I had the pleasure of attending a “Hafla Galabiya” today, or rather, a Galabiya Party. In said party, everyone was supposed to bring either an American or Egyptian dish and wear traditional Egyptian clothing. Unfortunately, only about 5 people wore galabiyas, since they’re actually quite funny to wear for hip young people like ourselves; it would be the equivalent of wearing my prairie dress I suppose.
The party was a success in the food department, however. When we finally arrived about an hour late, we found quite a spread on the buffet table and, I, ravenous with hunger and hobbled by indecision, spent the next 10 minutes going crazy over what foods and desserts to choose. Eventually, I consumed sustenance and began to enjoy myself. Though some talented party-attendees sang, we did not dance together like the heathen kings of old. Thus I suggested we have a party for traditional American and Egyptian dance in the future. I hope it comes to pass since this means square dancing and contra dancing! Ann Cowan would be so proud….
But I would like to talk about our shower. You know you’re showering in our apartment in Egypt when:
1. You turn on the water in the shower and find there is none.
2. The water spurts out sporadically much like an asthmatic whale might expel water.
3. The water returns after an abscence of a few hours but it is apparently drawn directly from the Nile and thus brown in color.
4. The water is either scalding hot or semi-cold.
5. No matter how hard you try, and despite the shower curtain, the bathroom floor and bathmat is soaked after even the shortest of showers.
6. The shower works and you find it brown because of the filth on your feet.
Luckily I only go through this experience a few times a week….#silverlining
Snotting black 