I have to be up at 8 because we're taking a crash course on survival Arabic today. Not knowing the language hasn't really been a problem since we've been getting around in groups and not really conversing with the locals, but I can't wait to start using the native language on the streets. Like last night I went to the grocery store and couldn't ask where anything was because people didn't speak English. But the best part is that everything is halal so it doesn't really matter that I can't read the labels. :-)
The supermarkets were stocked with pretty much everything you can find in the U.S., except mostly Egyptian brands. They have American brands too, but they are much more expensive here. Overall, everything is much cheaper- three full bags of groceries cost me $80EGP (around $15). It does look like I'll have to learn how to cook though, since ordering takeout will probably get old. Sadly, I've never even made my own pasta - unless you count the pre-made ones that you can just boil. Don't judge me, I'm still in college, so it's still okay to have EasyMac and Cup Noodles for meals.
Bottled water for everything is a bit of a pain. It adds an extra step to everything - washing vegetables, boiling food, etc etc etc. But supermarkets deliver large packs of water so it's not too bad. We just have to be careful not to drink tap water, since it's over chlorinated (which makes me feel like I'm in a swimming pool every time I shower).
Anyway, time to try and get in an hour of sleep before the day begins. Masa khair (that means good night...I think).
