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...