I LOVE you!

Well, at least that's what the concierge just told me when he called to make sure the internet was working. I had just spoken with him earlier in the lobby about the english language. It's his dream to visit the USA and maybe teach arabic to college students (he actually was tearing up talking about it!). He then proceeded to show me a piece of paper with some words that he had questions about. The words? The lyrics to "Hotel California", lol! It seems that the Egyptians don't know what colitas are, as well as sweat (yes, as in perspiration). But he seems a kind enough fellow, I may have to go correct him about his proclaimed love for me though...

The coaching counsulate took me to dinner this evening, to a very swanky restaurant. When the waiter found out I was American, they immediately moved us to a swanky, private VIP room. As I said, the hospitality here is unbelievable, borderline uncomfortable for me, but I want them to be happy, so I'll deal with it I guess :) On the menu tonight? A starter of a spicy salad, bread with a kind of hummice dip, and pickles. That was followed by Pigeon soup (yes, REAL pigeons), and so me being the gracious guest, said I liked it very much (well, it was quite tasty!). This appeased them very much, so what do they order me for the main course? Stuffed and grilled Pigeon. The former was stuffed with a spicy rice, the grilled just that. It tasted very similar to chickem, just with a little stronger flavor. They asked if we ate this in America, and I told them not at all (well maybe in Chinatown), they were shocked we didnt! Last but not least, I washed it all down with a diet coke...

The eving finished off with excitement as my host coach, Omar, proceed to hit a pedestrian with his car. Omar just said "oops", and laughed it off. Me? I'm looking behind us to see if the poor man is getting up. BUT, that's the culture here, and I'm sure that's not the first time it's happened!

Ok, off to bed here. Gonna only get about 4.5 hours sleep tonight as I am going to watch Omar's practice in the morning, then soend the late morning / early afternoon touring the pyramids. I will try to take some good pictures!

Good night till tomorrow,

Ron