Post Build Excursions

15OCT10

Pick up from Baron Heliopolis Hotel for 14 persons at around 08:30 and start a full day tour to visit the great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx , Sakkara Step Pyramids and Dahshur Pyramid Return to hotel around 5:30 PM.

The full day tour includes entrance fees, set menu lunch , private English speaking guide   and transportation by our deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

16OCT10

12:00 NOON  Pick up at Hotel Baron

Day tour to the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili Bazaar , back to hotel around 4:30 PM

The day tour includes entrance fees, set menu lunch , private English speaking guide   and transportation by our deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

17OCT10

Day free with your own arrangements

18OCT10

6:30 AM Pick up from Baron Heliopolis Hotel for 13 persons

Transfer to Cairo airport for domestic flight to Luxor for one-way transfer

CAI/LXR            MS351  07:45 AM-08:55 AM

Meet and assist at Luxor airport upon arrival from cairo then transfer to M/S Movenpick Royal Lilly.

Boarding, lunch on board, in the afternoon visit the East Bank” Karnak & Luxor Temples” , dinner on board and overnight in Luxor.

19OCT10

Breakfast on board, visit the West Bank” the Valley of the Kings & Queens , the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El Dier El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon”

Sail to Edfu , lunch on board , afternoon tea , dinner on board and overnight in Edfu

20OCT10

Breakfast on board, visit Hours Temple in Edfu , sail to Kom Ombo , lunch on board , visit the temple shared by two Gods Sobek & Haeroirs in Kom Ombo

Afternoon tea during sailing to Aswan, dinner on board and overnight in Aswan

21OCT10

Breakfast on board then visit the High Dam, the temple of Philae and the unfinished Obelisk , lunch on board , in the afternoon sail on the Nile by felucca around Kitchener’s Island , afternoon tea , dinner on board and overnight in Aswan

22OCT10

Depart from the boat in Aswan at about 4:00AM. Breakfast box to take with.

Drive through spectacular desert scenery to Lake Nasser.

Abu Simbel is situated 280km south of Aswan.

The two temples of Abu Simbel are the most magnificent temples in the world. The first Temple was built by the Ramses II, the other for his wife Queen Nefertari.

The temple was dedicated to the deified Pharaoh, King Ramses II,  known also as the great builder and the gods Amun-Re, Re-Herakhte and Ptah. In a fit of precision and architectural egotism, Ramses II  had the entire temple carefully angled and oriented in order that the sun’s rays would align twice a year on his date of his ascension to the throne (21 February) and on his birthday (21 October) and illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple. This incredible natural phenomenon provides for a most spectacular sight, which has come to be referred to as the Sun Festival of King Ramses II. Crowds pack in to the temple before sunrise and watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the rock hewn inner Hypostyle Hall (replete with further statues of the king) and through to the Sanctuary. Significantly, the sun illuminates statues of Amun-Re, Re-Herakhte and Ramses the god, whilst the statute of Ptah - the god of darkness - remains in the shadows.

Famously, the temple was re-located in a multi-million dollar operation in 1972, further up from the shoreline of Lake Nasser, which had threatened to erode the foundations of this monolithic temple complex. For this reason, the sun now strikes a day later than Ramses had originally planned, though the event this morning itself is no less stunning. After the event, there will also be plenty of time to explore the Sun Temple of King Ramses II and also the Temple of Hathor and take plenty of pictures. 

Arrive Aswan Approximately 12:00 PM

Desert Tour/camel excursion including transportation to St. Simeon’s Monastery by motor boat.  Visit Nubian Museum ending with tour at Aswan Souk.

Time TBD:  

Depart for Aswan airport for domestic flight to Cairo.

ASW/CAI          MS386  5:55 PM -7:20 PM  Arrive Cairo

 

Meet and assist upon arrival at Cairo airport.  

 Transfer those staying overnight to Baron Heliopolis Hotel

One Week Check List for PACKING

HOW MUCH CAN I TAKE?

Let’s start with that question because the rest of this will make a lot more sense, such as suggesting “wear your heaviest shoes on the airplane”. The domestic airline from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan to Cairo will be the limiting factor. You can check 20kgs (44) and your carry-on can weight 5kgs (11). They don’t weigh YOU, however….thus the reason to wear your heavy clothes/boots!

You may have a higher weight allowance on your flights to/from the US, but do keep in mind the weight restrictions for Egypt. (check your airline for specifics on weight as well as number of bags allowed).

Depending on your weight allowances once you leave Cairo, you may be able to pack souvenirs that you purchased. If you think you might do that, consider bringing a simple roll-up type duffle with you in your luggage to use as your second piece going home.

WHAT KIND OF LUGGAGE SHOULD I USE?

In general, when traveling internationally, we find that soft-sided luggage works best on public transport and vans. Soft luggage crams more easily in to trucks and buses, as well as smaller overhead compartments on airplanes. Soft luggage/duffels can still have wheels. Check out your Salvation Army or Goodwill for used luggage if you don’t want to buy something new just for this trip. Often the sports/outdoor stores have heavy-duty cloth duffels for under $25.

HOW SAFE WILL MY LUGGAGE BE?

Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with locks, keeping in mind TSA (Transportation Security Administration) restrictions concerning personal locks. Whether you use TSA approved locks or not is up to you. Avoid placing electronics, jewelry, cameras or other valuables in checked luggage.

KEEP IN MIND TO:

KEEP IT APPROPRIATE! Please re-read the introduction. We are told to dress “conservatively”.

KEEP FLEXIBLE! Plan for all kinds of weather, and all of it in one day! Wear layers, knowing you will be taking them on and off throughout the day and evening.

KEEP SAFE! Wear what is necessary to protect yourself from the sun: hat, bandana, etc. and use sunscreen.

KEEP IT MINIMAL! To keep within your weight allowance, consider bringing only 1-2 changes of work clothes for the whole time you are in the village. Laundry will be available at our accommodations for a reasonable fee. Don’t count on laundry opportunities while you are traveling or during the cruise - wash out at night, or bring enough to change - or just don’t change!

SPECIFIC ITEMS FOR THE WORKSITE:

* Sturdy closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes are OK)

* Pants as previously described

* Blouses, shirts as previously described

* Work gloves that can handle cement

* Hat or bandanna - sunburn is a reality and a danger. Some people prefer a broad-rimmed hat, such as a straw hat, to protect the neck.

* Day pack/small bag - It will be very helpful if you have a small, simple day pack or bag to put your valuables - camera, documents, etc. - when you are at the worksite and while on the R & R. We cannot guarantee security for these items if they are left in the accommodations, however, there may be a safe.  You may want to wear a passport carrier around your waist or neck for documents, cash, etc, but put them in a zip-lock bag to keep them from soaking up your sweat at the worksite!

OTHER CLOTHING YOU WILL NEED when not at the worksite:

* Comfortable/casual walking shoes for travel & R & R - tennis shoes or sandals

* Pants/shorts/Long skirts as described above

* Shirts/blouses as described aboves

* Socks

* Underwear

* Sleepwear

OTHER ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:

* Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor

* Passport

* Spending money - for whatever you need for traveling.

* Sunscreen or lotion

* More patience

* TP Kit (zip-lock bag with hand sanitizer & toilet paper for a couple of trips to the latrine)

* 1-2 rolls of TP of your own - to refill your TP kit

* Toiletries

* Alarm clock

* Throw in an extra dose of “sense of humor”

* An extra dose of “flexibility”

* Extra zip-lock bags - to put your own personal trash in to carry out
* Snacks such as power, Odwalla, Luna bars, nuts, trail mix, etc.
that you might want to bring from home.

* Laundry bag (mesh, or old pillowcase) - please put your name on the outside of the bag/pillowcase

* More and more patience

* Prescription medications, contact lens supplies (could be very dusty) and any other personal needs.

* Flashlight or book reading lamp, extra batteries

* Waterless antibacterial wash when water is not available (towlettes not recommended because of disposal problem)

* Electrical adapters and converters, depending on what you are bringing (see note at bottom for more info)

* What the heck - a little more won’t hurt - add even more flexibility, patience, sense of humor

Tools you could bring if you can: (keep in mind weight and that they have to be in checked baggage). It is not required that you bring tools. However, it is appreciated if you do. It is also greatly appreciated if you choose to leave the tools behind. But you can bring along your own to take back with you as well. Do not bring tools that require electricity!

OPTIONAL (consider value, weight, and security):

* Binoculars

* Back support - the work is all manual

* Extra prescription glasses

* Poncho or lightweight rain jacket

* Journal, paper, pencil or pen

* Book

* Games to play with children - frisbees, jump ropes, finger puppets (do not give these to children directly - even simple gifts are not allowed. The kids can use them with you, but they must give them back when you are done playing with the kids each time. Then we will give them to the school to use for all the children when we leave)

* Laundry powder- in case you want to wash something out at night on your own - but we suggest just using your shampoo or other multi-purpose soap

* A few photos of family and home to share with team and host (remember, pictures of who we are, not what we have - like boats, houses, cars, etc)

* Camera, batteries, extra memory

* Sunglasses

* Pocketknife

* Ear plugs

NOT ALLOWED

* Illegal drugs

* Firearms, firecrackers

* Bad sense of humor

* Inflexibility

* Short tempers

TIPS AND HINTS ON HOW TO PACK IT:

* Read again the info at the top as to the kind of luggage to use.

* Your carry-on should have a little of everything, to get you through several days of waiting for your luggage to catch up with you. You wouldn’t be the first team member that this has happened to.

* For those of you having a tough time with the baggage limit, remember that they don’t weigh YOU! Wear as much weight as you can on the airplane to keep your bags lighter - wear your heaviest shoes, and possibly several layers of clothes. You can take some of those layers off and cram them in your carry-on after you go through the inspection of your carry-on.

* Make sure you can padlock your bag to help insure against theft enroute. Do not put items in unlocked outside pockets. (a simple duffle, with no outside pockets works best). Use a combination padlock instead of a key. Leave the expensive stuff you don’t need (like jewelry) at home - there will be little to no opportunity to wear it anyway. Other valuables (cameras, binocs, etc) should be in your hand-carry.

* Pack leaky items (shampoo, lotions) in zip lock bags - and tighten the cap right before you put them in. Pack most of that in your checked baggage. Read up on the current allowances for liquids in your carry-on.

* Be sure your bag(s) are well labeled with your name and contact info (maybe a friend or family) - it doesn’t do any good for them to try and contact you at home about a found bag since you won’t be at home!

* Simplify your toiletries - if shampoo will work as your body soap, and even laundering your clothes, that will cut down on number of bottles.

* Dr Bonner’s soap - you can wash EVERYTHING, including your teeth, body, hair, laundry, dishes, your roommate …whatever! It’s biodegradable, “green”, plus the bottle is fun to read! Get it in “trial size” and there will be enough for you and a friend. One team member recommends “mint” as it leaves behind a nice tingle, and is the best flavor for tooth-brushing. I think it tastes pretty bad no matter what, so I go for “lavender”. REI (outdoor equipment store) and natural food stores carry it.

* A former team member recommended adding some mouth wash (she likes mint for this too) to a spray bottle of water, and using that to “spritz yourself” - it feels tingly, makes you smell better, doesn’t attract mosquitoes like perfumed sprays do, and actually kills some germs!

* Hair dryers can be cumbersome. If you can share with others, that will help cut down on your weight and space. (us girls can chat about that on our own).

NOTE: Electrical adapters and converters

Adapters & Converter: Egypt uses 220 volt and adapter plugs are two prong rounded.

Go to:  Tour Egypt/Converter Type  and it will show you exactly what is needed.

A converter is not the same thing as an adapter. The adapter just makes it so that your plug can fit into their socket. Your appliance, such as a hair dryer, must also be able to change voltage from 120 to 220. If your appliance doesn’t have that kind of switch right on it, then you need a converter as well to accommodate the wattage of your appliance. They come in different capacities (wattage). A hair dryer usually takes a pretty big converter so check that out. Converters and adapters can be purchased at a travel store or online (Amazon.com). Target, Joe’s (formerly GI Joe’s) and REI carry them I have been told that Lowe’s does as well. Check department stores that carry luggage.

One Month Check List...

1. Plan to have your mail taken care of whether it's stopped by the post office & held or that someone is picking it up for you.
2. Pay all of your bills that you can so that you don't incur any late charges.  You don't want to pay bills over the internet in Egypt.
3. Hire pet sitter!
4. Make xerox copies of your passport, plane tickets & type up an itinerary to leave with your house sitter, family, work.
5. Put together a packing list including snack food, tea or special item you might want to munch on. Bring sunblock from home. Do not buy it there.
6. Make sure you have a power adapter for charging camera batteries, etc.
7. If you have not made a doctor's appointment, you should do that now being sure to check the government's travel website about any shots you may need.
8. We are only building for four days, so you will not need a lot of work clothes. Just include in your packing cotton socks.
9. If you were fund raising, get your latest list of donors from Kat the week before travel so that you can communicate with people from Egypt via blog or post cards.
10. Fill prescriptions.

One Month To Go...

Malaria & Water:
Many villages in El Minya and from what I've learned, there is no malaria.
You should never drink water out of the tap. Bottled water will be supplied to you.
Keep tabs on your environmental allergies, being sure to bring any prescriptions or over the counter medicine you might need. We will be in an agricultural area, around many farm animals and soil. There is no quick and easy access to medical care.

Regarding food:
What you will find is familiar to greek or lebonese food.  I know two of you are vegans and will have meals available to you. Is there anyone else that I am missing that has food allergies or requests?
Keep in mind that we won't (this especially goes for the vegetarians I am told) have a lot of variety, so if you want to bring raw almonds, snack bars, granola bars, drink packs etc, you should.

Evenings/Security:
At least one night in El Minya, we will take a Faluka boat ride after building and then have dinner out at that restaurant.

HOWEVER, it is important that you remember that we will have security with us at all times while in the hotels. Security detail is  government assigned and must be respected. There will be opportunities to leave the hotel at night to go to nearby internet cafes and such, but we are not allowed to wander on our own. Doing so could get the affiliate into deep trouble.   The consequences about leaving the hotel unsupervised are that you could be detained by the police.  The worst case scenario is for Habitat Egypt Affiliate in the long run and a possible hindrance to future teams.

*Please refer to the security section in the hand book


With that in mind, this is a zero tolerance trip regarding any sort of drug use. If you are caught with drugs or I discover that you are carrying non-prescription drugs, you will be sent home immediately.


Gift Giving:at al
Please remember that there is no gift giving at all. Please do not leave behind "hoodies" or gloves or anything with individual villagers or children.  If you want to bring community gifts or
toys for kids that can be donated for a school, medical supplies or school supplies, please make it  something that can be given to the entire community and be sure to pass onto myself first.

Kids are around all the time, again, do not give anything directly to children. This could cause jealousy and strife between them. If you'd like to honor someone you've met by giving your gloves or a tool to them separately, please go through me or Carolyn Agee, our local coordinator.

You may encounter villagers from kids to adults that will want to know how to get Habitat to build them a house, how to get sponsorship for their kids to go to America, who will want your address or money.  If you do get such requests, you can politely direct them to myself, Sharif or Carolyn.

Please do not give out your address to anyone.

We will be leaving behind any clothes or tools that you want to but these will be given directly to Sharif & Carolyn for distribution.

Flexibility:
It is a huge honor to host a team from the western world, so we will be moving around from house to house so that each family gets some "face time" with the team.  Please be flexible. You will hear me say this more than once!

Tools:
Things that are needed are on the blog, but as a reminder, gloves, hammers and small hand saws would be useful. Please refer to the previous post regarding items in need.

More FUNraising ideas

I totally lifted this great page from my Habitat mentor's site, Travel With A Purpose. It had such great info, and since we're in the dog days of fundraising, I thought you might fire your potential donors up with some of these ideas:

Fundraising is all about getting out the word – raising awareness. Your trip shouldn’t be a secret. Give friends and family the opportunity to be involved in your excitement and to contribute towards helping a family in need.

 

You aren’t asking for money as much as you are helping meet the needs of people….the need of those to give AND the need of those who will be receiving. We often think that the people receiving the house are the ones "in need" - but aren't we all in need at one level or another? I know for myself that the act of just going on the team is filling a need of mine. Working with a homeowner fills a need. And for those who can't go on a team, giving towards those homeowners or a team member fills a need of theirs.
Whether those you ask actually donate towards your trip and the work of Habitat or not, they STILL will know more about what Habitat is doing to help eliminate poverty housing in our world. And that’s cool too.

 

Set an "awareness-raising" goal along with a "fund-raising" goal - see how many people you can make aware of the housing need in this country along with how much money you raise. And no matter what, make it fun-raising as well! 

 

Awareness/Fundraising is a big challenge for some individuals. But once you start you may find, as many previous team members have, that the response is enthusiastic and supportive. Don't limit yourself or your sponsors - there's no harm in going OVER your goal!! 

Ready to start raising? Start reading, and get going!! 

These ideas are ones that other team members in the past have used and willing to share. Pick the ones that suit you the best. And if you come up with something totally different, let me know so that I can share that as well.

Stan & Weezie Duda hosting a Cambodian dinner in their home,

raising $1400 in one evening towards their donations and expenses for their international trip.  The event you host doesn't have to be elaborate - soup and salad, or hamburgers on the grill - whatever would be fun for you and your friends to get together. 

 

TOP fundraising idea. It's the most often used, the most successful, and easiest.
“The Letter” – sent by email and/or snail mail.
I don’t know what else to call it. But it works. Has worked over and over and over again. The response to it always surprises those who use it. Below, there is a sample letter. You will obviously have to make changes to personalize it. But you get the idea. Some folks have made this letter quite humorous, entertaining, and certainly educational. Be creative - use as much of this sample letter as you want, but make sure it has your "voice" so it doesn't sound like some form letter. Just come up with your own style, personality, and then send it off. You will be amazed at how well it works!!

We once had a team member join a team very late… she only had two weeks to raise money and pack! She didn’t have time for the usual “letter”, and just sent out a quick message to everyone in her email address book explaining briefly what she was doing and ended with “I don’t have time to explain any more right now, but you know Habitat, you know me, so send money NOW….I’ll fill you in when I get back!” And, she had her whole $2000 promised or sent within 48 hours!!!
As Millard Fuller, Habitat’s founder, once said, “I’ve tried asking and I’ve tried not asking. Not asking never works. Asking usually does.”
The sample letter has two important points for you to consider about your own letter:

1) awareness/education: it tells a little bit about how HFH works, the team, and how the monies will be used.

2) the process: it also gives specific information about how they can contribute.
Additional Tips: a If you’re sending letters or cards by regular mail instead of email, it is a good idea to include a self-addressed stamped envelope - that helps make sure they have the correct address and that they send the check to Habitat for Humanity International's GV Department, not the general fund (it takes forever to locate a mis-designated check!) They can also call the office or go online with a credit card donation. People really like personalized letters in the mail. It costs more in time and stamps than an email, but they are very well received, and get results! There is a greater chance for delays in sending in donations by mail or even for them to get lost in the mail, so it would be better if they actually make their donation online or over the phone. But if they would prefer to send a check, make sure that the instructions for coding the check are accurate.
a If you use the GV website (see the post called "Setting up your GV fundraising web page") for sending out an email request, you can use this same letter, and those you send it to can access the online website for donating right from a link that is sent along with your letter. They still get their tax-deductible receipt. You are also notified immediately, by email, that a donation has been made so that you can keep track and write to thank them.
a In addition to or instead of, consider alternative giving for an upcoming graduation, birthday, anniversary or retirement. Put your letter into your announcement, asking for support for this team in lieu of a card or gift. Let colleagues know of your plans after retirement and suggest a monetary donation to Habitat instead of the usual plaque or watch.

Many more ideas after the sample letter!
Sample Letter

January 2008
Dear friend,

Greetings from under an umbrella in Oregon!

What an amazing community I live in, and what beautiful friends and family encircle me. I would like to share something wonderful and exciting that is happening with me.

The upcoming holiday seasons are for giving thanks for our multiple blessings, and to be reminded of the hope that we have for peace in our world. Hope, however, is difficult in the hearts of those who struggle daily with the affects of poverty. Living in leaky, disease-ridden shacks in unsafe environments is not how parents want to raise their children. They, like all of us, want their families to be healthy and free of danger. Part of that is having a simple, decent, affordable home in which to live.

I've been invited to participate in a Habitat for Humanity short-term mission trip this summer. As you may know, Habitat sends mission teams all over the world to help build houses for people in need. And I've been invited to go to Nepal!

All the team members are raising funds for building materials and the expenses to make this all happen. Once we get to Nepal, we will be working side-by-side with future homeowners and others in the village to build brick and/or bamboo housing. Under the "Save and Build" program, families have been saving their money in groups to help each other build their houses.

You can read more about this amazing program and our team at our team's website: http://sites.google.com/site/travelwithapurpose/

There will be 12 people from the US and Canada on this team, including me!! My personal challenge is to raise awareness of the  need in Anchorage, and to raise the funds that will be used to cover the expenses of the trip (insurance, housing, travel, meals, etc) , as well as a minimum donation of $1000 for building materials towards the houses and Habitat for Humanity's housebuilding program.

I am asking for your support in this endeavor. Any amount would be appreciated and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. You can even charge it to your credit card!! Instructions on how to donate are at the end of this letter.

As always, even if you can’t support the team financially, we ask for support through your prayers and well-wishes.

I will be happy to share stories and pictures with all my supporters when I return so that you can hear about all that we accomplished.Thank you for considering "joining" this team through your "investment" in me and the families in Anchorage.

By the way, for you folks that can make it, I’m hosting a wine & cheese tasting party at my house, Friday night, 7pm. Good music, as always. Your donation for this opportunity will go to the Alaska fund. Give me a call if you can come so that I’ll have plenty to share!

In partnership and with great hope,

Your name
How To Donate: Y Please make out checks to Habitat for Humanity International, put my name, my ID# xxxx-xxxx, & "GV 11033" in the “memo” portion at the bottom, and mail it in the envelope provided to Global Village. Make sure your current address is on the check because that is where your tax-deductible receipt will be sent.
Y Or, you can call the Habitat-Global Village office at 1-800-HABITAT, extension 7530 to give them your credit card information. Make sure you give them the trip event number (GV11033) and my name and ID# xxxx-xxxx.
Y Or, you can donate online. Go to www.habitat.org/gv. Click on the words to the right, "make a donation in support of a Global Village trip". Fill out all the information, including my event number and ID# (above). If you do not receive your tax-deductible receipt in the mail within a few days, let me know.

encl.: self-addressed return envelope *************************************************************************************************************** OTHER FUNDRAISING SUGGESTIONS

Here’s a few more that other folks have used. Check out #1 – it has worked very successfully, and it’s fun. Some of these ideas can be incorporated in your informational letter as a way of raising money and awareness. Also, don't keep all the fundraising fun to yourself - ask family, friends and co-workers to choose one of these ideas as a way to support you - they may especially like #7, #8, #9, #10, or #11.

1) Sell “shares” of love or “shares” of hope. This works well with business or professional folks. They sell the shares for whatever they think will work: $10/share, $1/share, $100/share… whatever appeals to you and your “investors”. Folks can buy however many shares they want. You can even make up a “share certificate” to give to them. Then promise all of these “stockholders” that you will have a stockholders' meeting when you get back and give them a report on their “investment”. This “report” can be delivered at a dinner in your home, and/or can be mailed out. The report might include photos of the houses you worked on, the new homeowner families, things about your trip, how Habitat has brought hope or love into the lives of those involved, etc. Sometimes team members serve an actual dinner or dessert at this meeting that represents where they have been – like sourdough pancakes from Alaska or kiwi fruit from New Zealand, or whatever you like to do to make it fun.

2) Some people like something more tangible. “Sell” items for building the Habitat house, such as $10 for a bag of cement, $25 for window shutters, $50 replaces some worn out hand tools, $100 concrete foundation. One former team member even sold her pains! (“$10 will help me not think about my hammered fingers, $25 will help me smile even with a sore back, $100 will want to make me sing instead of complain about my aching muscles”).

3) Challenges: for example: “Every dollar you donate will be a nail I’ll pound at our local affiliate, or "for every $10, I'll bring a plate of cookies to the office".

4) Sell your "talents" - "when the office raises $250, I'll sing at lunch", "when my basketball team raises $500, I'll host the pizza party", etc.

5) Ask for sponsors in your self-designed “thon” of some sort (I’ll be walking a mile, swimming a lap, etc for every $xx donated)

6) Promise other groups, (your church, Sunday school class, civic organization) a presentation upon your return in exchange for a "hope offering" now. (this is somewhat like selling “hope shares” and having a “stockholders meeting” when you come back)

7) Non-Bake Sale Bake Sale - This one is FUN and EASY to do for those of you who like to bake/prepare a specialty item (breads, pies, tamales, sushi, etc), but don't like bake sales: Tell your friends, neighbors, office workers…put in your church bulletin… that you are going to be baking on a certain day and what you will be making. Set your price, take orders for that item in advance and let them know when they can pick it up (or when you'll deliver). For example: "I'm preparing some of my infamous sushi platters this Saturday (or every Saturday in January) for $25/platter. If you want to enjoy the best ever made while also helping eliminate poverty housing in Mozambique, please place your order with me by Thursday. You can pick it up at my house any time after 5pm, or I'll meet you at the grocery store parking lot at 6pm for an extra $5 delivery charge." And remind them, they can CHARGE IT!! (they go to the website and donate online or do it over the phone at Global Village). By taking orders, you already have your market, you know exactly how much to make, you make only the kind of delicacy you want, and you don't have to stand around at a bake sale table in front of the grocery store! If you want, especially if you are making large quantities, you can deduct your costs from what you bring in and donate the profit. This kind of fund raising is also very enjoyable to do with family & friends who would like to help you do the baking/preparation as well. Hey, do you have a Valentine cookie or candy recipe that you want to sell in advance?

8) Along the same line, there are those that have a "specialty talents" in other areas: offering house repairs for a few Saturday afternoons, cleaning, foot massages, sewing a specialty design, raffling a quilt, etc. Sometimes the project doesn't have to be complete before the trip. IE: sell raffles based on the quilt design, and tell them when it will be done (before Christmas!); or, the house painting you do may not be until you get back, but you could receive payment in advance; or your babysitting, housecleaning, plant care may start now and continue on when you get back - but you get paid for it all in advance. We all have marketable talents, so figure out how to sell yours!

9) Host a dinner, dessert, or wine & cheese tasting, in your home with your family, friends, co-workers. Tell them you are asking $5, $10, whatever you think is reasonable for your crowd to donate to your trip fund. If you like, you can deduct the costs of your food, and then donate the remainder, or you can donate all of it. If they give you cash, you will then write a check for all the cash your receive and send it in and you will get the receipt. If someone in attendance wants to donate and wants a receipt for themselves, that can be done as well. They just have to write the check to HFHI and you send that it along with other checks you receive as donations (code each check correctly as per the directions). The hosting of these parties can be a weekly or monthly event if you like. People look forward to your parties! Have others in your office or family host the parties at their home as well. Make sure you have handouts available on information about what your team is doing.... something that explains the need. Maps, pictures...it all helps.

10) Host a holiday (Valentine's, Easter) cookie decorating and/or baking party. Tell participants that you are asking for a donation – you set the minimum amount. You can supply all the pre-baked cookies and decorations, or ask them to bring some of their favorites as well. The information in #8 as to what to do with the funds is the same for this situation.

11) Host a garden tea party. Sell your plant starters, bulbs, cuttings. Knowing it's a donation for your team will usually bring a better-than-usual price. They can give cash, or write a check if they want a receipt.

Be creative – be YOU. And share your ideas.

Hotel Information

Links to hotels:

In Cairo:   Hotel Baron Heliopolis

In El Minya:  Hotel Cleopatra

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any more information about this hotel except for this Trip Advisor review in German, but it seems positive!

I also am including this Flickr Link since there are so many great photos of El Minya:
Flickr.com Photos

Recommended books about Egypt

I often find reading literature about the country I am traveling to gives me a greater insight to what I might experience. I reached out to a few peeps and got the following responses.  There are links attached so click away and download some late summer reading to that Kindle!!

From 43places.com:


"Hey! I highly recommend  Whatever Happened to the Egyptians by Dr.Galal Amin.  It gives you a snapshot of Egypt after the 1952 revolution until the present days."

***

"Not sure about travel guides or non-fiction but  The Cairo Trilogy by Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz is one my favourite literary works and give a fascinating insight into modern Egyptian history and culture. It takes a little while (about half the first book) to get into but once you do you will be immersed I guarantee."

***

The Yacoubian Building by Alaa al Aswany
The biggest seller has been the 2002 novel seen as kicking off the new wave. This book depicts an Egypt where the dreams of the poor are constantly shattered, while corruption, social injustices and religious extremism flourish.


*** 


Cairo: The City Victorious by Max Rodenbeck
Every great city deserves a book like this one: a sweeping chronicle by an author whose motives mix passion and bewilderment. Over the course of four and a half millennia, Cairo has eluded all who would try to pin it down, reinventing itself time and again: "It has survived countless invasions, booms and busts, famines, plagues, and calamities."


You may want to check out  43places.com yourself. It is a great place to get tips from adventurous people all over the world.

And from our Egypt coordinator, Carolyn Agee:

Taxi by Khaled Al Khamissi.

"This is a really good picture of modern day Cairo with some socio-political
commentary from an Egyptian's perspective. 


 I would also really recommend a new documentary called Garbage Dreams (which you can get on Netflix), about the Zebellin (garbage collectors in Cairo). 


This is where Habitat's work started in Egypt and gives a great picture of the contrast between modern industry and third world poverty. Unfortunately, I've not found a lot of helpful media about rural Egypt, but this is a great place to start."


Let the rest of the team know what you've picked - maybe we can have a book group discussion.  I've read the first book in  Cairo Trilogy, and indeed it is slow to start but rich in historical detail.

New GV Trip Cancellation Policy

I've just learned that the GV Department recently cancelled their trip cancellation policy. It had been in place less that two years, but they didn't feel they were getting very good return for the costs. The policy that is taking its place is MEDEX Secure policy, providing emergency evacuation insurance in the case of serious political unrest. This covers all participants traveling outside the United States on trips departing on or after July 1, 2010.

For all other reasons for needing to cancel, they are suggesting that you purchase refundable airline tickets and/or trip cancellation insurance on your own. Refundable tickets are usually more expensive, so not doing so is surely your own choice, as is buying trip cancellation insurance.

The travel medical insurance coverage policy, which is still explained on our website, will remain the same.

About Habitat's Work in Egypt

With around 81 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most highly populated Arab country, vibrant with life along the mighty Nile River. But in the midst of the hustle and bustle, more than 20 million people are living in substandard housing conditions, with no means of improving their situation. Poverty housing is particularly common in rural areas, where many families live in old mud-brick houses with dirt floors, no doors or windows and inadequate roofs made from thatch, branches or even sugar cane.
These conditions provide little protection from the perils of snakes, insects, intruders, rain or the extreme variations in temperature. The houses are dangerously hot in summer and below freezing temperatures in winter, and people often die from pneumonia. Access to toilets and piped water is limited, creating further health problems. Moreover, large families are often crowded into one- or two-room structures. Some even share their homes with their livestock or poultry.


How Habitat helps
Habitat for Humanity Egypt (HFH Egypt) was founded in 1989 and has constructed or renovated houses that have turned despair into hope for thousands of families in 25 communities who were living in such conditions.

The houses are simple and affordable, yet decent and durable. They are built using appropriate, locally-available building materials that meet specific housing requirements. Houses have cemented or tiled floors, plastered or limestone brick walls, secure wooden roofs and enough rooms to separate parents from children, boys from girls and families from their livestock. The access to clean water and sanitation systems, separation from animals and good ventilation all serve to improve the health of families and their communities.

HFH Egypt partners with the homeowners themselves and with other nongovernmental organizations and community development associations to achieve its goal. By building on their established knowledge and insight to the community and working at the grassroots level, HFH Egypt has experienced tremendous results over recent years and expects the rapid growth to continue. 

Highlights

• In Cairo, HFH Egypt is continuing its work with the garbage collectors. Many families not only live with their livestock, but also with the garbage they sort and recycle. HFH Egypt helps these families build a second floor enabling them to have accommodations separate from their work, improving overall hygiene and health.
• In the governorates of El-Minya and Beni Suef (4 – 5 hours south of Cairo) HFH Egypt is helping to boost the local economy by encouraging homeowners to purchase local construction materials including white limestone from the quarry as well as employing local builders. As a result, many who would have otherwise migrated to seek work elsewhere are able to stay in the community with their families. HFH Egypt continues to expand its work in both of these governorates.
• 
  
• HFH Egypt is offering construction technical assistance to all of its beneficiaries at no additional cost. The HFH Egypt engineers work very closely with the homeowners in constructing a house that is functional, affordable and healthy. The engineers are regularly on-site throughout the building or renovation process, insuring that a solid home is constructed.
• As a result of rising steel and cement prices, HFH Egypt engineers designed a home with a flat dome roof which cut the cost of the roof by 25% and the overall cost of the home by 17%.
• In addition to its conventional housing projects, HFH Egypt is offering no-profit loans to replace inadequate roofs with wooden ones. This change alone can create a secure home, protect families from the elements and also allow families the opportunity to build a second floor in the future.

Meet the Team!

Andrea Rausa   Los Angeles, California 

I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil in a home filled with relics from my parents’ travels to Egypt, Morocco, India, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East.  So I’m a curious little bugger.

I dreamed of working for UNICEF and Disney to help fight for the “tiny” people we all have a responsibility to make this world a better place for. I was encouraged to just be a kid and reminded that we are all equally important – and when given the opportunity to help someone, we take it.

After finishing high school in the U.S., I moved to Japan where I complete my B.A. at Konan University in Kobe.

I then traveled Asia and Israel before spending the next six years at UNICEF in program development and publicity. During this time, I worked in South America with underprivileged children through the Rotary Foundation, served as interpreter for foreign heads of state and grew more determined to make it around the globe, learning as many languages as possible, to make a difference in the lives of others. 

I went on to take a magic carpet ride to Disney, for an incredible opportunity at the Studio, combining film and my devotion to philanthropy. This is where I met Kat who I am now honored to join on what will undoubtedly be a powerful experience. Egypt also holds a spot in my heart as a memory of my dad teaching me as a kid, about its people, culture and history as I smiled pretending to be Cleopatra, vowing to get there one day with him to make a difference.

I live with my two little ‘punkins’, Satou and Mochi and volunteer locally and also abroad during my travels. I guess if you were to ask my family and friends, they would say that children and animals inspire me, water is my air and that I believe and see the world through the eyes of a child.

 

Raji Sextus  Brampton, Canada 
I completed my bachelor's degree in biology, worked at a fertility clinic for a year, and found it very interesting, which led me to pursue the field further.  I am currently just finishing my Master's degree  in Reproductive Biology and think this trip will be an excellent way to celebrate graduating, and a well needed break before I have to take up the full time job of looking for a full time job! I have lived in Ontario since I was 8, and before that I lived in Qatar, a small country in the Middle East with my family.  I first met our team lead, Kat, in 2007 on a two week build in India, and LOVED it! Not only do we get to help those in need, but we get to experience new places and culture!  I'm originally from India, and have been there a bunch of times to visit family, but have never quite experienced India as I did with the Habitat team.  I love traveling, and have always wanted to go to Egypt! I can't wait to see the country, the Pyramids, and be a part of this team.  

Lesylee Hodge  Mckinney, Texas

I was born a little over 50 years ago in Orange County, California. My dream of living the life of a beach babe was shattered when, as a child, my dad moved us east to landlocked Ponca City, Oklahoma. Beach babe to Okie – yee haw! I must admit that at the age of 7, I probably didn’t know exactly what a beach babe was but I did miss the ocean. My parents, brother and sister all live in Ponca City and it’s the place I still call home.

Fast forward to my adult life . . . I have been employed by the FDIC as a bank liquidator for 28 years. I have survived transfers to 8 states and temporary assignments to almost all 50 states. Some of these assignments have been to fabulous locales while others have been to places I would not pay to visit but each assignment was an adventure. My last transfer was to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metromess and I have lived here for nearly 13 years. While it’s not the most favorite place I’ve lived, it is where I met my Prince Charming who I married 6 years ago. Even after 28 years, I still love my job as the work is rarely, if ever, routine.

My husband Phil and I share a passion for gardening which is a constant challenge here in North Texas with the heat, intense sun and erratic rainfall. Most of our plants are nectar sources for butterflies and hummingbirds so there’s always something flying, buzzing or hovering around the yard. We are working towards showing our gardens in the biennial McKinney Garden Tour in 2012. I tend to be the creative force behind the gardens while Phil does most of the heavy lifting. Our cat Libby supervises the work and has been known to dig up plants not placed to her liking. My other passions include mosaics along with planning and taking vacations.

I consider myself to be a very charitable person but my hectic work life has prevented me from contributing my time to causes I support. I strongly believe in Habitat for Humanity’s mission and look forward to doing my part in Egypt to ensure its continued success. 

Lisa Caruso    Washington, DC

I currently live in Washington, DC, but if you ask friends, they’ll say I’m bicoastal/tri-citied between DC, LA and NY since I travel between them so often.

I’m originally from New Jersey, and received my B.A. in International Affairs with the intention of one day being a diplomat, but my desire to pursue filmmaking won over. I spent 15 years in Los Angeles (time sure does fly) working in film and television development and production, and also got my MFA in Directing at the American Film Institute.

A few years ago, an opportunity came up to help launch a Discovery network called Planet Green, and I got to be part of creating programming for a channel that had a mission to educate people about the planet and what we can do to maintain it for future generations.

I have had the good fortune of traveling to some amazing places over the years, from the Amazon in Peru to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, to South Africa and more. While I’ve volunteered locally to teach literacy and filmmaking, I’ve never gone abroad specifically to give back in a place where I’ve had the opportunity to experience a different culture first-hand.

I’ve always had the dream of seeing Egypt someday, and this feels like the perfect time (since I’ve been laid off from my job) and the perfect place (since it dates back to the earliest of civilizations), to really look at the bigger picture of both my life and human connectedness on this earth and how we are all part of that whole. I feel privileged to join my friend Kat on this Habitat team and help in any small way that I can. I know we’ll leave something physical behind in the form of a building, but I can only imagine the amazing intangible experience that will come along with it.

Brett Erickson  Durango, CO
I was born and raised in a small town in Nebraska and moved to Alaska with my family at the age of 16.  Since then,  my life has been full of new experiences and adventures.  Currently I am living in Durango, Co with my friend and our dog Uno.  I have taken a really big interest in snowboarding and try to spend anywhere from 50 to 100 days a year on the mountain.   I am most at peace whenever I can be outdoors playing, snow, rain, or sun, there is a sport for it all.  For the last 8 years, I have been working my way around Alaska as a construction worker.

Most of my time at work is away from home in small villages in Alaska where we build schools or medical clinics.   

I got to spend Christmas in Hawaii last year doing a build on Molokai, that being my first build.  I had a most excellent time learning the culture and being involved in the community and seeing how they live day by day.  After seeing before and after pictures of our build, it made me feel like I wanted to go on another one. When Kat told us that she had a trip planned for Egypt, I jumped at the chance to go.  I'm really excited for the build and meeting the rest of the team.

Emillia Noordhoek 
(in the Blue Mumu)
Moloka'i Hawaii
I was born and raised on a Navajo Reservation in New Mexico for most of my childhood and  around the Southwest area until I finally found myself in Portland, Oregon  as a young adult. I have lived on Molokai for 4 years.

I went to the University of Oregon, and as a young single mother majored in art as well as languages and traveled with my son until he started school. 

Travel and culture has always been an important part of my life and I believe that growing up on the reservation helped to make me feel comfortable about being in unfamiliar situations and not to feel out of place outside of my culture. 

I have always had a passion for advocating for affordable housing and have worked in the mortgage industry and finally received a master in Real Estate Development focusing on affordable green  housing. This background led me to my current position as the Resource Development Director for the Molokai Habitat for Humanity where I have worked for almost four years.

I also have implemented and manage the “green build” aspect of our construction. We are currently have two green certified homes under construction on the island. 

Last year I began a Global Village program for our affiliate and after the first amazing team came, I knew wanted to share in that experience as a participant. I am so excited to be part of this team to Egypt, looking forward to building with very different materials in a land half a world away. I would also very much like to ride a camel if at all possible!

Michelle Eiland  Columbus, OH    I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. I graduated from Otterbein college with a degree in Business Administration and Spanish. During my undergraduate years, I participated in a semester abroad in Cordoba, Argentina. I received my Master's Degree in International Business Administration and Management from the University of Westminister in London, England. I enjoy traveling, listening to music and volunteering. I credit my sister for introducing me to Habitat for Humanity.  In 2007, she drove from Columbus, Ohio to New Orleans, Louisiana to help rebuilding efforts in the Musician's Village neighborhood. Currently, we both volunteer at the Greater Columbus chapter. I am looking forward to participating in my first Global Village build and my first trip to Africa.

Jane Walker   Squamish, BC I was born  in Saskatoon Sask, July 1941.  My parents and I moved to Vancouver, B.C.  in 1943, where I lived and went to public  school and UBC.    I  graduated with an English and Sociology major.  I was hired by our provincial government as a social worker after  graduation and came up to Squamish.  It was a very small logging town, with a variety of industries, mainly pertaining to the logging industry.  The two years I spent as a social worker I considered  to be the most  meaningful, in terms of education and life experience,  I have ever had.  It showed me the vast levels of life style and economic diversity that existed in our society at that time.  I had been raised in a middle class neighborhood and had no idea what poverty was or the damaging effects that depravation and  malnutrition have on a person's development.  I soon realized  the important role of fate in all of our life styles and that I had had a very privileged upbringing. Later, I married the local magistrate/lawyer and we raised 3 children together.  They are grown and live in Squamish, which is  huge blessing for me. I am single; and live in the family home. I have always had a passion for music and have pursued it in one way or another all my life.  I completed a music degree in my late fifties and sing in the local choir.  I have taught piano for many years, although not recently because it  does not fit with my nomadic desire to travel anywhere at a moments notice. The world is a beautiful place and I want to see as much of it as I can before it's over.   I consider Habitat For Humanity one of the  great ways of giving back and helping people help themselves and I am honored to be part of the team. Barbara Mahoney   Portland, Oregon I grew up in Los Angeles. After college, I moved north to San Francisco. I earned a BS in 1966 from the University of California (UCLA and UCSF Medical Center), married Mike Mahoney in 1967 while he was in medical school, divorced after 18 years. I have 4 wonderful kids: Scott, 40, Matt, 37, Joe, 35, Kate 31.  All are beautiful, happy, healthy, and successful.  Currently, I live in Portland, Oregon.  I have been a dental hygienist, a Nike customer service trainer,  business owner, massage therapist, and inventor of massage tools.   As my kids started leaving home, I had to examine what I wanted to "do" next.  I knew I was a physical type of person, wanted to be my own boss, and desired genuine connections with people.  So I went back to school to became a massage therapist.  It has been a great fit.  I help people, make a living on my terms,  travel when I want, and have made wonderful client/friends .  I'll be doing this work until my hands give out. Adventure travel and volunteer work have always expanded my life and kept me young at heart: Historical Restoration work in Ireland, Habitat for Humanity in Hungary, Camp Sunshine in Maine.  (Camp Sunshine is a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.)   Knowing how stressful dealing with all the physical and emotional issues can be,  I felt privileged to offer nurturing massage to the parents of these children.  That summer was one of the most inspirational and fulfilling of my life. I am really looking forward to the next exciting adventure: Egypt with Habitat.  Eqypt has been a travel destination of mine for a long time. One of the best parts is meeting wonderful people, volunteers and host country families.  I'm sure this will be a great experience!

Cheyenne Willow Gilman   Durango, Colorado My name is Cheyenne Willow Gilman. I was born and raised in Alaska! I recently drove down to Durango, Co where I live now with my 4 month old airedale puppy UNO. I love to snowboard, hike, run, workout, skate, swim, xcountry ski, dance, play rugby, soccer and basketball. I take it easy by watching movies with friends, camping or just hanging out. I love to laugh and take advantage of any reason to smile. I am studying for a bachelors degree in holistic nutrition and am working toward becoming a personal fitness trainer. I love to travel! Take pictures of myself : ) and beautiful scenery shots of the sunset, sunrise, mountains, trees, flowers, or whatever else strikes me as beautiful. I've been on one other global village trip with Kat Williams to Molokai, HI last December. Proud to say that was the first Global Village trip to Hawaii ever, so happy to have been part of it!

Luke Waaler   Boulder, Colorado I'm Luke Waaler, and I'm thrilled to be part of this Global Village team. By day, I'm an Industrial Designer, meaning I design and develop products for a living. For the last six years, I've worked for a company in Boulder, CO, designing surgical products. I love my job, and work on interesting projects with great people.   Photo: me (on the right) with a local builder in Nicaragua last summer. Aside from youth group trips in high school, I've been on two mission trips in the last few years. In 2006 I went to the Gulf Coast, to provide hurricane relief after Katrina. Last summer I traveled to a small town in Nicaragua to help build homes there. So Egypt seemed like the next logical step!    I grew up in Illinois, but really love the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. For me, that includes hiking and mountain biking, or just going for a drive in the mountains, any time of year. I also play softball and some volleyball.    I feel blessed to have this opportunity to travel with Habitat. I've volunteered at local build sites for the last five years, and really support their mission. I try to find ways to make a difference in this world, and I'm looking forward to this chance to help others.   Jamie Lowe  Chicago, Illinois Jamie Lowe was born and raised in Chicago,Illinois.A graduate of Northern Illinois University, she has worked in Public Health for 6 to 7 years. Always wanting to travel abroad Jamie found the perfect opportunity to do so with Habitat for Humanity. Jamie is looking forward to pursuing a second degree in Nursing in 2011. Happy to be joining the Egypt trip and gaining great experience!

Christian Lawler  Rochester, NY My name is Christian Lawler but I usually go by Chris. I was born in New York and have lived in the state for my whole life.  I have lived in different areas of it starting in Watertown moved to Albany for College and now reside in Rochester. I graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy with a degree in Pharmacy and currently work as a Pharmacist.  I recently opened my own business and with the help of my brother own a small custom advertisement company.  We customize clothing, signs, banners, vehicles, and hats with personalized company logos and or messages. Throughout my pharmacy career I have invested in real estate owning some rental properties as well as flipping a few houses.  That's where I developed a passion for fixing up and building houses.  I have worked on a number of houses of my own and also have participated with local Habitat sites for the last 2 years.  I like to stay active and enjoy pretty much any sports, working out, travel, nature, history, different cultures, and adventure.  That's why when I got an opportunity to build houses in Egypt I couldn't pass it up.  It has been a goal of mine to see the pyramids and what better way to see them than by giving back to the community at the same time.  I'm excited to be a part of the team and to change the lives of a family in need.