Someone asked me yesterday if I thought that we were still undergoing “big changes”. I guess you can say that again. Since I last wrote, we have moved flats (apts as they call them here). You may recall that we were considering our options when we got here. The university apparently sort of (not really) randomly assigns each family to a flat upon arrival. Moving is relatively common and the university is open (somewhat) to it. So, anyway, as you saw from the pictures, our old flat was fine….it was big enough, etc. but, like most flats in Cairo, it lacked any access to outdoor space whatsoever. I mean, not even a patch of grass to bounce a ball. And we were lonely….in a building with only rich Arabic speakers and Joe’s boss’s boss’s boss (who spends less than 3 months a year in Cairo). So, when we heard through the gossip trail that an apartment had opened up in the coveted AUC building across the street from Aedan’s school (and beside the AUC busstop), we JUMPED on it. By the grace of God, we got a GREAT apartment here. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath split level with such luxuries as a double sink (better to wash dishes with, my dear), and thermostats (which don’t actually work but the theory is good).
In short, we love the flat. It has a great shared “garden” larged paved space with a small playset, sandbox, swings, and place to ride bikes. The bowaabs (doormen) are AUC employees so they technically supposed to do their job without a bribe. The shared internet is free. You would think that we’d be thrilled and we are. Ironically, this is the biggest move we’ve ever made…much bigger than our move from NC to Egypt.
There are also at least 4 families here with young kids and life “on the commune” as I now privately call it, is well...communal. Big changes indeed!
Check out some pictures....
From left to right, top to bottom:
*VB enjoying some seasonal fruit in dine-in kitchen
*view of part of garden
*view from front deck off the dining room (exterior wall of Aedan's school-CAC)
*hallway with interesting, solid wood storage units
*living room with kids watching Disney channel
*Virginia's room
*kitchen
*view from master br deck-shared garden
1 comment:
I am so glad to see that you have been able to move to a more suitable home. I love hearing about your adventures and can't wait until your next post!
Tell A & V we said hello! Alex was packing a bag the other day to go visit V in Egypt. She was so upset when I told her we couldn't visit you yet. I do hope we can visit sometime while you are there! Love ya! Fran
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