I’m so tired today and it's not from jet lag - I think I'm finally overcoming that disease. I'm tired because I had my first real Egyptian evening. I cooked dinner for the family I've been spending time with and did not make it home until 3am. I made them sangria and pineapple chicken with rice. They have a lovely apartment on a leafy street in central Cairo.

The whole evening was totally exciting. Tadros, the father, picked me up at my hotel. As we drove to his home, we passed a political rally for Mubarak (the current president of Egypt). He got noticeably irritated at the sight of all the excitement and traffic. I asked him if he will vote on September 7th and he explained that it would be useless to vote because there's no outlet to gain information about the candidates. His response did not surprise me and his criticism is typical of pseudo-democratic nations.

We got in a minor accident while swerving around bikers, mopeds, and minibuses. Tadros backed up to give a bus space to pass and he hit a car to his rear. I got that sinking feeling familiar to anyone who's had an accident in the U.S. Thoughts of police and insurance haggling filled me with dread. Much to my surprise, the two men spoke, shook hands, and parted ways forever. Wow, right? But back to the fun...

I cooked for nine people and it was very stimulating. They spoke about art and politics and Europe, which brings me to an observation. Egyptians associate with Europe and find offence with being called Africans. Granted, Cairo used to be called the Paris on the Nile and remnants of this past glory are evident. Nonetheless, they live on the continent of Africa and the city seems African to me... While British and French influence is present in the architecture and café lifestyle, 1950's African modernization dominated the landscape. Maybe people realize what a failure that was and are nostalgic for the past?

When dinner was finally consumed, everyone appreciated my kindness and insisted, of course, on another such occasion. Their friendship will be invaluable and meaningful. After dinner we drove through the city listening to Frank Sinatra. It's amazing that even at that very late hour, people everywhere were talking and laughing on the streets complete with children running and young lovers flirting. I saw women dressed like westerners, or with the hajib, Bedouins and Egyptians alike, donkey-pulled carts and Mercedes. I love the expressive passion in people's faces when they talk and the way kids wave to you when eye contact is made.

Near the Nile as we were making our way back to the island, I saw a herd of about 100 sheep on the side of the road - can't explain that and neither could Tadros. I felt proud to be making my way home with the best of the Egyptians - in the early hours of morning with a belly full of wine and good food. Returning home, my apprehension about my first day of school returned, but I slept soundly nonetheless cradled by the Nile breeze sweeping though my room.

The morning came fast and I caught a taxi to the American University. The Arabic Language Institute is on the third floor and orientation consisted of waiting in line for 2 hours. At the end of the line, they checked my passport, my negative HIV test, and receipt for payment. I took a photo for my identification card and was told to return on September 5 for the real orientation. Great - more time for fun before school begins!