a visit to the citadel

this city is teeming with history.  It seems that everywhere you look there is something from a hundred years ago.  This picture is from a recent visit to the citadel.

peace pigeon?

Today in class we were learning all kinds of things- and one of them was the names in Arabic for a few animals.  We got to a bird and someone said, "is that a pigeon?"  and the teacher said, "no- it makes a oooo, hooo, oooo, hooo sound."  And then I said, "a dove?"  and she said, "yes!  it is a dove."   And then another student said. "so it is the same as the bird for peace?"  And the teacher said, "No - that is a pigeon for sure."  
And we all laughed.  I guess in Arabic, there is the peace pigeon.

50 pages

I finished 50 pages today in my notebook.  That means I have written 50 pages of Arabic words, letters and stuff in the last 8 days of school.  Crazy!  I think I will have to buy a new notebook soon.....wasn't expecting to do this much so fast!
But it is great- my reading and writing are improving everyday....so that is nice to have marked improvement everyday.
Now- off to more homework!

settling in

I am trying to settle in here in Cairo- but as the title of my blog states.....i am one in a city of 20 million people.....so settling in can at times be a bit difficult!  I have found the house, the grocery and the school- so I guess I am pretty settled.
I have even been able to touch base with some Rotarians and a few Rotaracters.....so, things are going well. 
School is great and I am learning a lot- so overall, a good first few weeks.
I will try and update this as often as I can- so stay tuned to hear about more adventures!