Blogging from the Homeland

So I'm finally in Cairo. Our airport experience quickly reminded me of the lack or organization in this city...After two of our six bags (yes six, only three of us...the explanation: my mother is crazy) were frantically thrown onto a vacant bus which then took off without us, the following hour consisted of my mother throwing a hissy fit about the disorganization of the airport system, the city of Cairo, as well as the entire Egyptian government, screaming at airport managers left and right until we finally got our bags...I never knew my mother had it in her...

This situation also made me realize how frustrating the language barrier is for me...I was asked to explain the situation and through my anger and frustration I just couldn't articulate nearly as well as I wanted to just how pissed off I was, and ended up instead looking like a stammering spoiled American idiot...so my goal is to speak arabic whenever possible here, no easy way outs...

But despite the minor setbacks, I love it here.

It's been two days and so far it's surreal. I have spent time with my family, gone out to cafés with my cousins, and met up with Kaitlin for some much needed comfort. The hardest part has been leaving behind something that was so amazing and that made me so happy, knowing that when I return it won't be there anymore...Being so far removed from Madison has made the situation especially difficult...I keep looking for something tangible to hold onto...luckily, Egypt itself is just that...the smell of the shisha at the cafés, the references to places I've heard amazing memories about, and my own plans to explore a new side of Egypt for the next three weeks make me feel connected and in a way comforted.

It's hard, but at the same time it is perfect. I'm looking forward to whatever comes my way in the next three years...I have ambitious plans, and know that I will be pursuing them 110%...

As for the future, I hope it will lead me towards what has made the past three months incredible, but right now, it's time to be independent, be strong, and blow some shit up...