Well, get really excited! Why you ask. Well duh, you get to read two posts in one day. HAHA! Sometimes I wonder about my own capabilities. I'm sorry my post was absent for so long. I wrote it last night, but I was a failure at actually making it available to my trusty readers. Please accept my deepest apologies.
Today has been pretty good. I am becoming more and more aware of how incapable I am in the Arabic language. I'm actually quite proficient at reading, listening comprehension, and writing, but when it comes to speaking you would think I was a two year old. Who knew I would ever have trouble having things to say. I can't decide if it is because I am bad at speaking, or if I am too self-conscious and nervous. Not to mention, today I was reading an article, and this word kept coming up over and over again. I had no idea what it meant, so I asked one of my Egyptian friends. She told me the meaning, but then she asked me in shock, "Why are you reading something so difficult?" Trust me, I ask myself this everyday. I'm seriously beginning to wonder why I have learned Arabic. I feel like my skills are too good, but not good enough.
Another good story that gives a window into the personality of Egyptians: Today we had to get our cards reactivated, for who knows what reason, but without it, we were locked out. Anyways, we went to the office where we originally activated our cards, only to discover the office had moved. The guy now occupying the office had no idea where we needed to go, so he sent us to Leila. Once we finally found Leila's office, we were met with a receptionist, and he informed us Leila had just stepped out. We told him our issue and he thought for a moment and said follow me. We went on a 2nd wild goose chase out to a silver box beside a door that looked like a doorstop to me. The man swiped our cards, the light flashed red, and he said done. LOL! Egyptians want so badly to be able to help, they will make up any story or actions to get the job "done." The rule when asking directions in Cairo, ask at least 3 people and take the consensus. They will tell you any number of directions, even if they have never heard of the place.
Well, it is time for me to sleep. Good news, the few trees we have are blooming and beautiful! Happy Sunday! GO DUKE!!!!!!!
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3 comments:
Egyptians sound about as helpful to you at Zoubeck usually is to Duke! ;) Hee hee hee...did I spell that right? Well, anyway, he did actually play pretty well today. If you're ever online during a Duke game, I can totally type a play-by-play for you--I have practice doing it for my friend Amy, who doesn't have a TV right now! Woohoo! Go Devils!
So what did you do when he swiped your card and said it was fixed? that is too funny....
I wish I could say I called him out on it, but Mika and I just walked away bewildered and laughing. We did what you should always do in Egypt...got a 2nd opinion.
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