Pam in the Sand: Gomer in the Big City

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Gomer in the Big City

Shazam!

We are in Cairo this week and I'm thrilled to be back in the big city. Since this was the first place we ever lived abroad as a family, it will always hold a special place in my heart...and ears...and lungs. Cairo is known as "The City of a Thousand Minarets" but in truth there are many more. Horns are the second major language spoken here and certain days the smog will only allow you to view 1 of the 3 pyramids even up close. Still it's endearing...

We've been meeting up with some friends, doing some shopping and eating at the innumerable amazing restaurants available. I experienced a bit of culture shock from our small city living when I sat down at a French pastry restaurant and looked at the menu. I just couldn't get over the options. It was a happy conundrum.

Every meeting location requires thought and process...How far away is it? What time of day is it? How heavy is the traffic?

One appointment we had was an hour away by taxi when the traffic was lightest...Still it's the way of the city. Sometimes we take the subway and I'm reminded of the endless trips the girls took on it as 15 and 17 year olds going to their Arabic classes. They were and are very brave, independent souls. (That was pre-Revolution and security was different then.)

We tried to go to the U.S. Embassy but new rules have been put into effect and we may not get in this trip. Sigh.

Our Egyptian friends are simply some of our favorite people in the world and they always welcome us with open hearts.

So it's a good week. We're grateful for a chance to see friends, stock up on some supplies and take in big city offerings.

Still our quiet village calls to us with big smiles and warm greetings. We return to a culture that insists that tea time is priority and afternoon naps a necessity. Ah, yes...

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