Everyday Life

 I have now been here a couple weeks and should be pretty much adjusted by this point. There are still a few things that need to change but besides that Alexandria is treating me well. I wake up every morning at 7 am to catch the mashrouha (mini bus) to the university. At a cost of only 1.25 egyptian pounds it makes it worth it to wake up early. I am more of a morning person anyway so I really don't mind. After my long ride along the corniche ( the road that runs along the coast of the Mediterranean) I arrive at the University around 8 am. I usually have an hour before classes start which is good because I don't have internet at home so I fully take advantage of the internet at the dar. The dar is our lounge where everyone hangs out to do work and hang out. There are couches, a pull out bed, a massive high def televisioin, computers, tables, and even Kareema who makes awesome tea and coffee! I am literally there all day, before it opens until it closes. But really its awesome so its totally understandable as to why I would spend most of my time there.

Classes are good. I have the best teachers in the program (well I haven't had the other teachers but I don't see how they could be any better). We have a lot of homework but I am learning a lot. I am really excited to be here for the year.

Flagship requires us to have an internship for 10 hours a week. Before coming to Egypt I requested an internship with a micro credit firm or NGO but they didn't really have any luck finding one. So the program got me an internship with The Center for the Blind at the university. There I work with a masters student who is doing research on the Cold War and its effect on US policy in the Middle East. It is really cool and I really love being there.

Besides my classes and internship, I am usually in a cafe. More specifically, Clay Cafe which is where I am sitting as I write this post. I come and sit on the couches here to use the internet and do homework. It is quite nice. But the main reason I come here is because I am addicted to their Oreo Shake! It is so good. It isn't really cold at all. It is creamy though and there are little Oreo chuncks with chocolate syrup and I think ice cream but I am not sure. Anyway just believe me that it is good.

New Developments: Cinema Club

Flagship requires us to take a class within Alexandria University, so I am taking economic development within the faculty of commerce. That should start on sunday but there is one little problem; it is only 3 hours a week and we are required to take 4 hours a week of a university course. AHHH! But don't worry, my friend Jordan and I came up with a plan so that we don't have to change our beloved econ course. Instead we are starting a Cinema club :) I know, its genius. Now instead of taking a different class we get to chill twice a month with our Egyptian friends and watch movies. I'll let you guys know how all of that goes as it develops. Just pray it works because I really don't feel like spending an extra hour in an over crowded classroom with no air conditioning in 90 degree weather. 

So that is basically my life for now and probably the rest of the semester. It is looking like its going to be a good year! :)

P.S. I will try to upload pictures as soon as possible! Sorry about that!