July 21, 22, 23 . . ., 2007

THE MOVE - Here we thought we would be experts by now, but this is a whole different kettle of fish. Unfortunately their idea of ready doesn’t match mine. I spent two days cleaning the kitchen, so as to be able to put things in cupboards, while Rupa (the maid) worked solid in the bedrooms. The dust is so thick, you can wipe it up and it is back 10 minutes later. It is also so fine; you can sweep forever and not pick it up. Even the vacuum hasn’t got a chance. You have to wipe it up with a damp cloth that you rinse out with every swipe. Then there are the workmen. The air conditioner didn’t get hooked up until today, and three hours later they tell me that we can only use two of the eight units because they only have temporary power in the building until it is finished (who knows when). The appliance guys came yesterday, but forgot to come today to finish, so we only have a fridge hooked up. The guy for the four hot water tanks did come today and got those working. Tomorrow (day three), the movers will finish packing up the old apartment and will at least set up the bed and some furniture. I don’t think I will move the cats over until Tuesday so that most of the traffic in and out is done. I have started unpacking the kitchen boxes, and now I know why there are so many. I opened a two cube, and each glass was wrapped in paper as you would expect – then wrapped in a cylinder made up of a 1’ x 3’ piece of corrugated cardboard, then wrapped in more paper. Which means that one box holds approximately 12 – 14 glasses. Unwrapping will take forever. Plus I have to think of where to put everything. Unfortunately, I didn’t study the old kitchen enough to be comfortable with my decisions, plus the layout is completely different. So, unpacking the kitchen will probably take me another week. Good thing I don’t have to do the whole house. So, I am still hoping we can move in in a couple of days “insh’Allah” (God willing). That word covers everything that happens or doesn’t happen around here. I am starting to believe it actually means that what ever you are hoping for won’t happen, or at least not as you would like! Do I sound cynical already? I’ll call it skeptical. Even the driver who we are using to take us back and forth between the apartments has been an hour late three out of four mornings.
But really, I’m not complaining. The new apartment is beautiful. Talk about not knowing you are in an apartment. We are on the third floor of the building, and there are three floors to the apartment. Very good exercise since the elevators aren’t working yet. The old apartment is on the sixth floor, and I am used to that so no problem. Anyway, the main floor is the kitchen, living room, dining room and a lovely big square balcony. The second floor has the bedrooms and the laundry room, and the top floor is the office with a door to the pool (which probably won’t be ready while we are here). The outside of the building is a peach colour and there is marble everything. So, really, in a few days, we will get it habitable and probably even comfortable. Meanwhile, I have to learn my way around this end of Ma’adi, which should be easier with what I already know. So, there you go; a little taste of some of the realities of living in Egypt. But the people are so nice, and they do try. We're just learning patience.
Love,
Laurel