After being help-up a few weeks without having our Egyptian visas, we’re finally here! It was wonderful being back in Michigan for a few weeks, being able to spend some time in Chicago and having a couple months in Virginia/D.C., but we we’re so ready to get this next chapter of our life started and get settled for these next two years.
We can only feel somewhat settled though, given we only have our suitcases. Our UAB and HHE won’t arrive for a while. I was excited to get out exploring. After arriving and leaving the airport, initially the landscape reminded me a lot Riyadh. But as we got to Maadi (think Northside is relation to downtown Chicago), it actually began reminding me of Mexico City...and Rome. I was especially taken aback by all of the lush greenery. Sure, it’s got a layer of dirt dust, but there are SO many gorgeous huge green trees. And not just palm trees.
As eager was I was to get out, I was also a little apprehensive with three kids on my own, not knowing the city or area at all. The morning after we arrived the boys asked to go outside. I had no idea where to take them though. They’re aren’t parks here, that I knew. So I figured we’d just play inside our first day. Plus, I really just wanted to clean our apartment thoroughly. There first things I do in any new place - 1) unpack and 2) clean.
That day when JR get home from work he went out to get us local SIM cards. He said that he could see us spending a lot of our time on Road 9, a couple blocks away. I figured I’d start there in the morning, now that I had a SIM card and could figure out the neighborhood.
So I strapped Pepa in the carrier, grabbed the Gents hands and we were off. My enthusiasm quickly turned to regret. “Why did I bring these kids out?!”
The best way I can describe this antiquity of ancient cities is ROUGH. I knew it would be, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much. Even JR was surprised at Maadi and at least he’d visited Cairo once.
I didn’t think it would be so hard to walk anywhere. The roads are incredibly narrow. People park their cars on both sides of the street, only making it possible for one car to fit moving down a lot of streets. Cars have to move aside, where they can find a spot, in order to let oncoming cars move past. Sometimes cars have to back up if another car turns down the street coming at them. It’s bonkers.
Oh and walking on these narrow streets, where there definitely are no sidewalks, is unnerving especially while holding hands with two small children on either side.
The streets, even though they are paved, are pretty much dirt because there is so much sand and dust. There are speed bumps everywhere, which I guess is a positive because it prevents drivers from speeding.
Sidewalks are non-existent on most streets. Although they are on major thoroughfares and on some roads with restaurants and businesses, but it’s really difficult to navigate with a stroller. They are littered with trash, glass in spots, are high and just drop at intersecting streets and alleys. The Gents jump off them because they’re such a high step down and I hold their hands to get them up. Oh and they’re uneven so I’m scared the boys are going to trip.
With the picture I’m painting you can imagine how stressful it is to go out with the kiddos. I will take Pepa out for walks with me, but only in her carrier.
On the plus side, we have a great apartment. We can’t complain. More space than we need, tree top views for miles, and a great rooftop terrace that we can’t wait to start utilizing. We’re looking forward to making it a home once our personal things arrive.
Our embassy has a great community house that’s practically like a country club, minus the golf course, where the kids can play and swim. We drive there. We drive everywhere now.
Oh and the architecture! There are some really beautiful Mediterranean style homes that were probably built in the 1930s. I love looking at the houses!
The additional pluses - I don’t have to wear an abaya, there is no religious police, people are generally very friendly and there is humidity in the air! And we’re in one of the oldest cities in the world, full of so much rich history. It’s awing to think of what has and who have come before us.
I know even more positive aspects will come. Thanks for checking in. Will continue to share more of our journey. We know it’s going to be an exciting one! xo