Following your life partner in Egypt

Following my life partner.  As much as I want to say I was prepared, I was and wasn't.
Yes, all papers were in order.  I had a flat reserved so that life would be easier and frankly, take our time.  The flat was for me while he was with his family. 

That part was easy!! The hard part, I was no longer in the US where affection is openly showed and given.  I had to learn to keep my distance. Observe traditions and customs totally foreign to my way of thinking.  He warned me.  He did.  I just wasn't prepared mentally.  Yes, I will say I cried a lot.

It's been a year and I'm glad we haven't married yet. That comes in the next couple of months.  What we did was date, in the traditional way he wanted.  That's fine as I learned, adapted, understood the world I am now in.  If anything, we grew closer. 

I didn't realize how much tradition is part of life here. How much people watch you. I think mostly because I just don't look Egyptian. 😁

There is no easy way. The culture shock will be there.  You just have to love enough and deep enough to live life daily. It's not easy in any country.  I still don't know the language- because people like to practice their English! 😁

In the end, he takes care of my needs. Makes sure I have everything.  He looks and sends what's missing.  We are currently rennovating a beautiful flat along the Nile. 

I couldn't be happier but the road was challenging.

Great post .I wish all expatriates can read this before they make their very first step on Egyptian soil .

I tried to be honest.  It's difficult sometimes but it's worth it.  Not just to me but to him as well.

Thank you.