I used to be a blogging addict. What has happened to me? So many cool and “amazing” things are happening and I’m not even capturing them. I’m not writing anymore or taking pictures…Yes, I’ve become a blogging slacker. I’ve come to the realization that I’m no longer a real blogger.

Anyways, here’s an update to make up for lost time.

I'm coming to the end of my traineeship and my last day of work is Thursday. I really enjoyed working at AMIDEAST and learned alot about marketing and business in Egypt. My boss was really great and got me involved in every aspect of marketing and was always interested in discussing life in Egypt, the Arab World and U.S. Arab Relations. The best discussions I had about any of those topics was with my co-workers. They always challenged my perspective and views. A part of me is sad to leave AMIDEAST. It will be weird not working there anymore or being able to chat with my coworkers everyday, but a new adventure awaits, one that I'm really excited for.

The person I will miss working with the most is my boss. He has been one of the greatest mentors I've had and has always encouraged me to reach higher, to go further, and to believe in my dreams. I don't know if he realizes how much he has done for me. AMIDEAST Egypt, has been really amazing in ensuring and helping us to have an amazing traineeship experience. They really care about their interns and this can be seen in the little extra things they do for us.

Aiesec Egypt, there is nothing I can say or do to express my thanks and gratitude for all you've done for me. I left my family and friends and came to country where I knew no one. Yet from the moment I walked out of the terminal, I knew I was not alone. My first week in Egypt was filled with adventures from going to the citadel to horse back riding (My first horseback riding experinece. I will admit I'm scared of sitting on top of a horse.) to going to Mouhatem (big hill in Cairo that overlooks the city) to going to Khan Khalili (bazaar). I've traveled to Dahab twice, attended Aiesec Egypt's national conference in Ismalaeya, seen the Mediterreanean in Alexandria.

Aiesec in Egypt has had really awesome learning events on Egyptian identity, human and women's rights, religion, and society. I have had a chance to volunteer in Bena Swaif and at an orphanage. Aiesec Egypt provides so many opportunities for their trainees to learn about Egyptian culture and should serve as a model for other Aiesec countries. I feel like I have a greater understanding of Egyptian culture because I participated in as many events as I could. To the trainees who didn't take advantage of the opporturnities provided to you, you missed out big time.

I wish I was able to go on more trips that Aiesec organized like Siwa and Luxor and Aswan, but no worries I will find a way to get there and I'm sure it will be with Aiesecers and other trainees. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I want to give a huge thanks to Adham, Yasmine, and Chris G. who have contributed so much to my traineeship experience. Whether it was helping me with directions or talking to a cab driver, helping with plumbing and electrical problems, or just simply giving me a shoulder to lean on. You have always been there to support me and making sure that I had a great experience here in Egypt. I also want to thank all the aiesecer's who have touched my life in one way or another. Whether you realize it or not, you have impacted my life.


So finally, here's an update on what I've been up to the past few weeks.

From my corner of the world, the land of the River Nile
So I’ve been here for 2.5 months and I can say that I no longer feel like a tourist. I really feel at home here. In the past few weeks, I returned to paradise and spent two days in Dahab, spent time with children at an orphanage, and saw the play, “Now, I am dead.”

Dahab (means gold in arabic) is amazing. When I’m there, I feel like I’m somewhere in the tropics. It doesn’t have that touristic commercialized feel to it. There is no McDonald’s. I like it because I still feel like I’m in Egypt. On our first day their we went swimming at a beach. It was amazing swimming there. No one else was there except for one other person. the view was amazing with the crystal blue water and the mountains. The following day we went snorkeling in the blue hole which was absolutely amazing. I accidently hit the coral and what can I say except not to mess with mother nature. She knows how to fight back.

After visiting the orphanage, I knew I had to go back and see them again. These kids have so much energy and at times I did feel a little overwhelmed. Talking with them was great. I was surprised by a few of them who knew quite a lot of English for 6 or 7 year old. One kid touched my heart. He is a dreamer and one day wants to become an engineer for airplane engines. What kid at the age knows what they want to be and of all things an engineer for airplanes?

"Now I am Dead," is the first modern play I've ever seen. The acting was great and the play was hilarious even though I only understood 25% of the jokes. The play really challenged my listening skills and I had to really focus to understand the meaning behind the jokes. The play involved 3 characters who portrayed 3 aspects of one's personality which are romance, religion, and politics.

Some of the trainees have already left and the palace has become a lot quieter. I miss everyone. Jenny, Alli, Tracy, Kyle, and Brennan are already back in the U.S. Laura leaves tuesday with Mike G., Alyssa, and Elise soon to follow. I would sooo not be ready to leave. I'm happy that I'll be here for a year. Some of the other trainees like Jess and Mike P. extended their traineeships for a year. 3 months is not enough to experience a country. If you are able to have a long traineeship. Do it!

I realize this is a novel, but I guess I had a lot to say.