June 23, 2007

You know things are pretty quiet when the plumber was the highlight of the day. There was no communication gap figuring out what was wrong with the toilet, it was obvious. The breakdown came in miming out what was to be done about the bill. Thank goodness he could write numbers in English. But then comes the shock. It took a while to figure out what was needed, and about 45 minutes to go get the parts, then the repair - approximately 1.5 hours. Then translate 92 Egyptial pounds into US dollars - comes to $18.40! I will try to convince several plumbers that they should move to Canada (if only I could speak Arabic).
After that I received a phone call to show the apartment again, so I finally struck off around 3pm to try my directions again. After looking at the map on Bour Said Street for the umpteenth time, I decided that I needed to get my camera and take a picture of it. My problem is that the map is oriented North, but I needed it turned upside down to match the lay of the land. So, home again and remembering to bring my camera when I went back that way to go to The Episcopal/Anglican service at 5pm. At least I knew all the hymns, and we were inside in the airconditioning this time, but unfortunately I decided that I preferred the more informal, livlier (and louder) service of the Ma'adi Community Church. Now - to remember to go to Church on Thursday or Friday!
Eureka! I rotated the map on the computer, and found my way! At least I think I did? I will know better when I try it out on Monday. Tomorrow I have booked Mostafa (Mary Jean's driver) to take me somewhere. I don't know where yet, but we will discuss it in the morning when he arrives at 0930. Total suspense for 24 hours!
Love,
Laurel