So, Hatem. The dad. A really great guy and pure respect for him. I also think he's a great father as well. All the boys look up to him. Everyday the family waits to eat until he comes home, and when he does, they all go up to him and exchange hugs and kisses. I know it's also a cultural thing as well, but its amazing that Ahmed whose same age as me still does it. He calls me "Suzuki" for some reason. It's probably because there are so many Suzuki automobiles in Egypt. I have to thank the company because Hatem really enjoys it when I respond to "Hey Suzuki!", and thats part of why I'm able to stay at his house.
Ahmed
The oldest of the 4 and the same age as me. He's studying mechanical engineering at an university in Cairo. Really patient and mature. He's really busy during the time I'm here because it's his finals week so he can't really come along to places I go to with the other boys, but we talk everyday and he even made me coffee! 5 points for Ahmed. He makes me eat alot though.. But yesterday we did go see the Man U v. Barcelona match together at a cafe in the city. It was a Hookah Cafe (aka Shisha aka water cigs) and it was surprising to see how many Egyptians do that stuff because I know its frowned upon in their religion. Shows how the younger generation is changing. Obviously we didn't do it. I just enjoyed Kasop once again.
Hussein
The second oldest. Can't believe he's only 17. Tall, smart, and mature. He tries to pay for my drinks, food, and transportation. He opens doors for me. He comes to the pyramids with me. He negotiates prices for me so I don't get ripped off. He comes to Luxor with me for 3 days. He takes me to the Egyptian museum. He takes me to play soccer. He constantly asks "Do you need help?" "It's up to you" and "Are you happy?". I don't know, but this kid makes me feel retarded (because I wasn't like that 3 years ago). I feel that him and Ahmed will become very success in the future.
Yussef
Unlike the older two, Yussef doesn't speak English that well yet so it's hard to communicate with him. I really wish I had a arabic pocket dictionary. So far I only know the simpliest out of simpliest words.. Despite the language barrier, I feel really comfortable with him after spending time with him at the club and a whole day at the museum. He even gave me a sticker as a gift (which he bought at the museum gift shop). Really an honest and good kid. I would imagine it to be difficult to be the middle child (him and Hussein), but for some reason it seems to have made both of them mature (perhaps Ahmed is a good role model). Along with Hatem, Ahmed, and Hussein, this kid makes me eat too. And it's worse at times because its hard to say "no thanks" to a 12 year old kid who puts a huge chicken on your plate. You just can't..
Zizu
The fourth is 3 years old. Wow. I can't describe him. But if one thing I can take home with me from Egypt, it'll be him. He never stops talking. He's non-stop doing something. Running. Climbing. Drumming. Kicking. Eating. Chasing cats. This family doesn't need a TV because he's the center of attention.
Salin
Hatem's wife. A really kind woman. Doesn't speak English so I can only say certain words to her..(mainly simple ones like "hello" and "thank you"). I know that she's welcoming to me because she makes me eat. A LOT. Heres a list of what I ate in one day here.
9am: 5 pieces of Maandazi (bread) and coke..by myself! because no one else was up
1pm: Curry fried rice, and coke
7pm: Lasagna and chicken, and coke
1am: 3 pieces of bread, and huge portion of watermelon
Victoria and Frankie
The cats. Never had cats before but always thought they're cool, and would prefer it over dogs as pets. I mean c'mon, look at the photo and say something else.
I thing didn't let me use the delete button for about 20 min.
The Bread
I don't know if its a cultural thing, which it probably is, but the family has a meal everyday at 1 or 2am, depending on when they're father is back. And its always bread with different types of cheese..and this is where I struggled the most because I'm not used to eating at the time and I'm still usually full from the huge meal I've have earlier..and more than anything, its...bread. You'd be surprise too when you see a huge bag of bread being placed on the table everyday and everyone around you starts munching on it.
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