Today is only the sum of all my yesterdays......
So I've been thinking again.....look out everyone!! But really.....I've been thinking about simple pleasures. When I spent the day with my American friend....she was talking to me about how much we adapt to Egypt when we come......the little things that we give up that really seem like much....but at one point....start to become important. Here are a few:
-paper towels
-toilet paper
-going to the library
-eating canned foods
-eating out at restaurants
-cereal daily
These really are only a few.....I'm sure you could add to it. But my friends point was about paper towels specifically. It costs $4 LE for two rolls...which is pretty costly....considering I'm used to buying 4 rolls for 69 cents back in Cda. So she was saying that she started buying paper towels again.....and how it adds up......it starts off with buying paper towels...then you start buying Juhayna milk....then you add on a box of oatmeal....etc, etc. And before you know it....ur spending $2000 LE a month. Now I can totally see where she is coming from....but I think as you get older.....having a little comfort....even if it is only paper towels....is something that we all need. As much as I gave up in Canada....I also gained some things here. I have a maid who comes once every two weeks.....I send all my ironing outside.....no more filing the monthly bills in the filing cabinet....(the postman only came to my house 2X in 5 yrs).....and probably a lot of other things that could be counted as plusses.
Now here's where I'm gonna get scarey......I like Egypt......I like raising my kids here. I like the sense of belonging I get here......I like the small hometown feeling. And with all the stupid stuff going on in my life......I really don't want to go back to Canada. My dreams are here. My life is here.....my kids lives are here. And somehow....deep inside....I wish that I could just have things simple again. Where I could go back to basics......leave out all the fringes and tassels that have occupied my life these last 4 months. Just for things to sort of freeze and stand still.
Then I would occupy my time and thoughts with simple pleasures. Throw up my hands and say....who cares? I'm buying myself some paper towels!
posted by Safa at 9:40 AM
3 Comments:
al salam alaikum-
I just recently found your blog. I don't know what's going on with the paper towels and toilet paper in Egypt. I don't know how much they cost, but the quality was not what I was used to. I think it would be hard to adjust to living there (I only visited, my dh is Egyptian too), at least until I had a basic understanding of the Egyptian dialect. I found that knowing Spanish helped me zero while over there lol.
9:05 AM
Believe me, sometimes it's hard just getting accustomed to the differences. But you know, I have a good sense of humour and just end up laughing at a lot of what goes on here.....thanks for visiting.....
9:15 AM
salaam alaikum
paper towels in egypt are just the bigger versions of their toilet paper.
at least that was my experience with zayna paper products... (i think that is the name of the brand..)
btw, just stumbled onto your blog. we all need a place to vent...
take care.
7:30 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home