Christmas in Egypt.... and a Root Canal!

Christmas in Egypt = a Root Canal

I spent my Christmas here in Egypt at my villa. Santa did not appear at my house this year. Boo hoo. But I did get a Christmas round of golf played in 72 degree sunny weather. My 75 was my low round at Dreamland this year. I thought about Leo who we lost last week . Leo always asked about my golf game. I’ll miss him dearly.  A few photos of my golfing exploits......

Teeing off of the first hole at Dreamland  

Teeing off on the brutal 18th at Dreamland. 465 yard par 4 

A great victory in the International School Scramble

So despite the great round of golf I countered that with a trip to the dentist for my root canal. I had a previous one about a month ago and while not a pleasant experience it was not god awful. So I expected much the same. No anxiety this time. When the injection didn’t go smoothly I should have known this time it would be different. I seriously was opening my mouth as wide as possible. Some people would claim I have a big mouth but Dr. Khalid kept telling me to open wider. All assortment of tools were taking turns in my mouth and what I thought would last a half hour became one and a half hours. Between getting scolded to open wider please, and having his assistant talking nonstop and laughing in Arabic it wasn’t the greatest of times. Not to mention it hurt. I sat there thinking about Christmas times of my youth as the elevator music played different Christmas songs in my Egyptian dental office. I thought, “Ok, for anyone who would like to see me suffer this Christmas they have hit the jackpot”. Little did I know that this was only visit two out of four total visits. I staggered out of the office with a reminder from Dr. Khalid. Please take a painkiller as it may hurt when the numbness wears off. Thanks. Aint Christmas grand? 

Despite no snow here in Egypt, (I stand corrected, we DID have snow just last week for the first time in recorded history!)

(Believe it.. snow on the Pyramids!)

 and 70 degree temperatures, one can’t get away from Santa Claus, Christmas trees, snowmen, stockings, and endless Christmas music. I ask my Muslim friends whether or not they celebrate the holiday here. They almost all say YES. Yes??? I wonder. But it is not a Muslim holiday. But they explain in a way I don’t understand that it still is a holiday that they celebrate. Yes, ten percent of the population is Coptic Christian but I still don’t understand. I’m sure someone will be quick to enlighten me. Yesterday my landlord’s wife came over with a beautiful Christmas cake and a meal for me. That sustains me not to mention many emails from loved ones and a few phone calls. All is good this Christmas. Can you pass me another pain pill? They are right over there on the table. Thanks.

Frosty??? Come on, get real!

Where is this???? Oh yeah... Egypt!