Hey there readers - arrived in Cairo a few weeks ago and getting right into the thick of things. Work is super busy and I almost have no time to dwell on the fact that hubby is gone and we will do a full 2 year tour apart. It's great that while on evacuation in DC he got a great job offer there, just wish it was here instead. Evacuation was pure HELL - I don't wish that on anyone. Sure, got per diem and it was nice to be in DC with friends but the mental anguish that comes with evacuation is horrible. You really see some of the worst of the Department. Alas it already feels like awhile ago, which is so weird.
Meanwhile, I just want to see our stuff. Yes yes, life is not about stuff. Whatever, I MISS OUR STUFF! Our UAB and HHE are in country but now it's this fantastic waiting game for clearance from the Ministry. Super sad face. I think I learned a little patience as a result of evacuation so let's hope it comes in handy now.
Also I'm thankful that I lived in Cairo before, there are a lot of elements of deja vu and comfort that help ease the initial "adjusting to a new post" shock. In addition, it's nice to not have to worry about every piaster (Egyptian cents) like I did when I was working on the local economy as an expat years ago. Sadly the Egyptian economy is in dire straits so the current Egyptian pound to dollar rate is very much in favor of the dollar earner. While he was here for a few weeks, the hubby couldn't believe how cheap things were. Of course it's "cheap" to us but not cheap at all for the local middle class Egyptian.
There are constant comparisons that I can't help making to our previous post - London. I knew I was going from one big Embassy to another but it really is crazy how massive this post it is. And there really is so much work to do, especially as newcomers trying to provide some relief to those who were here throughout the evacuation. Unpredictable protests really do cripple what is already horrendous crowded traffic - I can only imagine what this past summer was like.
More to come as I get settled and discover more...
Meanwhile, I just want to see our stuff. Yes yes, life is not about stuff. Whatever, I MISS OUR STUFF! Our UAB and HHE are in country but now it's this fantastic waiting game for clearance from the Ministry. Super sad face. I think I learned a little patience as a result of evacuation so let's hope it comes in handy now.
Also I'm thankful that I lived in Cairo before, there are a lot of elements of deja vu and comfort that help ease the initial "adjusting to a new post" shock. In addition, it's nice to not have to worry about every piaster (Egyptian cents) like I did when I was working on the local economy as an expat years ago. Sadly the Egyptian economy is in dire straits so the current Egyptian pound to dollar rate is very much in favor of the dollar earner. While he was here for a few weeks, the hubby couldn't believe how cheap things were. Of course it's "cheap" to us but not cheap at all for the local middle class Egyptian.
There are constant comparisons that I can't help making to our previous post - London. I knew I was going from one big Embassy to another but it really is crazy how massive this post it is. And there really is so much work to do, especially as newcomers trying to provide some relief to those who were here throughout the evacuation. Unpredictable protests really do cripple what is already horrendous crowded traffic - I can only imagine what this past summer was like.
More to come as I get settled and discover more...
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