Before moving to Egypt

[masr8]

Originally Posted by MaidenScotland

Masr8......Yes everyone wants a slice of my salary , thing is they forget that I have to work very hard to do my job and I have also left my home to come here and I don't get to see my family every day after work. I still have outgoings in the UK that have to be paid for, whilst I am comfortable I am not rich. I have a huge list of the people I have given money to for various reasons, but the first day back after my holiday a man that I have helped many many times came with his wife to tell me that she is having her C section the next day, in other words they wanted me to pay.... I have had enough and told him if you cant afford babies dont make them and dont take advantage of my good nature.
I help out with an orphange here and that will remain, but from now on what I earn I keep for myself... sadly I learned the hard way.

I totally agree, though it makes me sound really heartless to new people settled in Cairo. We dont live the same life here and our wages sound really comfortable to others. There is always someone who has a roundabout story that someone need money. People forget that we have commitments in our home country, friends and family that we miss and we have to work really hard to build a reliable network of friends here in a short time to settle in. Sometimes its assumed we have no culture of our own or family network and that as a woman living here you are not respectable! I agree if you cant afford kids dont have them or at least dont make others feel guilty and have contribute. Its a really hard situation and I find that I have changed alot from the idealistic view I held at home. I still love living here but everyone has the impression at home and away that we are living a really plush life but its not true.

[nym_82]

Hi MaidenScotland - This is completely off topic but I have no idea how to send personal messages through this site. I just wanted top find out how you got into volunteering at the orphanage? I would be really interested in doing something similar when I move to Cairo in 5 weeks...

[MaidenScotland]

I don't do actual work at the orphanage but I help raise money, collect clothing and household goods for the girls and at christmas we give them a party.
When you get here give me a buzz and I will let you have my telephone number