Sea of Eyes

 

Part 2

My journey begun. I reached Chicago O'hare airport and boarded my plane. Bye America. Landed in Istanbul Turkey 11 hours later. I had eight hours here. I did not venture out this time. I walked the halls of Istanbul airport, sweat pouring down my face. Met a new friend from Lebanon, she too had a long layover. We exchanged stories of our travels. 

Eight hours later I was back on the airplane heading to my new home, Alexandria Egypt. Once I decided to move abroad it was time think about where. There are lots of places to teach English but most of the places are in Asia. I'm not crazy about Asian culture. Probably only place I would have chosen either Korea, but they have insane working schedules (like 16 hour days) but was fascinated with their culture. Or my other choice was Thailand. However, neither country I knew no one. Knowing someone, even a friend of a friend, but no one. 

Then next on the list was the Middle East, either Dubai or Cairo. Dubai unfortunately did not allow non experienced teachers and I had only taught seniors and kids. So another country checked no. Egypt was really my first choice, but I wanted to weigh all my options. I was offered a job less than 30 days once I made my decision. This was really happening I was moving abroad, August 2018.

Three months later I sat on the edge of my seat once the airplane landed in Alexandria Egypt at 2:00 AM. I was wide awake. I followed the other passengers to the course, picked up our suitcases and went quickly through the custom lines. Here it goes; I stepped out to oven heat. A sea of dark, searching eyes overwhelmed me. I had never experienced such a sight. Or heard such melody language. My new school reassured me that they would be there at the airport to support my arrival. I searched for my name on flimsy paper. Saw nothing. I asked in English a guard if I could call my host, fortunately they obliged to my request. The school HR assured me a driver was waiting. I searched again and I found him.