Thank you, Outi! I think all these posts have really encouraged me and I really want to go now! I will need to save up money first, but otherwise I really have nothing to lose...my mindset at the moment is more "when" and "how" - rather than "if." Carpe Diem, as they say. Would you be able to give me some indication of how much money I might need initially? I'm hoping to save in the region of about £5000 ($10,000) to get me by. I'd need at least a year and a couple of jobs to save up this much.
I will probably need a lot of information about the country before I go. I will try and find some Egyptian forums as others have suggested to see what there is generally, but be warned - I will have many questions! It's really cool that you're Finnish too (my boyfriend is half-finnish and loves the country!).
Quote:
Originally Posted by outi
As I have been living in Egypt for over two years now, I could write a book about the things to know. If you are really coming here, you can contact me.
It's a huge difference to actually live and visit in Cairo. For example I don't care about all the things I used to care when I visited in Cairo. There are many thing that tourist never need to think about. On the other hand this my life - not a short trip - so I sometimes I just need to live it by my standards, not the Egyptians.
It's great experience to live here. It's different, it's hard and wonderful at the same time. You may be able to get work, but the money isn't a lot. On the other hand for basic living you don't need much money. If you plan to take a lot of classes and see shows (and why wouldn't you as you are in Cairo???), it's better to save as money before hand as possible. Cairo isn't nice place to live, if you don't have any money. Everything cost, even if it's a little.
If you plan to stay here a long time, there is things you should bring with you as they are impossible to get from here - and if you by some strange luck find the stuff, it's really expensive.
Learning Arabic is great! But don't concentrate on Fusha. Study the Egyptian dialogue. Even if you pick up a few words form dictionary, it's makes difference.
In Egypt you can get and understand many things about the dance. If you are really serious about dancing and have an opportunity study it here - go for it. I have had many students who come to Cairo annually to learn more about everything - technique, style(s), feeling, atmosphere, Egyptian way of thinking.
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