Onions Have Layers | Surviving Egypt 1

I have been wanting to make a post about winter for a while. Since, like, December. I just never got around to writing it, but of course now that I've written it, it's not cold anymore! Whether this is a spring fake-out or actually spring, I don't know. I do know that I was sweating in the taxi today. Contrary to popular belief, Egypt is not always hot. There were times it got all the way to 41 degrees Fahrenheit! You might be thinking, "How would I ever survive this winter?" Well, have no fear! I have a list of ten whole tips on how to survive winter in Egypt. 

1. Accept the fact it is and will be cold 24/7 for the next couple months. Egyptian homes don't have central heating. This is because it doesn't normally get that cold. The coldest it's gotten is about 41 degrees Fahrenheit and that was at like 3 in the morning. But 41 degrees outside, means 41 degrees inside. 

2. Layer everything. I didn't bring anything heavier than a sweatshirt to Egypt. Most of the time layers were enough for me. When I absolutely needed a jacket, I borrowed one of my host mom's. (Only 3 times in 3 months)

3. Invest in tight stretchy pants. By this I mean like leggings or yoga pants. Wear them under your looser pants similar to long johns. Or wear long johns, that works too. 

4. Use the above two tips, create your outfit. One day it was really cold and I had to go to school. My uniform pants are too big so they're kinda baggy. So, I wore yoga pants under my pants. Then on top I wore a tank top, then my long sleeve school shirt, then a tighter sweatshirt, then my regular school sweatshirt and a scarf. 

5. Make scarves your best friends. Unless you're wearing a turtle neck, your neck will be exposed. Scarves keep them warm and also they look great and come in any color/pattern you can think of. 

6. Slippers. So important I own two pairs. 

7. Don't feel bad for spending time in bed. Beds have blankets and blankets protect you from cold. But don't ignore your responsibilities or host family or anything. 

8. Drink hot drinks. All the time. Tea, hot chocolate, and Nescafé are all really easy to make and they're all good. Not only does it make your tummy warm but the mug will keep your hands warm. 

9. Use Chapstick and lotion often. Your skin and lips will get dry because winter. If you can't find your Chapstick, watch this: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5qYY06KD_Zg

10. Warm hugs are essential. Olaf hit it on the nose with this one. Not only do you show love and affection when you hug someone, it helps keep you warm and happy. 

I hope these tips helped you understand the struggle of Egyptian winter and maybe you could use them in your life. I know lots of people in the Northeastern part of the US and Canada are buried (or were buried) in snow, but maybe you could use these tips if spring ever rolls around. 

I'm both happy and sad winter might be ending in Egypt. While I didn't enjoy the cold, it's better than the ridiculous heat we'll be getting soon. 

Stay warm and learn something today. 

Byeeeee

Corie. 

Credit where credit is due:

Igloo picture- http://ecobnb.com/blog/2014/01/igloo-ice-hotels/

Shrek screen cap- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/386887424211516974/

Yoga- https://www.vitalitynutrition.com.au/how-to-stay-healthy-during-winter/

Friends screen cap- http://twicsy.com/i/RAt6fd

Cinna's scarf- http://www.videobash.com/photo_show/lenny-kravitz-has-a-big-ass-scarf-93063

Arthur's slippers- https://www.flickr.com/photos/chotipradit/8469295281/

Burrito tutorial- http://www.theunmom.com/the-un-mom/2011/3/28/building-a-blanket-burrito-for-better-monster-protection.html

Hot drinks picture- http://www.robertsonpackaging.com/paper-cups-for-hot-drinks/

Olaf- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/365002744771698672/

Women2Drive | ASMUN Junior Conference 2015

Hello lovelies. I hope you all had a great weekend. This weekend I participated in the ASMUN juniors conference. I was on the Human Rights Council where we discussed the situation of human rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia... I was the delegate for Saudi Arabia. 

The human rights in Saudi Arabia are practically nonexistent. Women can't drive. Apostasy is a crime punishable by death. They still hold public executions and floggings. The internet censorship is ridiculous. And freedom of speech is not a thing. I basically had to defend everything I stand against. 

It's really difficult to argue when you don't believe anything that comes out of your mouth. I sounded like a leader from a YA dystopian novel. Saying things like "we have a system for a reason. If you break the system you will be punished" and "we do what we must to keep the peace and order in society." I was basically President Snow. It was even harder given the fact my partner couldn't come, leaving me to defend a bunch of bullcrap by myself. 

I think I managed pretty well alone, though. I won the superlatives for Best Delegate and Best Speaker. I don't know understand getting best speaker because I forgot what I was going to say so many times. Here is an actual speech I gave in the informal debate:

"Honorable chair, honorable delegates: I would like to bring up the point that... I forgot. Never mind. Thank you."

Yup. I also ended one of my speeches with "amen" instead of "thank you". 

I did have the advantage of having English as my first language, giving me the opportunity to think a little quicker than the others. But seriously thank you ASMUN juniors for these lovely superlatives. 

My main strategy was drawing the attention away from my delegation. I would attack my enemies, Russia and Iran. I'd defend my ally, the USA. And I brought up any possible Human Rights violation I could find. I was desperate. 

I ended up telling Germany they should be grateful for the World Cup stadium, despite the treatment of the migrant workers, because they won the World Cup. I brought up the fact Brazil cut out scenes from the 50 Shades of Grey movie in the debate about free speech. Finally, to top it all off, every time Germany pissed me off, I sent them a note that said "remember the holocaust?" and demanded an apology from the delegation of Germany for the Holocaust, the reason the UN exists in the first place. 

In the end, I voted no to the resolution. With 5 yes votes, 1 no vote, and 2 abstains, the resolution passed. :( Oh well, the human rights council has no power anyway. All in all it was really fun. I even went home and looked up who represents the US in the UN and how one obtains that job. It turns out it's called a perm rep (permanent representative of the us in the un) and they're appointed by the president. This means unless I want to dive head first into US politics, I won't have this job. Which is find by me. 

After spending so much time defending the wrong side, I want to help the people of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, all of these problems are internal and it's very hard for outside countries and organizations to really do anything. There is, however, a campaign called women2drive. This campaign tries to empower Saudi women by encouraging them to post a picture of themselves behind the wheel. I think the best thing we as outsiders can do for these women is spread the word. Make it known that people are not allowed to drive because they have an extra X chromosome. Two women tried to drive and they were arrested and charged with terror related crimes. Terror as in terrorist. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell strangers, post it on social media, write your congressperson. All we can do is talk about it. The more people who know, the bigger the fight against it will be. 

Thank you all for reading this post and thank you in advance for spreading the word about women being banned from driving. I really had a great time at this conference, I'm so glad to be working with the ASMUN seniors in these upcoming weeks. 

You are great. Learn something today. 

Byeeeee

Corie. 

Let's Have A Drink: The Bags Under My Eyes Are Gucci

Today is the first time I have enough free time to write a proper blog post in about a week. I manage to still get eight hours of sleep, but it looks like I've barely slept at all. (Actually I just looked in the mirror. I look fine. I looked worse yesterday.) 

I remember lazing around the house, surfing the internet and now school, ASMUN, and some other things are in full swing, I haven't been on reblogged anything in tumblr since Valentine's Day. 

School

School started on Saturday, the seventh. This term I'm taking English, Math, Physics, French, Computer, and Art. That's one less class than last term. I got my grades from the exams on Monday. I did fine. I did all the math and I have a 3.33 GPA, not my best, but hey, I'm in Egypt. 

The Weather

A couple days before school started there was a spring fake out. By that, I mean it started getting warm again. It was sunny and nice. But it was the calm before the storm. Literally. For about two or three days there was a gross dust storm. 

The sky at about 3 pm. 

Dust covered windows. 

Some people have snow days, apparently we have dust days. 

ASMUN (Ain Shams Model United Nations)

I started ASMUN with the college students on Friday. It was really fun. I'm looking forward to that experience. I'm on the Economic and Social council (ECOSOC). 

Me and my terrible posture explaining the separation of church and state in America. (Sit up straight kids). 

On Monday (yesterday), we had the final session for the junior human rights council. I am representing Saudi Arabia in the conference this weekend. I've been researching, and it might be a little difficult for me to get my way as Saudi Arabia...

Reality Check

On Friday, I got an email from AFS with my return travel information. I arrive in America on June 26 at 9 pm EST. It really hit me that all this is temporary, and I need to get my butt moving to make the most of the four and a half months I have left. 

I went out everyday since Thursday, except today. I've been intensely studying Arabic. I've been using YouTube to get vocabulary, then I write them down. I send them to my friends to correct them. I also checked out a picture book from the Primary school library. I finished translating it, but now I read it to gain confidence and better pronunciation. 

Sunday, I went with my host family to Carrefour again, it was very nice. I like that store. It's basically costco. 

News from America

My family in America is moving houses today. Fingers crossed it all goes well. I'm really excited. We'll have more space, a hot tub, and a doorbell that plays the Harry Potter theme. What more could you want. 

I want to thank you all for reading my blog and all the support you give me. It truly is wonderful. 

I will be trying my best to have lots of adventures in the next four and a half months. And I will try my best to post about them. I will try my very best to have weekly posts (most likely Sundays) with updates from the week (similar to this one). If you like this post let me know by liking it or let me know in the comments. If it bored you, also let me know in the comments because I don't want to bore you. 

You are awesome. I love you. Learn something today. 

Byeeeee

Corie. 

10 Things I Love

Since it's Valentine's Day, I thought of make a festive post. I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day because of the pressure to buy things for no reason other than society tells you to, though it isn't this way in Egypt from what I've seen today. It is about love and I do appreciate love. So here are 10 things I love. 

1. The smell of onions frying. Egyptians love onions, so it is often an ingredient in the cooking process. When we start cooking, especially meat, we put olive oil in the pot or pan or whatever and then put very very chopped onions in and when it's sizzling, it's smells good. 

2. Chocolate milkshakes, ice cream and Cinnabon. What do these things have in common other than empty calories and sugar? Things I buy at the mall. Me and my friend have a tradition where we go to Cinnabon once a month because we can. 

3. Eleanor and Park. I read this book a week ago. It's about two teens, Eleanor and Park, who fall in love amidst mix tapes and comic books in the '80s. It's really cute and I love it so much. I read it in one day. All the feels. 

4. Scarves. Whether they're on your head, neck, or both, I love scarves. And most of them are really pretty. 

5. Books. I think I love books more than I love reading (though I love that too). But I love books. The way they feel when the majority of the pages switch from one hand to another. Sometimes the way they smell. 

6. My friends and family. This is a pretty obvious one, but honestly I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of all the people who love me. Cheesy much?

7. Giraffes. They can kick a lion in the skull and kill them. Their tongues are blue and can reach their ears. They're tall. What's not to love?

8. Egyptian money. The money is different colors and sizes and they have historical things on them. It's really cool. 

9. ASMUN. It's been really fun and educational so far. I've met some really great people. I just started my sessions with the college students yesterday, it was really fun and no one knew I was 16 until I told them. 

10. Egypt, the entire exchange experience, and all the things it's given me. Confidence. Independence. Courage. Language. Friends. Family. Education. Just the right amount of fear (the fear when you do things out of your comfort zone). A more broad outlook (ba dum tsss). And everything else. 

School started a week ago, so I've been kind of busy getting back into the groove of things. I am also tired because that's what happens. Tomorrow I have a down day and I'll have an update on life in Egypt. 

Until then, tell your loved ones you love them. It is Valentine's day after all. But don't forget to tell your loved ones you love them every other day too. That's what love is, real and constant, not just on a Hallmark holiday. Also pizza. Love is pizza. 

You are awesome. I love you. Learn something today. 

Byeeeee

Corie. 

Thoughts On Current Events

On my way to school something caught my attention.  

Putin's face was on every pole for at least a couple blocks. After a few blocks the signs were spread out a little more and Putin wasn't in your face the whole drive. 

Naturally, I was curious so I googled "Putin in Egypt 2015". Turns out Putin and I will be in the same city for two days. 

Now before I continue, I am not expert in anything other than High School Musical, so this will probably be the least intelligent piece ever written about politics. 

I don't know anything about Putin. The only reason I know he's a person is because I took a class on international politics right when the whole Edward Snowden thing happened in 2013. The only Putin related thing I've seen since is this picture:

I saw this on tumblr. As you can see Obama and others helping the queen down the stairs, and then there is Putin. 

I also know the US and Russia aren't exactly best friends. 

What I took away from the article I read is that this trip is basically just to piss off the US. Russia wants a relationship with Egypt. And Egypt wants to show that they don't need the US. "...they can look to China, and they can look to Russia." Also there's some sort of weapons deal, possibly. 

Back in my class in 2013, I was in a debate on whether or not the US should keep supporting Egypt. In my argument against the US supporting Egypt, one of my points was that Egypt didn't want our help. And now, I can tell I was right. 

People here don't like the US that much, or more specifically, Obama. Actually, most of my friends hate Obama because he supports Israel. 

I am a terrible global citizen and I barely know anything about… well, anything so I'm not going to comment on Israel or Russia or whatever. I personally think there are enough problems within the US that we should deal with before trying to solve any other country's problem without their consent, because sovereignty. One of my friends responded to this by saying the US is building alliances in case of war. 

But, what if we stop trying so hard to prepare for wars, and start using those resources to prevent wars?

You are awesome, learn something today. 

Byeeeeee

Corie. 

Putin welcome signs and article I read: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/09/vladimir-putin-egypt-visit-message-us-russia

The Queen: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2651273/Obama-charms-Queen-fine-manners-guides-stairs-D-Day-event-Russias-Putin-looks-unimpressed.html

How I Spent My Life In De Nile | Luxor/Aswan 5

Here is a daily look at my life on the ship during my Luxor/Aswan trip. 

Meals

There were three meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Imagine that). 

Breakfast was some time between 6 and 7:30 depending in the day's activities. There was normally potatoes, foul, bread type items. There were cheeses, cold cuts, pastries. There was juice, tea, and coffee. I had bread, butter, pasties, and tea. 

Lunch was between 1 and 2. Again, it depended on the day's activities. It was rice, chicken, beef, vegetables, and pasta, everyday without fail. There was fruit and salad also. 

Dinner was at 8. There was rice, vegetables, beef, and fish. One night there was koshary [insert heart eyes emoji]. There was also a salad bar and dessert! 

Overall, the food was good. My only problem was it was a variation of the same thing everyday. But still it was good and I could eat however much I wanted. Yay, buffets! 8/10

The Boat

The boat was five stories. Floor one: restaurant and pool table. Floor two: rooms and lobby. Floor three: store, rooms, and lounge. Floor four: rooms. Floor five: sun deck (outside). 

Stair case that looked cool. 

Not my boat, but what the boats look like. 

My only issue was no wifi, but I got used to it. 9.5/10

Boat Activities

At four in the afternoon there was a tea time. 

While we were moving, I'd read it just watch things we passed by. 

Also, at night there were activities. One night there was a party. Another night they had dancers. (Belly dancer and another dancer). 

Musicians for the dancers. 

I give the activities a 7.5/10. I mean, if you're a tourist they're great, but it wasn't anything new for me. The dancers were fine, but I wasn't blown away personally. 

My room

The first night my shower didn't work, bummer. But other than that, my room was just like a normal hotel room. I was supposed to share a room with another teen, but she had an accident and couldn't come. 

It was nice because I could look out the window and see the Nile and everything from air conditioning and my bed. 

Crocodile from the turn down service. 

Elephant from housekeeping. 

9.5/10. I couldn't find the life jacket, if there was an emergency, I was screwed. 

Overall 35.5/40. 

Thank you all for joining me in my Luxor/Aswan series. I had an amazing time on this trip, I saw so many things that I never thought if be able to see. It was nice to get out if the city, but When I got back I realized I missed the constant noise. 

I hope you enjoyed the Luxor/Aswan series. If you did like it on the Corie in Egypt Facebook page. 

What was your favorite landmark or picture? Let me know in the comments. If you want to see anymore pictures of anything (I have lots) just let me know and I'll post some more. 

I love you guys so so much. Have a great day. 

You are awesome. Learn something today. 

Byeeee

Corie. 

Dam, Girl | Luxor/Aswan 4

There were four stops on the last day in Aswan.

Philae temple

The main god, Ra, had four children: Osirus, Isis, Set, and the other one. Osirus and Isis were married, but Set loves Isis. Set decided to kill Osirus. To do this, he tricked Osirus into getting inside a coffin. When Osirus was in the coffin, Set through it into the Nile. Isis found Osirus and he didn't die. They lived at the Philae temple on an island and had Horace. Then, Set chopped up Osirus' body and spread him through the land of Egypt, so he wouldn't be able to be properly mummified and come back. Isis asked Ra for wings so she could fly around Egypt. She put his body back together, but Osirus wouldn't come back. He didn't like Earth and his brother, so he stayed dead and became the god of the afterlife.

The best part of the temple was the views and such, it was beautiful, and it was a really nice day, not too hot.

A thing and the Nile.

A hall that was built when the Romans occupied it. It's kind of like a foyer area.

An altar because Christians just need to pee on all their territory.

Cute Corie and the Nile.

Old graffiti. "Brehm 1854"

It looks like a woodland creature.

At this temple there were all kinds of tunnels and maze-type things around and it was fun to explore. this was taken in a tunnel looking out into the Nile.

Signature pose.

Smoking kills the moment.

High Dam

In more recent history, the British built a dam in Egypt because they wanted Egyptian cotton year-round, not just during flood season. Now it's a big source of electricity.

The Nile view from the top of the dam.

Cute Corie's Pocahontas moment.

Mr. Electricidad

Cute Corie and the symbol of friendship between Egypt and the Soviet Union.

The Botanical Island

The Botanical Island is really big, and was established in the 1800s.

The gate to the botanical garden. It was pretty much all trees.

California represent

Nubian Village

The last stop was to the Nubian village. I saw and held crocodiles and got a henna tattoo.

Crocodiles

From the Nubian village towards the Nile.

Looks like I'm smiling, but really I'm freaking out because it was moving and breathing and I'm a big chicken. (These people all wanted to hold the crocodile and didn't give me my spotlight. I apologize for the fact that the guy fixing his glasses looks like he's flipping you off.)

My henna tattoo. (It's almost gone now.)

And that concludes the touristy destinations.

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You are awesome. Learn something today.


Byeeeee

Corie.

Temple of Stabbing | Luxor/Aswan 3

On Wednesday, we traveled a lot. We took two stops in between Luxor and Aswan.

Edfu Temple

We got off the boat, and took a horse and carriage to the Edfu Temple.

Horse booty

Edfu, means stabbing. I went to the stabbing temple. The idea behind it is there was Horace, the son of Isis and Osirus. Horace's uncle, Set, killed Osirus, his father. The temple of Edfu is the place where Horace could get his revenge on his uncle. (Hamlet, anyone?) Horace couldn't kill Set exactly because then he'd be evil, so he stabbed him, but only enough to drag him to the judgement. They found him guilty of killing Osirus, and killed him. The End.

Edfu Temple, the stabbing temple.

Horace lived in one temple/palace and his wife lived in another one. Once(?) a year, they would get together for 21(?) days and there would be a festival. This is a picture of the boats Horace used to get his wife and bring her to his temple.

I don't remember what this is, but it looks cool.

The Stabbing scene.

Cute Corie with cute hieroglyphs.

Story time: Ancient Egyptians couldn't touch statues f the gods or they would die, so they used boards like this to carry them around. Everyone and their mother was trying to get a picture of this deity board. All I remember thinking is: this better be the coolest piece of wood I've ever seen. I mean, it's a pretty awesome piece of wood, even though it's a crappy picture.

And that was the Edfu Temple!


Temple that I can't remember the name of but it was cool

After we got back to the boat on the horse and carriage, we set sail once again. Then we docked at another place that exists. We then walked to another temple. The temple was for Horace and Set. People didn't really like Set, so they built a temple for both and when they brought sacrifices, it would be split between them, even if you only brought it for Horace.

A somewhat blurry picture of a nameless temple.

This was a well that they used to measure the level of the Nile. The higher the water level, the higher the taxes were.

If you can see it, this is the Ancient Egyptian Calendar. It is very similar to ours.

I thought this was cool looking.

This temple had a crocodile museum. These are old, mummified crocodiles.

These are statues they made for the crocodile god, Set.

After this, we continued on our way to Aswan!


If you liked this post, please like it and Corie in Egypt on Facebook.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns, leave them below.
If you feel so inclined, go ahead and share this with your friends.


You are awesome. Learn something today.


Byeeeee

Corie.