All American

We had met him earlier, but just recently got to talk at length with Dick, an older guy who lives in our building. He's lived in Cairo for six years, but speaks no Arabic and eats only American food. And actually seems proud of that... Most of the conversation revolved around (expensive) touristy things that he told us to do while in Egypt. It seemed that he has clung to the label of "tourist" with both hands, at least subconsciously. He doesn't actually live here in any real sense. It's probably best that he's leaving soon.

It made me laugh internally hearing him talk, but also fairly depressed. My countryman was a living, breathing stereotype. Some other expats we've met also speak little or no Arabic, despite having lived here for years. Milli and I aspire to be different.

Luckily, not all Americans working abroad are like Dick. That's my sister!