a retrospective look

Between failed internet connection and a deep love for all forms of procrastination, this is my first post abroad...with only a week left of my trip! I have decided that I will start posting today taking a retrospective look at my trip. At least for the Egypt and Greece portions, I think this is a better format anyhow, I had a lot to process while I was there, such rich culture!

My family arrived in Egypt to warm greetings from cousins, aunts and uncles. It truly is such a great feeling to meet someone at the airport. (For those of you who haven't seen it--I strongly

 recommend the opening and closing scenes of the film Love Actually--great airport scenes.) After a few days in Cairo, we flew to Hurghada, a resort on the Red Sea,

 then back to Cairo, then to Marina, a town on the Mediterranean, then to Alexandria. Lots of traveling in just two and a half weeks! 

The trip was as much of a culture shock as always, it truly surprises me how many things I take advantage of at home: drinking tap water, wearing shorts and tank tops in the street, crossing the street (really impossible in Cairo). Not to get political, but this time was a little different because of Barack Obama's recent trip to Cairo. The city spend gazillions of dollars fixing and cleaning the place, and every single person we spoke with told us their "version" of the story of Obama's reception. 

We went into a shop one night in Hurghada, and began talking with the owner, he asked where we were from and my parents responded as usual (in Arabic), "We're from Alexandria, but we live in the United States now." This man was STOKED. His first response was "America? Obama! Can I get you a Coke? You must have one! You've traveled so far to get here!" Again, this isn't a political commentary, but this

 was not the reaction we had gotten during our last few visits. 

I could keep rambling, or I could let you keep going with your day. I promise I'll keep updating. Tomorrow--FOOD!

 

Airport Adventures

Sleeping on airport seats is an act all must do at least once in their lives to appreciate every other surface on which one can sleep. It cannot be done without determination, ibuprofen, and an ipod to mask the elevator music that blasts overhead all night. 

I have come to believe that anytime I go the airport, there is a large margin for error either on my part or that of the airline. From luggage weight to ticketing and weather delays to broken planes there is rarely a time I have a flawless flying experience. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a part of life that I maybe should accept more, and prepare for more often. 

Yesterday we began our journey to Egypt at noontime. We took a bus down to the airport for an evening flight, which would bring us to New York for a direct flight to our final destination. Not too hard, right? Wrong.

Weather caused delays going into New York so we were stuck in Boston. By the time we were able to take-off in Boston the crew had left (because of some legality regarding the amount of time they are allowed to work, understandable). Well to make a long and treacherous story, shorter and more exciting, we ended up in New York when our plane to Egypt was gliding somewhere over the deep blue Atlantic. 

So here I am, 28.5 hours later, and hoping and praying that there are no flaws with our late night flight today. As they say in Egypt--for every occasion: Insha'Allah--If it's God's will. 

p.s. Foodies reading this: I have nothing to say except for I'm glad I packed Tums :)

Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes

For my very first post on A Womanda on the Run, I thought one of my favorite pastimes, eating, should be featured.

There is nothing quite like a good milkshake. Whether you call it a frappe, an egg cream or a milkshake, the thick slurpy ice cream is always sublime. 

Tonight, I went to see cooking columnist Adam Ried discuss his new book "Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes" at River Run Bookstore in Portsmouth. While his talk was interesting enough, the real hook was the milkshake he made: Malted Caramel Shake. Izzy's provided the ice cream (Thank you Izzy's!) and boy were they DELICIOUS! (or as my friend Jill would say, Delicitable!) Adam Ried has some great recipes in the book that I just had to buy. I can't wait to try them all! 

You can check out Adam's website or go straight to River Run's website to purchase the book--I would highly recommend this book for the milkshake lover in your life! It's so fun!

I hope you all have enjoyed my first post. Please leave comments and suggestions!