Our Return to Cairo

We have just returned to Cairo after spending most of our summer back in Vermont with friends as well as visiting family. This year our return happened to also be at the start of Ramadan, one of the holiest times in Islam. The start and end of Ramadan is marked by the lunar calendar. This is a time of fasting for Muslims from sunrise to sunset. With the fasting, the days are much quieter and stores/businesses have limited hours. The nights come alive though with the breaking of the fast called Iftar. There is a very festive atmosphere in the evenings with people visiting family, lighted Ramadan lanterns hanging from homes, balconies, and even trees, and stores and businesses opening again until late hours. Ramadan is culurally interesting and is a time that we show our respect by not eating or drinking in public during the time of fasting.

We were also greeted with an interesting surprise when we returned this year to our school (American International School of Egypt). During our first day of inservice, the administration informed us that the Ministry of Education was not allowing international schools to open until the end of Ramadan. Apparently the fear of the potential spread of swine flu from all of the international travelers prompted this decision. We will not be starting school again until September 27th. Four weeks is a long time to be hanging out in Cairo without work. On the bright side, we are going to take advantage of this break and begin traveling again. Today we booked tickets to Greece and will spend most of this time traveling through some of the Greek islands. More on this later................