I'm always thinking of the future and possibilities. Perhaps this doesn't allow me to enjoy the present as much as I should. That said, I'm already looking at my next big break in school, the week before thanksgiving, and where I could possibly go. Greece is the cheapest destination at under $300....which is amazing. Malta is also cheap...it's crazy to think that all of these places will now be a few hours away! I have no idea what's going to happen next summer, if I'll be flying back to the US for various reasons or if I'll be biding my time in Egypt, cramming Arabic. I kind of hope I could take some grad classes next summer and take Arabic during the regular year. If I'm in Egypt for the summer, I'll get to travel more places. I have no idea how I'm going to be funding all of this travel but I'm going to, dammit! I've always been able to find a way- foregoing bill and other nuisances- in order to experience some adventure. I'm still hoping I can "hop" over to Ecuador during spring break and meet up with everyone down there for field school, say hello to all my friends in the community and all that. I don't know when I can get back there otherwise and I do miss everyone.
Wow, just to think that growing up I would read about "exotic" places and I figured the farthest I would go is Montana. It all started with a student trip to NY senior year of high school. Sometimes I feel guilty that my parents haven't gone the same places or gotten to share the same experiences. My dad was lamenting the other day that he hasn't had the opportunity to live in another country. However, after watching him and my mother in Mexico, it might be for the best. Dad wants the scenery but nothing to do with the people...Mom is too scared of anything new to actually enjoy herself. I hope she'll come visit me. My parents have finally accepted the fact that I'm going to Egypt for school, but so far my plan is to stay or return for my career. They might as well come sooner or later, because it's inevitable. And I think it would be good for my mom to see that all Muslims aren't terrorists. My dad, however, I hold out little hope. If he can at least keep his mouth shut and enjoy his time he might learn something.
After all, Egypt is just some one's home.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Lazy Summer
Today my boss asked me when my last day was going to be. I was tempted to say, "tomorrow." Work is fine but I get tired of a pointless job that doesn't give me any purpose. But as much as I would enjoy some time off I know I wouldn't like having nothing to do. I think I'll quit a week before I go that way I'll have time to hang out with people, tie up loose ends, get ready, cram some Arabic!
I should be more motivated to study but without anyone to really practice with I guess I just forget....It seems like this summer couldn't go by any slower! I know once I get over there I'll miss home and everyone but I've been waiting so long I'm ready to go.
I'm so lucky to be able to stay in this amazing house, complete with a hammock and a hot tub- for free! I should just relax, read a lot, work out, and wait patiently. I do have fun stuff to look forward to: 4th of July, Renaissance festival a couple of 5ks. I have been getting a lot of reading done, too which is great. I always feel like I never get to read enough while I'm in school- well, recreational reading anyway.
Waiting for word from the school on financial aid. Loooooots of waiting :) Damn my American impatience.
I should be more motivated to study but without anyone to really practice with I guess I just forget....It seems like this summer couldn't go by any slower! I know once I get over there I'll miss home and everyone but I've been waiting so long I'm ready to go.
I'm so lucky to be able to stay in this amazing house, complete with a hammock and a hot tub- for free! I should just relax, read a lot, work out, and wait patiently. I do have fun stuff to look forward to: 4th of July, Renaissance festival a couple of 5ks. I have been getting a lot of reading done, too which is great. I always feel like I never get to read enough while I'm in school- well, recreational reading anyway.
Waiting for word from the school on financial aid. Loooooots of waiting :) Damn my American impatience.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Moving right along
I'm now down to under 8 weeks before the I leave Colorado. I've been trying not to worry about each little bump and so far things are moving right along. The school has received my check for housing and tuition down payment and as far as they're concerned I'm ready to go, except for my physical of course. Physical? Am I getting an athletic scholarship? Um no but apparently they've had issues with pasty Americans dripping like flies in the heat. Never mind that I did visit Egypt for two weeks in the summer....or that I lived in "rural" Ecuador for the summer last year....I need a physical and the list of conditions to check for is two pages long. Things like lung capacity, heart rate, blood pressure all seem ok to me. But what do scars on my skin or a urinalysis have to do with my schooling? Also, the hearing test is described as "ability to hear from a distance of 20 feet away in a whispered voice" ah...
So pending those results I really am good to go! I did have issues with the airline which was possibly going to cost me $300 or more in airfare but I finally got it worked out. So I leave Colorado on the 18th of August to spend a terrific week viewing my friend Em's mansion in upstate NY. Then I leave for my new home on August 24th and arrive just in time for the dorms to open and the end of Ramadan.. . I've heard things in town will be quite silent during the day as everyone is fasting and they lack caloric energy. My first advising meeting is the 28th and classes start September 5th.
I'm soooooooo ready to go. I'm getting the obligatory question: "are you nervous?" No! I've been preparing myself mentally for this move for two years! I know I'll make cultural gaffs that I'll punish myself for over and over but I also hope that the learning and fun will outweigh my idiocy. I also have the amazing opportunity to start working with refugees in my ethnographic methods class! I can't wait to have a job that makes a difference.....not one that caters to the privileged elite of the world. I'm sorry, but does it really matter if your latte has too much foam while people are being systematically extinguished in places like Sudan and Palestine?
Anyway, I'm postponing shopping for clothing because I hope it will go on sale and I also hope I'll get to go down a few sizes. Regardless it will be kind of fun to get a whole new style of outfit. Most of my shirts are inappropriate lol.
I'm really going to enjoy last summer in Colorado.
So pending those results I really am good to go! I did have issues with the airline which was possibly going to cost me $300 or more in airfare but I finally got it worked out. So I leave Colorado on the 18th of August to spend a terrific week viewing my friend Em's mansion in upstate NY. Then I leave for my new home on August 24th and arrive just in time for the dorms to open and the end of Ramadan.. . I've heard things in town will be quite silent during the day as everyone is fasting and they lack caloric energy. My first advising meeting is the 28th and classes start September 5th.
I'm soooooooo ready to go. I'm getting the obligatory question: "are you nervous?" No! I've been preparing myself mentally for this move for two years! I know I'll make cultural gaffs that I'll punish myself for over and over but I also hope that the learning and fun will outweigh my idiocy. I also have the amazing opportunity to start working with refugees in my ethnographic methods class! I can't wait to have a job that makes a difference.....not one that caters to the privileged elite of the world. I'm sorry, but does it really matter if your latte has too much foam while people are being systematically extinguished in places like Sudan and Palestine?
Anyway, I'm postponing shopping for clothing because I hope it will go on sale and I also hope I'll get to go down a few sizes. Regardless it will be kind of fun to get a whole new style of outfit. Most of my shirts are inappropriate lol.
I'm really going to enjoy last summer in Colorado.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Summer of Memories and Change
Packing for the summer move. Found my journal from my 2008 trip to Egypt. Hilarious! I thought I was so enlightened and understanding and some of the things I wrote made me blush at my ignorance. Serves as a nice reminder to remain humble and remember that you can never be too sensitive or polite…
A few sentences stood out to me and reminded me how long I’ve been waiting for my time in Egypt:
May 26, 2008
Will I like [Egypt] enough to go for grad school?
May 28, 2008
I like the city though. It feel more real than any other I’ve been to. Not really sure what that means…
June 2, 2008
i am in love and her name is Alexandria…The charm of the Mediterranean is upon me.
June 10, 2008
I can’t wait to move to Cairo.
Things I learned in Egypt (2008):
1. Camels are only for tourists.
2. Women are strong and independent.
3. The mosquitoes are evil!
4. Bring your own T.P. and women’s supplies!
5. Bus drivers can back a 50 ft bus through a teeny hole.
6. “Modesity” is appreciated.
7. Egypt doesn’t really have a national cuisine.
8. the people are so generous and kind!
9. Bazaars can be intimidating- say,”La shukran” and loudly!
10. The monuments really are amazing!
11. Luxor is HOT!
12. Always bargain- even in gas stations!
13. Shisha is fun!
14. Egyptian boys are beautiful :)
15. Always have a “husband” or a “brother” (as a woman)
16. Be prepared for “Egyptian time”
17. They will all say you’re beautiful to make you happy
18. Respect your tour guide!
19. American women are all prostitutes
20. When they say “kiss on the cheek” they don’t mean cheek
21. Never give away the location of your hotel
22. When in Rome…(be open)
23. Americans are dumb for being monolingual- most Egyptians speak at least 3 languages.
24. Traffic rules are suggestions
25. There’s a difference between prudery and morality
26. Egyptian children are treasures- there’s no concept of child abuse
27. Islam is not what we think in the States- fundamentalists exist in all religions but not all ppl are fundamentalists
28. Egyptians like collecting email addresses
29. Don’t ask an Egyptian for a favor unless you mean it- they are so hospitable
30. Egyptians are very comfortable with contact- so friendly!
31. Bring an antihistamine as well as bug spray, anti-diarrheal, and aspirin.
32. Traveling to foreign cultures is the best thing you can do to enrich your life and character
33. Knowing how to count is essential to peace on the trip
34. Blonde girls are from California
35. People abroad are much more aware of our politics than we are of theirs
A few sentences stood out to me and reminded me how long I’ve been waiting for my time in Egypt:
May 26, 2008
Will I like [Egypt] enough to go for grad school?
May 28, 2008
I like the city though. It feel more real than any other I’ve been to. Not really sure what that means…
June 2, 2008
i am in love and her name is Alexandria…The charm of the Mediterranean is upon me.
June 10, 2008
I can’t wait to move to Cairo.
Things I learned in Egypt (2008):
1. Camels are only for tourists.
2. Women are strong and independent.
3. The mosquitoes are evil!
4. Bring your own T.P. and women’s supplies!
5. Bus drivers can back a 50 ft bus through a teeny hole.
6. “Modesity” is appreciated.
7. Egypt doesn’t really have a national cuisine.
8. the people are so generous and kind!
9. Bazaars can be intimidating- say,”La shukran” and loudly!
10. The monuments really are amazing!
11. Luxor is HOT!
12. Always bargain- even in gas stations!
13. Shisha is fun!
14. Egyptian boys are beautiful :)
15. Always have a “husband” or a “brother” (as a woman)
16. Be prepared for “Egyptian time”
17. They will all say you’re beautiful to make you happy
18. Respect your tour guide!
19. American women are all prostitutes
20. When they say “kiss on the cheek” they don’t mean cheek
21. Never give away the location of your hotel
22. When in Rome…(be open)
23. Americans are dumb for being monolingual- most Egyptians speak at least 3 languages.
24. Traffic rules are suggestions
25. There’s a difference between prudery and morality
26. Egyptian children are treasures- there’s no concept of child abuse
27. Islam is not what we think in the States- fundamentalists exist in all religions but not all ppl are fundamentalists
28. Egyptians like collecting email addresses
29. Don’t ask an Egyptian for a favor unless you mean it- they are so hospitable
30. Egyptians are very comfortable with contact- so friendly!
31. Bring an antihistamine as well as bug spray, anti-diarrheal, and aspirin.
32. Traveling to foreign cultures is the best thing you can do to enrich your life and character
33. Knowing how to count is essential to peace on the trip
34. Blonde girls are from California
35. People abroad are much more aware of our politics than we are of theirs
Monday, April 5, 2010
Time to Plan!
Back from my first conference as a presenter. It didn't go as well as I would have liked but there were many variables that I couldnt account for. The important thing is that I'm done and I can add it to my resume. I had more time to process the acceptance letters and decided the money isn't there for me to go in June, so, sadly, I will be waiting until August. I feel calm and ready, which is great that I'm not scared. I just want to go!
So, I now have a really long list of things I need to do to prepare for my journey.
Things to do:
*discuss 2 month lease extension since my lease is up in June...where do I live?
*vaccines
- Polio
- Hep
- Tetanus
*physical- school required
-hiv test
*give away some things like my ps2 that i dont really use anymore and large furniture that probably wont go in storage
*pack- extra clothes, wall decor, bed, etc- all of that gets to go into storage...who know's when I'll use it again.
Plus a ton of things to buy, the least of which is a bunch of undershirts to make my clothes more appropriate. Ah, so nice to feel prepared.
So, I now have a really long list of things I need to do to prepare for my journey.
Things to do:
*discuss 2 month lease extension since my lease is up in June...where do I live?
*vaccines
- Polio
- Hep
- Tetanus
*physical- school required
-hiv test
*give away some things like my ps2 that i dont really use anymore and large furniture that probably wont go in storage
*pack- extra clothes, wall decor, bed, etc- all of that gets to go into storage...who know's when I'll use it again.
Plus a ton of things to buy, the least of which is a bunch of undershirts to make my clothes more appropriate. Ah, so nice to feel prepared.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Vindication!
Well, after waiting for three months I finally recieved notice that I was accepted to the Anthropology Masters program and the summer session of the Arabic Language Institute!! That means I have a lot to do before June- too much to keep writing...more later (after sleep).
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Infinite Possibilities
As the days go on and I still hear no news from Egypt I begin to plan a different future. It’s becoming rather exciting. I’m a planner. I plan everything in my life and I’ve always been very focused and driven. The possibility of an open future was really frightening at first, and then I started to realize it’s like a blank journal, waiting for me to make my mark on it.
There are several possibilities for the future:
This is a great site that gets you in contact with people who need “volunteer” workers. Basically you get yourself to their place and they pay for your room and board. There are many places around the world where I could utilize my long-lost equine skills.
2. http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-travel-for-free/
This blog has several great articles suggesting how to be a travel bum. The one I like is getting a sailor’s license and crewing someone’s yacht across the ocean. Then find another job in your new location and work from there.
3. Foreign Service
I’m still waiting to hear if I passed the test (not likely) but if not I have a year to study and make new contacts and beef up my resume. Whatever I do I can study for the test and take it next February.
4. I received an excellent offer today: return with the next field school to Ecuador. This offer is so great that it almost makes me sad that I can’t go, no matter how much I want to go to Egypt. I loved Ecuador and the people of Agua Blanca and it would be amazing to be able to work in the community for months instead of weeks. Our projects could actually have an impact and this time I would have time to learn Spanish. lol.
Of course no matter what happens I will reconsider grad schools and apply to Egypt again as well as some others and hopefully start my Masters in fall 2011. Unless AUC accepts me and I get to set sail for Africa in June!
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