the 'egyptian' way

So, our water heater in our kitchen crapped out on us a few weeks back.  After numerous attempts at trying to get it fixed through what the school labels as 'proper protocol' Luther finally had it and called our egypto-mom from down the hall. (the one with the dogs :) ) She managed to get someone to schedule a meeting.  So, 2 weeks go by with excuses from this company such as:
- 'illness'
- 'holiday' (ok that one was legit- it WAS the holiday of 'Sham el Nassim)
- 'holiday number 2' (not sure what that one was...)
- 'forgetfulness'

and just straight up, 'not today'.  So finally he comes by and looks at our water heater and leaves.  Turns out he can't do anything until he orders a new one.

Flash forward 1 more week when the water heater is 'in stock'

3 days later, someone comes in to install it.

They open the box, bang on our broken one a few times and leave after an hour.

Where did they go? I haven't a clue, but there is a broken water heater on my wall and a brand new one in an opened box. 

Let me irritate:

water heater broken.  2 weeks to get someone in.  1 week to order new heater.  3 days to have someone install it and one hour of banging around leaves me with an opened box in the middle of mu kitchen.

So my Egyptian mom comes by and just gives the guy hell.  Turns out he ordered the wrong one and totally got busted for trying to keep our money.  So...after an hour of yelling on the phone and at the repair guy we should have a new water heater tomorrow...

yup...

We were told after all this; that it is just the 'Egyptian way' and unfortunately, you have to fight like hell to get equality.  Westerner or not, most businesses will do absolutely nothing for you unless you scream blue murder at them.

(I should have known this after our internet and phone problems.)

but there you have it. 

And I STILL have no hot water in my kitchen. :P

p.s. the repair guy totally tried to steal luthers 'Egypt Exploration Society' pen.  Our bowab caught him.

p.s.s. luther and I went for a walk in another expat area called 'zamalek' (more crowded and closer to downtown- however this also means there is more to do and see)

I bought the coolest shoes of life. 

they ARE red. and yes, they ARE sparkly. and do you REALLY have to ask if I click my heels 3x and say....????