Monday, May 23

We have nothing left to live for. We have seen all of the Star Wars movies and there's nothing left to see!

Let's see -- the first Star Wars movie came out in 1977, the year I was born. Now, at 27 I have finally seen all the episodes. Luckily, Star Wars was released here on Friday. We held off for a couple of days because we didn't want to go when it was too crowded, so last night we stayed up and went to the 10 o'clock showing. It was worth it! Finally, George Lucas has made up for his last two movies. We were not disappointed. It seems that every movie we've been to lately has been a let down. We saw The Interpreter and Kingdom of Heaven, but they were both a big, fat disappointment. Finally, finally the dark side came to save us. Yes, we are both Star Wars nerds. At least this time, we weren't able to go to the midnight showing like we did when the last movie was released. (See, I told you we were Star Wars nerds.) If you haven't seen it, go!

We've been hanging out otherwise, trying to finish up the year. Joe went on Thursday to play computer games with some of his students at an internet cafe. Pretty cute that they asked him. I think we mentioned how it's different here when it comes to teacher/student relationships. We are expected to hang out with our students outside of school. It's also perfectly normal for students to call their teachers all the time, and to instant message or email their teachers. Joe and I try to keep this to a minimum. We can't adjust! It still seems bad to hang out with students outside of school. I guess we are very American in our thinking. Joe had fun playing with his students, though. He went with some of the guys from his small, senior global studies course. They really think he's a cool guy, I think. He always has his video games and computer games to connect him to the students.

Other than that, not much is new!

Wednesday, May 18

Let me tell you about Egyptian bugs....yes, my life is so boring that I now have to blog about bugs. Joe and I keep getting bit by Egyptian mystery bugs. We never see these bugs. They operate in super-stealth mode. I have no idea what bites me, but all of a sudden there are these huge bug bites that itch like mad. Yesterday, I had a bug bite that was so swollen one of the teachers said my arm looked like I had a compound fracture. You don't even want to know what the bug bite on my leg looks like. I don't know what the deal is. Apparently, they are especially potent. Somehow, it reminds me that I'm in Africa.

The problem is that it has gotten hot at night, so we keep the windows and balcony doors open for the air, but then the bugs get in. So it's either sweat it out or get bit up. Joe has finally convinced me to turn on the air conditioner. We finally got a good night's sleep last night. Thank God.

Not much is going on really, as you can see:) As we get closer to visiting the States, we mention daily to each other what we miss - San Antonio tacos, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, real haircuts, good beer (it is a Muslim country after all), normal deoderant, driving a car for ourselves in sane traffic, trees and fresh air - the list goes on. We'll be there soon!

Just a boy and his dog. 

Monday, May 9

It's been a little while since I blogged, but I haven't had much to talk about these days. Joe is in a good mood, as he got to talk to all of his nephews this weekend. They are especially cute on the phone. We called home for Mother's Day. It's interesting because they do have Mother's Day here, but it is May 1. They don't have Father's Day, though. (I even got presents for Mother's Day from my students, and no, I'm not a mother!)

Some tidbits from life in general -- We've worked out a great system with our neighbors. Joe and I sometimes will bake something, usually cookies. Of course, it's too much for just the two of us to eat, so we either take some to school or we give it to the neighbors. Well, Joe recently made gingerbread cookies and we took them to the neighbors. I don't know if it's their custom or if they think it's ours, but they always bring our plate back with a treat for us. Warm lemon cake tonight. Mmmm... Homemade. That and an order of koshary, and I don't have to cook!

The piano tuner comes tonight. I love the piano, but it's horribly out of tune. I listened to a recording of the song I was playing, and it sounded like a different song. I can't wait until it's in tune.

Our students are soooo ready to be done with school. Almost as much as we are! Why, oh why did I sign on for the seniors? I told them today I wish I could just give them the work and they could go home and finish it. They'd get more done. Yesterday in Joe's P.E. class, some of the senior guys were swimming in the pool. Well, the fully dressed kids came from playing soccer and decided it would be a good idea to jump into the pool fully clothed, shoes and all. I didn't see any of this, but I thought it was pretty interesting when they came to my class with completely wet clothing, shoes, etc. It had to be uncomfortable. All I can do is shake my head. They are so silly. The end is near, though, so I just smile and laugh at them.

That's about it, I guess. I'm posting a lovely picture of Joe, laying just like Leia as he plays his video games. Enjoy.

Tuesday, May 3

Back to school. Bummer. However, there are now only 19 school days left until the end of the term, then finals review, then finals, and then we get to sit around for a couple of weeks doing nothing. But, I'm only going to focus on the 19 days left of teaching. 19 days of suffering through my senior students' senioritis. That's a managable chunk of time.

We had been staying up so late during break, that we absolutely could not fall asleep last night. By the time the alarm went off this morning, I felt as if I had just fallen asleep. In fact, it's now after school, and Joe is taking a nap as I write. I figure with only a few hours of sleep I'll fall asleep more quickly tonight.

I'm glad that we spent our break doing absolutely nothing. Some of the other teachers spent a lot of time traveling from place to place. I think they were exhausted. It's nice to just rest. Of course, it would also be nice to have a break from Cairo. It's fascinating and all, but it can wear on you after awhile.

We're especially bummed since there was another bombing and shooting. Only the attackers were killed, but it sucks knowing that this is happening where you live. Joe and I go back and forth all the time, reminding ourselves that violence, accidents, all of these things happen everywhere in the world. C'est la vie.

On a positive note, today is a beautiful day in Cairo. Cool air, sunny, very springy. It actually feels fresh out there, and flowers have been blooming around the city for some time now.

I wish I had more news, but as anywhere, life becomes routine.