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

pre-departure

Hello all, this is my first blogpost. I leave for Cairo in 3 days I just started packing. I'm so nervous it's my first time abroad. wish me luck
-CST