We have been meaning to get our cat neutered for many reasons. Number one being that its said to improve cat behavior. And maybe, just maybe, Toab needs a little help in that department.
Finally, we called a vet. And the vet said to come tonight- Ok! Poor Toab, didn't even know it was coming. We called Mr. Yousef, the school-appointed taxi, and headed on our way.
Upon arrival, we realized that we were at the Police Dog training facility. After being ushered past a German Shepherd (mid-surgery), we awkwardly sat five feet away from the procedure, trying to relax our cat (who's attempting to force his way out of a backpack).
And the fun was just beginning! After the doctor finished with the dog, we were escorted through the grounds. We were soon walking between two rows of kennels, with dogs barking and going crazy. Um. Not just a few dogs. A hundred BIG dogs. (kennel #42 was particularly viscious!)
You guessed it, cat-in-a-backpack LOVED this!
This story could go on all night. But, let's just say that it didn't take one tranquilizer shot, but
three to chill out poor Toab. And in the States, Emily couldn't re-create her role in the procedure without some kind of state license.
We watched the whole surgery. Of course, Emily was braver than I. I had to take breaks and freak out- which gave the doctors a bit of entertainment. I learned a lot tonight.
Its now been over an hour since we left the Police Dogs Hospital. Toab is still asleep in his box with his tongue hanging out. Reason for concern? We hope not.
They swear he'll be back to normal by tomorrow. He might, but I'm really not sure I will be!
What a night!
Emily's birthday is coming up this week. To celebrate, we planned a 'not-really-a-surprise-but-emily-isn't-going-to-know-all-the-details' party on our roof.
I got to introduce my new sheesha at the party. (See left) I bought it off of a friend- a sweet, Saudi sheesha. for forty SDG! That's 20 dollars! Now, every party we have on our roof- I can bring it out. AND- when I leave this place, I can most definitely sell it on. Bargain!
Two men- one in the traditional 'jalibaya', which are very common in the city. A mosque in the distance. Walking alongside the road- clearly no sidewalk. This is a pretty typical street scene.
This would be a car/cow ferry. The cow was later loaded into the back of a truck. I kept my distance, still a bit skittish after the bull-running in Addis.
A dear friend organized our activity today- a trip to Tutti Island for a picnic! Tutti Island sits in the middle of the Nile- rather, where the two Niles meet. There is no bridge connecting it to the mainland, only small ferries. On the island is a small village and lots of farmland. And something resembling a white sand beach.
Arriving across the river, we negotiated a ride in a large open truck. There were twelve of us, and we fit perfectly. It was quite a pleasant ride through the village.
Of course, it seemed we had picked the hottest day in months to picnic in the sun. We ended up spreading our blankets under the only large tree. A great, relaxing place for a potluck picnic- except for the goats that kept sneaking towards us. Thankfully, our good friend Ashley gladly claimed the job of goat-chaser. (Not a position I have ever had to elect at any picnic before!)
A really great way to spend the afternoon- before it gets TOO hot and we can't!! (The temperatures are already rising every day!)
The superintendent administered the oath, which they were then all required to sign. It will soon be framed and hanging on my wall- hopefully in time for the first meeting! A little silly- but the kids loved it. (I even made them take their hats off for the oath- we're serious around here!)
See, the inauguration happened in the evening for us here. So we got to celebrate with a proper party! Again, our good friend Chuck was a gracious host for the event.
Toab knows not to climb on the table. But that doesn't stop him from doing it. This is how we found him yesterday. Completely his idea.
We celebrated our school's accreditation this evening with a Nile cruise. Three hours on the boat with a catered dinner, sheesha pipes, beverages, and our own playlists of music. Additionally, our colleagues finally returned this weekend with their new baby, Rowan. It was our first chance to see and play with the 6-week-old kid that will be hanging out at our school for the rest of the year.
Life here is back in full swing- meaning a Monday night at the Hash. Walking/running. Eating. Having all sorts of fun with other random expats.
That's the noise we hear all afternoon, after we arrive home from work, looking to relax.
