Thursday, August 21, 2008

Everyone thinks we're crazy

We miss Cairo.

A lot.

So much so that we've changed our tickets (at some expense and inconvenience) to return 2 (count em: TWO) weeks early.

That's right. And I can't wait. Ah, to chew, er, I mean, breathe that air (ironically, my asthma is 10 times worse here in north america than it ever was in Cairo) and be in the middle of all the bustle and noise. I can't wait. To have my baker, butcher, vegetable guy greet me, ask me how I am and wish me a good day. To see the sun twinkling on the Nile, feel the intense sunshine and smell the lush Indian jasmine that grows in the roundabout in front of our flat.

I have loved being home and especially spending time with family, so it's obviously bitter sweet to be returning. But the great thing is this: I consider Cairo home at the moment and I love it. Even after visiting NYC, a city I absolutely love, I still want to go back to Cairo. Even after visiting London, a place I always imagined I would settle, I still want to go back to Cairo. Even after being spoiled by all of north america's conveniences like drive-through banks, modern plumbing and coffee choices and instant everything....I still want to go back to Cairo.

Maybe everyone is right. Maybe I am crazy.

Crazy like a fox.

12 comments:

Yasir Khan said...

YOU'RE a fox

Marie Javins said...

Sorry I missed you in NYC. I heard it was a whirlwind visit and know how that goes.

Anonymous said...

I look forward to the time when I miss living in Egypt.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Greetekees said...

Hi there,
Reading your blog briefly. -> when I have more time I will return back definately. Just wanted to say: thanks for being so positive living in Cairo. I am absolutely a Cairomaniac too. And I just get depressed sometimes of all the whining people around. When I ran into an old classmate (CSA) yesterday, she asked me what I have been doing in the summer. So I told here we were in Cairo. And she almost passed out, hearing we didn't go back home or leave Cairo. Well, do I have to? I liked being here in the summer. It was a little hot, but completely bearable! We just moved house and have a small garden I really enjoy. What is wrong with Cairo I thought. Anyway, enjoy writing you blog. I enjoy reading it. Margreet

Anonymous said...

Hi there,
Reading your blog briefly. -> when I have more time I will return back definately. Just wanted to say: thanks for being so positive living in Cairo. I am absolutely a Cairomaniac too. And I just get depressed sometimes of all the whining people around. When I ran into an old classmate (CSA) yesterday, she asked me what I have been doing in the summer. So I told here we were in Cairo. And she almost passed out, hearing we didn't go back home or leave Cairo. Well, do I have to? I liked being here in the summer. It was a little hot, but completely bearable! We just moved house and have a small garden I really enjoy. What is wrong with Cairo I thought. Anyway, enjoy writing you blog. I enjoy reading it. Margreet

Anonymous said...

oh :( It HURTS to read blog posts such as these. Why did I ever leave, really?

Missing you guys alot! xx

Anonymous said...

is it nice being home? was great to see you in t.o.

Anonymous said...

ALthough you miss Cairo and have returned, just know that New Brunswick still misses you! Take good care my friend, we hope to visit soon.

Nathalie said...

You may miss Cairo, but New Brunswick misses you! Take good care, my friend. We hope to visit soon :-)

Maryanne Stroud Gabbani said...

I'm only good for about 10 days outside of Egypt anymore. I keep listening for the call to prayer to know what time it is. Doesn't work too well when I'm visiting my kids in NYC.
Cairo is a huge open air asylum/street theatre and even when it is driving me crazy, I'm always entertained. Glad to see others enjoying it as well.

Connie said...

There are good and bad things about every place. If you focus on the negative, that is all that you will see. I choose positive. Currently, Cairo is home and we do love it here. Eventually, we will be happy to move elsewhere and will learn to love our new home, but right now, when we get to the 'too much vacation' stage, we just want to come home, to Cairo. People look at us strange when we say we aren't going off for the 'Eid. Why? We want to stayzumuytc home.