Friday - Shopping and Lunch at Samia’s

Every day seems to be a late day. We go to bed with good intentions but end up just poking around for way too long a time. We have been waking up between 6 and 7 most mornings but we never get going until after noon.

We went to the mall today. I have no idea what the name of the mall is but it was sure huge and had underground parking so finding a parking place was no problem. The girls went shopping and I sat in Starbucks having coffee and updating the blog. I got caught up on the blog and the ladies got their shopping done. One added bonus was the AC. It was hot outside and cool inside wonderful.

Bonnie and the girls bought a beautiful platter for Samia as a gift for all that she has done for us since we have been in Cairo. She has spent a many, many hours preparing meals and helping out at Nana’s house. With 10 people staying in the house there is much to be done every day and with the wedding preparations everyone was very busy.

After the mall we went to Samia’s house for lunch. Many of Ezzat’s brothers and sisters were there and Samia prepared a wonderful meal. There is always so much to eat. A few of the people spoke English so we didn’t have any trouble talking with one another through a translation. Had a wonderful time.

When it was time to leave Ezzat and I took the Metro home. We started walking to the station and Ezzat asked if we should take a tok-tok. So we did. Nearly got on the wrong train at the metro but got squared away before the error was complete. Bonnie and I road on the Metro the last time we were in Egypt to go downtown to the museum with Aya. The trip was quick and uneventful. When we arrived at our station we go on another tok-tok and were dropped at our door. We beat the ones who were driving by at least 15 minutes. I wouldn’t travel the Metro alone though as most of the signs are in Arabic. The station names have both Arabic and English except for one that I saw and perhaps that is because there is no English translation.

Once we all arrived home we chatted for a while and then turned in for the night.