Packing up the house

End of a posting... experienced expats know the feeling when a number of unknown local men come into your house and pack up all your belongings. It was our turn again, and for the past 3 days 4 Egyptian packers were busy putting everything we have in boxes, bubble wrap and thick cardboard paper. The foreman ("reis") didn't speak any English, so Mary could practise her Arabic again. Constant supervision is the key, and the men did a decent job. On the 4th day the container arrived, properly dented from an earlier traffic accident, and in true Egyptian fashion there was no lifting equipment. So the packers had to lift everything above their heads to get it in the container. Mary had ordered a fence for our house in France, and it took 4 men to carry it, and an additional 2 to get it in the container. Backbreaking, but people are expendable here. The container left for Alexandria, to be unpacked again by Egyptian customs, and hopefully all will arrive in The Hague in reasonable shape.

Paula and Dorien in "box city"

Waiting for the container to arrive

In the evenings we were first invited by Reda, to have dinner at his house. His family outdid themselves, and as local hospitality dictates there was plenty of food for 10. The next meal was cooked by Piet, from some of the leftovers. This turned out to be a bit of a disaster, as afterwards Paula and Dorien spend the night throwing up in the toilet. And they were wiped out for the next 2 days! Luckily Piet and Mary were not so badly affected, so they could still supervise the loading of the container. That evening was Piet's farewell with his office team, a felucca ride on the Nile. We had to leave Paula and Dorien at home, but we had a very enjoyable sail, with some drinks and snacks. There were nice words for Piet, a few presents, and then off home for a very early night. Now there are a few days with little to do, just camp in an empty house. Only Paula's friend Annabelle will visit for 2 nights, but she is very low maintenance. Some calm before the storm......

Dinner at Reda's house, with his daughter Miriam

Piet on his last sunset felucca ride on the Nile