Top 5 Things We're Not Looking Forward To

1) Women's Rights A-Lacking. 
I've read many blogs and articles about how different life will be for me as a female in the middle East, and I dred it. I'm not a feminist in the radical sense, but I do think a woman should be able to show her knees without men treating her like a prostitute. Also, I've been practising how to say "I'm married" and "Leave me alone" in Arabic...

2) Illiteracy.
I am fortunate to know 3 languages fluently, and have a good linguistic talent for deciphering Latin based languages I do not speak. Arabic, however, could not be more foreign to me. While I am ecstatic to learn a new and different language, neither my husband or I are looking forward to the growing pains of learning to read right to left and in a new alphabet. Can I join the kindergarten kids in Arabic class?

3) Heat.
I am an odd creature. I don't mind warmth but always had low tolerance for extreme heat (and cold). Tropical places are not where I want to retire. Give me a cottage in Ireland, and I'll be thrilled. Fortunately, Egypt is a dry heat, which I know I can combat with much more ease than humid.

4) No Bacon. 
And no pork at all for that matter. I'm not in love with pork, though I do really enjoy ham, but both my husband and I love bacon -  we are Canadian after all! So knowing we will not be having these foods at all while in the Middle East, makes our stomachs rather sad.

5) On Your Guard. 
There is a safety and sense of social respect that is present more Western societies that seems like a fairy tale in more exotic eastern countries. I know we will get used to it and it will become second nature, but we soft Canadians will have much to learn about who to trust and how to behave in society if we are to be safe and not get into trouble or mixed up in something.

Now for the Top 5 Things We Are SO Looking Forward To

1) The Food
We are BIG food lovers! There is very little we are shy to try, and we love ethnic cuisine, so we are definitely looking forward to the exotic tastes and aromas that await!

Food.com - Egyptian Recipes

2) The Sites
The Nile, the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Red Sea, need I go on?

3) The Cultural Experience
Getting used to a new way of life can be challenging and sometimes embarrassing. But once you get into the ebb and wane of life of the culture around you, it's a beautiful experience. I believe in life-long learning, and being exposed to the new and different is bound to teach you some things.

4) Adventure
What do wanderers want more than an adventure? We wouldn't be going at all if it weren't up for one! We are building our To-Do list, which already includes: scuba diving in the Red Sea, climbing inside a Pharaoh's tomb, visiting visiting countries such as Turkey and Israel and so much more!