| LeAnne, a young American journalist, has been living in Cairo, Egypt, for several months now, and like all expats, she has her share of good and bad days. Here she talks about why she went to Egypt and gives snippets of her everyday life. She also gives tips on how to adjust better to the local practices and culture. |
 LeAnne |
-Where were you born?
-In which country and city are you living now?
-Are you living alone or with your family?
-How long have you been living in Egypt?
I'm about to be on my fourth month.-What is your age?
26
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Egypt?
I was offered my job over a year ago, but things just didn't fall into place. When it was re-offered, everything I'd requested was answered and I thought I'd have to be an idiot to turn it down. It's a story for the kids one day, right?-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
-How do you make your living in Egypt? Do you have any type of income generated?
As mentioned above, I'm a journalist. I was offered the job after a friend met my current boss and passed along my work. However, I've heard there are many jobs for native English speakers. Nile FM only hires native English speakers and there are other English newspapers/magazines. Also, teaching is very popular here.-Do you speak the Arabic and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I am trying to pick up on the language, but currently I can only order at restaurants and give cab drivers directions. I hope to pick up even more and just as with anywhere, it is ALWAYS important to respect and observe local cultures. You wouldn't want a foreigner coming into your home country and disrespecting your beliefs and/or ideals, so it is imperative that you do the same.-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Yes, I miss home. I have good days and bad days. Each time I start to feel a little sad, I'm just reminded of how few people - especially my age - get to experience such a wonderful thing. It's a story for the children one day and it just makes you even stronger. However, there is a large expat community in Maadi and I actually just came back from watching a coworker play softball. In addition, there are member clubs such as the Ace Club and I also go hiking with Cairo Hash House Harriers.-Do you have other plans for the future?
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
My company provided housing and after coming from NYC, I was pleasantly surprised. It's larger than I need, but better than a shoebox.-What is the cost of living in Egypt?
It is cheaper than the US, even with the declining dollar. However, you can easily spend a great deal here. Food prices have increased, but as I said, I just came from living in NY, one of the most - if not the number one - most expensive city in the US.-What do you think about the Egyptians?
Just like with every culture, there are good and bad apples. You have to be careful when you first arrive because people will purposefully hand you incorrect change and just try to take advantage. I have posted some advice below that will help you if considering a move here - especially single females.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Egypt?
The positive is engulfing a new culture, set of ideas, way of life. The negative is sometimes you need patience and a great deal of it. It sometimes takes a lot to get a simple task completed. I had the electrician over four times until things were done correctly - that is, when he decided to show up. Everything is "malesh" here, meaning "whatever."
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Egypt?
- Walk with your purse held on the opposite side of passing traffic. People will reach out in an attempt to grab it.
- No real number exists for emergencies (if so, I haven’t found it and Egyptians laugh when I ask because the likelihood of the police understanding me or even coming is slim). Make sure you have a man on speed dial that will answer in case of an emergency.
- If you want food delivery, but are worried about communicating, use www.Otlob.com. I’ve had only one bad experience, but mistakes happen. Besides, I use this often. The site times the delivery and it is usually very accurate. However, if you do call, places like Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and the like have your home number in their computer.
- Have the money for your cab in your pocket.
- Have exact change for cabs and delivery. Often times, they will try to phish for more by saying they have none or drivers will not make change.
- Pay cab drivers through the window after you exit the car. Do not ask how much they want, make sure you ask a local whom you trust in advance. Then, begin using your own judgment.
- You must be pushy when paying for items in stores or even at the local kiosk. There’s no such thing as a line.
- Get the card from your nearest kiosk so they can deliver late at night.
- Hide your passport in a safe, yet conspicuous place. Also, make sure it is still easily accessible for emergencies.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Egypt?
I am actually writing a personal blog, Simply LeAnne, detailing my life in Cairo, becoming acclimated and just different experiences. You can find it at http://simplyleanne.blogspot.com.
VERY interesting interview
LeAnne, it was a pleasure to read your interview about living in Cairo. I visited there nine years ago and it's an overwhelming place! I've wondered what it would be like to live there and had considered it after I had worked in Bangkok for a number of years. Do you take a long afternoon break the way the locals do? I'm off to read your blog now!
Amy
Do you know that Bangkok is
Do you know that Bangkok is actually on my bucket list of places to visit? Congrats on the book and family, sounds like Thailand is really treating you well.
To be honest, when I get off work, yes - I do take a nap. LOL, don't tell my editor that! Arabic is also a very difficult language and I'm unsure if I'll ever be able to read it. The main thing that's overwhelming at first, which I'm sure you found when you visited, is the attention you receive because you're different. It is true Cairo is one of the most progressive Muslim cities, but the stares, shouts, whistles, following, etc. are still new and definitely overwhelming for a newcomer. I even joke now that I can judge a good hair day and whatnot by how many cars stop when I'm walking down the street.
I was actually lucky because my neighbors in NY were from Alexandria and spend their summers there. My second week here, I took the train to see them and was shown so many beautiful things. I was also very close to them, and while they're back in NY, we still discuss via email any problem or frustration I may have. They're able to offer suggestions or just advice, which as I'm sure you know, is extremely welcome.
I feel like I am also living by the seat of my pants. I knew certain things, but I just don't feel you're ever prepared enough, but I'm learning each day.
Thanks for your comment and I'll let ya know if I ever get to Bangkok as I'd love to have a guide!
LeAnne G.
Hey LeAnne, It was
Hey LeAnne,
It was interesting reading your interview. Im actually trying to get to Cairo ASAP since ive been wanting to see it forever but never got the chance to yet. I just finished my undergrad and being a 22 year old trying to find a teaching job in Cairo is already making me shudder! Do you have any pointers? Im a bit turned off by all the horror stories I hear about sexual harassment there. Also, is a little over 1000 egyptian pounds too little to have a decent place to stay in? Sorry for all the random questions - but im in desperate need! Thanks a ton!
Seemi (from toronto)
First things first, you
First things first, you should read my blog as it has now been about two years since I originally located to Cairo. There are a couple of posts that discuss education (one even discussing how little schools were actually in session here because of the swine flu epidemic and any other reason they could find for not going). In addition, one of my best friends who is about to leave is a) Canadian and b) a teacher at a school here.
Hi Seemi,
I will not skirt the issue, sexual harassment isn’t enjoyable. However, you will not really notice it when you first arrive. I know you think I’m crazy, but I feel it more now and it is only because I understand more Arabic and realize what certain people might say. That being said, it is VERY rare for someone to grab or touch you. Dress appropriately especially at certain times and in certain areas (night and lower class areas). If you don’t mind the yells, then you can wear tank tops or longer skirts in most of the expat places like Maadi. I still wear tanks during the day (at night I cover with a scarf) when I’m in Maadi, but not really outside of Maadi.
Basically, sexual harassment is really not such a concern as some will make it out to sound. Just be smart about things. Be aware of your surroundings and cautious of what you’re wearing and doing (ie I'm a smoker, but smoking in the streets can and will give people the wrong impression).
As far as finding a teaching job, you could go to a number of the Canadian schools that usually travel throughout the country recruiting – did you not go to any previous recruiting events? There is CIS and Heritage that I know of and I believe CIS pays more but you also have to find your own apartment and they give you a stipend for it. Heritage places you in an apartment. As far as costs go, I would recommend joining Cairo Scholars (link found on my blog) and read all the room listings from there.
Word of advice, be careful about trying Craigslist for Cairo. It is mostly composed of scams including trafficking.
Feel free to personally email me as well. Good luck to you and don’t hesitate to ask any other questions.