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