It's the final countdowwwwwn
Trip Start
Aug 22, 2009
1
7
Trip End
Dec 19, 2009
Tinton Falls,
New Jersey,
United States
Thursday, August 20, 2009
So it's T-minus 2 days til lift-off, and I'm at home trying to think of every possible item I might need in the next four months. But if you think that's hard, just imagine the next step - trying to get all that stuff into two suitcases which can't weigh more than 50 lbs. Those dreaded restrictions...
As I'm getting everything together, I'm realizing just how sad it is to realize that more than half of your wardrobe is useless. All those nice tank tops and shorts will have to live in NJ while I'm in Cairo. I hope they don’t miss me too much!
I’m spending these last few days trying to get in everything that I can’t do in Cairo – watch the Yankees, wear shorts, speak English, play with all three of my dogs. I mean, I could try to play with the dogs in Cairo, but I remember approaching one last January and having the thing jump at me and chase me and my friends down the street, so I’m thinking that’s not a good idea.
I’m really excited to have a chance to go back to Cairo for a longer period of time. In just three weeks in January, I picked up more Arabic than I did in two years at AU. And this time, not only will I be learning Arabic, but I will also be studying Islamic law in a country whose traditions and history are based in the ideas I will be studying. It’s a fascinating thought that I will be learning about a topic and then can step outside of the classroom and experience it firsthand.
It is sad that I will not be able to play rugby this semester. Most women in Cairo don’t play any sports at all, nevermind rugby. Maybe I’ll be able to find a soccer team out there and attempt to remember soccer moves from my childhood. If I ever find my shinguards… But I definitely don’t think I can go a whole semester without playing any sports. I don’t know how people do that!
Also, you don’t realize how much information you lose over the summer until you try to review what you learned since you’re going to take a placement test once you get to the program. I’ve been looking through my Arabic book to get ready for this test, and I don’t remember a lot of stuff! I definitely need to study before I leave so that I can pretend like I actually am able to speak Arabic once I get there.
Alright, I’m going to sign off and finish packing tonight so I can spend tomorrow with my family instead of stressing over whether I have everything. I’ll be sure to update you all once I get to Cairo!
Wish me luck!
-Stephanie
