Bananas

Back blip (posting at 1am)

Another late start to the day. Don't know where our energy's gone! I think it must have something to do with the heat and dust. Eventually got our act together and went for a walk around the flat area (El Dokki). Having the 7pm curfew today meant that we didn't want to venture further afield and so opted for a late lunch/early dinner on the hotel terrace across the square. We were very disappointed to discover though that since our last visit they've changed their wifi system and what used to be a free service now costs 40 LE an hour (about 4 euros)!! This hotel was a little escape and haven before and as we ate there a lot (and were intending to do so again) we spoke to the duty manager to see if a deal could be struck. We'll know tomorrow, so fingers crossed. It was strange crossing the square (Mesaha Square) on the way back to the flat at 10 to 7 as all was quiet and it felt like midnight. Even McDonalds was closed.

I got settled in properly this evening and my room feels more homely now, flowers in vases, scented candle lit, all unpacked and splashes of colour provided by the Egyptian shawls bought on our last month here. It was great having Bb here to help!

My colleague arrived safely tonight from Cyprus via Jordan. As he arrived during the curfew his airport pick up car was stopped 5 times on the way in from the airport by soldiers in tanks. Each time he had to show his passport and the little stub from the boarding pass to prove he'd just arrived. Anyway, he's here! The three of us had a coffee and catch up and then munched our way through some delicious pomegranates.

Time for bed now! One more day till Day 1 of the course on Sunday. We're determined to be up early tomorrow and make the most if it! We have a little prep to do tomorrow, especially as there are 5 trainees on this course who were on the Aug course, which was cancelled after just one day. We need to make sure everything is fresh for them and so that means changing a few day 1 things. Usually my colleague and I would spend at least half a day in school getting set up for day 1, but that's not possible this time as it's closed for Eid. We've set things up remotely, so fingers crossed!

My blip was taken on a main street, just 10 mins from the flat. It wasn't as busy as usual tonight as most of the shops and little market stalls were closed early for the curfew. This blip was taken on this same street.