This is the first time we've been able to sit at the computer since the last post at the end of April. We anticipate receiving our computer around May 15. I don't know if I can wait 10 more days for our "stuff."
The weather is pretty nice here -- though the sun is really hot. I don't miss the humidity or pollen of Maryland that's for sure -- but I miss the greenery.
We bought a sofa and two chairs to make the place seem more like home. It's really nice. I need to be more patient though, I want everything and I want it right now. We bought a new car - a Hyundai Matrix - I call it "yabba dabba doo!" It's a rounded out version of Fred Flintstone's vehicle, minus the feet brakes. No, really it's a nice car. I'm afraid to drive because there are too many cars around me -- yeah sure it's all the other drivers in Cairo - not me.
I've had some tummy troubles probably from too much tamaya and fuul. I hope it gets better soon - I expected it but not for this long.
Hassan and Mira went swimming at the pool the other day. One thing I'm learning about living in Egypt is that we rarely do anything by ourselves - there is at least a small entourage of family to join in no matter what the occasion. When we went to the pool we were escorted by Aunt Olfat, Uncle Abazim, Dalia and her son, Omar (another story at least). When we went shopping for clothes for me it was the same above entourage with Olfat's one son, Walid, his wife and two daughters. When we went shopping for furniture it was with Olfat's other son Meedo, his wife, and their three kids! My goodness - where is the privacy and alone time? I appreciate their interest in our lives but it has become very overwhelming for me. We've spent some time with Hassan's friends - what a delight - life-long friends of Hassan's that now include wives and children.
I know it will take time for me to adjust but I need to draw some boundaries too - without insulting anyone or hurting anyone's feelings. I know Egyptians are very warm and friendly to a fault - but I need to stand my ground.
Ma3salaama,
Marian
About Me
- Marian
- Cairo, Egypt
- My husband, daughter, and I moved to Egypt five years ago from the US. I like to write about my experiences of being an American living in Egypt, adjusting and re-adjusting to living here over the years.
4 comments:
Marian :)
Ahh, the family. Yes, they can be, at times, very intrusive and can make things hard on ya. Best thing to do is just go and do things without them knowing. Maybe they will get the hint that you need sometime to yourself too. Thank God Mo's family knows how I am and don't really invade on our privacy to much.
Hyundai Matrix! Wow!! Very cool!! I think I have seen them around here. Usually I see more Daewoo than anything. Well, that and the Lada.
I really enjoyed talking with you today, even though I must sounded so bad lol. I will give you a call this weekend or next week to chat. Hope to see you all soon!!
Take care and lots of hugs,
Layla
The family things is kinda crazy when you're used to being alone with your DH huh? I have that same thing going with my DH. When everyone was in Denver I couldn't even go to the grocery alone. Actually, it's one thing that is nice about being a state away from everyone! I'm not obligated to include anyone!LOL But when we move to Egypt I'm sure I'll be done with that.
UmmLayla:)
Layla,
Yes, you know it's difficult to pass up cream colored doilies that I would never use onthe sofa. But I did it and Hassan's aunt was offended - not my intention at all, I tried to recover my offense but she was already mad. Oh well. I didn't want to take them because then I would be stuck with them and then whenever they visit they will want to see the doilies out next to the "lovely " lamps they gave us two years ago that are still wrapped up.
I will call you soon.
Ma3salaama and love,
Marian
Ummlayla,
Yes, family is involved in so many aspects of our lives here. When we were in Maryland my family was an hour away and we were upset that we never did anything with the family - here is the exact opposite - while it's fun to do things together there are too many of them sometimes and not enough days in the week. This becomes quite much esp. since we're trying to get Mira through the remainder of the school year in a school she absoultely hates. And she never hated school before moving.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Ma3salaama and love,
Marian
Post a Comment