"I hate rain...I LIKE CHOCOLATE!" -Mika

Mika has emotional highs and lows, sometimes almost simultaneously. However the most significant part of the quote is RAIN! It rained here today. Not just sporadic drops rain, but legitimate soak everything down rain. It is so weird. I thought I was in the desert. It has been sprinkling off and on since the first shower around 4 pm. For four hours we have had rainy weather. Last night I talked to Sarah Diehl, and she said, "Have a fun day tomorrow. Enjoy the sun." I replied, "Everyday." Little did we know sun is not ALWAYS a given in Cairo. Do not take it for granted.

I worked out today. We have a fabulous new gym. Of course it opened almost a month late, but the wait was worth it. All of the equipment is state of the art. There is also a trainer that walks around and tells you if you are doing something less effective. I was just riding the bike, so I didn't require his assistance. However, he did help the guy beside me on his crunches. I was pretty proud though. It was the first time I have worked out in...ok, so I can't remember. But I rode 5 mi. in 30 min. I didn't think that was too shabby for the first day. Hopefully I can do more each day. I didn't want to kill myself the first day. I would inevitably end up with the soreness syndrom that keeps you out of the gym for three days, and then you have to start back at square one.

As an alternative to visiting tourist attractions this weekend. My favorite professor, Ustaaz Doria, has invited the 5 people in her class to visit Arabic bookshops and cook dinner at her house. I am totally excited. She got a FedEx from UNC today...I really hope she takes the job. Well, I have serious homework to do for her class (like always). I hope you all are having great Mondays.