Flat Hunt

8 whole days without an entry and a few of you guys are asking whats up and whats going on in my life.........
well- I have until the end of this month to find a new flat.... so that is kinda taking up most of my energies just now!I would love to stay here, but its rather pricey for me and the lease runs out at end of March so out I go. I am sure it would be far easier to find a new place at home (not that I have ever rented a flat at home!!) but here in egypt it seems so difficult! Most Egyptians who need a flat ask friends or failing that check with the bowabs (doormen), these avenues are limited to me without tons of friends here in Cairo and my limited arabic its hard to go asking strange men if there are any flats available in their building (never mind, to then go and see that flat with them without some sort of escort!!!)

so- I am relying on friends and estate agents. The problem with estate agents is the commission......... they take an entire months rent of you in commission- not all do that- but most of the ones i have found do unfortunatly! And so far- even with 3 of them working on it for me- not one suitable flat have they found! 11 days to go before I am out on my ear- but I refuse to live in a place where the water heater, and gas cooker look like something my great grandmother might have used (not to mention walls peeling with mould, or windows that open onto the street (literally- so everyone can see you if your windows are open- hence you would end up living in darkness rather than be subject to so much attention!!!) So- thats what I have been up to....... off to see another couple tomorrow- lets hope they turn out a bit better.........

I'll leave you with this image .... (totally true!). Imagine walking into a flat which is a good price and has great promise with a huge roof terrace (which is totally covered in dog mess) only to have your nostrils blasted off as soon as the door opens. Once you regain your balance, you walk through the really lovely rooms, flinging open all windows so you can breathe. You spend as much time as possible on the many lovely balconies... until you get to the kitchen............

If you have ever seen the film 'the machinist' ........picture that image of 'the fridge'...

if not- picture this- large white fridge- blood pouring down the front of the door- kitchen floor awash with blood and a huge hunk of rotting meat in the kitchen sink!!!!!!!!!!! A perfect set for a serial killer! (seems like last owner left 'food' in the fridge but the electricity had been switched off some days ago!!!!!). Needless to say- I won't be moving in there!!!!

The flat hunt continues......................