This is the first blog I’ve ever written in my life

Hello! This is the first blog I’ve ever written in my life, so Vince, feel special. I think your reasons behind starting these blogs are wonderful, and I’m always up for meeting new people so I thought I’d give it a try. Where to begin? I think I’ll share a piece of an email I wrote to some of my family and friends while in Egypt over the summer. It was my first trip out of the country, most of my family and friends thought I was crazy for going alone, but I had the most amazing time and I’m actually going back there during my winter break! A few things went wrong on my way to and when I first arrived in Egypt back in June…kind of made me question whether or not I was supposed to be there. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone many many times, but each time something went wrong I was “saved” by a stranger or just figured it out. I made amazing friends there and by the end of the month had become part of the family. Communicating was a challenge…it’s amazing how you can find 10 different ways to explain something as simple as, “I’m not in a good mood today,” when really forced to. Ha ha. I really immersed myself in the culture, and was shown so much love and respect by the people showing me around. Anyway, I’m babbling. This passage was written the day after I visited the pyramids. I rode horses for about 3 hours in 105 degree weather in jeans and a long sleeved shirt (wanted to be respectful of the Muslim culture) and loved every second of it. Ok so here it is (finally):
The pyramids were the most amazing things I have ever seen. Sitting on a horse in front of them, I felt so small and insignificant--so much history was right in front of me. I think that is when I realized just how fortunate I was to be in Egypt. Many will go their entire lives without having experienced this wonderful culture. I came in with a mind more open to things than most people, and I was still taken aback by the kindness and hospitality shown…the respect for each other...the closeness of relationships--those are the most striking to me. Looking at the city from the outside, one sees a busy, polluted place, fast cars, noise...but beneath it all are a people who love each other deeply...who move at their own pace...who really do stop to enjoy life around them and each other, and who are happy to welcome anyone into their amazing way of life.
So there is it…my first blog entry. Oh—and just FYI…this Kia, I’ve known Vince…gosh, forever (our mom’s our best pals) and…that’s about it for now. Take care everyone.