I wrote this post a couple days ago, but, am delayed in actually publishing it.
To celebrate the Labor Day weekend here in Cairo, we opted to spend the weekend at a hotel near the pyramids. For those of you that have followed our blog, this is a semi-frequent occurrence for us. We enjoy the change of scenery and the time away from our "responsibilities" around the house.
We decided to stay at a different hotel this time around and were farther away from the pyramids than we would have liked. The last hotel we stayed at was right across the street from them. There is something about those massive ancient structures that amaze me every single time I see them. We have driven past and admired them frequently during our time here and they never cease to amaze me. They are truly a perplexing part of history.
With all that aside, living in Egypt with a very warm, arid climate has its perks at this time of year. When the temperature would be starting to drop at home in Canada, the temperature becomes bearable here. Swimming outside in September is not an unusual thing to do. In fact, it was pretty glorious. The kiddos spent endless hours paddling away in the pool. Princess mastered how to use a snorkel this weekend, which absolutely astounded me because I still struggle with a snorkel. She stuck that snorkel in her mouth, planted her face in the water and paddled her way around the massive pool, end to end, repeatedly. I was impressed.
Dimples also improved his swimming skills by finally venturing out in the water on his own...with his water wings on. He realized that they do indeed keep him afloat and he mastered the concept of keeping his chin up. He had a blast being lifted out of the water and being thrown in the air, a safe distance away into mommy`s arms. He did not mind going under water and always surfaced with the most adorable, dimpled smile.
It was a magnificent way to spend 2 days. It was also a spectacular way to distract my mind that has been racing a million miles a minute with new teaching ideas and lesson plans. I did not have my computer or teaching materials with me on the weekend so it was truly an excellent way to unwind from the rigors of preparing for the beginning of the school year. I feel completely prepared and am excited to have students in my room again on Wednesday.
What really got me excited was when I saw two students that I taught EAL to last year sitting on the floor outside one of the offices. They were waiting to rewrite some exams. I sat down with them, chatted about their summers and helped them study for their exam. Sitting and helping them study really got me in the mood to teach. I am ready...even though I have the nervous/anxious/excited butterflies fluttering around in my stomach.
I just cannot wait! But, wait I will...I have no choice. First up, parent orientation days. Tomorrow, we get to be a parent at the orientation as Princess will begin JK this year. Then, on Tuesday, it is meet the parents day for the high school...this is where Hubby and I will shine as we meet the parents of our students and let them know what they can expect. It is one of the most important days of the school year and I cannot wait!
On another note, my super amazingly awesome grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past weekend. The whole family got together to celebrate and we really wished we could have been there. It is truly an amazing testament to the power of love and commitment when you see a couple together for 60 years! Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!
That's all for now... Tomorrow I will write about the first two days of school...all I will say now is that they were pretty fantastic!
To celebrate the Labor Day weekend here in Cairo, we opted to spend the weekend at a hotel near the pyramids. For those of you that have followed our blog, this is a semi-frequent occurrence for us. We enjoy the change of scenery and the time away from our "responsibilities" around the house.
We decided to stay at a different hotel this time around and were farther away from the pyramids than we would have liked. The last hotel we stayed at was right across the street from them. There is something about those massive ancient structures that amaze me every single time I see them. We have driven past and admired them frequently during our time here and they never cease to amaze me. They are truly a perplexing part of history.
With all that aside, living in Egypt with a very warm, arid climate has its perks at this time of year. When the temperature would be starting to drop at home in Canada, the temperature becomes bearable here. Swimming outside in September is not an unusual thing to do. In fact, it was pretty glorious. The kiddos spent endless hours paddling away in the pool. Princess mastered how to use a snorkel this weekend, which absolutely astounded me because I still struggle with a snorkel. She stuck that snorkel in her mouth, planted her face in the water and paddled her way around the massive pool, end to end, repeatedly. I was impressed.
Dimples also improved his swimming skills by finally venturing out in the water on his own...with his water wings on. He realized that they do indeed keep him afloat and he mastered the concept of keeping his chin up. He had a blast being lifted out of the water and being thrown in the air, a safe distance away into mommy`s arms. He did not mind going under water and always surfaced with the most adorable, dimpled smile.
It was a magnificent way to spend 2 days. It was also a spectacular way to distract my mind that has been racing a million miles a minute with new teaching ideas and lesson plans. I did not have my computer or teaching materials with me on the weekend so it was truly an excellent way to unwind from the rigors of preparing for the beginning of the school year. I feel completely prepared and am excited to have students in my room again on Wednesday.
What really got me excited was when I saw two students that I taught EAL to last year sitting on the floor outside one of the offices. They were waiting to rewrite some exams. I sat down with them, chatted about their summers and helped them study for their exam. Sitting and helping them study really got me in the mood to teach. I am ready...even though I have the nervous/anxious/excited butterflies fluttering around in my stomach.
I just cannot wait! But, wait I will...I have no choice. First up, parent orientation days. Tomorrow, we get to be a parent at the orientation as Princess will begin JK this year. Then, on Tuesday, it is meet the parents day for the high school...this is where Hubby and I will shine as we meet the parents of our students and let them know what they can expect. It is one of the most important days of the school year and I cannot wait!
On another note, my super amazingly awesome grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past weekend. The whole family got together to celebrate and we really wished we could have been there. It is truly an amazing testament to the power of love and commitment when you see a couple together for 60 years! Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!
That's all for now... Tomorrow I will write about the first two days of school...all I will say now is that they were pretty fantastic!
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