My name is Kathy Freeman and I'm a transplant to Cairo from Houston, TX.  I have lived in Maadi since February of this year. I've already become so immersed in the community, that it seems like I've been here for ages. 

I didn't have great expectations about living in Cairo.  My husband lived here 25 years ago while serving in the military and although he loved it, he described it (many times) in a way that DIDN'T exactly get my hormones to bubbling with excitement at the prospect of ever visiting, let alone living in Egypt. So, with that seed planted, let me tell you how "horrible" it's been living these past few months in Egypt.

I could list about 30 or 40 immediate major changes that took place in my style of living when I moved here.  But...here's the scoop  I love it here!!!  I decided early on to make a conscience effort to look beyond the bad and focus on the good.  I plan to make my stay here a great adventure that I can share with my grandchildren when I'm old.  It will be my legacy.

Yes, I agree with you....we as "Expat Wives"  have it really bad.  We have to put up with maid service, nanny service, cooking service, cars and drivers, delivery service from everybody and their brother...ha ha ha....McDonald's even delivers...who would have thunk?  LOL!! 

I have personally found the "key" to being content, in an International move like this one, is to become involved in your community.  I have really appreciated CSA for the tremendous amount of "home" and support they have offered. They are a wealth of information, activities, classes, tours and support in any area you may need.  CSA is the gasoline that every expat needs to get, "started" in their new life here in Maadi.

Since my arrival, I've attended the Fundamentals of Living in Egypt seminar (this one is essential for newcomers) an ABC's of Living in Egypt lecture, went on the Whistle Stop Tour of Cairo, the Boulak Fabric Market & Etouffe Fabric Showroom, took a Thai Cooking class, a beginners Horse Riding class and am currently attending my first Arabic Language class. And I plan to attend the other million things that CSA offers, just as soon as I can fit it all in, now that I'm so busy at home.  Why am I busy, you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  :-)

You see, I shop at a grocery store called Miriam's Market.  They are always so helpful and courteous to my husband and I.  So one day I decided to bake a batch of my "special" cookies to give to the staff as an appreciation gift.  Well, low and behold, the owner "Amir" liked them so well he asked me to bake and sell them in his store.  My cookies have been a huge hit, especially with the expats who are looking for anything that reminds them of piece of "home." 

One more big change for me has been acquiring a pet.  Every day as I walked to CSA, I'd pass by a little bird shop.  Well, one day I made the mistake of stopping in to look at the birds. One had just had babies... oh nooo, I'm a sucker for babies.  So, I ended up purchasing a little Budgie when he was just four weeks old.  Jake is the most fun little pet to have around.  He's now 7 weeks old and already whistling some of the tunes I whistle.  I'm concentrating on teaching him to talk and have every confidence that he will.

We will be here for at least three years and possibly longer.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity that most people only dream of having.  I intend to live every day as another Egyptian adventure...good and bad...it's all an adventure to me!