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In Egypt as in the West, when someone is introduced to you for the first time they will say, “I’m happy to meet you.” An Egyptian may graciously respond in Arabic, "Ana asaad" (I Am Happier to Know You).
I had promised family and friends, many of whom were horror-stricken by my decision to relocate to Egypt for an undetermined amount of time, that I would stay in touch. Since it was too time consuming to write individual letters, I wrote one. As the first year of my adventure merged into another, the missives I originally entitled “Notes from Egypt,” evolved into I Am Happier to Know You.
Jeanne M. Eck is a professional freelance writer. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including: The Washington Post, The Washington Times and Living Fit Magazine.
Ms. Eck has worked on a hospice in-patient unit and was trained as a bereavement facilitator. She’s served as a member/and or president of numerous boards and commissions focused upon health care, women, children, and social service programs.
As an expert on sexual assault education and prevention, she spearheaded the
creation of a sexual assault center in her community. Her work led to the establishment
of a special committee of the Maryland General Assembly (which she served on
as the only non-legislative member) that was credited with writing and passing
landmark-sentencing guidelines.
Ms. Eck also has extensive sales, marketing, public relations, public speaking,
and media experience.
Since childhood, she has studied how our life experiences create a caricature of ourselves and of the world around us. I Am Happier to Know You is the apex of her personal journey as both a woman and a journalist
1. You were 54 years old and single, why did you move to Egypt?
2. You write very candidly about the adjustments you had to make and how, until you came to understand the culture, you initially reacted as a “warrior woman.” Would you share some of the adjustments that were most difficult and how culture shock impacted you?
3. Did you realize that you were experiencing culture shock? What is culture shock and how did you step beyond it?
4. You say that you “were blessed” by the many Egyptians who became your friends and Eastern family. Why?
5. Egypt is a predominately Muslim country. Did you have to make adjustments in your behavior and dress? Were there compromises you refused to make?
6. You write a lot about your realization that when moving to a foreign country expatriates need to see how their cultural norms can create tensions between themselves and their hosts. Can you give us some examples?
7. What are the greatest misconceptions we in the West have about the people of the Middle East?
8. You were visiting the United States for the first time since moving to Egypt when 9/11 occurred. What was your reaction? When you returned home to Egypt, were you treated differently?
9. You were living in Egypt during the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. How did they impact you? How did other expatriates react? Were there ramifications for speaking-out against the wars before it was popular to do so?
10. Your book covers your first, out of five years in Egypt. I understand that thirteen months after you arrived you met your husband in Egypt. Is he Egyptian? How did you meet?
11. In your book, you talk a lot about how important it is for all people, but in particular those from the East and West to understand and respect their differences. Why is this important?
12. Your journey has been described as “courageous.” How do you feel about doing what you did and would you do it again?
13. The title of your book I Am Happier to Know You is intriguing. Does it have a special significance?
14. Throughout I Am Happier to Know You readers will find Muslim or Egyptian proverbs. Why did you include them?
15. Where can (listeners/viewers/readers) purchase your book?
A story of a woman's determination and discovery to build a life far from her homeland in a place she feels she belongs. A very easy book to read, sometimes poignant and at other times had me laughing out loud!
Jose M., Doha, Qatar
. . . Your book brought me to tears and to laughter. It is the most accurate and deep description of Egyptian society and way of life I have ever read…I Am Happier to Know You is a symbol of tolerance and understanding very much needed in these difficult moments between West and East. I hope your book reaches everyone worldwide because we have to be in the same boat, we indeed are the same…Thank you so much for your masterpiece!
Amaya Ugalde Ibáñez, Spanish expatriate, Cairo
Fascinating look at one woman's reactions to life in Egypt. Laughing, crying,
or outraged...the author weaves a compelling story of her move from her comfortable
home in the States to a completely foreign culture.
Sharon Hendrich, Expatriate, Cairo, Eqypt
I am Happier to Know You is an inspiring book. It touches the heart of
anyone who has been confronted at some time in his or her life with the challenge
of living in a different culture. You do not need to be a traveler or an expatriate
to enjoy the book. As her daily experiences unfold, the reader both smiles and
cries with Jeanne when she finds herself in situations we are all familiar with.
I am Happier to Know You opens an unbiased window on Egypt
and her people, while providing insights and reflections on the experiences
of a woman living overseas who has a powerful message to share: Whenever we
trust ourselves and our destiny, whenever we turn our lives over to God and
go, with an open heart, to where chances take us, we have endless opportunities
to find happiness when we seek to learn and to grow.
Anita Santorum, PhD, Italian Expatriate living in Egypt
I liked I Am Happier to Know You for its warmth and honesty, the humour
that infuses it and the openness with which Jeanne tells the story of her journey
into this ancient/new world with its layers of history, different culture, joys
and frustrations. The author takes us with her on her journey and we see
this world through her clear eyes and generous heart. Thank you Jeanne
for letting us come along with you!
Lesley Russell, Australia
Jeanne Eck's I Am Happier to Know You is wise, perceptive, honest
and funny. This book shows how much one can see when both the heart and the
eyes are open.
D.F., Haleiwa, Hawaii
Jeanne Eck’s book captures the essence of an expatriate’s
experience of living in Egypt and then some. By sharing her personal experiences
we get a real feel for the day –to- day realities of living in Cairo and
a rare glimpse into the sometimes wonderful, sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes
amazing behavior and ways of contemporary Egyptians.
By weaving her day-to-day experiences into her own journey of self-reflection
and growth, Jeanne has written a book that the reader can pick up and open to
any page and get the “whole experience” of an expatiate living in
Cairo.
Janet Supar, Intercultural Coordinator
Cairo, Egypt
Jeanne Eck's book I Am Happier to Know You should
be a first in a series of books about living abroad. Jeanne should be sent around
the world to live in different societies and write about her experiences.
Then, her books should become required reading in high schools and colleges
so that young people learn how easy it is to adapt to foreign places and foreign
people. We are all foreign to someone. That is no reason to not
get along with each other.
Roy Kirkdorffer, expatriate, Chateauneuf, France
This book is a very personal account of one woman's journey into the unknown…Witty
nonfiction, beautiful diction laced with lovely Egyptian proverbs--a reading
pleasure…!
Supriya Chawla, Book Reviewer for CSA Magazine
Cairo, Egypt
It was very surprising to me to learn how well author Jeanne M. Eck understands
my people, religion and culture. This is very unusual and amazing for a foreigner.
The stories she tells in her book came alive. It was as if instead of reading,
I could feel her sitting beside me and whispering them in my ear. I Am
Happier to Know You is honest and beautiful! Jeanne M. Eck has a big heart
and a magnificent spirit.
Mohamed Hassan, Risk Management Specialist
Cairo, Egypt
I Am Happier to Know You is beautiful. Author Jeanne M. Eck creates pictures
with her words. If I hadn’t read the introduction, I wouldn’t have
known that the writer is a foreigner! She is wonderful!
Heba Elalaily, Travel Agent
Cairo, Egypt
I loved I Am Happier to Know You because the author, a Western
woman, loves Egypt and Egyptians. She has accurately translated our customs
and habits so foreigners can understand us. At the same time, she helped me
to understand her culture... I believe that I Am Happier to Know You
is a gift that will create a link of peace and understanding among people of
different cultures.
Samiha Abdoun, Banker
Cairo, Egypt
It is nice to see that a foreigner is looking at the good side of our country
and isn’t judgmental or unkind. Her stories are true. What I really like
is that she finds humor in situations that others find disturbing and annoying.
I Am Happier to Know You is wise, inspirational, funny, and refreshing.
Hadil Hammad, Student
Cairo, Egypt
Jeanne Eck writes movingly of Egypt, its history and people of today. As someone who has enjoyed living in this historic country, I took great pleasure from reading her detailed account of the many faces of this country, and its life in this century.
Mrs. Alfred (Betty) Atherton, Jr.
Wife of the former United States Ambassador to Egypt
Jeanne M. Eck’s love of Cairo, Alexandria, and the people and culture of Egypt is clear. She relates her daily experiences with a frankness that is at times hilarious and always insightful.
Nancy Gallagher, Chair of Middle East Studies, USCB; Author of Egypt’s Other Wars: Epidemics and the Politics of Public Health
I Am Happier to Know You moved me deeply. It is insightful and compassionate and very much needed in today’s world. It is a book with two sides—the learning and understanding of Middle Eastern customs observed through the nonjudgmental eyes of the author, and her personal struggle to find herself. Because it is written from the heart of her experiences, the author gives genuineness to the pictures she portrays.
Ruth Montllor, Virginia
Through the open and accepting eye of the author, I Am Happier to Know You provides the reader with the opportunity to intimately explore the fascinating and rich culture of Egypt and her people. In this time of strife between the United States and other cultures, I think it is more important than ever for individuals to understand the lives and perspectives of people from the Middle East and around the world. With candor, love and humor, I Am Happier to Know You takes the reader a few more steps towards tolerance and understanding.
K.D., United States
I Am Happier to Know You is a story of new life. Told with love, zest, grit, and extraordinary humor, it is the account of one courageous woman’s engagement with a world totally new to her.
Linda P. Barnes, Washington, D.C.
I Am Happier to Know You is universally appealing. Each chapter enlightens and enlivens, offering something for everyone. Some stories made me laugh; others brought tears to my eyes...
Ivy Hart, Maryland
...Utilizing her honesty, wit and humor, Jeanne documents how she survived in a culture so unlike that of the United States…Hopefully, I Am Happier to Know You will bring our two cultures closer together.
Linda Soby, Virginia
Written by an American woman living in Egypt, I Am Happier to Know You is a first-hand view with heartfelt understanding of the complex laws and lives of Egypt and her people. I travel frequently. I Am Happier to Know You provided me with a rich perspective of the people and culture of the Middle East… I recommend it!
Mary Lewis, Maryland
As an American living in a Muslim country, Jeanne Eck provides political insights that helped me to understand the sociopolitical background to the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan… so much more than the American press.
Susan Owens, M.D.
Maryland
I Am Happier to Know You is not your casual read while sipping warm tea and munching crumpets. The author has taken the time to bring you to not only the beauty of the people, but the issues at hand in Egypt. Through her intimate portrayal of the details of life and circumstances there, you feel as though you are an Egyptian…This extremely visual, visceral account has an important place in our American libraries and universities.
Mary Lyn Matthews, Oklahoma
I Am Happier to Know You proves that when traveling alone or moving someplace new without the benefit of family and friends, it's attitude and a good sense of humor that count most!
M.B., Washington, D.C.
I Am Happier to Know You is an insightful portrait of the Middle East painted by an American woman living in Egypt. Jeanne writes with intellect, humor, compassion and love. Her life lessons are universal and resonate deeply.
Beth Rubin, author of Split Ends
Maryland
I Am Happier to Know You is a delightful odyssey for the searching soul. From the courageous perspective of a woman alone, Jeanne gives unique, pioneering insights, proving that life can indeed, begin after fifty. I encourage everyone to venture with her outside the ‘bubble’ of limited realities. Discover, in our time of greatest change and unrest that people everywhere are still wonderful, and that love and adventure awaits the soul that simply dares to BE.
William “Pila” Chiles, author of The
Secrets & Mysteries of Hawaii.
Austria
I Am Happier to Know You has exposed me to the families of the Middle East
and their culture. In doing so, it has made me a better person, for the more
I understand, the more I can give.
Cheri Briggs, Sturtevant, N.Y.
Jeanne Eck’s writing is extraordinary! You feel as if you are standing
beside her. At the same time, you learn about the culture of Egypt and a whole
new world opens before your eyes.
Linda Humphrey, Colorado
I Am Happier to Know You is the story of the people, culture, sights and fragrances of Egypt and the Middle East viewed through the eyes and heart of a single, midlife woman. Concurrently, it’s a memoir of the joys and challenges author Jeanne M. Eck embraced when, on wings of faith, she left her Western culture behind and moved to Egypt.
With sprite-like energy, wisdom, humor and grace, the author grasps the hands
and hearts of her readers and tenderly transports them on a luscious journey
few would have the courage to seize or to candidly share.
I Am Happier to Know You is timely and timeless. It’s a story
of how one woman took advantage of the opportunity to live life at its fullest,
to honor her intuition, and then to follow her dreams. Most importantly,
I Am Happier to Know You imparts the message that the foundation of peace
is built upon loving and healing ourselves.
For bookings, please contact:
Ira Streitfeld
503-297-0545
iracom@cs.com
Jeanne M. Eck:
Iamhappiertoknowyou@hotmail.com
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