how incredibly friendly, nice, and generous people are. Almost everyone I've met so far has given me their cell phone numbers and told me to call if I need anything. And they mean it. I'm well taken care of. :-)
Friday and Saturday are the weekend days here. I'll probably tackle the Egyptian museum and also take my first taxi--guaranteed to be an adventure. It will be time to try a new restaurant as well and I've been invited to a party. So far I've had koshari (typical Egyptian dish that is perfect for carb loading) and some really good soft shell chicken tacos. There are plans to watch the superbowl as well...
I miss everyone! More soon!
Ma'adi is south of the main city of Cairo. Many Americans live there and numerous embassies are also located there. It has more trees and is greener than much of the surrounding area. At one time, it was located outside of Cairo, but Cairo has grown to meet it. On the way home, we drove past the City of the Dead (it's homes and mausoleums all mixed in together) and the Citadel and then were treated with a view of all three pyramids of Giza. The pollution is so bad that that is a rare occurence--maybe only once every other week or so. I'll take it as a good omen that I was fortunate to see the pyramids on my first day in Egypt.
Now about the driving...First of all, I am not allowed to complain about Atlanta traffic or drivers ever again. Driving here is like organized chaos. There are no traffic lights and almost no traffic signs. Turn signals are rare, hand signals are much more common. Lines in the road are merely suggestions, as are arrows & one ways. Honking means everything--it's not out of road rage or anger, like in the states, but is a necessary form of communication. Pedestrians cross where ever. This morning, we passed a few donkeys with carts on the main road. At night, lights are considered rude & wasteful. They will be flashed on to signal to other cars and/or pedestrians, but mostly kept off. The people I've been driving with are amazing. They have nerves of steel and seemed to have adapted quite well to the organized chaos that is Cairo traffic. I feel safe & it's quite the way to start and end every day.
One amazing part of Egypt is how incredibly friendly, nice, and generous people are. Almost everyone I've met so far has given me their cell phone numbers and told me to call if I need anything. And they mean it. I'm well taken care of. :-)
Friday and Saturday are the weekend days here. I'll probably tackle the Egyptian museum and also take my first taxi--guaranteed to be an adventure. It will be time to try a new restaurant as well and I've been invited to a party. So far I've had koshari (typical Egyptian dish that is perfect for carb loading) and some really good soft shell chicken tacos. There are plans to watch the superbowl as well...
I miss everyone! More soon!
Monday, January 29, 2007
New Leaf Adventures and how I learned to eat through the pain
I learned so many things this weekend (for example, there are many uses for a plunger, a CLEAN plunger, that is), but maybe the most important lesson was from Sarah who taught me how to eat through the pain. Thanks Sarah!
I had the perfect last weekend in Georgia before the Egyptian adventure begins. Barb, who runs New Leaf Adventures in North GA, took care of the women's team from Cycleworks p/b Lowe's Mortgage. Most of my teammates were there and the only way it could have been better is if everyone had been there. I look forward to riding, racing, and hanging out with everyone after I get back! I think a few people are expecting to read that we painted our toenails, talked about boys, and giggled in the hot tub. In reality, we rode many miles, climbed gaps, and got to know each other better. There was tons of laughter, but the hot tubbing stories will have to wait for another time. ;-)
As an added bonus, we got to know Barb better--there isn't anything she can't do! She's a phenomenal cook & baker, a great photographer, a gifted masseuse, the list goes on... She even made sure we had perfect weather on Saturday (it was in the 60's in the gaps--there were so many cyclists, it looked like early spring!). She is an all-around enthusiastic, tireless, fun person. I am thrilled to be racing with my new teammates and am certain that Barb has helped us prepare for a successful season ahead of us. It was an incredible experience to be able to spend a weekend riding our bikes, being spoiled and treated like pros. Thank you to the team for making this happen. A huge thank you to Lee for all your planning. And most importantly, thank you Barb and Perry!!!
I am all packed...sort of...After I got home, I was sort of in denial of either leaving tomorrow (today now...) or packing. I'm not sure which--if I don't pack, then I'm not leaving, right? The packing took longer than I expected--not because I'm bringing much, but because I'm indecisive. I still might go shopping tomorrow for the perfect pair of shoes or pants...or, I could just wait and go shopping in Cairo. I don't know--maybe I'll sleep for a few hours and decide in the morning.
Hi E & J! :-)
I had the perfect last weekend in Georgia before the Egyptian adventure begins. Barb, who runs New Leaf Adventures in North GA, took care of the women's team from Cycleworks p/b Lowe's Mortgage. Most of my teammates were there and the only way it could have been better is if everyone had been there. I look forward to riding, racing, and hanging out with everyone after I get back! I think a few people are expecting to read that we painted our toenails, talked about boys, and giggled in the hot tub. In reality, we rode many miles, climbed gaps, and got to know each other better. There was tons of laughter, but the hot tubbing stories will have to wait for another time. ;-)
As an added bonus, we got to know Barb better--there isn't anything she can't do! She's a phenomenal cook & baker, a great photographer, a gifted masseuse, the list goes on... She even made sure we had perfect weather on Saturday (it was in the 60's in the gaps--there were so many cyclists, it looked like early spring!). She is an all-around enthusiastic, tireless, fun person. I am thrilled to be racing with my new teammates and am certain that Barb has helped us prepare for a successful season ahead of us. It was an incredible experience to be able to spend a weekend riding our bikes, being spoiled and treated like pros. Thank you to the team for making this happen. A huge thank you to Lee for all your planning. And most importantly, thank you Barb and Perry!!!
I am all packed...sort of...After I got home, I was sort of in denial of either leaving tomorrow (today now...) or packing. I'm not sure which--if I don't pack, then I'm not leaving, right? The packing took longer than I expected--not because I'm bringing much, but because I'm indecisive. I still might go shopping tomorrow for the perfect pair of shoes or pants...or, I could just wait and go shopping in Cairo. I don't know--maybe I'll sleep for a few hours and decide in the morning.
Hi E & J! :-)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Adventures in Food
I'm leaving in 4 days and I decided in might be a good time to figure out a budget for how much I can spend while I'm there. I stumbled upon www.cairotourist.com awhile ago--it has pages full of pictures and articles about different parts of the city. It also has a list of restaurants--so far, I noticed (and will be avoiding) Arby's, Chili's, Domino's Pizza, Hardee's, "Hot" Rock Cafe (it's British?!), KFC (as well as Kenny Roger's Roasters?!), Little Caesars, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway and T.G.I. Fridays. Amazingly, I did not see Starbucks listed. And I have to admit, I'm curious about the House of Donuts (will there be a HOT sign?), La Fonda (will it be just like the one on P'tree?!), and the B.B.Q. Terrace (will they serve hush puppies too?). It seems safest to stick to tikka, humus, and kebabs at first. I'm not paid to be as adventurous as Anthony Bourdain, but I am looking forward to some delicious, unique meals!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
6 days and counting...
Nancy asked me a few weeks ago if it had sunk in yet that I was going to Egypt. I said "no" and she replied it might not sink in until I get there, or maybe even after I return. With fewer than 6 days until I leave, it's starting to seem real...
I've gotten most of the "boring stuff" out of the way--all those trips to Target, the visit to the travel doctor, figuring out bills, and finding accommodations. I've had so much help from my friends here and the people I'll be working with in Egypt.
Understandably, googling "hotels in Cairo" seemed a little, um, unfocused and who knows where or what type of place I would have ended up at. My friends in Cairo have arranged a hotel, convenient to NAMRU3 and I'll have people to carpool to work with. Breakfast is included (planning for food is very important) and as long as there's coffee or a coffee shop near by, I'll be happy (planning for coffee is even more important). More about the coffee later... I'm not sure if the hotel has a website, but if so, I'll post it or at least an address--that's what google maps is for, right? :-)
I found a home for Lilith! I was fortunate in that many friends were interested in having her as a guest at their house for a month. I think Miles the dog was the most enthusiastic about the possibility of having Lilith (aka the rather large indoor squirrel) around again. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Miles, but Lilith is going to live across the street with Julie and family. She is soon to be showered with attention from Alex and Isaac. I'm a little concerned that she won't want to come back to the apartment when I return. If she's reluctant, I'll just bribe her with treats--she'll do anything for treats. I am so happy and relieved to know that she has such a wonderful home to stay at.
And now the fun stuff! I'm still reading and planning as much as I can, trying to figure out what I want to see & do most. The entire city of Cairo sounds amazing, Alexandria is close by, I've been advised not to miss the Sinai Peninsula and it's very tempting to take a train to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings. I am notoriously horrible at decisions, but these are such amazing decisions to get to make!!! :-)
My good friend Tara from work is coming during my last week in Cairo. After 3 weeks of bumming around the city, I'll hopefully know my way around, will have found the best coffee shops, sharpened my bargaining skills, and possibly be ready for an adventure outside the city. I'm looking forward to having her around to travel with. She warned me that she isn't afraid to pack a ton of sightseeing into a day, visit every Mosque and pyramid possible (who knows when we'll be back?!) and riding a camel is a must. Sounds perfect!!! I also found out today that another cycling & CDC friend will be in Cairo that week for work. And I might get to hang out with a friend from high school for a bit while I'm there. What are the chances that a couple of Velva High School graduates meet up in Cairo for dinner? That's sure to warrant a write up of a paragraph or two in the local paper...
In addition to the boring errands and necessary things I need to do before I leave, I've been able to see most of my friends. I'm only gone a month, but I know I'll miss everyone!!! I'm looking forward to Egyptian food, but I was thrilled to hang out with friends after spin class tonight at Moe's! I'm pretty sure there aren't burritos in Egypt, but I could be surprised. And I'm looking forward to hanging out with my teammates this weekend--I can't think of a better way to spend my time before I leave than riding my bike with amazing friends through the mountains of North GA. I've been promised that there will be tons of yummy food & some relaxing as well.
Oh...and about the coffee shops. Ahwa is the arabic word for both coffee and coffee house and according to the Lonely Planet guide, it's one of the great Egyptian social institutions. They're gatherings for conversation, reading, dominoes and backgammon. Traditionally, they've been all-male hangouts, but that is changing in Cairo. There may be a Starbucks, but it sounds like I'll have numerous local ahwas to choose from. :-)
...links and pictures once I figure this out...
I've gotten most of the "boring stuff" out of the way--all those trips to Target, the visit to the travel doctor, figuring out bills, and finding accommodations. I've had so much help from my friends here and the people I'll be working with in Egypt.
Understandably, googling "hotels in Cairo" seemed a little, um, unfocused and who knows where or what type of place I would have ended up at. My friends in Cairo have arranged a hotel, convenient to NAMRU3 and I'll have people to carpool to work with. Breakfast is included (planning for food is very important) and as long as there's coffee or a coffee shop near by, I'll be happy (planning for coffee is even more important). More about the coffee later... I'm not sure if the hotel has a website, but if so, I'll post it or at least an address--that's what google maps is for, right? :-)
I found a home for Lilith! I was fortunate in that many friends were interested in having her as a guest at their house for a month. I think Miles the dog was the most enthusiastic about the possibility of having Lilith (aka the rather large indoor squirrel) around again. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Miles, but Lilith is going to live across the street with Julie and family. She is soon to be showered with attention from Alex and Isaac. I'm a little concerned that she won't want to come back to the apartment when I return. If she's reluctant, I'll just bribe her with treats--she'll do anything for treats. I am so happy and relieved to know that she has such a wonderful home to stay at.
And now the fun stuff! I'm still reading and planning as much as I can, trying to figure out what I want to see & do most. The entire city of Cairo sounds amazing, Alexandria is close by, I've been advised not to miss the Sinai Peninsula and it's very tempting to take a train to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings. I am notoriously horrible at decisions, but these are such amazing decisions to get to make!!! :-)
My good friend Tara from work is coming during my last week in Cairo. After 3 weeks of bumming around the city, I'll hopefully know my way around, will have found the best coffee shops, sharpened my bargaining skills, and possibly be ready for an adventure outside the city. I'm looking forward to having her around to travel with. She warned me that she isn't afraid to pack a ton of sightseeing into a day, visit every Mosque and pyramid possible (who knows when we'll be back?!) and riding a camel is a must. Sounds perfect!!! I also found out today that another cycling & CDC friend will be in Cairo that week for work. And I might get to hang out with a friend from high school for a bit while I'm there. What are the chances that a couple of Velva High School graduates meet up in Cairo for dinner? That's sure to warrant a write up of a paragraph or two in the local paper...
In addition to the boring errands and necessary things I need to do before I leave, I've been able to see most of my friends. I'm only gone a month, but I know I'll miss everyone!!! I'm looking forward to Egyptian food, but I was thrilled to hang out with friends after spin class tonight at Moe's! I'm pretty sure there aren't burritos in Egypt, but I could be surprised. And I'm looking forward to hanging out with my teammates this weekend--I can't think of a better way to spend my time before I leave than riding my bike with amazing friends through the mountains of North GA. I've been promised that there will be tons of yummy food & some relaxing as well.
Oh...and about the coffee shops. Ahwa is the arabic word for both coffee and coffee house and according to the Lonely Planet guide, it's one of the great Egyptian social institutions. They're gatherings for conversation, reading, dominoes and backgammon. Traditionally, they've been all-male hangouts, but that is changing in Cairo. There may be a Starbucks, but it sounds like I'll have numerous local ahwas to choose from. :-)
...links and pictures once I figure this out...
Thursday, January 4, 2007
25 days and counting...
It's official. On January 29th, I leave Atlanta to spend 4 weeks in Cairo, Egypt. I'll be working at the US Naval Medical Research Center No. 3. Additionally, I'll be visiting field sites around the country that are participating in a diarrhea surveillance project. Until now, I've pretty much only worked in a laboratory setting, so I'm pretty excited to work with people (and not just poo!).
As I work out the details, I'll post a bit more before I leave. Once I get there, I should have pretty regular Internet access and hopefully I'll have some neat stories to share. I don't think I'll get pyramid or Sphinx or mummy burnout! Feel free to let me know when you're tired of reading about pyramid & camel adventures. :)
Oh, and I thought this was interesting--the Lonely Planet guide lists "Cairo Cyclists" as a club that organizes long-distance rides on the weekends. hmmm...do I bring a kit or just stick to running on a treadmill?
As I work out the details, I'll post a bit more before I leave. Once I get there, I should have pretty regular Internet access and hopefully I'll have some neat stories to share. I don't think I'll get pyramid or Sphinx or mummy burnout! Feel free to let me know when you're tired of reading about pyramid & camel adventures. :)
Oh, and I thought this was interesting--the Lonely Planet guide lists "Cairo Cyclists" as a club that organizes long-distance rides on the weekends. hmmm...do I bring a kit or just stick to running on a treadmill?
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