The fact that Egypt is not going to be like what I'm used to is not making the slow realization currently dawning upon me, that some of my favorite things just won't be available over there, any easier to cope with. Here is a small list of items, some edible and some not, that I am conflicted about whether to wean myself off of, or indulge as much as possible in, before not having any in either case. The month of Ramadan is obviously presently inhibiting the latter option. The second list is an effort to balance this realization with a more positive side: things to look forward to.
Things I'm already crying over not having while I still have them:
1) Really good coffee! I work as a barista at a specialty coffee shop. If you haven't ever experienced the beauty of correctly poured espresso and all that comes along with it, then I'm afraid you have no idea what I'm talking about. I don't think I can expect to find perfectly extracted espresso, with a full body of crema, delicately served with milk frothed and textured according to micro-foam demands and located somewhere between the temperatures of 132F - 145F. I imagine I'll be settling for black tea brewed strong and hot, and some Turkish coffee sweetened until a pen can stand up straight in the cup.
2) Breakfast Tacos! Is there really anything else to eat for breakfast?
3) My Masi Speciale CX. My main form of exercise and transportation. I ride it more than I drive my Honda: the bike gets about 5 or 6 days a week of usage and the car about one. I outfitted it with large sparrow-style handlebars, Ergon grips, Paul thumbies, and SPD clip pedals. As far as I know, bike riding is next to non-existent in the Arab World. Not only is exercise not on the top of the list, but you'd be akin to a mad-man to attempt sharing space with the traffic in Alexandria. That video gives a whole new meaning to walking like an Egyptian, huh?
4) Gardening. I probably won't be able to do much to help make the Earth a little greener, or therapeutically connect with my origins, or endeavor to gain religious/spiritual reward by helping to provide food sources for our winged, feathered, and furry friends.
As for some things to look forward to:
1) Kanafe and Egyptian food in general.
2) The Mediterranean Sea and Alexandrian coast line.
3) Haggling with cab drivers and shop keepers, let's not forget about that!
4) Visits to mosques, churches, Cairo, Sharm ash-Shaikh, gatherings of the remembrance of God
5) and of course, the Egyptian people!
The links are essential to this post. There are also probably way too many of them. Patti, just be sure to click on all the orange words : ) Thank you for being my grandmother. I love you.
4) Gardening. I probably won't be able to do much to help make the Earth a little greener, or therapeutically connect with my origins, or endeavor to gain religious/spiritual reward by helping to provide food sources for our winged, feathered, and furry friends.
As for some things to look forward to:
1) Kanafe and Egyptian food in general.
2) The Mediterranean Sea and Alexandrian coast line.
3) Haggling with cab drivers and shop keepers, let's not forget about that!
4) Visits to mosques, churches, Cairo, Sharm ash-Shaikh, gatherings of the remembrance of God
5) and of course, the Egyptian people!
The links are essential to this post. There are also probably way too many of them. Patti, just be sure to click on all the orange words : ) Thank you for being my grandmother. I love you.
