I am almost at my three month marker of travel and the following changes have occured. May all travelers take note, remember and laugh:

1) Upon USA departure the following items were individually packed:

a) Shampoo
b) Conditioner
c) Body Wash
d) Face Cleanser
e) Bar of Soap

f) body cream
g) face cream
h) hair gel

Month three....A through E have been replaced by one bottle of 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner which serves not only for all the above cleaning requirements but also as laundry soap. Needless to say, the local 2 in 1 shampoo conditioner does not do a good job at any of the cleaning requirments which is evident from the residue on the towel but I have come to discover that 1/4 clean is better than not clean at all and that 1/4 clean is cleaner than all the local Egyptians put together.

Face cream vs. body cream....on day 90 these are two in one. Which ever one is available...wins.

I have also discovered that with the heat, sand, dirt, and hard water the 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner...does not condition. HOWEVER, the face cream or pbody cream (depending on which one is available) makes a fabulous Leave In Conditioner and Hair Gel..whichever you prefer!

2) The 100 pack wetones seems overweight and unnecessary till my arrival in Egypt where at least 5 are used daily to cool off from the heat and remove the grime from your body when there is no shower available. This was particularly great on day three on the felucca (boat ride) where no shower and no change of clothes required.

They also proved handy when on two seperate bus rides, 2 seperate children had the need to throw-up without warning. Thank goodness, they did not aim in my direction.

3) I have been through 8 hair clips and the last one used had 1 finger left out of the 12 original fingers but it still sort off worked. Needless to say when the last finger broke...sadness overwelmed me! Who would have thought that a small piece of plastic was so valuable.

4) Water....please. I have never been known to be a camel but as I drink 7 LITERS of water here...I struggle with how a camel can possibly survive in this heat.

5) Now I know that "Melting" (Wizard of Oz) IS POSSIBLE!

Living life, laughing along the way and enjoying the silliest of things like hand washing a pair of socks, can be the most important and enjoyable moments. It appears I am leaving my old ways of life behind...one country at a time....but I would kill for a ice cold bottle of water!