Cairo for a night…
Hello again.
We are back in Cairo… third time in a month! Today consisted of an extremely cramped bus for 8.5 hours from Dahab here. We had a great time in Dahab and again were sad to leave the chilled out and easygoing town. I really have to get my water consumption in check, because I ended up in bed at 9:15 last night after eating cornflakes for dinner (it was the only thing that appealed on the menu), feeling like hell. Too much fun in the sun I guess…I just don’t think about drinking water when I am swimming in it. Despite Chris’ constant hounding (and I use the term in the nicest way possible), I still learn the hard way.
We met a couple of really great people on the way across the Israel/Egypt border on the way back to Dahab. Mark and Joica, both from the US. Joica is studying Hebrew as a part of her studies to become a Rabbi and do social justice work. She is also writing a book about the perils of single life… we heard lots of funny stories, and of course I was eager to share a few of my own from my single days. Mark is an environmentalist and a builder, with a huge passion for sustainable architecture. He’s involved in a host of environmental issues, however we spent a good deal of time talking about straw bale building. If anyone is interested, here is a link with some general information about straw bale (this is a link from Ontario that I was surprised to find). Funny how timing works when people come in and out of your life. Chris and I were watching (blush) Oprah one evening after arriving at a hotel, and the show was about people living happily in smaller, more customized spaces, and how your living space can be an expression of you and your ideals. It had an impression on both of us, and then talking with Mark and Joica, it resonated again. Also, being away from it all, you get a different idea of consumerism, insatiability and how much you really need for happiness. Anyhow, the conversations really gave us something to think about.
We will be flying to Nairobi tomorrow at around midnight and starting our 8 day safari on Monday morning. We have received the list of lodges that we will be staying at, and cross referenced with our new best friend the Lonely Planet… it is going to be a pretty posh week by the looks of things. Can’t wait! We have been planning our next steps post safari as well. From Nairobi we are heading to Zanzibar for a couple of weeks before our volunteering starts on the 21st in Moshi, Tanzania. We’ll spend a few days in Stone Town then head north for some more beach time. Chris was wondering if it is possible that we could end up being full time beach bums… stranger things have happened I guess! (don’t worry Dad, it likely won’t happen).
I think that’s all I have for now. I hope that all is well at home. Hope the move is going well Morag; Sibby hope you’re feeling ok and if the baby isn’t here yet, I hope she is soon!!; Hope you are enjoying the new job, Morgan.
xoxoxox
Paula
June 29 2007 05:53 pm | Egypt
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:23 pm
No baby yet…she grows everyday. I am, starting to look like it is fake!
Enjoy the safari…I have always weanted to go.
Love
S
July 9th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
just saying its good too hear from you two.it sounds like you are really enjoying yourselves.take care,love dad and Bonnie