July 2014 Issue 2 Gouna & Hurghada

Truly Love Egypt Gouna & Hurghada SE X

July 2014 Issue 2

Ecotourism Ghost City Wreck diving Extra: Ramadan & Eid Alfitr SE X

PLEASE TURN ON YOUR SPEAKERS

The song that is playing is Sidi Wesalak by Angham

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE Wreck diving & Egypt’s Venice

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EXTRA Ramadan & Eid; the questions you always wanted to ask

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Cont

TRULY LOVE NATURE Ecotourism 10 Day activities

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TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES A ton of fun!

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SCRAPBOOK PAGE

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TRULY LOVE HISTORY Ghost City, the city deserted by its residents 16 Shopping

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tents 18 Nightlife

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TRULY LOVE SHOPPING Hurghada’s variety & Boho Gouna

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TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE Party Hardy!

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TRULY LOVE INVESTING A growing town awaiting the right investments

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TRULY LOVE CUISINES Pumpkin Bake: a sweet tooth’s paradise!

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TRULY LOVE OPINIONS

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UPCOMING ISSUE

20 Investing 3

EDITOR’S MESSAGE Our mission is to deliver the most accurate, up-to-date information in order to show different kinds of visitors what may interest them.

Hurghada is a main tourist center in Egypt. The city was founded in the early 20th century, and since the 1980s has been continually enlarged by Egyptian and foreign investors to become the leading seashore resort on the Red Sea. It is a destination for Egyptian and European tourists. Hurghada is known for its water sports activities, nightlife and warm weather. Daily temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius most of the year with mild-warm winters and hot summers.

Its waters are clear and calm year round. Holiday villages, hotels and dive shops provide aquatic sports facilities for sailboarders, yachtsmen, scuba divers and snorkelers. Dive sites around Abu Ramada Island, Giftun Kebir and Giftun Soraya are popular. You can also visit wrecks such as the El Mina or the Rosalie Moller.

Hurghada stretches along the seashore and does not reach far into the surrounding desert. It used to be a small fishing village.

However, today, Hurghada counts 248,000 inhabitants and is divided into three main parts: the old Downtown area, Sakalla the city center, and Memsha the modern area. The the town's largest bazaar, the post office and

the coach station are situated in the Dahar area.

Hurghada International Airport serves flights from Cairo as well as several cities in Europe.

Nicknamed Egypt’s Venice, Gouna is a privately owned resort town, about 25 km north of Hurghada. It is built on 10km of beachfront and has a unique and diverse architecture. Quiet and clean, the town consists of several islands with a network of canals allowing most of the 2000+ private houses to have their own strip of beach.

Go u na b oas ts nu me ro us facilities including diving and water sports centers, horse stables, go-karts, bazaars, restaurants, bars, night clubs, banks, pharmacies, hotels, 3 marinas, schools, a fully equipped hospital with a decompression chamber, tennis courts, a football stadium, an airport, a casino, a private radio station, a post office, an 18-hole golf course designed by Gene Bates and a golf course designed by acclaimed golf course architect Karl Litten.

Manager, Editor and Designer

Amani Adel Sarkiss

Manager, Editor and Designer Amani Adel Sarkiss Freelance Writers Aisha Abdelwahab Basma Amer Heba Ghoneim Refan AbdelNabi Photography Ahmed Yaqub: cover, p2, p9 girl, p10, p11 top 2 photos, p12 beach, p16, p18 Youssef Pop: p3, p8, p9 swimming pool, p11 massage, p13 café, p17, p19, p20, p24 & 25 background Mohamed Nabil Hammad: P12 & 13 background Amal Sarkiss: p22 Nahla Alwy: p26 Opinions p24: individuals Yahoo Images all other photos

Ideas and content are copyright and property of Sarkiss Publicity and Advertising Registered in Egypt: 64958 truly-love-egypt@sarkiss.net 5

RAMADAN & EID ALFITR What and when is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. It lasts 29 or 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.

What is fasting?

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, engaging in sexual relations, as well as sinful speech and behavior such as swearing and engaging in disagreements. Fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities. Its purpose is to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes increased charity, praying and recitation of the Quran.

Who should fast?

One of the Five Pillars of Islam, fasting becomes compulsory for Muslims when they reach puberty. However, many children fast for a few hours a day as practice for later life. Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, severe illness, pregnancy and breast-feeding. Those who are unable to fast should make up the missed days later.

Suhoor and Iftar The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called ‘suhoor’. The meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called ‘iftar’. With the high diversity of the global Muslim population, there are no typical suhoor or iftar meals. However, many prefer to follow Prophet Mohamed’s (PBUH) example of breaking the fast with three dates, adjourning for the Maghrib Prayer and then having the main meal.

Social gatherings at iftar are frequent, and traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, especially those made only during Ramadan.

The more affluent tend to hold charity iftars for the less fortunate. Tables are laid out in the streets and anyone is welcome to have iftar at no cost.

A typical Egyptian suhoor consists of fava beans (decreases hunger), yoghurt and tea (both decrease thirst).

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By Amani Sarkiss

Night of Fate Night of Fate or, in Arabic, Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year. This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is believed to have occurred on an oddnumbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

Cultural Practices In a growing number of Muslim countries, lights and lanterns are strung up in public squares and across city streets to add to the festivities of the month. Lanterns’ becoming symbolic decorations of Ramadan is a tradition that originated during the Fatimid Caliphate period in Egypt.

The song ‘Wahawee ya Wahawee’ is a Ramadan song only sung in Egypt. It is originally an ancient Egyptian song celebrating the moon. The words to the song are not Arabic. They are in the ancient Egyptian language.

What are the benefits of fasting?

Fasting has numerous health benefits including an improvement of brain function and alertness due to greater brain cell production, a reduction of blood glucose HDL cholesterol levels, an increase of LDL cholesterol, weight loss due to the use of fat for energy while preserving muscle and a reduction of blood pressure.

Eid Alfitr The holiday of Eid Alfitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal. It is declared after another crescent moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. Eid Alfitr refers to the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day. Typical Egyptian Eid Alfitr food consists of fish and salted fish which are avoided throughout Ramadan as they increase thirst. A special sugar coated cookie is also made only for Eid Alfitr in Egypt.

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TRULY LOVE NATURE

By Refan AbdelNabi

The small but energetic town of Gouna is found north of Hurghada, on the western coast of the Red Sea. Many tourists and locals appreciate its many diverse water activities, warm community, and unique nature. Gouna officials are creating green and environmentally friendly projects in their constructive plans to develop Gouna as an ecotourism town.

Luckily, El Gouna’s temperatures are moderate all year round, but visitors who are less heat tolerant should plan to visit in April, May or October. However, don’t fret! Resorts and indoor playgrounds are air-conditioned and the weather tends to be cool at night throughout the year. During the summer days, keep hydrated by drinking bottled water instead of the undrinkable tap water.

Sun bathing by the crystal clear waters is a relaxing place for parents while the children are building sand castles. The waters are shallow for a large distance away from the shore. As Gouna is well-known for its colorful marine life of reef fish, napoleons, mantas, dolphins and a large variety of corals to name a few, the clear waters provide a surreal diving experience.

Gloves are sometimes included with the scuba diving outfit; however, while snorkeling, it is advised that you don’t touch the corals because some of them are poisonous. Furthermore, do not feed the fish, the dolphins or any other marine life; it is illegal.

While packing, make sure you include water shoes to avoid getting your feet injured by sea urchins. It is best to inform the tour guide or activity supervisor about any allergies, discomforts or concerns you may have. In all the activities, do not take action before attentively listening to the full instructions by the supervisor, guide or activity center to ensure your safety.

Transportation to beaches is free to tourists in non-beach hotels. However, you can enjoy the beautiful Gouna terrain using other methods of transportation; horse and camel riding. During horse and camel rides, it is preferable to wear comfortable clothing. Go for shoes instead of flip-flops or sandals and long trousers instead of shorts. This will allow you to move more freely as well as avoid mosquito bites. Add a jacket if the ride is during the night as it gets chilly. This attire is preferable in quad trips as well.

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TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES Gouna Activities Gouna is not your typical getaway. This residential town houses more than ten hotels and resorts ranging from three to five stars. It overlooks a clear Red Sea and almost anywhere you go for a walk, amid this modern paradise, you are bound to come face to face with one of its many lagoons. Gouna is a diverse place packed with various activities for children and adults!

Laid Back Relaxation is a key element in any vacation.

That’s why most resorts offer their guests a private beach and a pool area with access to Wi-Fi. So if you are the kind of person who prefers sunbathing while reading or surfing the web, welcome to paradise. If, however, you would like to continue relaxing, but would prefer a change of scenery, you can visit one of Gouna’s public pool and beach restaurants. Do you need to completely unwind and go back 10

By Basma Amer

to full-throttle relaxing mode? Get pampered at your resort’s sauna/steam room, wellness center or health club.

Family Activities Sure, sunbathing is a great way to spend your vacation, but what if you want to take the kids and build some memories? Well, perfect, because the resort you are staying at can provide you and your family with many funfilled trips. You can explore the different aquatic life of the Red Sea by fishing, sailing or taking a trip to the dolphin’s area. If you decide to stay on land, Gouna has an aquarium and a museum that just might fit your liking. If you are more into lively fun, you should go on a jeep safari or give the younger ones a chance to have the same kind of fun with the go-karts.

There are many independent facilities that provide guests with these activities, which may be a more convenient option if the facilities at the resort you are staying at are

booked.

Water Activities Daring, adventurous and bold are some of the words to describe the fun you can have in Gouna’s waters. You will find everything ranging from wind surfing, kite boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling excursions and lessons and water parks. If you decide to take diving more seriously, you can obtain a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) license in two to four days from the facility you choose!

well as thrill-seeking desert adventures with motorcycles and Bedouin camping facilities.

Tips As Gouna and Hurghada are also residential towns, you can rent an apartment if you want to stay within a certain budget and continue doing many of the activities there.

Sports If you miss doing something more familiar and less exotic, you can visit the tennis courts, enjoy a game of volleyball, smell the fresh air on a vast golf course or explore the terrain on horseback.

Hurghada Activities There are various activities in Hurghada, including more dive-sites at Mahmaya Island and Giftun Islands. There are more aquariums and intense water parks to take your kids to as 11

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TRULY LOVE HISTORY

By Aisha AbdelWahab

Once upon a time, Hurghada used to be an old fishermen's village and a place where British colonists used to settle. Now it is unrecognizable as it has grown to be one of Egypt's most visited tourist destinations, stretching out its magnificence for about 60 km by the sea shore.

Even though the city hasn't stopped growing for the past 20 years, and has changed from just a simple town to a modern city, it still has its primitive side. Reach Hurghada's outskirts and you'll discover a whole new side to the city.

The mosque stands in the center of the town, giving the impression that it is the town's heart.

A perfect example is "Ghost city", meant for the braver ones out there.

Located in the heart of the desert - 26 km south-west of Safaga City- stands that old eerie looking city. Ghost city, also known as Umm ElHoweitat region, is located at an altitude of 150 meters above sea level, and this makes its climate distinguished from other areas around it throughout the year.

Moreover, it is almost devoid of moisture.

Umm ElHoweitat, named so because it is c o mp le t e l y s urro u nd e d b y mountains, stands between the present and the past. It acquired its second name, Ghost city, because of it being empty and abandoned, and the common belief of it being haunted.

Several activities can be enjoyed during your stay in Ghost City.

You can discover its secrets by touring it in a jeep.

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Its history started at the end of the 19th

The abandoned, ghost town of Umm ElHoweitat lies 26 kilometers south-west of Safaga City. It is a maze of houses, schools, marketplaces and every kind of building a town encompasses.

century when Egypt was colonized by Britain. A British engineer decided to establish the city, which later led to the discovery of great amounts of Phosphates in the surrounding areas.

Several activities can be enjoyed during your stay in Ghost City. You can discover its secrets by touring it in a jeep, have paintball fights and you can also camp there. If you decide on the latter, make sure to follow the guide's instructions and bring all the necessities. You will be able to discover all of the abandoned town's mysteries throughout the day and enjoy the town’s relaxing nights. It's best to stay with your group and your guide whilst discovering the city as it resembles a maze and you might

end up getting lost.

Throughout your adventurous discovery, you will notice that the life the people once had in this city still remains; schools, houses and grocery markets but all are vacant of inhabitants. When you walk into the schools, you might find a blackboard on the wall and even some of the now-gone citizens' remains. The mosque stands in the center of the town, giving the impression that it is the town's heart.

So when you visit Hurghada and decide to visit Safaga, this should definitely be one of your sought after destinations as you will experience a new feeling of inner peace.

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TRULY LOVE SHOPPING

By Aisha AbdelWahab

Hurghada is a modern city where numerous facilities are available, but there are some things to keep in mind. Although most shops have similar products, prices vary depending on the shop as well as your bargaining skills.

Moreover, walking in the streets could be a hassle as shopkeepers will keep inviting you into their shop to have a look at their products. Personal space varies from one country to the other and, in Egypt, it is almost non-existent. So if you feel uncomfortable, just ask them to step back and they will give you back your personal space.

Coloured sand filled bottles One of the unique souvenirs you can buy is a bottle filled with coloured sand. You choose the colours and the ‘object’ and the gentleman makes it right in front of you. As each bottle is unique, you can personalize them for family and friends.

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Clothes, swimming gear etc One of the most important shopping destinations is definitely Mamsha; different brands of clothes and leather shops are all available at this location.

As previously mentioned, although the products are quite similar, prices differ from one shop to another. So it is best you have a tour of the shops first to get an idea of what you want to buy before you start spending.

The second shopping destination consists of two very famous places in Hurghada that are extremely close to each other; Sakalla and Dahar.

There you will find pharaonic and traditional clothes, such as belly dance costumes and galabeyas as well as casual clothes.

Swimming gear and diving kits are also available at both destinations. However, if you don't want to own a snorkeling or a diving kit, you can easily rent one at your hotel.

Rugs, souvenirs, bead necklaces etc In Hurghada, the majority of shops are Bazaars, and they are located at the different shopping destinations as well as on the main streets. You will find souvenirs, rugs, gold jewelry,

accessories, sheeshas (hubbly-bubbly) and silverware, etc. Sherry Street has numerous s h o p s r a n g i n g fr o m b a z a a rs t o hairdressers. And oil factory near the road to the airport has great freshly made soaps, oils, perfumes, etc.

Pharmaceuticals Hurghada is the mother of all pharmacies, literally. You are sure to find at least one on every street and they will always have the basic supplies; tablets, anti-mosquito supplies, condoms, etc. Although you can find most of the needed pharmaceuticals at any pharmacy, if you take specific prescribed medicines, it would be better to bring them with you in case there is a shortage. Some medicine may not even be part of the local inventory.

Food The second most present type of shops in Hurghada is supermarkets and restaurants. You can find everything ranging from small kiosks to huge megastores. You will most definitely

find all of your necessities at any supermarket.

As for restaurants, there are different types of cuisines such as Asian, Oriental, European, etc. All restaurants are extremely close to each other; an Italian restaurant right next to a Sushi bar. So if you are undecided on what cuisine to taste, just walk around the restaurants and let your taste buds lead you. Taking into consideration that Hurghada used to be an old fishermen's village, you should definitely try eating at a fish restaurant. You won't regret it!

Gouna Gouna is the modern part of Hurghada; the destination for laid back days and funky nights.

Gouna's prices are higher than Hurghada's only because its shops are unique. Gouna is the place for the artists at heart as it is full of boutiques and galleries with most, if not all, of its goodies handmade, including luxurious handmade Boho style accessories, clothes, multicolored lamps etc.

Most shops in Gouna are located in Gouna’s Downtown area and Abu Tig Marina.

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TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE When you think of Hurghada and Gouna, you think of the exquisite clear blue sea, the sun gently kissing your skin and the tranquilizing sound of the waves. Admit it! The beach with its wonders sounds captivating; however, once the sun is gone, so are most beach activities. The wonderful thing about Hurghada is that you get the best of both worlds. At night, there are so many activities to do and places to go. Hurghada has different places for different tastes.

Needless to say, Hurghada has beautiful places to visit, but what is beauty without food and drink? Considering that most Egyptians including myself- are huge foodies, we can’t tolerate going out without a snack or a drink in hand. Luckily, Hurghada has different places to go to in order to please one’s appetite while adding their own touch of scenery. In addition, Gouna, a small city near Hurghada, includes its own divine restaurants, cafes and bars with splendidly different kinds of cuisines and a variety of delicious drinks.

There is a well-known area named ‘Hurghada’s Marina’. Marina means ‘sea port’ in Arabic; hence food chains there overlook a port filled with yachts. So not only do you enjoy a wonderful view, you get to dine and party in front of it. If you’re looking for a good quality time with family or friends, a romantic dinner with your significant other, or even some alone time to relax, you will find all kinds of restaurants and cafes at Hurghada’s Marina.

By Heba Ghoneim

If you’re looking to party and socialize, there is an open-air club and a well-known themed bar in Hurghada’s Marina. As my brother describes it, “It’s pretty cool! They had a school theme once.

If you broke the rules, one of the employees would squirt shots in your mouth.”

There are plenty more places to go to in Hurghada besides the Marina. Some of these interesting places are located on ‘Sheraton Road’, ‘Tareek ElKorra’, and ‘Village Road’. Sheraton Road or ‘Sakkala’ has clubs that indulge in all kinds of music and drinks, delightful hotels and bazaars that sell clothing as well as artistic objects that embody the history of Hurghada and Egypt.

Tareek El Korra in Nawara Center has a well known café all rock odyssey lovers would fall in love with. Its concert like design, bar, service, and lighting are sublime. Village Road has an incredible, well-recognized club with an Indian design feel to it. It is well known for its drinks and its party hardy habits. If you want the dance floor, you must check this place out!

Gouna also has superb places to go to. Gouna’s Downtown area is a chain of souvenir shops, various cafes, bars and out of this world beach parties. Gouna also has a marina. It includes bars, restaurants and shops. The lighting at night is

beautifully romantic. You can easily take a stroll whilst spontaneously picking the restaurant, café or bar you would like to hang out in. The breeze is just right, and the light reflection on the water is even better.

It’s not fun when you go somewhere and realize your clothes don’t coincide with the weather.

Temperatures at night range in the 20 degrees Celsius. So if you get cold easily, take a light jacket. But if you have no problem with the chilly fresh air gently blowing your hair, then don’t sweat it! (No pun intended!)

Beware of the “bouchon” If you’re an advocate of alcoholic beverages, then take heed of the following. At hotels, bars, and restaurants there is a “bouchon” (as my friend Nora calls it) also known as a fine for those who carry alcoholic beverages when entering these places. The point is that these restaurants and clubs serve alcohol and if you’re not paying for theirs, then you’re probably going to pay for yours.

Wishes to the reader When you get the chance to visit Hurghada, I hope you have a lovely trip exploring its magnificence and, when you do, feel free to email us with your experience! :D 19

TRULY LOVE INVESTING

By Refan AbdelNabi

This section is dedicated to small and medium sized investors who are looking for possibilities to invest their money from afar or move to a country where sunshine, sea and relaxation are a way of life.

With Gouna’s highlife atmosphere, investors with a small or medium budget will find a place for modest businesses. Making an investment is possible in many specialties such as architecture, beaches, and other projects. There are plenty of choices for the small scale investor and moderate stockholder mainly because Gouna and Hurghada are gradually blending into one large city.

Gouna has locals all year round who are interested in sensible prices when shopping for groceries or paying for gas. The majority of the town’s permanent residents - estimated to be 20,000- are European. Moreover, the residents of Gouna lean more towards the upper social class and are willing to spend their money on the best services. As the small town progresses and accepts more individuals who either live there or are 20

considered semi-locals, endorsing a family park would be profitable. Since the officials of El Gouna are green oriented, the park would prosper with their possible investment. With a park come snack bars and equipment shops; anything ranging from sports equipment to an ice cream shop.

Overall, shops that are located outside hotel premises are preferable and can quickly gain popularity.

Most tourist complaints derive from hotel priced activities, with the majority of prices starting at 500 Egyptian Pounds. Therefore, a shop that sells sea equipment for diving, snorkeling or swim wear at reasonable prices would be a hit with tourists and locals alike.

With the high temperatures, come the luxuries of the summer season; ice cream, cooled water and other refreshments.

Because the tap water is undrinkable, bottled

water is on demand, but expensive at hotels. A juice stand would be beneficial to the consumer and the investor.

Gouna can quite easily be toured from start to finish in two hours. Most places are within walking distance; however, rentals and other transportation services are still in use due to high temperatures and a person’s unfamiliarity with the streets.

Public transportation is limited to tok-toks, taxis, water taxis, and shuttle buses. Toktoks are available at all times at the cost of 10 Egyptian Pounds per trip while rental cars start from approximately 250 Egyptian Pounds per day. This is problematic for tourists on low budgets with most of their money going on transportation. Therefore, bicycle rental shops or lower priced car service shops are needed.

Opening a convenience store or “koshk” would allow locals and tourists to shop for snacks or last minute items after hours.

Invest in shops that open longer hours. They will most likely blossom in a few years, especially specialized shops that could grow into megastores.

Know that there is an abundance of shops for the light summer season. Therefore, investing in lounges, breakfast bars or boutiques that fulfill a tourist’s need for souvenirs, Egyptian beading and crafts is a good plan.

Although health services have been well-developed and continue to grow, pharmacies are not yet of an abundance like in other districts of Egypt. Gouna has one pharmacy and one hospital. The hospital provides good services and the staff is friendly and helpful, with up-to-date equipment. Even though the hospital is accessible and not a long way from the hotels, there is a definite need for another

hospital.

Due to the richness of day time activities, night life is oriented around dessert safaris or clubs. Therefore, there is space for improvement and expansion of night activities. A night time sports center would be an interesting endorsement and a fresh idea for El Gouna. In addition, developing the well-known safari trips with new programs or visits to new areas would appeal to many.

Tending to domesticated animals is still a common theme in Egypt. Many workers are mobile with horses and camels while others have a hobby of riding. Building a horse rink or arena would create a new buzz.

Last but not least, a basic tip for interest includes knowing that if it has to do with water, it will sell. People love water activities and the Red Sea has plenty of it.

Regulations and Safety Issues 1. Do not feed marine life. It is illegal.

2. When you swim in the sea, make sure you wear water shoes because of sea urchins.

3. If you come into contact with a sea urchins, dab cotton soaked with warm oil on the affected area.

4. Do not drink tap water.

5. Do not touch the corals.

6. Tell the diving instructor if you have any allergies, discomforts or concerns.

7. D o n ot w al k i nt o h ot el s , restaurants or bars with your own alcohol. You will be fined.

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TRULY LOVE CUISINES

By Amal Sarkiss

Pumpkin Bake

Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable that can be used in soups, savory dishes or desserts. Traditionally, Egyptians use it in desserts, adding nuts, raisins and sweet bĂŠchamel sauce to it.

Besides being a good source of dietary fiber, pumpkin is incredibly rich in antioxidants and vital vitamins, especially vitamins A, C and E. It is also a good source of B-complex group of vitamins and is rich in minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

So if you have a sweet tooth like me, feast to your heart’s content on this healthy, delicious and nutritious dessert.

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Preparation time

Cooking Time

Serves

30 min

30 min

4 –6

Ingredients: 1 kg (2 lb) pumpkin, peeled and cut into cubes 1 cup sugar 1 cup water ¼ cup pecan nuts (can be substituted with sunflower seeds, almonds or hazelnuts) ¼ cup raisins ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

½ tbsp ground cloves 1tbsp coconut (optional), can be used in the pumpkin mix or sprinkled on top after baking.

For the sweet béchamel sauce: 3 tbsp flour ½ cup butter 3 cups milk 1 egg, beaten

Directions: Put the pumpkin cubes, the sugar and the water in a pot over low heat, put the lid on the pot until the pumpkin is half cooked.

Drain the pumpkin and set the drained syrup aside.

Make the sweet béchamel sauce in a separate pot by braising the flour in butter until it is golden. Add the drained pumpkin syrup and the milk to the flour gradually and mix it well until it becomes a smooth sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and mix in the beaten egg.

Add the nuts, the cinnamon, the ground cloves, the raisins and a 1/3 of the béchamel sauce to the pumpkin. Gently mix.

Grease an oven pan, or preferably a Pyrex pan, with butter. Pour the pumpkin mix into the pan and level it. Then add the sweet béchamel sauce.

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes on medium heat until golden brown.

Presentation: Serve warm or cold.

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Gouna is a pretty city, small but with a lot of facilities. It might be expensive but it is very European.

Hurghada is pleasant, lively and quite touristy. There are various possible activities; mostly aquatic.

It's good for all ages. - Alexandra Debeur, 17, Belgian

TRULY LOVE OPINIONS 24

Hurghada is a nice place to chill out with friends, with many coffee shops. The weather is hot and sunny; you can enjoy going to the beach and tan. The nightlife and parties are interesting.

Hurghada is entertaining. Victoria Boyarova, 16, halfRussian/half-Tunisian

Hurghada is where I was raised. My school is in Hurghada, my friends and everything I do is in Hurghada. I love going to the beach; the sea is amazing. I love hanging out with my friends; eating ice cream and having long walks. It's always summer here!

Gouna is one of my favourite places to go; I love the people there. Most of my friends live in Gouna so I really enjoy going there and visiting them! Gouna is the best place to just chill out with your friends, especially for people my age. - Yara Yasser, 16, Egyptian

Gouna & Hurghada are idyllic places to live and enjoy a holiday although they can be very loud at times. I like them both, especially Gouna and I’m enjoying living here. - Ian Patrik, 16, German

Hurghada's weather is one of the best things over here. The beach is lovely; you can spend the whole day with your family and loved ones contemplating the beauty of nature & relaxing to the sound of the waves. Hurghada is the perfect place to raise your children; it's safe and calm and I am glad to have chosen it as my home.

Gouna is my favourite place to go. It's very high class. The restaurants and pubs there serve great quality food and drinks. My family and I love to go there all the time.

Gouna is the perfect place to go on weekends, and sometimes on weekdays as well. -Agata Sarci, 44, Italian 25

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