Winding Down

Yes, my trip to the US is now winding down. I'll be going home in a little over a week inshaAllah and I wanted to write a few things about how our trip has been over all and things I've noticed being here.

No offense to those who live here, Ramadan in the US is just not the same for me. I do think it depends greatly on how active you are in the Islamic community around you though.  I just miss the feeling that everyone is fasting and the festive feeling in the air. I miss seeing mawad el rahman and people handing out dates and refreshments on the street during iftar time. Hearing the actual Athan at magrib and see people rushing to the masjid.  On the other hand though, I feel like some Egyptians focus on the food and tv instead of 3ibada (worship). I'm glad that I'll get to spend most of the second half of Ramadan there though, and Eid of course, inshaAllah.

I've said it before and I'll say it agian. People in the US are so freaking friendly! I love it! Not only have I not had one single problem with anyone being muslim/arab/hijabi in the US, not one! No, people are courteous and pleasant and gregarious. (SAT word there) Oh and this may or may not be indicative of most people but I dropped my wallet at a crowded roller skating ring and thought it was surely gone. Someone one found it and returned it to the office, not a penny missing and there was over 100 dollars in there. I was floored. This isn't to compare with Egypt because I've been equally surprised by things like this in Egypt as well. Remember the scooter?

I still can't get over that places here will give you free ice water. That never happens in Egypt! Well, I suppose the water is from the tap/filter, but still, here they'll give you a cup and straw and ice. Oh the ice. Is ice in drinks a truly an American thing or what? You have to ask for ice in Egypt and they may or may not have it and if they do they give you a cup of ice for your table to share, lol. My kids will miss free refills everywhere though, ha!

I'm really glad no one took my wallet that day. Life here is expensive! I mean, I really try not to think about how much stuff is in EGP but sometimes that X6 happens automatically and it's like, "Woah I just spent 12le on a soda." That said, there are lots of bargains to be had. And I have had many, alhamdulillah. The issue now is bringing all this stuff back!  Baggage allowance is not my friend. Hopefully it will be ok, I just have to rearrange a few things.

It's starting to sink in that I'm leaving really soon and I don't know when I'll be able to come back. I'm trying to just take it in and enjoy it while I can. It was great seeing family here and alhamdulillah I managed to see a lot of great friends and family while I was here this summer. I'm really glad for that. I'll miss the library, the cleanliness, how every thing's convenient and organized here. It will also be interesting to see how I feel after going back. What will I miss here the second time around? What will I notice about Egypt with fresh eyes?

I'm really so happy that we came and we had a great summer here. That said, I'm looking forward to going home and getting back to regular life. inshaAllah. See you there!

Glossy Box

So you know how a few months back, in Egypt, I had posted on how I always wanted to do those beauty box things they have here but couldn't so a friend and I did our own? Well, being here in the states I took the opportunity to get a Glossy Box an then canceled! Ha, I'm leaving soon but I really love the box the sent!
Here's the box:

It comes with a small magazine shown here.

I loved how it was wrapped up with a ribbon and tissue, plus the box itself is sturdy enough for using it store things in.

The contents, nessled nicely in shredded paper. 

First Aid Beauty Smooth Shave Cream

Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment (a hair mask) 

Kinerase Restructure Firming Cream

Shea Terra Oraganics White Chocolate Whipped Shea Butter. ( This stuff smells good enough to eat)

A full size Beauty Addicts Mascara

 A Perfume Organic fragrance sample vial.

I loved receiving this. I would have gone for Birch Box but they have a waiting list. Over all I'm satisfied with my box. Anyone else get this?

Happy Ramadan

Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan!  The day here in the US is longer than in Egypt but it's ok so far alhamdulillah.  May Allah accept our fasts.

Fun Stuff

Alhamdulillah we've done a bunch of fun stuff recently here in the US. I had a list of things and we did most of them. We went Bowling a couple of times. I love bowling! The kids had fun too, lol. We also went roller skating and it was a blast. I hadn't put on skates in like 15 years but after the first time around I remembered how to do it and managed not to fall and had fun doing it. Sore muscles the next day but it was worth it. Dawood is really good cause he roller blades and the girls had fun too. Now I want to own a pair of roller skates!

We went to this glow in the dark mini golf place. It's pretty cool with black lights and sort of a spooky theme. We also took the kids to Build A Bear, they loved that. My kids are big bear people. What a fun place. Kinda can get pricey but I had printed out coupons for each of them so that helped.

I got to spend time with my sister and brother and cousins and that's always great. It's the company that makes things fun most of the time. Here's a few photos:

Salwa's a freakishly good bowler.

I don't think you're supposed to do that.

Am I a ghost here?

Glowy

Make duaa/ say a prayer/ wish me luck/ good vibes because I'm taking my road test to get my license again. It had been expired for so long that I have to retest.

Ramadan is coming up in just a few days so Ramadan Kareem to you all who observe. I'll be traveling back in the middle of Ramadan which isn't ideal but I'm glad to have come and glad to go home as well.