Scales for Understanding

My apologies for the slow posts over the last couple of weeks. Continue to tease me about my laziness--it makes me happy to know that you are reading and waiting for the next installment. Continue to ask for more pictures about specific things--I am happy to provide. It's good to know you are out there, reading, as I miss you very much. My daily life has taken over, routines are good but now it seems like nothing new happens to report. So, here is just a list of observations and notes about my every day:

1) A bunch of arugula, tied together with a piece of bamboo, costs 50 piasters. That's about 10 cents.
2) Mobiles (aka, cell phones) work in the subway, not just on the platform, but while the train is moving underground.
3) Fresh pressed juice cost only LE1.5 (about 30 cents). Mango is in season now--it's sweet, and pulpy and sooo fresh. Juice bars are commonly found every other block, and a regular feature of Egyptian life.
4) My air conditioner has a remote control.
5) Henna, the powder dye for the hair, costs LE 6 for a kilo ($1). And it's fresh; the color saturates very naturally and very well.
6) My roommate conviced me that when it comes to hair, big is not necessarily a bad thing (Mom, Kim: you would be so proud of my curls).
7) The chandeliers in my apartment! Check them out--photos attached. Helwa awi (so cute).
8) An hour on a felucca seems like an eternity in heaven. Attached is a shot of a felucca by night.
9) A friend of a friend gave me an Egyptian name: Jihan (pronounced 'jee-hen'). The nickname is Jiji. Sometimes it is easier to tell people my name is Jihan than to say "Jennifer" because I often have to say it like the French, "Jenn-ee-fair," in order for people to understand me. That to me feels more strange than giving them an Egyptian name. Plus, the Egyptian name is a better conversation starter. I learn more Arabic that way.
10) Tomatoes are actually sweet in flavor. I probably eat .5 to 1 kilo a week.

And finally, two things: thanks to Holly and Johanna for taking on the task of packing and moving my apartment into storage. I know how difficult it can be to move oneself, but moving someone else in their absence can only be accomplished by a real saint. You are amazing. And, thougths go out to my friends in New Orleans who have just been allowed back to their homes! Good luck with the stench--I've heard it's terrible. Be careful of mold--too much can be very dangerous to the respitory system. I hope the gas and water gets turned back on soon. If you need a place to stay, you are welcome in Cairo at any time. That goes for everyone, really.

Hoping everyone is well.
Jennifer