Cairo- Day 5

Woke up on time.
Left late.
As usual.

Got in a cab to head to A.P.E. (The Association for the Protection of the Environment) which is located within the Zabaleen community.
Much like Spirit of Youth, it is a school where they teach recycling. But this one is only for girls and teaches them to weave, embroider, make paper, blankets, greeting cards, and much more.

Our cab driver got lost heading there (big surprise).
He stopped and asked directions at least 30 times and STILL dropped us off in the wrong place. We assumed he just kinda said "Fuck it" and told us we were there.
As we walked through the street, we were treated the same way we have been everywhere we have gone so far. Children flocked to us to say hello and ask our names. We even had one of the small girls talk to a rep from A.P.E. and try to direct us to where it was. Then, luckily, a man came over and spoke English (oh, he was an english teacher... how appropriate). He explained that we were far from where we needed to be and took us back down to the street, hailed a cab, and explained to the driver where we wanted to go.
Within 15 minutes we were driving through another section of the Zabaleen community.
This time it had a slightly "cleaner" feel but at the same time, felt a bit less inviting.
We got out of the car at the front gates of A.P.E. and walked down a long, clean street to the one of the buildings where we greeted warmly.
They escorted us in and took us all around the facility. It was amazing.
All the times we buy products and have no idea where they come from and how they are made has started to boggle my mind.
We watched women make paper from scrap!!! How rad is that?!
Then, we were taken to the "child day care" area where the children of the garbage collectors are looked after while their mothers and fathers work. And just like the other day, when they saw cameras... they went ape shit.

We were escorted around by a lovely man who was more than happy to explain how all the different facets worked and what their purpose was. Then we had the pleasure of speaking to a woman named Nicole who explained the history of the organization as well as Sister Emmanuelle's involvement in the past.
Finally, they took us into the show room where they sell all the products they make. We went buck wild buying greeting cards, stationary, handmade bags, and books all made by hand from 100% recycled materials.
Lauren was then taken to meet Magda, the General Director of the facility and Carrie and I were shown the other show room where they sell the blankets, pillow covers, dolls, Christmas stockings and other beautiful creations. I was even able to make a wish come true by finding an elephant for Lauren. I added two amazing pillow covers to my collection and Carrie bought a baby blanket. Yup, a baby blanket. hahaha
Everyone was SUPER helpful and willing to do anything they can to help us see this film through.

We walked back out to the street and took a cab back to the hotel to unload all of our stuff.
Then, back to GAD to get some more food. (Go figure)

What's next on the evening bill?
Not sure.
Sheesha and a Cairo International Film Festival movie?
We'll see.
But in the meantime, our fearless director is setting up interviews and tours for us to shoot tomorrow.
First up, a tour with one of the founders of Solar Cities.
Should be exciting.