October 16, 2008

Help! I’m a Cairo New Comer! Your Transition Survival Guide

So you had a couple of dazzling months … we 7’alas 3ala keda! Now you’ll either wish you went back home, or you actually feel that you’re home. It all depends on how well you know where you’re going.
El Qabeela!
I can’t imagine how you’ll ever mingle with all what’s new if you insist sticking to people with your exact background! Group el IG, group Dubai, etc. It would make more sense if you hang out with people of your same interest. That’s what clubs are for after all!
Let Cupid Wait
Rushing into a love relationship that soon won’t help at all. In fact, it won’t spare you any time to get to know all the cool stuff around. On the contrary, you shouldn’t just forbid falling in love, cupid won’t wait forever ;)
Blood Never Fails
Family members, no matter how close, are your key to the new world. Whether you’re close or not they’ll definitely be there to help you. You’ll be surprised of how much stuff you’ll have in common kaman. It’s a blood thing, mesh bemazagkom!
That “Stranger” Outfit
You’ll never survive if you continue to wear that I’m-a-stranger outfit. Let go of it and get free. Find out all the fun places and go there. If you have a car, drive up and down. If you don’t, forget about taxis and get into the subway or a micro bus. Once your college days are over, you’ll regret you didn’t do that.
Viva La Vida
You have more than a million reasons to scream, “Shit! I’m out of here!” Life in Cairo is crowded, noisy, and full of unplanned events! Pretty fast for a new comer I’m sure; but it simply is life! Look at it as spontaneous and vivacious. Trust me, you get addicted to that after a while :D
Looking Behind
It’s okay to keep looking back and remembering your old life. Keeping in touch with your old school friends will help you step across that cultural-shock stage. And you really shouldn’t worry if they don’t get along your new gang. There’s always plenty of time for everyone.
The first year is usually the most challenging. You either watch everything from the outside, or you’re right in the middle of the action. It’s all up to you.
MarwaYehia