Here is the entrance to their apartment building
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A Day in Cairo
As our trip is winding down and we are busy repacking and deciding what we still need to take care of here, I thought it would be interesting to let you in on their life here in Cairo. I think that is the thing we get asked the most about--their every day life, and that is the thing that Kait talks about the least-she tends to hit the special events more than the every day events.
The apartment is on the fifth floor of a 6 floor building that has 2 apts. per floor. Apartments are owned, not rented. Apartments(very few people, only wealthy, have houses) stay in a family through generations--there doesn't seem to be much need for real estate agents here. This apt. is one of 3 in the city owned by Shady's parents. Unfortunately, they are currently going through a divorce and ownership is being contested in the courts right now. The apt. is located in an area close to downtown--Dokki, Giza. Shady said that most of the people who live in this area are probably professionals, working class people could probably not afford it here. The shops that are prevalent on the first floor of all the buildings are typically owned by people who do not live in this area. Like Mike said, many of the shops do not have signs out front--this is to avoid paying taxes--even though everyone knows they are there and doing business. The building is cement--you have to go down the street and ask for someone to come with a drill when you want to hang something up like a curtain rod or even a picture--therefore you just don't hang much on the walls. It is not typical for an Egyptian household to have electric tools.
Kait told me the steps were recently redone--I can't imagine what they were like before--handrails are rare and it has been a chore getting our heavy luggage up and down a few times. The apartment enters into a room that serves as their dining room and the place the refrigerator is--it doesn't fit in the kitchen, off that room is a small sitting room--just enough space for 2 love seats that fold out to beds if needed. The balcony off that room is where the laundry is hung to dry. A hallway leads to the kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. The kitchen has a small gas stove, sink and a small counter, cupboards. The bathroom has a holding tank for water--probably about 15 gallons. For some reason there is no water available typically during the daytime hours, so in the evening they fill the large tank and all other available receptacles--keeping them in the bathroom till needed. There is no shower stall or tub in the bathroom, instead a floor drain and a squeegee. There is quite a system to taking a shower as you can imagine--especially considering you are having to heat the water too. It took a little getting used to the process, but like camping there are ways to be efficient. Oh, and did we mention that in Egypt you don't put toilet paper down the toilets--oh yeah, that was interesting too. Shady's brother and sister-in-law, Mohy and Madleina have one of the bedrooms--Kait and Shady the other. Closets are not built in, you have to either buy furniture or have something built in. Mike was disappointed to realize he couldn't go to Home Depot, pick up supplies and build them something. They are currently using a plastic storage system.
In the future Kait and Shady hope to be residing in a small villa in a compound about 30 miles north of Cairo. We visited the villa and it is very close to being completed, it would be a nice area with lots of green space--they'd even have grass! The disadvantage would be the commute for Shady, although it is relatively close to Kait's job. I'm sure they'll keep everyone posted if they have moving plans.
The advantage to this apartment is it's location. It is very close to the University of Cairo where Mohy is going to med. school and it is close to Shady's new job--Kait's is a little further away. They have many friends in the area and like the proximity to restaurants and shops. The downside is the congestion, dirt, lack of any green space.
Shady has a Fiat--all the cars here are standard transmissions, Kait can not drive it--I think she has tried, but the streets of Cairo are no place to be learning. Horn honking is the norm, parallel parking is typical--either side of the street facing any way you want. Most neighborhood streets have only one lane for traffic, sometimes you have to back up to get out. Nobody gets too upset about bumps and bruises on their cars. Lots of dust, no rust.
Shady drives to work, dropping Kait off at a co-worker's apt. to ride with her to Ericsson. Her job is located a little ways out of the city in a complex called "Smart Village", a very modern area with several tech companies. She is still getting used to her job and will eventually have to do a little traveling. Shady gets home before Kait--about 6, she about 7. Evenings in Cairo are when things come alive--stores, restaurants, markets are open till very late in the evening and often don't open up early in the morning--to say the least. Typical dinner is being eaten well after 8 or 9 at night. Again, last night we went out to eat after 9:00 and didn't leave the restaurant until after 11:00--and small children--schoolage were still in there eating. They often will order food to be delivered, or go out--not much cooking goes on here--just the basics.
That's about it for now, Shady just got home and when Kait arrives we plan to hit the large market in Cairo for our final Egyptian experience. We are very sad to say good-bye to Kait and Shady, but I miss the boys too. While we've been gone Alex finished his first year at the U and is now camping with friends in the boundary waters before he starts his summer job next week. Nic is continuing in the manager program at Block Buster and keeping busy with his puppy, Teddy. Since both Mike and I work with the senior population it has been strange to not be exposed to it like we are used to. I don't even know if they have Alzheimer's over here-obviously there are no memory care facilities. I don't think they live as long, so that lessens the chance too. We are looking forward to returning some day, but for now, home will be nice.
See you all soon,
Parkshore and EagleCrest on Thursday
Terhaars-- this weekend
Metzlers-- Memorial Day weekend in Green Bay
Love, Karen and Mike
Keep watching the blog--we'll try to keep posting some pictures.
The apartment is on the fifth floor of a 6 floor building that has 2 apts. per floor. Apartments are owned, not rented. Apartments(very few people, only wealthy, have houses) stay in a family through generations--there doesn't seem to be much need for real estate agents here. This apt. is one of 3 in the city owned by Shady's parents. Unfortunately, they are currently going through a divorce and ownership is being contested in the courts right now. The apt. is located in an area close to downtown--Dokki, Giza. Shady said that most of the people who live in this area are probably professionals, working class people could probably not afford it here. The shops that are prevalent on the first floor of all the buildings are typically owned by people who do not live in this area. Like Mike said, many of the shops do not have signs out front--this is to avoid paying taxes--even though everyone knows they are there and doing business. The building is cement--you have to go down the street and ask for someone to come with a drill when you want to hang something up like a curtain rod or even a picture--therefore you just don't hang much on the walls. It is not typical for an Egyptian household to have electric tools.
Kait told me the steps were recently redone--I can't imagine what they were like before--handrails are rare and it has been a chore getting our heavy luggage up and down a few times. The apartment enters into a room that serves as their dining room and the place the refrigerator is--it doesn't fit in the kitchen, off that room is a small sitting room--just enough space for 2 love seats that fold out to beds if needed. The balcony off that room is where the laundry is hung to dry. A hallway leads to the kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. The kitchen has a small gas stove, sink and a small counter, cupboards. The bathroom has a holding tank for water--probably about 15 gallons. For some reason there is no water available typically during the daytime hours, so in the evening they fill the large tank and all other available receptacles--keeping them in the bathroom till needed. There is no shower stall or tub in the bathroom, instead a floor drain and a squeegee. There is quite a system to taking a shower as you can imagine--especially considering you are having to heat the water too. It took a little getting used to the process, but like camping there are ways to be efficient. Oh, and did we mention that in Egypt you don't put toilet paper down the toilets--oh yeah, that was interesting too. Shady's brother and sister-in-law, Mohy and Madleina have one of the bedrooms--Kait and Shady the other. Closets are not built in, you have to either buy furniture or have something built in. Mike was disappointed to realize he couldn't go to Home Depot, pick up supplies and build them something. They are currently using a plastic storage system.
In the future Kait and Shady hope to be residing in a small villa in a compound about 30 miles north of Cairo. We visited the villa and it is very close to being completed, it would be a nice area with lots of green space--they'd even have grass! The disadvantage would be the commute for Shady, although it is relatively close to Kait's job. I'm sure they'll keep everyone posted if they have moving plans.
The advantage to this apartment is it's location. It is very close to the University of Cairo where Mohy is going to med. school and it is close to Shady's new job--Kait's is a little further away. They have many friends in the area and like the proximity to restaurants and shops. The downside is the congestion, dirt, lack of any green space.
Shady has a Fiat--all the cars here are standard transmissions, Kait can not drive it--I think she has tried, but the streets of Cairo are no place to be learning. Horn honking is the norm, parallel parking is typical--either side of the street facing any way you want. Most neighborhood streets have only one lane for traffic, sometimes you have to back up to get out. Nobody gets too upset about bumps and bruises on their cars. Lots of dust, no rust.
Shady drives to work, dropping Kait off at a co-worker's apt. to ride with her to Ericsson. Her job is located a little ways out of the city in a complex called "Smart Village", a very modern area with several tech companies. She is still getting used to her job and will eventually have to do a little traveling. Shady gets home before Kait--about 6, she about 7. Evenings in Cairo are when things come alive--stores, restaurants, markets are open till very late in the evening and often don't open up early in the morning--to say the least. Typical dinner is being eaten well after 8 or 9 at night. Again, last night we went out to eat after 9:00 and didn't leave the restaurant until after 11:00--and small children--schoolage were still in there eating. They often will order food to be delivered, or go out--not much cooking goes on here--just the basics.
That's about it for now, Shady just got home and when Kait arrives we plan to hit the large market in Cairo for our final Egyptian experience. We are very sad to say good-bye to Kait and Shady, but I miss the boys too. While we've been gone Alex finished his first year at the U and is now camping with friends in the boundary waters before he starts his summer job next week. Nic is continuing in the manager program at Block Buster and keeping busy with his puppy, Teddy. Since both Mike and I work with the senior population it has been strange to not be exposed to it like we are used to. I don't even know if they have Alzheimer's over here-obviously there are no memory care facilities. I don't think they live as long, so that lessens the chance too. We are looking forward to returning some day, but for now, home will be nice.
See you all soon,
Parkshore and EagleCrest on Thursday
Terhaars-- this weekend
Metzlers-- Memorial Day weekend in Green Bay
Love, Karen and Mike
Keep watching the blog--we'll try to keep posting some pictures.
Mike's morning walk in Cairo
Kait and Shady have left for work and the maid has arrived so I decide to test my survival skills and hit the streets of Cairo. I wanted to see if I could venture out without getting lost, cross a street without getting maimed by a vehichle and also purchase something on my own without getting bailed out by Kait or Shady. As I started walking I decided to take pictures at each turn with my digital so I could refer back if I did get lost. Taking pictures of landmarks and street signs eased my comfort of finding my way back. Kait and Shady live in a heaily congested area, what part of Cairo isn't with 22 million people. Many businesses in each block, most don't have a sign advertising but always someone there to let you know whats available...marketing at its best. I decided to purchase some water from a local food stand. We had purchased some water the night before at the grocery store so I knew approximately how much to pay. Aquafina 1.5 liter bottle for 150 pounds, that sounds right which in American money is .27 cents. I've never paid the same price for anything here, there is also alot of bartering that takes place in purchasing. I gathered my water and camera and stood at the street corner debating whether or not to cross the major roadway. Cars, vans, buses, trucks, scooters, donkeys and McDonald's delivery guys all flying by at a pace only reserved for 35w, I backed away and decided just walking down the streets on this side of the road were enough of a venture. You never walk on the sidewalks here, you walk the street which is reserved for a single lane of traffic and usually a war of horns and lights flashing will garner one or the other to back up or a pedistrian to jump the curb. There are alot of people walking with a limp, I figure from getting hit by a KIA or Hyundai.
There is a lot of tipping that goes on behind the scences. I noticed everytime we pull into a parking space magically a person appears and somehow claims special rights but for a small fee you can park. You usually pay when leaving and sometimes even alittle bit more if you allowed them to wipe down your car. Shady won't tip if the service hasn't been requested. I 've seen a few word exchanges over that issue also. Amusing to watch and listen to.
Well I made it back to the apartment and the maid is just getting ready to leave. The maid opens her bags and shows me she hasn't taken anything and then I give her the 30 pounds that Kait left for her, ($5.40). That is for 3.5 hours of cleaning and doing laundry which Kait and Shady will retrieve from the balcony tomorrow when they are sure it is dry.
Well time for me to upload some pictures of my adventures, enjoy. Mike
There is a lot of tipping that goes on behind the scences. I noticed everytime we pull into a parking space magically a person appears and somehow claims special rights but for a small fee you can park. You usually pay when leaving and sometimes even alittle bit more if you allowed them to wipe down your car. Shady won't tip if the service hasn't been requested. I 've seen a few word exchanges over that issue also. Amusing to watch and listen to.
Well I made it back to the apartment and the maid is just getting ready to leave. The maid opens her bags and shows me she hasn't taken anything and then I give her the 30 pounds that Kait left for her, ($5.40). That is for 3.5 hours of cleaning and doing laundry which Kait and Shady will retrieve from the balcony tomorrow when they are sure it is dry.
Well time for me to upload some pictures of my adventures, enjoy. Mike
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Back to Cairo
We arrived back at Shady and Kait's apartment about 7:30 this evening after a short taxi ride from the bus station. We were on the "Super Jet" from Hurghada, a 6 hour ride in a bus that really was like being on an airplane---even got a little snack box served to us. It was very comfortable and we traveled along the coast of the Red Sea for all but the last hour of the trip. Since we only had a snack box on the bus we were all very hungry when we hit Cairo. Shady got out the large notebook they keep of food places--all who deliver. That means every pizza, fast food and chain restaurant you can think of from the USA plus more. We decided on KFC and Dominos Pizza, both were here within 40 minutes. They deliver on bike and don't seem to mind the 5 flights of stairs up to the apartment, with a tip of course. The food tasted just like home, we have been eating primarily Egyptian food, so we don't feel we aren't getting the experience by an occasional meal from home.
Mike and Shady are going to go out to the grocery store in a few minutes to get some ingredients for my baking projects tomorrow. Kait and Shady are going to work so I volunteered to make chocolate chip cookies and bran muffins, so far Kait said she has not been able to find brown sugar, anyone know of a substitute? I brought chocolate chips from home, should have brought the brown sugar too.
Mike and Shady are going to go out to the grocery store in a few minutes to get some ingredients for my baking projects tomorrow. Kait and Shady are going to work so I volunteered to make chocolate chip cookies and bran muffins, so far Kait said she has not been able to find brown sugar, anyone know of a substitute? I brought chocolate chips from home, should have brought the brown sugar too.
Picture is of Mike and Shady when their KFC arrived. The wall behind them is a mural painted on Kait and Shady's dining room wall.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Misc. pictures...more to come tomorrow
The family with Mamaheya (Shady's Grandma)
Our home on the Nile for 3 days
Mike Mummified
Working the roadside stop
A girl from Isla, on the way home from school
Karen at Karnak Temple
Us with some of Shady's Family at the Engineering Club in Alexandria
Sunrise Balloon voyage over Luxor
Red Sea Resort
May 11, 2007
Early afternoon yesterday we checked in to the Le Meridien, Makida Bay, located on the Red Sea. It’s a huge, 5-star resort of the all-inclusive, Mexican style. The guests are primarily German, Russian and a few other European countries—Americans are rare here. In fact the staff has a fun time trying to guess where we are from, they do not know what an American accent sounds like—we are mistaken for British, German or Dutch. Kait and I are able to understand a lot of the German signs (the boat was all German, no English). However, Kait’s definitely more “fluent” in Arabic now, German has become her third language. We will be staying here until Sunday morning and the only thing on the agenda is sun, swim, sleep and eat—no sightseeing (of temples and tombs).
There is however sightseeing of another variety when you are at a European resort, the people watching is really good here—much better than the State Fair.
Kait and Shady did a nice job of planning this trip so that we would have these days to really relax and rest before we hit Cairo again. We really wish Shady could be here but he started his new job last Monday and that is certainly more important. We will see him when we get back to Cairo on Sunday. Kait will have to go to work on Monday as she just started a new job a week before we came and she told them she needed the week off while we were here. In case you hadn’t heard, Shady is working for Orange—a European Company, in charge of their e-mail network(including McDonalds) (sorry Shady I’m not very good with the details), and Kait is working for Sony Erickson (the Swedish company)—doing a special project related to quality control.
That’s it for tonight, we can hear the music in the disco just outside our patio, and this resort is a cross between the resort in “Dirty Dancing” and an Arabic version of a Disney resort. Lots of activities for kids and adults. Mike made friends with a female impersonator in the bar before supper—don’t worry we have a picture.
Early afternoon yesterday we checked in to the Le Meridien, Makida Bay, located on the Red Sea. It’s a huge, 5-star resort of the all-inclusive, Mexican style. The guests are primarily German, Russian and a few other European countries—Americans are rare here. In fact the staff has a fun time trying to guess where we are from, they do not know what an American accent sounds like—we are mistaken for British, German or Dutch. Kait and I are able to understand a lot of the German signs (the boat was all German, no English). However, Kait’s definitely more “fluent” in Arabic now, German has become her third language. We will be staying here until Sunday morning and the only thing on the agenda is sun, swim, sleep and eat—no sightseeing (of temples and tombs).
There is however sightseeing of another variety when you are at a European resort, the people watching is really good here—much better than the State Fair.
Kait and Shady did a nice job of planning this trip so that we would have these days to really relax and rest before we hit Cairo again. We really wish Shady could be here but he started his new job last Monday and that is certainly more important. We will see him when we get back to Cairo on Sunday. Kait will have to go to work on Monday as she just started a new job a week before we came and she told them she needed the week off while we were here. In case you hadn’t heard, Shady is working for Orange—a European Company, in charge of their e-mail network(including McDonalds) (sorry Shady I’m not very good with the details), and Kait is working for Sony Erickson (the Swedish company)—doing a special project related to quality control.
That’s it for tonight, we can hear the music in the disco just outside our patio, and this resort is a cross between the resort in “Dirty Dancing” and an Arabic version of a Disney resort. Lots of activities for kids and adults. Mike made friends with a female impersonator in the bar before supper—don’t worry we have a picture.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
May 10, 2007
Up early to see the Ballons take off today fron another point of view. Partly cloudy so not a good view, but still an amazing site with the Valley of the Kings as a backdrop. We are leaving around 8:00 am. So time for a quick breakfast and meet up with Moustafa to say good bye and last minute instructions about the next leg of our journey. Moustafa has been a good tour guide, (with a sense of humor). Tipped him well!
The next leg of our journey will be done by private van for the trip to Hurghada and for security reasons we will have a police escort. The Egyptians value their tourism dollars. We will be one van in the convoy of 300 vehicles that are escorted for the three hour drive.
We have had very full days of touring more sites than what most Egyptians have seen (according to Kait) so the next three days in Hurghada will be pure relaxation at the best resort there.
The next leg of our journey will be done by private van for the trip to Hurghada and for security reasons we will have a police escort. The Egyptians value their tourism dollars. We will be one van in the convoy of 300 vehicles that are escorted for the three hour drive.
We have had very full days of touring more sites than what most Egyptians have seen (according to Kait) so the next three days in Hurghada will be pure relaxation at the best resort there.
May 9, 2007
Happy birthday Mike! Today he was able to do one of his favorite things—go on a hot air balloon ride. The only other time he did that was over frozen Lindstrom in January, this time it was sunrise over Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Kait went up with him—and about 6 other passengers. They had a good trip with a soft landing. I went to the boat roof top to watch it all from the other side of the Nile, there were about 11 balloons up. Later in the morning we went to Valley of the Kings—63 tombs(you are allowed to visit 3), another temple(I’m starting to lose track of them) and an alabaster factory—sales pitch. Back to the boat to eat, swim, rest, cool off. Late afternoon was the Karnak temples and another swim. Mike went with our tour guide to the Luxor markets for some shopping—bartering really, doesn’t resemble our shopping at all.
Supper tonight included a rousing song in Arabic and dance by the staff—ala Applebee’s—for the birthday boy and one of the German passengers. They grabbed them both and included them in the dance, then had a cake decorated with “Happy Birthday Josef and Micheal”
Supper tonight included a rousing song in Arabic and dance by the staff—ala Applebee’s—for the birthday boy and one of the German passengers. They grabbed them both and included them in the dance, then had a cake decorated with “Happy Birthday Josef and Micheal”
May 7, 2007
Woke up on the train about an hour before we were due to arrive at Aswan to be served breakfast in our compartment. We arrived in Aswan shortly after 8am—it was already noticeably hotter than Cairo. We know it was over a hundred over the next few days—no flashing bank thermometers and no 10pm news—so we don’t have numbers. We are so data oriented, it is really strange to not access those things at a second. Leaving the train we were to look for our tour guide, Moustafa. He will be assigned to us for the next 3 days, on the boat and at all the stops, arranging all the transportation at each location—crazy concept. Egyptian tour guides are licensed and you seem them all over the place with small groups like us three or with large bus groups. He took us to an air conditioned van and we started our Aswan tour.
Aswan Arrival!
We arrived in Aswan around 8:15am and was promptly greeted by our personal tour guide Mostafa. We started our morning touring by the low dam and high dam, Egypt major source of electrical power. With the dam built it also created the largest man made lake in the world, Lake Nassar (crocodiles' in that lake). Next, we headed to board our boat, have lunch and then another tour of some islands…including the botanical gardens.
The Train to Aswan!
So here we are on a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, Egypt. Sleeper train…why am I writing this at 4:30 am? Ten minutes into the ride two mechanics carrying tools walked through our car, followed closely by security carrying a machine gun looking weapon. Shady said we would see a lot of security on the trains. So far uneventful. I was hoping they would have a club car? Just then a porter came through that we should plan on visiting the club car. Well, I went alittle later to investigate the club car. It was there, but as we have learned during our visit. Everyone seems to smoke and with no non-smoking areas…the club car was a gas chamber, I couldn’t even stay for a gin and tonic.
We have made several stops, one to change engineers, and two other scheduled stops, our stop will be in a couple hours ...time for another nap.
We have made several stops, one to change engineers, and two other scheduled stops, our stop will be in a couple hours ...time for another nap.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Walk like an Egyptian
Yesterday we were still recovering from jet lag, so today turned in to our first tourist day in Cairo. After last night's traditional Egyptian meal at a restaurant, a felluca(sailboat) ride on the Nile, and a visit to a nightclub/bar to meet some of Kait and Shady's friends, we made plans to get up very early and see the Pyramids before the hottest part of the day. Now if we said we were going to get up early to do something in Minnesota it would typically mean 6:00 or even 5:30, in Egyptian time it is much later--we left for the Pyramids about 8:30. Their apartment is a mere 15 minute drive from the Pyramids. We walked around the dessert for about 2 hours--the 3 large Pyramids, 3 small and the Sphinx. Mike got his camel ride(the camel's name is Moses) and we had many photo ops. It is as awesome and unbelivable as you imagine it would be. The Egyptians have a very unusual marketing plan however--it's called "endless pestering". Apparently it works for them, it would never work in the world of Disney.
This afternoon Shady dropped Mike and I off at the Egyptian Museum for a few hours of exploring it on our own. It was full of Ancient History and it was fun to do some people watching, hearing the different tour guides in lots of languages--today was some French, Japanese, Spanish and German. We gave Shady a call when we were done and he was again able to pick us up. He has given us a cell phone to use while we are here--all the conveniences of home. Well almost--they have no running hot water, dishwashing, cooking, showers are all a bit like camping was when I was a kid.
The sights here are all so foreign that it is overwhelming to put in to words. However the one thing that is quite unique is the driving/traffic patterns and behavior--there is none. It is such organized chaos that it almost makes sense. The rhythmn is not stop and go, it's keep moving and use your horn! Shady is a pro, Mike is forbidden to even try!
We had Egyptian pancakes(fateer) tonight --more like pizza. Very good. Enjoy the pictures, we head for Alexandria in the morning. Love, Karen and Mike
Thursday, May 3, 2007
We have arrived!
We are in Cairo, arriving at 2:05 am. Following Kait's instructions we find the line for visa's, then immigrations line, pick up our luggage, then through customs, no problems just long lines. Finally Kait and Shady! I think we had reached the stage of not knowing what we are as far as being tired, hungry etc. By the time we got to Kait and Shady's place it was almost 4:00, by the time we got to bed it was close to 5:30 am. Kait and Shady don't have to work today, so it's a three day week-end for them.
On our drive through Cairo in the middle of the night it was amazing to see all the people out and about, not what you expect you'd see at that time. Today we slept in and Kait and Shady offered a nice breakfast of juice, tea, yougurt, flat bread and cheese--bran muffins are being closely guarded by Kait(she does share them Grandma). We are taking it easy this afternoon and will head out to the Egyptian Museum later and our first exploration of the city. The weather is expected to be in the 100's for the rest of the week. Thankfully they have three air conditioners in their apartment so very comfortable.
On our drive through Cairo in the middle of the night it was amazing to see all the people out and about, not what you expect you'd see at that time. Today we slept in and Kait and Shady offered a nice breakfast of juice, tea, yougurt, flat bread and cheese--bran muffins are being closely guarded by Kait(she does share them Grandma). We are taking it easy this afternoon and will head out to the Egyptian Museum later and our first exploration of the city. The weather is expected to be in the 100's for the rest of the week. Thankfully they have three air conditioners in their apartment so very comfortable.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Amsterdam
We made it to Amsterdam and are currently enjoying the perks of the World Perks lounge at the airport--thanks Ames! The flight was uneventful, except for the entertainment monitor not working for either one of us--but we made it. Having 8 hours to spend in Amsterdam we decided to get on a small tour bus for a quick but thorough tour of the city and countryside--everything, the Anne Frank house, windmill, wooden shoe factory, museums, red light district. Everyone on our small tour van are headed to Cairo also, strange but true, even the family we sat by on the plane...a family of five(three little girls) are headed to Cairo. Kait and Shady do you have room for all our new friends? Got to go, Karen needs another glass of champagne and I another gin and tonic. Back to you soon. Mike and Karen
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Departure Countdown
The facts are we leave for Cairo, via Amsterdam in just 2 days. We will be leaving MN on Tues. May 1 at 9:25pm. We will have an 8 hour stay in Amsterdam before heading for Cairo--for this amazing adventure our daughter has created for us. The truth is neither one of us ever had Egypt in our travel future--ever--but thank goodness life supplies surprises, so here we go.
The trip preparation has been both exhilirating and exhausting, but now--Mike said yesterday--"I just want to get there." Karen's biggest concern is, "will she have the right things to wear?", Mike's is, "will I have enough immodium?"
Many family, friends and co-workers at Parkshore and EagleCrest have been anticipating this trip along with us, so we will attempt to share our adventures through this blog. Hope you enjoy it, and we'll do our best to keep you informed.
The trip preparation has been both exhilirating and exhausting, but now--Mike said yesterday--"I just want to get there." Karen's biggest concern is, "will she have the right things to wear?", Mike's is, "will I have enough immodium?"
Many family, friends and co-workers at Parkshore and EagleCrest have been anticipating this trip along with us, so we will attempt to share our adventures through this blog. Hope you enjoy it, and we'll do our best to keep you informed.
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