Leaving a Life

Today we received a call from one of our closest Egyptian friends.  As we spent time catching up, he finally asked, "So what are you guys doing here?"  

I began to laugh. "That, my friend, is a very good question."  

Some of you also may wonder the same thing.  Last time we had connected with you, we were making plans for our return to S where John was the Academic Dean at a school and I was an English teacher.

So….(insert awkward pause)….what happened?  Honestly, we couldn't say much due to security measures we had to implement during our time in S.  We still can't say everything we'd like simply because the world is too connected. (I have purposely left out names of colleagues and additional details for the same reason.)  However, I do feel like you should know some of the events that have happened within the last few months so that you can understand why we are where we are.

If I could insert a disclaimer it would be this: We don't tell this story for any other reason than to elicit your prayers and understanding for what is taking place in S for those who remain in-country and those of us who were forced to leave.  

The following is an edited narrative of events.  If you have any comments or questions, please private message me.  For more fun reading, insert the name "Jack Bauer" every time you see John's name…

In December, I had just wrestled the last Yankee candle into our travel totes when John received a call.  Something was going down in S.  I looked up from the perfectly packed and weighed container waiting for more information.  Government intelligence had begun a series of investigations which had led to the detainment of a colleague and co-workers being questioned regularly.  The questions now which hung in the air were, "Would the team already there be allowed to remain?" and "Could John and I get back in?"  

I surveyed our stack of suitcases and asked, "So....now what?"

John replied, "We trust the Lord and we proceed until He says otherwise."  

"I can still take my candles, right?"

He laughed and said, "Of course.  What woman doesn't need the right scented candle for a government coup?"

That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is exactly why I married him.

In January, we arrived in Nairobi, Kenya to meet our team and leadership prior to our entry to K-town.  We were attending an already scheduled prayer retreat and thought that there couldn't be a better way to start our next term.  

We were informed that most of the teachers had been given an exit visa to leave the country for a holiday.  (You have to ask permission to enter AND exit S.)  We also found out that some of our colleagues had not been allowed to leave and were still being questioned.  During our time together, we prayed, discussed, weighed options and prayed some more.

What should we do?  Do we go into a known volatile situation?  Do we take our teachers?  Where does confidence in the Lord and bravado meet?  We prayed again.

We received good news that our detained colleague had been released to leave the country and that additional colleagues had also been given permission to leave.

Everyone who was returning was asked again if they were sure this is what the Lord had for them.  They were resolute.  The school would continue to run.  We would use every opportunity offered to love our dear S-ese friends for as long as possible.  We were going in.

January 9 all of us packed our bags and made our way to the Jomo Kenyatta Airport in preparation for the short 3 hour flight that would return us to the wonderful, chaotic sand-filled land of S.

Truthfully, we didn't know what to expect once we landed in K-town.  Government Intelligence had been unpredictable which added to our anxiety.  We all breathed silent prayers as we waited in various Passport Control lines.  We kept eye contact with each other scanning the room, nodding our heads in assurance.  Frankly, we've seen way too many action movies and our imaginations were running wild.  However, we each presented our passports, were asked a couple of questions and then given the all-important stamp of entry.  Big sigh.

Our luggage (all of it) waited for us on the conveyor belt.  Soon we were loaded with people, bags and confidence that the Lord had just performed a miracle.

One of our dear friends greeted us in the parking lot.  He had vehicles waiting for us to take us to our respective homes.  We were so excited!  We were IN!

The first 3 days we spent unpacking, sorting, hanging pictures and dusting (or rather scooping) our apartment.  We were so happy to renew our relationships with our dear S-ese friends.  Yes, it was going well.

On Day 4 John received word that government security wanted him to report to their office for questioning.  This was not unexpected.  Our colleagues had received a similar "invite" as well.  He arrived and was escorted to someone we now affectionately call, "The General."  The General proceeded to ask John a variety of questions, seize both of our passports, then dismiss him to wait in the "VIP Room" (our designation) with other friends.  This particular day he was held 8 hours.  At the end of the time (around midnight), one of the soldiers drove him home where I was awaiting his return.

Day 5 was spent at the school, John in his office and I in my classroom.  We were making strides...he with the parents and the administration and I had managed to keep 19 active 3-year olds alive during my watch.  However, during school, John was once again called into security.  Much of the same as before, but this time in security lasted 9 hours.  He was returned by The General himself around 1 am.  This time the message was clear, "You must leave S immediately." 

We couldn't believe it.  Throughout this past year we had spoken about the opportunities we were receiving within the education community, the favor of government departments...How could this be?  We began to call those who had influence and the answer was the same, "You cannot fight this.  You must go."  Must go?  That's it?  No recourse?

I called our lawyer and he said, "This is not a legal matter.  They are above the law.  I can do nothing. We do not know why this is happening."  

Each day (Day 6), John and I would pray for a miracle and wake each morning ready to start anew.  This day, he was able to get quite a bit of work done before he was once again called into security.  At this point, you may be asking, "What is the point of so many visits?  Why all the questions?"  We aren't sure.  Maybe it's to wear you down, make you give up or to scare you into complying. 

For the next visit, The General wasn't even on site.  John was forced to surrender his phone.  He simply sat in the VIP Room until he fell asleep.  This visit lasted 16 hours with no questions.  Around 11 pm, a soldier nudged him awake and sent John on his way.  This time there was no ride.  He had to walk.  Before he left the room the soldier looked at him and said, "Come back tomorrow."  John asked, "May I have my phone back?"  The soldier said, "No."  John said, "How will I know when to come?"  The soldier simply shooed him out of the room. (Day 7)

Since John had no phone we took this as an opportunity to have no communication with security.  I turned my phone off and we advised our team members to do the same.  Day 8 and 9 were days filled with meetings, packing and contingencies.  

Day 10 we received a call on my phone from The General. (I eventually HAD to turn my phone on so others could reach me.)  He wanted John to come immediately and for me to come along also.  John and I talked about this and decided that I must go if we were going to ever get both passports back.  We arrived and sat down in the VIP Room.  We looked around and saw some of our dear S-ese friends as well as a Western colleague.  We smiled broadly and John quipped, "I am VERY glad to see you, but sorry to see you here."  They all smiled knowingly, and we fell into a hush as the soldiers were circling.

After about 2 hours, a soldier walked in looked straight at me and said, "Come."  John stood up and said, "I speak for my family.  We go together."  The soldier once again shook his head and said, "No.  Her."  Again, John reiterated that we would not be separated.  Frustrated the soldier began making a call on his phone and walked out.  My heart was pounding, but I knew Jesus was near.

The soldier returned and told John to come with him.  John rose and walked with the soldier to a basement room in another building across the lot.  A few minutes passed when a new soldier walked in and indicated for me to follow him.  I didn't move.  He stood right in front of where I was sitting, snapped his fingers and said, "Stand up!  Now!"  Keeping my eyes down, I stayed seated.  Our Western colleague began to explain (in Arabic) to the soldier that it is shameful for me to be alone in a room with a man who is not my husband (S-ese Culture 101).  Various arguments passed back and forth until the soldier turned on his heel and left without me.

Not long after, two soldiers returned with John and then renewed their request for me to follow them.  I complied.  We were led across the parking lot up two flights of stairs into The General's office.  The General gestured for us to sit.  John sat in a chair directly by The General's desk, and I sat on a small couch.  All of the extraneous personnel remained.  

The General then said to John, "I want to ask your wife questions.  You need to leave the room."

John kindly replied, "I speak for my family.  We are together.  I will not separate from her."

The General said, "You MUST leave the room!"

Again, John in humble response said, "I cannot.  It isn't right for my wife to be alone in the room with a man who is not her husband."

By now The General was quite upset.  He ordered 2 of his soldiers to escort John out of the room.  They grabbed John by the arms and attempted to remove him.  I stood up immediately because I was going wherever John was going.  

John then said, "Do not put your hands on my wife!"

The General then called in 2 women.  One was small, but the other was about 6 feet tall and had girth.  They both grabbed my arms and began moving me back toward the couch.

At this point, John repeated, "Do NOT put your hands on my wife!"

The General issued 2 more soldiers for John and the 4 forcibly removed him from the room.  The two women forced me to sit.  I sat with my hands in my lap, heart pounding, lips praying and wondering what would happen next.

The General sent John to the roof and returned to begin his questioning of me.  2 years ago, we participated in safety training for people like us who live in potentially volatile places.  I'm so glad we went.  I knew that after something had escalated this much that my job was to now slow down the pace of the situation.  He began by asking me, "Why do you cause so much drama?!"  I didn't answer knowing that nothing I said would be satisfactory.  Afterward he began asking standard questions, "When did you come to S?  Have you been here before?  Have you ever taken the children to a bakery?" (That was random question.)  I tried to answer each question slowly and truthfully.

He dismissed the 2 women from the room, but I requested that they stay.  He allowed one to remain.

After about 20 minutes, he sent me back to the VIP room.  Upon my return, John wasn't there.  I could only assume that it was now his turn for more questions.

We can't share everything that happened through the day, but by the end of both of our interviews The General decided that "through the generosity of the S-ese people, we would be released to leave on a plane that night."  I was released before John so I went home and finished our immediate packing.  I looked around our apartment and realized how much I was going to miss this place, these people.

Our team was amazing.  They jumped in, helped me pack, locked and weighed our bags.  The rest of our household would have to be sold or given away at a later date.  By the time John was released (5 hours later), everything was ready to go—our home in 8 bags.

We stayed at our friends' place saying goodbye to people as news traveled around the community.  After we slept a bit, our kind, bleary-eyed friend gathered us and our bags in the wee hours of the morning (Day 11) and took us to the airport.  I admit that even as we waited in line to get our boarding passes, I fully expected guards to come out of the corners to take us back to security...but no such thing happened.  

We simply checked our bags, boarded a plane and left...our life.

To date, over 225 foreigners have been expelled from S with little or no explanation.  We don't have any indication when we will be allowed to return.  Until then, we will continue to improve our Arabic and love like Jesus in this new land full of beautiful people who have opened their homes and hearts to us.

Today's BOGO Blog:  Emileigh's Beauty Salon

Sadik

A couple days ago, John hailed a taxi and so began our relationship with Sadik*.  Sadik's appearance matched his taxi…older, weather-worn and missing a few parts (teeth and air conditioning respectively).  He was a friendly sort and willingly drove us all around town trying to locate the items on our list.  On that day, we hit about 25% success rate due to the flexible hours during Ramadan which are:

8:00 am-11:00 am     Don't even think about it
11:00 am-2:00 pm     If we can get one employee to show up to open the doors, you're good.
2:00 pm -3:00 pm     Your best bet IF they are even open at all during the day, but the employee may be asleep in the back.
3:00-Sunset               Absolutely no chance at all
9:00 pm-2:00 am       Let the good times roll!

Now John and I very much want to integrate with the culture as much as we can, but with the current political conditions we've been advised to not venture out too much without the escort of an Egyptian friend.  Good wisdom, but I HAVE A TO-DO LIST!!!!!!

Now that you've seen that ugly side of me, I'll proceed with our helpful taxi driver, Sadik.  John called Sadik again and asked him to pick us up for another day of errands.  He told us he would be there in 30 minutes and much to our happiness…it was actually 30 minutes.  He greeted us with a big, gummy grin and asked where we wanted to go today.

Our first stop was going to be the mattress store.  (Actually this would be our 3rd try, but first stop on this particular day.)  He honked his way through the few pedestrians until we pulled up to the front of Taki Mattresses.  (Yes, this made me laugh, but they're the only game in town.)  The lights were on.  Yessssssss!

We walked in and found one lone employee with his head on the desk asleep.  He woke up when we entered and quickly shook himself to duty.  John introduced himself and began relaying our request for a mattress.  (We actually need 4, but we thought we'd start out with 1 to see how it goes.)  

Much talk passed about size, thickness, coil count and month of use.  Month of use?  What is that?  We discovered that because our location is so very hot, that the manufacturers have taken to creating mattresses with a different kind of material that won't absorb so much heat.  The other side is for the "winter" months when it drops to a chilly 80 degrees.  

We debated between the "Four Seasons" and the "White Golden" only until we discovered they didn't actually have a "Four Seasons" in stock.  That pretty much made our decision for us.  One "White Golden" mattress, please.  John asked if they could deliver and the employee suggested we attach it to the top of the taxi.  However, another employee had arrived and assured John that they would indeed be happy to deliver.  

Sadik had waited patiently through all of this, but stuck his head in to see if we needed anything.  John nodded and asked him to relay to the employee our home address (since there are no numbers, streets or anything of the sort).  We paid our bill, took a receipt and proceeded to the next shop.

We still have contact with some of our friends in S*dan which is great, but does eat through our phone minutes quickly.  We told Sadik we needed to "top up" our phones with credit.  He drove us by Mobinil which was closed.  He asked around and found out that they would open at 8:30 pm.  I looked at the time.  It was 4:00 pm.  No go.

We're still batting .500.  

The next stop was for cleaning supplies.  I showed Sadik my picture of cleaning goods to which he quickly zipped around a corner to a man who had it all.  I picked up all the needed items and asked the store owner how much the total was.  He told me when Sadik stepped in.  He asked the man to tell him the price of each item.  Sadik did the math and gave me the nod.  I made my purchases and began a happy dance.  I was now the proud owner of a mop, a broom AND 2 buckets.  Yessirree, things are looking up.

Our last stop was going to be the subermarket, but they were just locking the doors when we pulled up.  Sadik asked what we needed.  I said, "Soap, laundry detergent and Diet Coke."  He drove (quite quickly) through the small streets to a small dukon (7-11ish).  A teenage boy asked what I needed.  I requested Coca Light and laundry soap.  Sadik stood next to me and reminded me that I also needed hand soap.  I cracked up and thanked him.

They had everything I needed with the exception of Coca Light or Bebsi Diet. I told Sadik that I was happy and we could go home now.  However, he suggested to John that we go back to get the mattress.  He had a rope in his car and could tie it on top.  John shrugged and said, "Sure, why not?"  So back we went.

We secured the mattress and told Sadik we were finished.  He said, "But you don't have Coca Light?"  I told him it was no problem and we could look another day.  He said, "We will look!"

As we drove from the mattress store toward our apartment, Sadik slowed at every dukon checking for my beverage.  A couple times he thought he saw it and I hopped out.  False alarm.

He was determined even though the afternoon was waning and the shops were all closing in preparation for iftar.  We were ready to turn a corner when I spotted a cooler with Bebsi Diet.  I jumped out and purchased a few bottles.  Sadik was once again by my side making sure that I was paying a fair price.

When I returned to the car he smiled and said, "Now you are finished!"  Yes, today we were finished.    3 things on our list accomplished.  In this part of the world, it's simply miraculous.  Thank you, Sadik, and thank you, Jesus, for sending friends our way.

*Not his real name

I was in more of a supervisory position...

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Today's BOGO Blog:  Bleckkkkkkkkkkh!

A Conversation with a Cleaning Lady

 After perusing a variety of potential homes-to-be, John and I decided on #3 The Fixer Upper with a View.  Someone on FB had jokingly said, "Maybe a Lowe's or Home Depot is nearby…"  Ha ha ha ha…uh hem.  THAT would be amazing, but sadly no.

Yesterday a lady who had been hired by our landlord came to the new apartment to do some cleaning after the a/c guys had completed their installation of the unit in our bedroom.  They had left a good pile of concrete, wire and papers lying around so as to ensure job security for the cleaners who come behind.  How very thoughtful.  (They must sign a world-wide agreement of behavior.)

Anyway, she asked us to let her in.  I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk with her about things I would need for the house.  She would be the woman "in the know."  I am the woman "so far removed from the know that I can't even…)  Well, this story will tell the point.

I began speaking to her in Arabic to practice and because she has no English.  John was in another room investigating the electricity when he heard something that went like this…

I asked, "Could you tell me where I can buy cleaning supplies?"

"Yes, yes, I will clean for you today."

"Thank you very much.  I am happy for your help.  Would you tell me where you buy things to clean the apartment?"

"Oh, I do not have many supplies.  All I have is this bucket, soap and steel wool." She said as she pointed at the items.

It is at this point that I pulled out my phone and showed her a picture of cleaning supplies.  I don't recall all the words needed for a description so John suggested I show her a picture.  (Sometimes he's so brilliant!  I usually break into a round of charades at this point, but he saved the day!)

I said, "I would be happy to buy some more for you.  Do you get them in the souk (open air market) or the subermarket (supermarket)?"

"I will clean EVERYthing!"

"If I give you the money, would you go buy the cleaning supplies?"

"You should talk to Maab* (our landlady)."

"So she buys the cleaning supplies?"

"Yes, yes, I will clean EVERY THING!"

"Thank you very much for all your help."  Sigh.

I smiled and went to report what happened to John.  I told him it looked like we would be making a trip to the store for supplies.  Where?  I don't know.

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UPDATE:  Currently,  our city of residence is very calm.  We are making trips out in the afternoon to try to get a few things accomplished, but are staying inside in the evenings when groups begin to gather.  Our new Egyptian friends have been very thoughtful toward us.  Thank you again for your kind notes of encouragement and prayers.

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Today's BOGO Blog:  Stationary Stationery

Reporting from the Inside Out

I received a couple messages last night asking how we were faring through the events taking place here.  I have to say that it's a bit odd trying to give a report.  John and I feel perfectly safe in our location and our new friends have been very kind to us.

A local family stopped by yesterday to check on us and a doctor that we haven't even met yet heard of us and called to see if we needed anything.  Wow.

The flat where we are staying has DSL so we were able to check a variety of news stations for updates about what was happening.  Funny.  I am located in-country, but pretty much have no more idea about what's going on than you do.

I was able to see many reports of Tahrir Square in Cairo, scenes from Alexandria and so on.  The downside is that these stations are all in Arabic so we weren't really able to grasp too much of what's being said.  They simply talk too fast.  If only Dora the Explorer had a news show.

We heard from one of our friends in Cairo and he told me that he was on TV last night.  I laughed (see photo).  

Tahrir Square (Stock photo)

I also followed Twitter to see real-time reports.  This one brought me to tears.  Local Cairo Christians had decided to fast alongside their M countrymen in a sign of solidarity that they are all Egyptians.  At sunset, when it is tradition for Ms to break their fast, local churches provided meals for those gathered at the rally.  Church bells rang out at the same time the call to prayer was announced.  Love in action.  May not have seen that report, but it happened.

We went to sleep around midnight to the sound of the imam's sermon, children running up and down the streets and horns doing the victory honk.

This morning, John and I thought we'd venture out after having our declared "snow day" on Friday.  As we walked through the sandy paths of the village where we live, we arrived at the hub of the town.  One lone tumbleweed rolled by.  Okay, not really but that's how it felt.  There wasn't anyone on the streets.  Anywhere.

We knew it would be quiet after yesterday's events.  Everyone was up quite late and frankly when it's this hot and it's a time of fasting…who wouldn't sleep in?  We (optimistically) thought that perhaps, by some slim chance one of the stores that sells some items that we need might (just maybe) be open.  Optimistic indeed.  No go. 

We stopped at a hotel and ate breakfast just so we could say we accomplished something.  We were the only ones there.  Currently, there's little to no tourists at all.  A total of 3 waiters and 2 managers took care of our mealtime service AND gave us a tour of the facility.  We did not lack for attention.

Afterward, we walked back toward our apartment and came upon a dukon (little store) that was open.  I thought this would be a good chance to practice small talk and introduce myself to the lady manager.  I greeted her and told her my name.  She smiled broadly (not expecting someone who looked like me to speak Arabic) and told me her name.  We chatted a bit and then I asked her if she had any Bebsi Diet or Coca Light.  She nodded and went to the cooler to help me.  She pulled out a big bottle of Sprite.

I smiled and shook my head no.  I repeated my request.  She said yes and handed me a big bottle of Coke (regular).  I took it and thanked her.  John thought this was all quite funny.  She then asked me something that I thought sounded like, "You would like Coca Light?" I nodded yes which got me another big bottle of Coke added to the bag.

John said she was a great businesswoman and laughed.

I took my 2 (non wanted) bottles of Coke back to the apartment and sat down to cool off.  (John told me that my face was bright red. That is now a permanent state of affairs.)  

Our interaction with the dukon lady was so normal, but so much more is happening broadly.  I'm not sure what will happen today.  Many locals will return to their routine as they know it trying to earn enough money to buy food for iftar (the breaking of the fast meal) this evening.  Life is lived here day by day.

There's a phrase in Arabic, "Shwyya, Shwyya…"  It means "little by little."  I guess that's our story and it's Egypt's as well.  Little by little lessons are learned, discoveries are made, progress and setbacks… 

That's what's happening today.  Reporting live from Egypt.  This is Pam signing off.  Thanks for reading.

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Today's BOGO Blog:  We're Gonna Rock Down to Electric Avenue

Snow Day in Egypt

Marketplace downtown Aswan

It's 11:33 am on Friday here in Aswan and I'm typing this entry to the sounds of the imam's sermon coming through the windows of our apartment.  Today will be another big day for Egypt.  Earlier this week the general of the Egyptian army said, “I ask all honorable and faithful Egyptians to take to the streets on Friday (July 26), to mandate me to confront terrorism and violence. I did not ask of you anything before."  Even Egyptians aren't exactly sure what he's asking them to do. 

However, John and I took this as our cue to call a "snow day."  When we were in S*dan we'd sometimes have days that would be tenuous due to political unrest.  As a result, we'd call a "snow day" for our team asking them to purchase enough groceries for a few days and to lay low.

That's our plan today.  While we are far removed from the happenings in Cairo, we understand that there are a variety of local groups with intense feelings over what is taking place.  They have differing opinions on what the correct solution should be and that causes the tension.

But the individual struggle (whether acknowledged or not) is the same for all of us…to be heard, to matter, to know true freedom, to know your soul is at peace…

We are grateful to be here now, for it's in times of shaking (personally and as a nation) that causes examination of our ideals, principles and values.  How privileged we are to proclaim the God in Psalm 93:

God is King, robed and ruling,
God is robed and surging with strength.
And yes, the world is firm, immovable,
Your throne ever firm—you’re Eternal!

Sea storms are up, God,
Sea storms wild and roaring,
Sea storms with thunderous breakers.
Stronger than wild sea storms,
Mightier than sea-storm breakers,
Mighty God rules from High Heaven.

What you say goes—it always has.
“Beauty” and “Holy” mark your palace rule,
God, to the very end of time.

Thank you sincerely for joining with us in prayer for the individuals that make up Egypt, S*dan and its neighboring countries who are facing similar turmoil.  

First visit to Aswan

Friends in Egypt

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Today's BOGO Blog:  Revolution

House Hunters International

Welcome to another edition of House Hunters International!

Meet John and Pam.  

John and Pam along with their two daughters, Emileigh and Aria, left their life in America and made the move to Africa in 2009.  They have found wonderful (sometimes interesting) living arrangements through the years, but most recently had to leave their favorite location in K-toum, S-dan by request of the government.

Our last apartment in K-toum...

Goodbye sweet, heavy books...

Saying goodbye to their friends (as well as household goods) was very difficult, but now they are looking forward to settling in for a bit in their new location of Aswan, Egypt.  Aswan is a city of 400,000 located in the southern part of the country right on the Nile.  Aswan has a long history including Pharaohs, ancient temples and more recently the Aswan High Dam.

Aswan along the Nile River

The Tomb of the Nobles

John and Pam's search began by meeting a real estate agent named Waleed.*  Waleed has lived in Aswan his whole life and has a good sense of matching his clients' needs with the available market.

House #1 Tired in Downtown

Pam:  We entered a reception area of the apartment building that was covered with giant paintings of pharaohs' heads.  A security guard waved us through and we were told to step onto the elevator.  I could see the ground outside between the elevator floor and the hallway.  I stepped into the elevator and the whole thing wobbled.  John stepped in next and I thought for sure we would plummet to our death.  The agent squeezed in, pressed the button and I began to pray…"Don't let the cables snap…Don't let the cables snap…"

He directed us to the apartment and opened the door.  Words cannot describe, but I'll try.  It was like Napoleon's Frat House.  Papers and bags were scattered on the floor while red velvet, gold gilded sofas lined the entire perimeter of the room.  I smiled at John and we took a walk through the rest of the place.

Everything was tired and dusty; still we tried to keep an open mind.

The landlord came in and began to tell us all about the amenities.  I'm not sure we were seeing the same things.  

He showed us the "spectacular" view and then turned to reveal the large closet that was included in the apartment.  

Landlord:  I know Americans like storage.

We thanked him and began to make our exit.  He followed us to the death-defying elevator and gave us his card.  We told him we'd let him know, but actually I already knew…no way, Jose…er, Ahmed.

House #1

Conveniently located to Downtown

Tired surroundings...Forgot to take a picture of the Napoleon living room

Spacious closet!

House #2 Fancy and Modern

Pam:  This apartment building had everything upon first viewing…marble floors, lucid security guard at the door and an elevator with all its parts.

We stepped onto this elevator with much more confidence.  As we proceeded up to the apartment, I heard the Koran being recited.  I thought our agent had an app on his phone that would automatically sound the call to prayer.  Actually I was wrong.  The elevator had a speaker system.  Whenever the doors closed a man reading the Koran would begin to play.  When the doors opened, it stopped.

Waleed ushered us into the "Fancy and Modern" apartment.  He told us that this apartment had been designed especially for foreigners such as ourselves.  He gave us a tour.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

It was indeed fancy and modern.  And it seems that every possible color on the Pantone Color Guide was somehow incorporated into the decor.  Truly a sight to behold.    

The rent was at the high end of our range, however, all furnishings were provided complete with dishes, pots, silverware, etc.  (Which we need because we weren't able to bring many things out of S-dan.)  Move in ready sounded very appealing...

House #2

Curtains included...

Colorful living space!

Kitchen with all the amenities!

Perfect for entertaining!

House #3  Fixer Upper with a View

Pam:  Waleed had exhausted his options so we asked our 8 new friends if they knew of anything.  A couple suggested that we look at a place in the same location they lived.  We agreed.  They talked with the landlord who greeted us and gave us the tour.

This apartment was on the first floor of a three floor building.  The landlord and his family live on the 3rd floor.  He opened the door to a spacious room, but little else.  He began to tell us that the apartment had not been occupied for some time and needs some work.  He was speaking much truth.  

As we walked through each room, I noticed bubbled paint and exposed pipes.  The furniture that was included was frankly barely holding on.  I thought I had seen enough when he opened the shutters of the windows in the living room.  Behold the view!

20 feet away was the Nile River…a clean Nile River.  The Aswan High Dam filters the water so that by the time it reaches this location, it's crystal clear.  I began to rethink my position.  Maybe this had potential after all…

House #3

The apartment is on the first floor...no scary elevators!

The step up kitchen!

Beds included...

Pink porcelain!

Right by the Nile!

The view from the patio!

So which one will John and Pam choose?

House #1: Tired, but Convenient Location?
House #2:  Move in ready?
House #3:  A Lotta Work with a View?

(Voting closed.  We chose House #3.  Now the work begins!)

Cast your vote in the comments below!  

*Not his real name
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Today's BOGO Blog:  Delightful Domestications