Let’s sit at the kitchen table please I am freaking out a little bit Samal would you put the kettle on I could use a cup of chamomile tea The kids quickly joined Mom at the small round table in front of the window So here’s the story Dr Williamson called because the leader of the UNESCO team that was heading to Egypt next week needs emergency surgery He knows I regularly lead this type of team Can’t we just stay at Dad’s like we usually do when you go away Ollie suggested Mom ruffled his hair I texted him and he has a conference that week But Dr Williamson really doesn’t have another person who can go Anara suggested asking their grandmother Vovó Mom said it was too late to call tonight since she lived in Helsinki Finland which is seven hours ahead of New York time The next afternoon when the kids hopped into the car Mom didn’t look happy Vovó can’t meet up with us she said grimly She’s traveling to London that week with a few friends from high school I can’t entertain you all day in Egypt while I’m working I’m at my wit’s end What are we going to do
Chapter Two Plan B and Passport Problems It was Oliver who had the next brainwave Do you know anyone in Egypt Mom he asked Anara and Samal rolled their eyes at each other believing it was a dumb question Thinking really hard Mom scrunched up her face You know what Ollie I actually do know someone there A suitemate of mine from college Allison lives in Cairo with her family We keep in touch on Facebook now and then You know how people always say Let me know if you ever make it here I’ll give it a try Mom disappeared into her office A few minutes later she came out smiling Allison happened to be online when I emailed her She offered to host you guys while I work What about school Mom The school year practically just started There are no vacations in October Can we really miss two or three weeks of classes Samal asked the questions but Anara was worried too
It turned out that their teachers were actually excited about the trip The twins teachers assigned a few math worksheets and asked them to keep a journal Oliver’s teacher just said to have a good trip That was the good part about being in second grade Anara and Samal researched October’s weather in Cairo and Aswan Oliver was psyched to hear it would be between 64 and 86 degrees with virtually no rain He loved warm weather Hey girls Ollie asked with a toothless smile Do you think there will be swimming pools anywhere we stay Anara grinned She was like a fish in the water I never even thought of that Samal answered Let’s surprise Mom and make a list of what we want to bring on the trip She’ll love it Over minestrone soup and garlic bread Anara showed Mom the list Wow you've definitely got the ball rolling guys I have some things to add but the list looks good For one thing you girls are not likely to wear shorts much because in the Islamic culture young women tend to be covered up more Samal asked Are we going to be in dresses all the time Do we have to wear headscarves As a fashionista Samal didn’t want her style to be cramped She loved wearing crazy colors and funky outfits Mom giggled No Samal you don’t have to completely change the way you dress You just need to respect the culture and protect yourselves from the Sun In the chaos of getting ready to go Mom became a nearly invisible blur She was up late booking hotels running into Manhattan to the UN offices and doing zillions of errands
