April 4th- Sheila's Version

Today we went to the Alexandria library, the Bibliotheca, a fascinating architectural wonder. We took a tour and learned that the windows are positioned such that there is never direct sunlight anywhere in the library. Another fascinating aspect is that the pillars contain curtains that deploy in case of fire. The holes in the walls are sound deadening acoustics. They also have a historical connection, representing the holes in the original library where the papyrus rolls were stored. The exterior wall has a representation of every language known. The "Death Star" is a planetarium. The third building of the complex is a fine arts theater.

Kristal had warned me and yet I was caught unprepared. To use a public restroom you need to be ready to tip the bathroom attendant and she will provide you with toilet paper. The going rate is 50 piasters. For men is they do not require toilet paper 25 piasters will do. I guess it is universal to primp before the bathroom mirror and I would have liked more time to observe the covered women adjust their scarves.

Today was my first experience riding in a taxi. Seth hailed a taxi by flexing his finger in a palm down position. He had had the front desk person write down the name of were we wanted to go on a piece of paper. The taxi stopped in the middle of the street and we quickly piled in. Our driver did wait until we had closed the door before he took off. We saw during dinner last night that that isn't always the case. Our taxi had a tire that was going flat and another of the taxi drivers signaled that to him. There seems to be a supportive community among the drivers.

During our drive from Cairo to Alexandria we noticed many pigeon coops. There is one also close to Seth and Kristal's balcony. The goal of the sport is to have other peoples pigeons come to roost with your pigeons. The coops are dome shaped to keep them cooler because part of the coop is always in the shade and it creates air movement in the coop.

Our first two days were at Schutz American School. We noticed a couple things about the food, such as the fruit and vegetables are only available in season and they are not genetically engineered. The cantaloupe is green inside and out and is much smaller. But it tastes just like cantaloupe. The cauliflower has much more stem and sparse flower top. We are staying in the apartment next to Seth and Kristal and joining them and their fellow teachers in the dining hall. Everyone has been most accommodating.

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