Moving in



Hints, Tips and a Little Savvi Insight

In this day and age we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. We can do our research on almost anything, including the subject of moving to a foreign land. It can be monotonous as well as laborious and boring and that’s not to mention out of date. It can be traumatic moving houses let alone to a foreign country.

Well here’s my slant on hints and tips of moving to Sharm
Though not a resident quite yet (My pad will be ready soon... MORE TO COME ON THAT) I have for many years travelled to and from the beloved Sharm. By far the most important tip is, getting to know and understand the people, their culture, their likes and dislikes. The Egyptians are warm and friendly people, particularly in Sharm and I will add, very polite if treated likewise. I should point out that I generalise, like every race, they are all different but in general terms they are uncannily alike so:

Tip No.1: Understand Them
They are a much laid back and relaxed people, you’ll very rarely see anyone dashing around as if his life depended on it. No, on the contrary, they stroll and amble blissfully unaware of any urgency (Local arguments notwithstanding). Time has a different meaning here.

If you make arrangements to meet an Egyptian at 10.30, don’t expect him to arrive till 11.15 or 11.30 without an ounce of disrespect or maliciousness, it’s simply “Egyptian Time”. Don’t get hassled or agitated, chill out... accept and understand it as the norm and you’ll be fine. Now “Tomorrow” is slightly more complicated.

If you arrange to meet him tomorrow at 10.30, sure as eggs is eggs, come tomorrow he’ll be there spot on 11.15 ish, no problem. Now ask him to do something for you tomorrow, and tomorrow takes on a completely different meaning. It could take up to 10 days, sometimes longer if it’s very hot. Don’t get stressed and uptight, it’s simply “Egyptian Tomorrow”, and it’s your learning curve, relax. “Hey man, hamdoulla (Thank God), it’s done what’s the problem” will be his polite reply if you tensely ask why it’s taken so long. The question is who’s right. The perception of time is just relative to how we think, ask Einstein.

If you ask me, the local lad is right, are we going to live and die by the watch? Is it the end of the world if it’s not done tomorrow? Nah!!! That’s why more Brits die of heart attacks and the strokes than most countries in the world. That’s why more Brits are coming to Sharm... The moral of the story is:

LIVE LONGER

THINK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

More hints and tips from Stevie Sharmer to come as my moving draws ever closer, trust me, there are many to share. Got a hint or tip?

sharmer@therealtor.co.uk