22

This one is kind of a cheater, as I'm actually in Nebraska - NOT in Egypt - and am going against the main idea of the blog.

But, since it's tangentially related, I decided to enter a quick post.

I don't know if I'm trying to document some cultural comparison or just head off further queries about my weight (the most common comment I receive here) or something else, but I figured I'd give this update.

In 5 months in Cairo, I lost 5 pounds. I walk more, exercise when I can, eat 3-4 meals a day, and feel pretty healthy. I don't eat as much meat (trust me, it's only b/c of availability and quality...not choice) and eat more fruits and vegetables with my rice instead of potato sides.

In 7 days in Nebraska, I've gained 8.

So, people say I look skinny. I guess my face isn't filling in as fast as my waist.

Happy New Year to all,

Foster

20.6

I like to eat.

Here's how I do it. I go to www.otlob.com and choose my area of town, Maadi.

From there, I can browse many restaurants and order. Then, usually within 30-45 minutes, but sometimes within 3 hours, the food comes to my door.

Today's blog is interactive.

So, feel free to check it out. Keep in mind that 1 USD = 5.5 EGP. So, when you look at the menu for Arzak, and see how much Koshary and Falafel sandwiches cost, you'll be jealous of my affordable good food.

And for those of you who don't like to read much or do math, some of the restaurants have pictures of their food. (And, yeah, some don't look too good, and then when you try them anyway they taste just like they look.)

Food is good.

Merry Christmas!

20.5

So, the biggest thing that bothers me is pollution.

I woke up today, and the sky at first looked very clear and blue. (I was looking up.)

I went to meet some friends for breakfast before their trip to Aswan and Luxor. Breakfast was about a mile away, but I decided to walk instead of paying the 60 cents - one dollar for the ride. I knew I could use the exercise.

So it was early, and it was a really great start to the day. I love meeting and eating pre-8 a.m.

During breakfast we happened to discuss pollution, and the notion that you didn't have to be a smoker to earn smoker's lungs here came up.

On my way back from breakfast, I decided to walk again. It was then, about 9 a.m., that I noticed when I looked up the sky was pure clear and blue. But if I looked across in a distance, visibility was at best 1 kilometer. I mean I could barely see the apartment buildings that I know are much nearer than a mile away. Anything that far was obscured to me.

The wind was blowing well, and the sun was shining clear. We don't have mist here (no precipitation) and I have no other choice than to know it is pollution.

Going to play some poker with friends,

Have a Merry Christmas all,

Foster