Flags of Cascadia and Egypt

Why I’m Moving to Cairo by Myself

Today I am starting a new leg of a travel and teaching journey. This time, I will be without Robert—my husband, partner in crime and this blog’s master.

“Why am I moving to Cairo by myself?”

Long story short, we both received job offers we couldn’t refuse. Unfortunately, they were on different continents. I received mine first and we were all set to jet off when Robert’s opportunity came along. We did some agonizing and back and forth and landed on this decision.

I will be teaching high school English at an international school in Cairo, Egypt. Robert will be a technology manager for a company in Oregon. We are both really excited to pursue our new ventures and have a chance to “try out” two entirely different lifestyles. We’ll evaluate as we go and decide what works best in the long run… or try something else!

I am cautious, but not scared to move to the most populous Arab country as a white, Western woman. When we told others we were moving to Japan, we received a variety of warnings about the Yakuza (mob), sexual harassment on the train, train/traffic accidents, you name it, from people who had never been to Japan, but only seen things on the news or the internet. Thankfully, we were not scared off and our experience living in Japan was amazing! Japan was the safest I have ever felt anywhere. I knew that I was spoiled and that whenever we left to travel or return to the U.S., I would have to get my guard back up.

Similarly, many people have warned me about Cairo. And yes, there is probably more reason to worry than with Japan. I will have to be more aware of where I’m going and who is around me. I will have to think about my appearance and being modest (not a new concept for me—many Asian countries like Japan are quite modest in dress especially in religious sites and I had quite a learning experience about dress in India). From where I stand, these things are not deal breakers. I’m not scared of the Islamic religion or Muslim people. I have read all of the travel alerts and I have done my research. I have asked advice from my new co-workers and people who have visited or lived in Egypt. Instead of giving into fear, I decided to go and form my own opinion.

I realize that I have the privilege to make the decision to live anywhere I want. And I have the privilege as an American citizen to leave whenever I want. Those statements aren’t true for most of the rest of the world.

I forgot this was supposed to be a long story short! Stay tuned on the blog as I try to make sense of a whole new world (a favorite karaoke song), more information about my school and its students, my local wanderings and travels, photos of pyramids and felucca rides down the Nile, food and coffee reviews (!!!) and Robert’s visits and impressions.

Have you ever been to Egypt? Do you think I should be worried? Why or why not? Head to the comments section below to take part in the conversation!

20 Comments

  • Reply Kira August 15, 2016 at 9:05 am

    I admire you for not allowing fear to dictate your decisions! I can’t wait to read about all your new experiences! Best of luck to you and Robert this year. It will be difficult but worth it, I’m sure.

    • Reply Viktoria August 15, 2016 at 9:47 am

      Thank you for the positive words and support, Kira.

  • Reply Brian August 15, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Can’t wait to keep reading about these latest adventures in your lives. Have fun and keep us updated!

    • Reply Viktoria August 15, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Thank you for reading, Brian!

  • Reply nylamccarthycom August 15, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Glad you aren’t letting fear drive your life! Never been to Egypt but have an ex-Egyptian General brother in law. The men are smooth talkers to western women 🙂

    • Reply Viktoria August 22, 2016 at 5:07 am

      Thanks for reading. I haven’t had any problems yet. There are many expats here.

  • Reply Deni Cooperrider August 15, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    What exciting news! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Is Robert’s job in Portland?

    • Reply Viktoria August 22, 2016 at 5:07 am

      Thank you for reading. Robert’s job is “Portland area.” 🙂

  • Reply Susan Tanabe August 15, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    Your travels are thrilling ~ i pray you stay as safe in Cairo as you were in Japan. We look forward to hearing of your adventures!

    • Reply Viktoria August 22, 2016 at 5:06 am

      I hope for the same thing. Arigatou gozaimasu!

  • Reply Chris August 16, 2016 at 6:12 am

    I wish you the best in your new chapter to the seemingly endless adventures that you and Robert have. Even though the two of you will be on different continents, you surely will be together in your hearts.

    • Reply Viktoria August 22, 2016 at 5:05 am

      Thank you! I’m sure we will make the best of it.

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  • Reply Linda Haddan August 20, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Looking forward to reading more posts and vicariously traveling to places I’ll never get the opportunity to go.

    • Reply Viktoria August 22, 2016 at 5:05 am

      Thank you for your readership, Linda.

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