The Last Supper

Today was crazy! In the morning Andi and I went running on the corniche (which was approved by all of the staff, don’t worry), which was absolutely beautiful. Nobody really bothered us (surprising because she has blonde hair which usually attracts a lot of attention), and I decided that running along the Mediterranean is definitely a great way to start the day.
Following that, we had our MSA language placement tests, which went well! It was timed, and we had to write two essays and do two reading comprehension exercises in just under two hours. I felt prepared for the test as a whole, and I am excited for classes to start. We will be getting our schedules some time in the weekend. After lunch, we did a taxi role-play in ECA, which was extremely helpful, and I ended up using my new skills later on.
Nehad told us we were in for a treat that evening. The entire group took a bus along the corniche to Ma'moura (another neighborhood) to a restaurant called Hosny, for an official Iftaar, Egyptian style. Egyptian Muslims, unlike other Muslims, break the daily fast with a massive meal. We arrived promptly at six (Iftaar is at 6:15), and were shuttled up to a private room with big screen TVs and a view of the street. From the TVs we watched Mecca for our cue to eat. The waiters brought copious amounts of food to the table. Fresh humus, babaganoush, grape leaves, stuffed peppers, kefta, pita, salad and rice with raisins. We also had apricot juice that is made from dried apricot in the shape of a fruit roll-up (kamr al-deen), which was incredible. The street was insane! People were handing out dates, tables were set up in the streets and we watched the night take over from our window at the restaurant. It was so much fun to just relax, and be out with everyone and celebrate our last night before the pledge.
From there we walked to Montezah, another area on the Mediterranean where King Farouq’s palace is located. Now it is a beautiful hotel that also functions as a museum. After a tour of the fantastic palace (wood paneled offices that are now used as breakfast rooms and bars), we were led out into the garden. There were comfy white couches and tables with live music playing. We were treated to drinks (non-alcoholic of course) and shisha, and it was an absolute blast. Unfortunately, my camera died, so I used my phone and the pictures are not as great. The dean who had spoken to us a few days ago was there, as well as all of the Middlebury staff. We drank tea and coffee and assorted (amazing) fruit juices, and had unlimited shisha and relaxed to the live music in the open air. The weather was perfect, and there was a beautiful breeze and no mosquitoes. It was definitely an evening to remember.
Tomorrow we sign the pledge. This means that we will ONLY be speaking Arabic to each other and to our roommates. I am minimizing my other forms of communication. I will not be bringing my BlackBerry with me to class on a daily basis (AN post program: that lasted about a week), but will bring it when traveling. I am going to update the blog continuously as things happen, but if a day isn’t particularly interesting or different I will refrain. I am nervous and excited, as this is the beginning of the next four months!