time for a new post

Cairo is going quite well, I can't believe it, there is less than two months left. school is going surprisingly well, I'm learning a lot in and out of the classroom. Life is going well the people here, both Americans and Egyptians, are bar none the best I have had the privilege of working with. With all those positives however must come some negatives. I fell burned out intellectually, even though I am doing well academically, I feel I'm just not performing where I should be. Arabic is of particular concern, My Grammar is terrible, and I feel like I have no motivation and am sapped of energy. I'm getting better though, my prof lit a fire under me on Thursday, and I am determined to be out of this slump
more later, Charlie

photos from the black and white desert

here are some croud pleasing photos for all you guys

general update + Black and white desert

hello all, to my family I apologize for not contacting you guys. This past weekend was great, I went to the black and white desert and saw the natural beauty just four hours outside Cairo. As a result however work has piled up and I have to get it done, I will be unreachable until Thursday at the earliest.
-CST

second semester... so far

hello all, this is my first post of the new semester. it's off to a much better start, I think I've done more in the first week than in the past semester, I've practiced my Arabic in the market places, visited old Cairo twice and met a lot of new people.
I've learned to love this place having taken it at my own pace and I will love it even more
Classes are off to a pretty good start thus far and I think I will enjoy them once the add/drop period. I have one prof who I reallly don't like and will try to switch classes but if I can't wish me luck
As some of you may have heard we've been having internet troubles. A cable was cut between Egypt and Italy leaving 1/3 of Egypt as well as most of the ME without internet. My internet is sporadic and therefore communication will be difficult
I miss all you guys back home, but I am having lots of fun here don't anybody worry
til later, love Charlie

haven't posted in a while

It's been months since I've blogged, this place is really busy, and keeps you going. I experienced my first Ramadan in a Muslim country, it was interesting. All of the local resturants closed down from 7 in the morning to around 5-ish at night. Every class was moved up by 3o minutes so the day would end earlier. I have 8Am class so that translated to 7:30. it was quite difficult. I bought a keffiyah (the Arab head dress) pics of me wearing it can be found on facebook. I'm getting along pretty well, but I don't feel like I have any really close friends here. I have a large number of aquaintences, but no friends. classes are going well, but Arabic is really hard. I decided that I'm going to stay the whole year, I'll see everyone at Christmas though.
-CST

new week feeling better

It's a new week and things are looking up. I went on a boatride on the nile a few days ago, no pics, I forgot my camera at my dorm, oops! took my placement test it was really hard. I didn't place where I wanted to so I need to talk to someone.

homesickness + culture shock + jetlag= one depressed 20 year old

I've been in Cairo since tuesday and nothing has happened as planned. I didn't expect as great degree of culture shock as what I am experiencing here. that combined with homesickness and jetlag has lead to horrible depression. I've talked to a shrink and I feel a little better. If I'm not scared to death of this place and sick with worry, then I'm tired and unable to function. to make things worse none of my fellow students understand and some don't care. I'm being open with everyone about how I feel, I don't care what they think. I need a hug more than anything in the world. I need friends and a support network who care about me. I miss everyone very much.
-CST