Hi,
We are from Virginia and may soon be heading to Cairo for Mark's job. We have only lived overseas as part of the military so are new to the less than total handheld support thing. We are trying to get our bearings as to how best to proceed with this new adventure. I will not seek employment but plan to continue my interests of scrapbooking and taking photos. We would love to here from anyone in Egypt who could advise us.

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

If you're going as part of your husband's job, you may be able to get some considerable assistance from his employer. First thing to determine is if he will be offered an "expat package" and if so, exactly what that contains. (It can take alot of the worry out of a big move like that!)

Even if you're not on a package, the employer (either in the US or in Egypt) should be able to lend some assistance - at least in terms of helping you find accommodation (temporary on arrival or even permanent after you get there), getting you moved (most companies prefer to deal with moving companies they are familiar with), etc.

Chances are, as a "trailing spouse" you won't be able to work while you're there - but check around on the Internet for some of the many expat clubs and associations in the area. There is a Women's Association of Cairo, which is affiliated with FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas - website FAWCO - Home) where you can find new friends and learn your way around once you're settled in.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks for the reply I'll make sure to understand all the terms of our expat package before i get too far ahead of myself. Hugs, Bow

Unless you are fluent in Arabic, and probably even then, your employer should have someone in Egypt that will handhold you through the beaurocracy involved in getting a place to live, telephone service, and the like.