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.