December 2016
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New Year’s Holiday Ideas
Happiness is a state of mind
Mayan Raslan: governer of rotary district 2451
Christmas
Dinner table setting iDeas
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Contents dECEmbEr 2016 sPotlIGHt
14
06 tOWN tAlK
CoMMunIty
Talk of the Town News
40 eNtrepreNeUr
12 style ◊ ◊ ◊
Websites That May Benefit You
How to set your Table for a Dinner Party Mazoura, The Launch of a New Designer Makeup for the Season’s Parties
44 reAl peOple Mayan Raslan, First Female District
Culture 22
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
Governor for the region
trAVel
Art: Argentine Photography Exhibition: Human Landscapes Books: Reviewing The Sympathizers Film: December Movie Releases Music: Reviving Egypt’s Folkloric Heritage
46
Marakesh - The Red City
MInd, Body & soul 20
◊
A Retreat with Sandra Shama Kaur
50
12 50
out & ABout 50 CUIsINe ◊ ◊
FeAtures 28
Saving the Economy: Egupt’s New Projects
36
Untraditional Destinations for the Holidays
Vegan Recipes What is a Vegan?
56 CAleNdAr
december’s Culture Events
62 sOCIety 44 22
COVEr PHOTO
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Publisher Live Colors, Nicosia Managing Partner Najla Riad Associate Partners Ahmed Samy Mohamed Maher
EditoriAl dEPArtMEnt Editor-in-chief Moguib Roshdy Acting Editor Najla Riad Assistant Editor Rawan Abdel Latif
Editor’s Note Dear Readers As we are coming to the end of 2016, it is always a good omen to look at matters in a more optimistic light. Therefore, one of our feature stories reveals upcoming projects in the planning or implementation stages, that aim to benefit the country. We think, even though there may be some glitches in some of the projects, the majority should help boost the economy in the near future. This month, the magazine includes several articles that relate to this festive season. We have come up with several nontraditional ideas touching on where you can spend the holidays, as well as techniques on how to set your dinner table and different make up ideas to get you looking glamorous. In the travel section, our writer visited Marakesh, a city that is considered one of the most unique touristic destinations. One trend that is on the increase in the world, and steadily growing in Egypt, is vegan food, where a number of restaurants either have a section on their menu especially for vegans, or are actual all-vegan restaurants. On that basis, we opted to place in our cuisine section, a few vegan recipes. We wish those celebrating Christmas a blessed one, and to all our readers, the best is yet to come, so a Happy New Year to all.
Editor & Social Media Manager Tamer Hegab
WritErS Mona El Husseini, Soha Khater, Rana Kamaly, Ahmed Kafafi, Steve Gooch
Art dEPArtMEnt Art director Khadiga El Badan
Senior Graphic designer Marina Raafat
SAlES dEPArtMEnt Sales director Rania Halim Sales Manager Sayed Kamel
Production MAnAGEr Enas Adly
AdMiniStrAtion dEPArtMEnt distribution Manager Rana Ezzat office Manager Magda Adib legal consultant Ashraf Soliman Financial consultants Hazem Abdel Tawab Ahmed Abbas
office clerk Mahmoud Abdel Aziz office custodian: Ismail Othman distribution Al Ahram, Al Akhbar, Next Media
The Editor editor@live-colors.com
Mohandessin, Zamalek, Heliopolis, Maadi, Nasr City, New Cairo, 6 October City, Sheikh Zayed City
ctP & PrintinG by Sahara Printing Company
Address: 48 Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, Midan El Sabaa’ Emarat, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 0100 005 2322 - 0100 005 2323 E-mail: editor@live-colors.com Website: www.communitytimes.me © Copyright 2004 Community Times is a monthly publication published by LC Live Colors Nicosia, Cyprus
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Spotlights Towntalk Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay Hosts Singer Thomas Anders and Egyptian Stars Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay hosted the world renowned pop star singer Thomas Anders, the voice of Modern Talking, during his first visit to Egypt for the epic performance of his vintage beats at the Reunion Weekend, held at Soma Bay. Anders performed alongside the legendary band on the dazzling shores of the Red Sea at the marina last October. The hotel also witnessed the esteemed presence of Egyptian celebrities such as actor Ahmed Fahmy, and lifestyle influencers Aisha El Shabrawy, Mohamed Mekkawy and Salma Abou Deif. The guests relished a savoury dinner at La Pergola Restaurant where Chef Andrew Mitchell among other Kempinski chefs presented healthy and creative dishes with the perfect cocktail pairing. p
The Minister of Antiquities Visits Tombs to Promote Restoration Projects The Cairo Marriott, a Proud Partner of TEDx Cairo Women The Cairo Marriott is a firm believer in the vision of TED and decided to partner up with TEDx Cairo Women and host the event in the prestigious Aida Ballroom at the Palace as part of their ongoing “Spirit to Serve” activities to support women’s empowerment. Not only were the speeches extremely inspiring, including one by actress Amina Khalil, but it was also the beginning of a long partnership between Cairo Marriott and TEDx Cairo Women. The event was planned with the idea of inspiring the world and all the young girls in need of someone telling them to pursue their dreams and fight for what they want no matter the variables or difficulties. This year’s topic was “Crossing Over.” The speakers were able to bring the audience from tears to laughter and back again throughout the talks. Every single speaker had a strong and inspiring message that surely moved the audience. p
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The Minister of Antiquities visited the tombs of the Mamluks in Mansheyet Nasser last month in order to follow-up on the development of the restorations. The project includes providing training to those living in the area, showing them how to preserve their heritage as well as to raise awareness on antiquities. The Minister also visited the Qalawun Complex, an area near the tombs that includes a madrasa (Qur’anic school), a hospital and a mausoleum, and was built by the Sultan AlNasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun in the 1280s. The cemetery first appealed to Mamluk sultans and emirs because it offered vast spaces that were unavailable inside the densely populated city. The towering mausoleums they built were more than just tombs; they were also meant as places for entertainment, a continuation of the Pharaonic tradition of people picnicking among the graves. This coexistence of the living and the dead began as far back as the 14th century, as in some tomb-houses, cenotaphs serve as tables and washing is strung between headstones. Also found in the area is the crumbling Tomb of Emir Tashtimur. About 150m further on under a stone archway is the gate to the former compound of Qaitbey where you can find his splendid mosque. p
AINHOA’s Participation at Cairo Fashion Festival Season 7 The Cairo Fashion Festival Season 7 took place at the Cairo Festival City Mall last month. AINHOA Luxury Diamond, a Spanish cosmetic and skincare brand participated in the event. It became one of Europe’s most innovative brands developed with the latest scientific advances, combined with natural ingredients. AINHOA has more than 300 products with a unique blend of natural ingredients to suit all skin types. Since 2014, AINHOA’s extensive beauty range is now sold in Egypt, exclusively through Polypharma Co. with its wide network of customers of well-known beauty salons, spas and professional users. AINHOA gained great exposure for their products along with more engagements with their customers. Ladies at the festival were testing one of their products on their skin and loved the effect upon first trial with the diamond peeling. p
Heliopolis Sporting Club Introduces Karting on its Premises A positive partnership between Heliopolis Sporting Club and AutoVrooom surprised all of the club members with the karting car on ground. The message was to showcase that karting is not only for those who have a passion for driving, but it has its own athletic agenda that allows drivers to understand safety and leadership on the road while developing their driving skills at AutoVrooom. The event was thrilling for all those who participated in this exciting sport. p
Arab African International Bank Calls on Speed in Curbing Global Warming The Arab African International Bank “AAIB” participated in the COP 22 “The conference of the Parties” in Marrakesh, Morocco to showcase its practices in sustainability. AAIB presented during the conference its newly launched platform “MOSTADAM”; the first certified training programme in sustainable finance in Egypt and the MENA region. MOSTADAM is established for capacity building and policy advocacy to drive sustainable practices in the Egyptian banking sector. Hassan Abdalla, CEO at the AAIB said: “Countries should take serious actions and speedy steps to curb global warning.” He added, “Meanwhile, corporates should take the initiative and move to contain environmental damage. AAIB took the lead and launched MOSTADAM to change the mindset of the new banking generation.” A number of bankers representing different financial institutions within the Egyptian banking sector attended MOSTADAM’s first module “Introduction to Sustainable Finance” which was certified by the Egyptian banking institute “EBI”. Moreover, as a further step, MOSTADAM concluded a partnership with Frankfurt School of Finance and Management to train bankers on renewable Energy and SMEs finance projects. During her speech, Dalia Abdel Kader, Director of Marketing and Communications at the AAIB said, “Sustaining economic and financial growth depend on our ability to connect finance to social and environmental concerns and overcome the silos mentality that made the financial industry work in isolation from critical social and environmental concerns.” The Conference of the Parties (COP) is designated as the supreme governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which entered into force in 1994 and aimed at reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. p Dec OcT 2016 | Ct
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SpotlightS towntalk
December this year is full of glittering and exciting events and Egypt’s hotels are participating with a lot of exciting activities.
The Cairo Marriott is preparing a fabulous dinner on Christmas Eve at Saraya Gallery with foie gras, salmon soufflé and champagne, while on Christmas Day, you will lunch on smoked duck and grilled scallops. New Year’s Eve will be celebrated in style for a meticulously crafted buffet. If you want entertainment, the Empress Show Lounge offers all night long star performances, a DJ and band.
The Semiramis InterContinental is offering at Café Corniche a scrumptious takeaway selection of Christmas goodies that includes Yule logs, chocolate Santas & gingerbread cookies. Kids can also take photos with Santa Clause on Christmas Day. Serenaded by live piano and flute music all season long, The Grill’s fabulous ‘Noël sur le Nile’ gala dinner will be on Christmas Eve where you can relish in a five-course dinner. Premier Crooner Ahmed Harfoush will entertain us at Pane Vino on Christmas Eve with an exclusive ‘Dinner Dance’. Treat yourself to appetizing Christmas canapes and desserts with music by the Trio Band at the Tea Garden and live piano tunes by Iman Shaker.
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The Ritz Carlton Cairo’s exciting happenings are guaranteed to create long-lasting moments. This includes lighting the lobby’s Christmas tree, and for New Year, Culina restaurant offers a brunch with live jazz entertainment. Bab El Sharq celebrates both Christmas and New Year with a prefix dinner and buffets with a belly dancing performance. Vivo is offering a a seven-course dinner experience. In a dancing mood? NOX invites guests to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in a fun night of dancing to one of Cairo’s best DJs. The hotel also offers exclusive Christmas spa packages and activities for hotel guests and their children including cookie decorating and face painting. At the Sofitel Hotel, joy shall start from Christmas Eve on December 24th throughout January 7th, 2017. Don’t miss New Year’s at Le Duplex with its fabulous tunes, theme, culinary and signature cocktails making it the ultimate night spot in Cairo. Sofitel Hotels worldwide are celebrating “Once Upon a Time”, a theme that will immerse you into a legendary fairytale. Cairo chose Alice’s adventures, time traveling, celebrating 150 years and linking it with the Ancient Egyptian history and symbols with a mystery that requires a solution as the main common factor. A Christmas Day Sunday brunch will be offered at Sud and La Palmeraie Restaurants with live cooking stations and various children’s activities along with live entertainment and Latin songs. New Year’s Eve at Window on the Nile includes a sushi and salmon bar and piano entertainment, or visit Manipuri and Le Duplex for a cocktail reception with a variety of Hors D’Oeuvres all night as well as a raffle.
Seasons Greetings from the Palace! Celebrate this holiday’s joyful moments at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski. This year’s celebration is an exuberant one with Amr Diab joining live at the ballroom for a special Christmas event. On December 9th, 15th & 23rd, soft drinks and fresh juices pass around and Christmas cookies (on complimentary basis) during a Carols performance, and a Santa Claus walk around. A Ginger Bread house will be on display with Christmas items for sale at the Vibes Lounge. On Christmas Eve at the 1897 restaurant you will be entertained by the singers Olga and Ibrahim along with a Champagne promotion and Sushi selection.
A Sparkling Festive Season at Dusit Thani At the peak of the festive season Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo offers a variety of seasonal activities and packages allowing guests to enjoy the holiday and celebrate in style; from deliciously filling Thai Christmas meals to extensive buffets and mouthwatering delights prepared by the finest Thai chefs in Egypt. Spend a warm Christmas Eve with Santa Claus who will keep your little ones entertained.
New Year’s Eve at JW Marriott Cairo Join the JW Marriott Cairo for the season’s festivities. The Mirage Café is offering on Christmas Eve a warm Christmas Lunch and on Christmas Day, an inspired buffet with live entertainment. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a Buffet with live entertainment, belly dancer, countdown and balloon drop and light show. At the Plateau, you can enjoy a special dinner on Christmas Eve and a family style lunch on the 25th of December. In contemporary Asian surroundings, enjoy your Christmas Eve at Lemongrass an get together with friends and family to feel the spirit of the New Year with a signature four-course set menu and live DJ. While at Cucina, make it a night to remember with roast Australian beef carved to succulent perfection and mandarin parfait served with dark chocolate shavings.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence is preparing for the holidays in Cairo with festive feasts throughout the Hotel ‘s restaurants and lounges. As of December 10th 2016, Pre-order mouthwatering Christmasinspired pastries at La Gourmandise and Tea Lounge. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, La Strada will present a fourcourse Italian-inspired Christmas set menu and on Christmas Day, while on New Year’s Eve a four course dinner will be accompanied by live entertainment and a DJ. La Gourmandise and Aura restaurants will feature a 4-course dinner and Lebanese specials respectively, with entertainment to ring in the New Year. In the Library Bar, guests can enjoy cocktails and a tapas menu accompanied with live performance. p
Kempinski Soma Bay makes the last days of the year the best. Enjoy home-made cookies and mulled wine, while eavesdropping on the strains of the Children’s Christmas Carols. The little ones will spend a fantastic time by a specially decorated and joyful Christmas tree and will be fascinated with the surprises brought by Santa Clause! Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at The View Restaurant will be accompanied by gastronomic extravaganza dinner treats.
RENAISSANCE Cairo Mirage City Hotel’s Activities for Christmas & New Year’s Eve Celebrate in Chinese-style Christmas Eve with a set menu and Christmas lunch on the 25th of December at Chinoix restaurant. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a special set menu paired with wine and live entertainment. Get hyped with your friends this Christmas Eve and celebrate it with a live DJ and an exotic belly dancer. Citron Restaurant is also preparing a Christmas dinner buffet and special Santa Clause giveaways from 6:30 pm till 10:30 pm. A live cooking buffet will be offered also at Citron and entertainment on New Year’s Eve. Share the occasion with family and friends and make it a memorable night with live entertainment. p
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SpotlightS towntalk
Festivities, Fairy Tales and Glamour at Four Seasons Nile Plaza For a more elaborate meal, enjoy a distinguished six-course menu cooked by the hands of Bella restaurant expert Chefs, or an eight-course menu at 8 restaurant, for both Christmas Eve and Christmas day, where Chinese is a way of living, not just a cuisine. Experience the best that Egypt has to offer through the Egyptian culinary-art-hub that is Zitouni restaurant. From intricate ages-old Egyptian recipes to popular always-ondemand recipes; this is a Christmas buffet that will guarantee a happy palate and a festive soul. For an evening just as elegant, but slightly more laid back; enjoy a Christmas dinner to the tunes of the live jazz band entertaining you for the night at Upper Deck – all the festivity and Christmas spirit, as well as the renowned Four Seasons luxury. Celebrate the memories, the hardships and the joys of the year, put it all behind, and embark on a new journey for 2017, marking its beginning with style at Graffiti Bar and Lounge– where an especially designed entertainment program along with live entertainment will have you dancing your way into 2017. p
Egypt is the Best by Strategy: The inside Story of the New OOH Strategy of OPPO Campaign The outdoor advertising market society in Egypt appreciated latest campaigns of «OPPO camera phone» which had spread in Egypt rapidly during the past weeks, and it refreshes the market memory of the earlier campaigns of the same brand in Egypt; with those different OOH advertising strategies were conducted frequently since 2015 and until today. p
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Life-Size Snakes & Ladders Game at City Centre Maadi Gives Winners Gifts City Centre Maadi is always one step ahead when it comes to family entertainment. Throughout the month of November, visitors were able to enjoy playing a life-sized game of snakes and ladders inside the mall. To top it off, a total of 750 game winners went home with shopping vouchers from Carrefour. As for those who visited City Centre during November solely for shopping, the mall surprised five lucky winners with a prize worth EGP20,000 of shopping vouchers from Carrefour among other high-end stores. The names of the winners were announced during the grand draw held on 30 November. p
Omar Samra Launches “Make Space Yours” Project Last Month The project targets over 100 schools and universities across Egypt to help develop STEM education within these entities. It aims at inspiring interest in space science and exploration in Egyptian schools and university students by presenting them with an opportunity to participate in space competitions in Egypt. Omar Samra is known for being an adventurer, mountaineer, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and future astronaut. He’s selected to become the first Egyptian to visit space. p
STYLE
6Dinner Table
Themes to Prepare you for the Holidays By Rawan Abdel Latif
Colorful Modern Twist Just because the Christmas season is coming up, doesn’t mean you have to stick to the festive colors of red, white and green. Covering your table with a bold blue tablecloth, or any other deep color, adds an instant pop to the area. Whether you want to stick to the color theme by placing blue plates, or add white vases with cotton ball plants and plates to create a contrast, both options will work towards the modern style you are looking for. Finish off this design by adding camel colored name placings or napkins.
Knit and Flower Arrangement Some of us aim for our house to reflect a homey vibe when our guests arrive. To opt for a less traditional, cozier table setting for your holiday occasions, cover your dinner table with a simple, knitted cloth, preferably white. Decorate your table with white candles of different sizes, with any vases or cups made of glass. Stick to white plating and silverware, as well as a white napkin held together by a snowflake napkin ring tied on by a red ribbon. To add a pop of color, place simple, individual flowers in glass vases, and to add to the cozy atmosphere, place some pinecones around the candles.
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Sparkling Holiday Spirit There are times when we want our home and dinner table to reflect the festive spirit of the month of December. Including your ornaments and gifts in your party theme will give your guests the warm feeling that comes with the holiday season. Begin by choosing a warm color as your table cover, like a dark blue or green, then on a colored plate (or glass if you don’t have), add on your shiny, colorful ornaments, and place several of these plates across the middle of your table. Compliment the colors of the ornaments by placing plates and napkins of the same palette. Adding on two large candles and some pine leaves will have guests feeling welcomed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what to place on your table: you can add small gifts, different sized candles, another colorful cloth in the middle or sparkly ornaments.
Two-Tones and Neutrals Mixing and matching two contrastingly different colors or playing with neutrals always gives out a simple yet elegant feel. Most colors match with white, but those that really stand out are: baby blue, beige and purple. All plating and decoration should be from the two colors you have chosen, with the exception of silver or glassware. For this particular theme, aim to avoid an abundance of decoration, sticking to the necessary plating, with a white napkin and flowers in the middle. If you want to add some form of low-key decoration, you can add a placemat under the plates, also fitting the color-theme.
White and Gold It is no secret that white and gold add some glamor to everything. If you want to go for a more luxurious feel to your party, stick with creating this white and gold theme, throwing in a little gray or black at times if you want to add an edge to it. Start off with a plain white tablecloth, keeping in mind that if your table is already white, you can leave this out. Keep any plating, serving dishes and cups all white, placing the gold mats in front of every seat to create that contrast. Mix and match the decorations between white and gold, for example, a white vase with a gold plant, or vice versa. Also, don’t be shy to add more decoration elements or ornaments as you please, as long as you stick to the color theme.
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STYLE
Traditional Red and Green This theme is perfect for bringing the Christmas spirit to the table. Whether you are celebrating it or not, these two colors really do compliment each other and create a wonderful, festive atmosphere. Covering your table with a red, green and white checkered tablecloth is essential to this theme. Also, don’t hesitate to over-decorate, as it all adds to the spirit. Contrast the plating, and silverware if you would like, with a mix of red and green, adding on a red plate mat if you please. In the middle of the table, add on a mix of candles with red ribbons, pine cones and leaves, Christmas ornaments and even red and white sugar canes. Avoid placing flowers, and replace them with more wooden, earthy plants. You can also put together your own luminaries by adding to a glass or crystal jar something green (rosemary for example), cranberries or cherries, water and a floating candle. p
General Tips Some of us tend to forget where the placement of the plates, silverware and cups on a table go. Follow the below steps to set up your table perfectly for a formal occasion: • To the left of the dinner plate (outside first): individual salad fork then the dinner fork. • Above the salad fork and dinner fork is the bread and butter plate and butter knife. • A salad plate is not usually set. If salad is served before the main course, the salad plate is placed on top of the service plate. • At the center: service plate with a napkin or soup bowl at the center. • When it is time for the main course, the used appetizer, soup or salad plate is removed along with the service plate. • To the right of the dinner plate (outside first): a soup spoon then the dinner knife. • Dessert spoons and forks may be placed horizontally in front of the place setting, with the spoon facing right and fork facing to the left, or may be brought in on the dessert plates. • To the right above the knife: water glass and the secondary drink glass • Cup and saucer with a teaspoon may either be brought in with dessert and set to the right of the dinner plate, or served separately.
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STYLE
“Mazoura”
by Designer Heba Abu Ouf Launches at the Marriott
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ugenie Lounge at the Marriott Hotel Cairo witnessed the launching of the spectacular fashion brand “Mazoura” by owner, founder and designer Heba Abu Ouf. The event signifies the birth of an innovative star in the world of fashion, creating remarkable outfits of distinctive style. “Mazoura” is 100% an Egyptian product, designed specifically to provide comfort, cosiness, and grace within its modern lines while totally relying on local raw materials, Egyptian proficiency, and talented and experienced labour force. The designer believes that the Egyptian market is in desperate need of native designers whose major objective is to develop and refine not only the Egyptian production but also the Egyptian taste in an attempt to satisfy the Egyptian women’s modern and contemporary aspirations. Her target is for “Mazoura” creations to offer females of different age ranges, original and expedient Egyptian selections that will also competently compete with the global and international markets. Abu Ouf trusts in innovation and originality; in her creations, she pursues a pattern that allows the combination of modern style and universal fashion trends while preserving the Egyptian particular and endearing identity. An ultimate objective she seeks is for “Mazoura” to provide designs that suit the Egyptian woman within her society with relatively affordable prices that would urge to dispense with imported products in accordance with our country’s current national strategy of promoting Egyptian productions and local industries. p
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STYLE
Makeup Ideas for Christmas and New Year Parties It is finally December, and with the Christmas parties slowly approaching, it’s time to crack open the glitter and get glammed for party season. From bold smokey eyes, to a glamorous bold lips, everything is acceptable.
Cranberry Crush If you have short hair, you should 100% take this opportunity to show off your lovely facial features and try something bold with your makeup. A vivid cranberry lip and shimmery shadow plus winged eyeliner look stunning with simply, mussed-up hair.
Aqua Shine Try an unconventional color on your eyes for the holidays. Make brown eyes pop with a shimmery blue or green shade, then blend it out into a deep black color. Finish the look off with a nude lip to balance out the standout colors up top.
Simply Glowing For those who want a polished look but don’t like to wear a lot of makeup, wear a sheer pink on your lips, a wash of pink blush on your cheeks, and a little liner plus two coats of black mascara on your eyes.
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Glitter Lids Make your eyes stand out in a simple, subtle way by adding a pretty streak of glittery liner just above your lash line.
Dark Lipstick
Simply Rosy
The classic vamp look has continued past the Halloween season and into the festivities. Darker lipsticks provide an ultraglam look, perfect against that little black dress or sequin number, a glossy glittery berry lip is perfect for adding a little shine to lips.
If you’re wearing a high-impact gown in a bright color, you don’t need to match your makeup in intensity, should you prefer a subtler look. Stick with warm pink cheeks, a rosy lip color, and a very thin cat eye plus mascara.
Rosy Cheeks
Smokey Eyes You can never go wrong with the ultra-glam smokey eye look; the perfect way to make a bold statement against a plain dress. Why not try adding a little gold glitter to a bronze smokey eye, or silver against a darker smokey eye, to add a little festivity to your makeup.
The colder months have definitely brought out a natural rose to our cheeks, but rosy cheeks are also a perfect makeup trend for this season. After applying makeup, why not add a subtle pinky sweep across your cheeks for an extra boost of colour. Tip: For those wanting a more natural look, then try a cream pink blush.
Highlighter
Colored Eye liner
If there is any occasion where it is acceptable to add a little shimmer and glow to our makeup regime, then the festive party season is definitely it. Highlighters have been a huge trend so why not add a little shimmer or highlighter to your cheek bones for your Christmas party? The trick is to illuminate to where the light naturally reflects on your face, i.e. your cupids bow, cheekbones, along the narrow line of your nose and across your forehead.
This season, don’t just stick to the simple black liner; why not try some colours to help your eyes pop. For those with green eyes, a purple liner is perfect, whilst those with brown eyes can try a teal glitter liner, underneath the eyes. Soft violet and brown tones against blue eyes provide a gorgeous contrast, ensuring your eyes are the main attraction. Tip: When wearing bright liners and shades around the eyes, try to keep the lips and cheek a little softer. p
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MIND, BODY & SOUL
s s e n i p p Ha e of Mind
is a Stat
I was invited to a retreat in El Sokhna resort. Always intrigued by what people do at a retreat, I immediately accepted, but more enticing was a workshop that I was to attend: “The Path to Happiness”.
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hen we arrived at the resort, I was greeted by a lady dressed all in white called Sandra Shama Kaur. Over the time spent together, Sandra was always in a white outfit; even her head bandana was white. I finally had to ask: why white? She explained that people are attracted to the white color and feel you welcome them better. Also white expands one’s aura and creates a powerful interface between you and your environments. The spectrum of light energy that makes up the color white contains the energies of all colors, and by wearing white, all the colors are available to support and enhance the aura and the eight chakras. As for the headwear, according to her, covering the head creates a focus of the functional circuit of the hemispheres of the brain, and tunes the neurological system.
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Sandra’s retreat included a number of interesting activities. First and foremost, and what attracted me to join in, was her lecture on the Four Pillars of Happiness in which she said that stress is good for us. Unbelievable, I told myself. “You must learn to let go”, she continues, “It pressures us to act, move and think. The Stress Triangle ‘balance, awareness and conscious relaxation’ helps us discover our own stress personality.” The useful tools of communication with others was the second session we attended where she mentioned that we have to realize that every person is unique, and that explains why we behave differently and decide differently. So to have a happy relationship with others, we should understand their needs and then cultivate effective communication.
The third session was on mastering the mind. That is, if we can control our mind, we will be happy, be able to reduce anxiety and depression, and of course, enhance creativity, otherwise we become slaves to our minds. One way to do this is through meditation, taking a break to recharge, practice yoga and focus on joyful moments. The fourth and a very special session was on the food we eat and its impact on our mood, creativity, and overall wellness and happiness. This was a hands-on experience where we all participated in cutting up vegetables, making sauces, and mixing spices, not knowing that under her direction, we were concoctioning a healthy vegan delicious meal. She explained to us that the type of food we eat could make us feel light and peaceful, energetic or heavy, depressed and lethargic. Sandra’s workshop included activities outside in the open air where we went through a few yoga sessions, a walk by the water where she taught us useful breathing methods while we walked, a meditation session and last but not least, a sway-like dance to release tension and free the mind and body from impurities. Her last session was informing us on her own experiences in aiding the Syrian refugees that are detained in temporary camps in Greece, waiting to pass through to other European countries. She worked in liaising between the refugees and representatives such as lawyers, doctors, and UN organizations, where she communicated the refugees’ needs and listened to their concerns. Sandra Shama Kaur practices Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Sivanada yoga because she appreciates the subtle differences of each style and believes in the invigorating power that yoga offers the mind, body and spirit. She is the owner of a Yoga centre called Yalla Yoga in Cairo, where she teaches Kundalini Yoga and Vinyasa. Sandra aims to return to the refugee camps in Greece to help with the communication and to answer to their needs. She is also planning to do other community service work in Egypt such as an anti-drug campaign and sessions in schools to make students be aware of the dangers of harmful drugs. p
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Culture
Ghona Masry: Reviving Egyptian Folkloric Heritage By Soha Khater Photos courtesy of the Creativity Center, Cultural Development Fund.
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he Artistic Creativity Center located in the Cairo Opera House presented “Ghona Masry”, a musical show directed by Dr. Khaled Galal, Chairman of the center’s Central Administration, that introduced a collection of songs aimed at reviving Egyptian folkloric heritage.
Some of the songs are a mélange of religious chanting and recitals in praise of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), while others signify Upper and Lower Egyptian folkloric culture and traditions. The show, which lasts for about an hour, is funded and produced under the auspices of the Cultural Development Fund, headed by Dr. Nevine El Kilany, Chairman of the Cultural Development Fund (CDF). Ghona Masry was performed by three of Egypt’s youth: Rabab Nagy, Mostafa Samy and Maher Mahmoud, who were chosen based on their gifted voices. The Artistic Creativity Center was inaugurated in 2002, while its studio opened its doors in 2003, aiming to support the youth by providing them with all the necessary training under the guidance of specialized experts in different fields, like acting, music production, poetic recital, directing, décor and fashion design, as well as theatre management. The Musical show Representing the authentic Egyptian culture and heritage, performers appear on stage dressed in oriental cotton shirts corresponding to the Islamic décor on blue, Khayamia textiles, and the tunics or galabeyas worn by the Mohamed Baher Troop for Folkloric Instruments. The troop consists of six musicians headed by Mohamed Baher, the well-known maestro. Musical instruments include: the rababa (the reboque), the mezmar (the Egyptian folkloric oboe), kola, ( the folkloric flute), while the rhythm is represented by the drums and castanets. Meet the Choir Maher Mahmoud graduated from the Faculty of Literature, Helwan University, while Rabab and Mostafa graduated from the faculties of Commerce and Law, Cairo University, respectively. Regardless of their educational backgrounds, singing and acting had been their passion since their early childhood years, and they decided to kick-start their careers as actors and singers. Eager to enhance their skills through specialized artistic training and studies, they joined the studio. p To follow their news, updates and upcoming schedule check: Cultural Development Fund website: www.cdf.gov.eg Facebook page: egyptcdf
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ARGENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: HUMAN LANDSCAPES
Opening December 20th at 6 pm. Exhibition until December 27th. Human Landscapes presents a multiple approach to various aspects of Argentina idiosyncrasy and geography through the lucid gaze of seven contemporary visual artists. This is not a homogeneous group of works but rather the attempt to show the complex ways of inhabiting the territory from the articulation of different aesthetic pursuits. The serialization of these photographic works provides a mixed picture that demarcates subjective territories. The actions of man shows the natural landscape and its features, and those are the differential points of view that brings the vision of each artist. Thus, large cities such as Buenos Aires, provincial capitals as Salta in the north of the country, or the way of living in an island of the Paraná River, are not here presented as mere scenery for the tourist fruition, but as scenarios of social geography in which the inhabitants modulate nature with their lifestyles, their activities, their anxieties, their customs and beliefs. While it is true that the scenes are definitely Argentine proposals, undoubtedly also have a universal quality that transcends its specific features, leaving aspects of the human condition. The choice of artists working with photography is relevant since this aesthetic device has a dual directionality: as a document of the world and as an eloquent construction of the artist’s eye. The exhibition then presents the poetic landscape of Argentina, while allowing to discover the personal universe of each artist through his works, operating as a gateway to their interests, their searches, their concerns and private obsessions. Dr. Andrés Duprat, Director of the Museum of Fine Arts of Argentina, is the curator of the exhibition “Human Landscapes”. The exhibition is sponsored by the Argentine Embassy in Egypt and coordinated by Amb. Sergio Alberto Baur. LIST OF ARTISTS: Laura Glusman, Alejandro Chaskielberg, Florencia Blanco, Gonzalo Maggi, Nicolás Janowski, Luis Abadi, Rosana Schoijett. Egyptian Center for International Cultural Cooperation. 11, Shagaret El Dor St., Zamalek, Cairo p dec 2016 | Ct
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December Movie Releases You Don’t Want to Miss Believe Release Date: 2 December Genre: Drama Director: Billy Dickson Cast: Ryan O’Quinn, Shawnee Smith and Danielle Nicolet Synopsis: Small town business owner Mathew Peyton struggles between financial and business issues and his responsibility of funding the annual Christmas pageant, until he meets Clarence, a young boy who believes in miracles. Peyton is stuck between deciding whether he should stick to what will benefit him, or take a leap of faith by opening up to this boy and his community.
Jackie Release Date: 2 December Genre: Biography, Drama Director: Pablo Larrain Cast: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Julie Judd and Greta Gerwig Synopsis: A movie that tells the story of one of America’s most tragic historical moments: the assassination of late President JFK. Told through the eyes of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Jackie, then the First Lady, this movie portrays the days leading up to and the aftermath of this tragedy.
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Office Christmas Party Release Date: 9 December Genre: Comedy Directors: Josh Gordon and Will Speck Cast: T.J. Miller, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, and Olivia Munn Synopsis: The CEO of a company attempts to shut down her irresponsible, partying brother’s branch, but he and his technical officer work together to host an incredible Christmas party in the hope of impressing a potential client and closing a deal that may help save their jobs.
The Bounce Back Release Date: 9 December Genre: Romantic Comedy Director: Youssef Delara Cast: Nadine Velazquez, Shemar Moore and Michael Beach Synopsis: Relationship expert and author of the new best seller The Bounce Back, Mathew Taylor meets and falls for Kristin Peralta during his book tour. Peralta, a talk show circuit therapist, is convinced that he’s nothing but a fraud, forcing Taylor to face the pain from his past relationship.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (3D) Release Date: 15 December Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Director: Gareth Edwards Cast: Riz Ahmed, Felicity Jones, Alistair Petrie, Ben Mendelsohn and Diego Luna Synopsis: In a time of conflict, The rebels become unlikely heroes as they work together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction.
La La Land Release Date: 16 December Genre: Romance, Musical Director: Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Amiee Conn, Finn Wittrock and John Legend Synopsis: Jazz pianist Sebastian and actress Mia fall in love due to their common desires to follow their passions. As they both find success, they are faced with decisions that begin to affect their fragile relationship as the dreams that once brought them together are threatening to rip them apart.
Collateral Beauty Release Date: 16 December Genre: Drama Director: David Frankel Cast: Will Smith, Keira Knightley and Kate Winslet Synopsis: When a successful New York advertising executive faces grief from a terrible tragedy, he falls into a deep hole of depression that his colleagues then come together to get him to confront in a surprising way.
Sing Release Date: 21 December Genre: Musical, Comedy, Animation Directors: Garth Jennings and Christophe Lourdelet Cast: Mathew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Seth MacFarlane Synopsis: When a koala named Buster Moon’s theatre faces some difficult times, he sets out to try to restore and preserve his life’s ambition by hosting the world’s greatest singing competition. p
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Culture
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen This is a story about the weight of a double conscience. By Mona El Husseiny
The protagonist is a French-Vietnamese spy for the communists in North Vietnam who worked undercover as an assistant to a powerful general in South Vietnam. He manages to distressingly escape Saigon, then the capital of South Vietnam, following its fall, and joins his fellow refugees in building a life in Los Angeles. He simultaneously sympathizes with the refugee community in LA and with his communist comrades in Vietnam, but most of all he sympathizes with himself: a bastard who was lovingly brought up by his Vietnamese mother and coldly neglected by his French colonialist father. The book begins with climactic scenes describing the fall of Saigon and succeeds to instantly capture the reader’s attention. The author describes the transitory refugee camps and how the lives of his acquaintances and employers changed in contrast to their lavish lifestyle back home in Saigon. The protagonist suffers an identity crisis and finds himself caught between opposing polarities such as being a western versus an oriental, being loyal to his Communist superiors back in Vietnam while maintaining his secret identity among the Vietnamese generals, soldiers and C.I.A confidants in Los Angeles, and ultimately muffling the voice of his conscience as it incessantly plays a record of reprimand for the crimes he committed as a doubleagent. The author cleverly tackles other crucial issues, such as the role of Hollywood in manipulating the accuracies of the Vietnam War, when he writes, “For this was the first war where the losers would write history instead of the victors, courtesy of the most efficient propaganda machine ever created”. Consistently, he highlights the strong bond between blood brothers and old friends in times of conflict, the romantic forbidden loves in between and the excruciating efforts one undertakes in neutralizing the heart and mind. The novel takes on an unexpected Orwellian turn towards the end that has the reader eagerly turning pages to get through the discomfort in a similar manner of quickly pulling off a bandage.
T
he Sympathizer emotionally invests the reader and takes them on a swerving road of war and refuge, evoking heightened sensations of sympathy, rage and grimacing shudders, with occasional respites of love, friendship and loyalty.
If there is one thing that wars have proven over time; it is that history does indeed repeat itself, deeming all wars equally disastrous and tragic, uniting under the clouds of loss. Viet Thanh Nguyen’s The Sympathizer is written in the form of a forced confession of a double agent, “a man of two minds”, who is pummeled by his timid conscience in the gruesome winds of war and dual allegiances. The story is written from the point of view of the protagonist, whose name remains anonymous throughout the entire book, causing the reader to develop a personal association with the character’s vivid narration.
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The Sympathizer is greatly influenced by Viet Thanh Nguyen’s life events. His parents grew up in North Vietnam and had to flee to the South in 1954. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, they fled to the United States when Nguyen was four years old after his mother’s maternal instinct led Viet and his brother to Saigon in order to meet their father. Once they arrived in the US, they were placed in a refugee camp and had to wait for a family to sponsor them. They were separated: Viet at 4 years old was sent to live with an American family, his parents were sent to a different family, and his brother to yet another one. Nguyen admits that it took him a long time to understand the traumatic effects that this shortlived, disturbing separation had on him. Such deep-rooted memories come to surface in candid expressions and heartfelt monologues that are poetically and sensitively highlighted throughout the book. Published by Grove Press in 2015, The Sympathizer is the debut novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American professor of English and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. It is the winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the Edgar Award for Best Novel, the 2015 Center for Fiction First Prize, the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction from the American Library Association, and more prestigious awards. It was also nominated and shortlisted for other awards, is a New York Times bestseller, and was named Best Book of the Year by the New York Times Book Review, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, among others. p
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FEATURE
Glimpses of Hope in Upcoming
Governmental Projects By Rawan Abdel Latif
It comes as no surprise that Egypt is currently facing many hardships: the increase in the prices of goods that are now disappearing from the market, the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, fraud attempts and issues with the education and health system, among many others, but people must also be aware of the projects that, if implemented and maintained correctly, can add a little hope to the future of our country.
One-and-a-Half Million Acres Agriculture Project The Egyptian government announced the launch of the first stage of this project in December 2015. Located in Farafra city in the New Valley, this project aims to not only increase agricultural areas, but to build and renew around 2500 houses along with governmental buildings, solar stations and water plants to accommodate the area. By increasing the production of agricultural products, Egypt will be able to reduce the imports of those goods, as it will be able to fulfill the demands of its population. This project also aims at increasing both the percentage of residential areas in Egypt by 4% as well as the farmlands by 20%. In order to provide the proper water supply to maintain these farmlands, it is estimated that around 5000 water wells will also be established, along with new roads that aim to connect Farafra city to other areas in the country, specifically Upper Egypt. The project is split up into three stages: the first two stages include the establishment of 1 million acres in Farafra that should reach Aswan, Marsa Matrouh, Qena and Minya. The third stage aims at planting half a million acres in the south of Sinai. A lot has already been completed in the first stage, including the establishment of three villages, two of which serve agricultural purposes while the third is oriented to serve the workers, including 2000 farmhouses for them as well as schools, medical services, emergency services, among many others. The agriculture sector of Egypt constitutes 17% of our GDP.
By increasing the production of agricultural products, Egypt will be able to reduce the imports of those goods, as it will be able to fulfill the demands of its population. 28
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Housing Projects Another project currently underway focuses on the development of Egypt’s rural areas that are home to buildings in very poor shape. These buildings are usually built illegally, therefore are hazards to the community as they can collapse at any time, resulting in the death of many people. It also aims to offer houses at fair prices, specifically targeting the youth with low incomes, as around 70% of these houses will be affordable to the poor. According to Egyptian Housing Minister Mostafa Madbuly, the government aims at developing around 248 of these rural areas by the year 2018, to conclude at around 500 thousand units after 6 years. This project is aimed to cost around one billion EGP. The project is highly significant, especially with Egypt facing the rise in prices, as it gives the youth the foundation to start their lives.
New Suez Canal Welcoming ships in August 2016, the inauguration of the New Suez Canal was announced during a large celebration attended by the president as well as important governmental figures. The aim of the project was to add another 35 km lane to the canal to allow ships to pass in opposite directions, leading to an 8-hour decrease in waiting time and a double in the capacity, as well as expanding the already existing part of the canal. However, those were not the only aims of this project. The New Suez Canal also helped promote other projects, such as the upgrading of six harbors (to include Sharq el Tafria and El Sokhna) as well as offering visiting ships services like oil refining and assembling of cars. Many setbacks in this project have been highlighted, however, by the public and by several experts. The public questioned whether the amount of money spent on this project could have been aimed at tackling other major issues in the country such as health care and education, while others pointed out the fact that many foreign ships opted for other alternatives rather than passing through the Suez Canal. Experts have also brought to light the negative impact such a project has on the ecosystem, mentioning that it would affect both the Mediterranean and Red Sea’s biodiversity.
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FEATURE The National Project for Roads The project that most of the Egyptian population has seen unfold before their eyes has been the restoration of many of the roads, highways, tunnels and bridges across the country. Those infrastructures that have received positive feedback include the renovation of the Cairo-Alexandria highway, the several bridges and tunnels on the Ring Road, especially the two that link Nasr City to New Cairo and the bridge on the NA (Mehwar El Musheer). Those that are still in progress are the Cairo-Sokhna highway, the many bridges and tunnels in New Cairo, the Suez Road, the River Nile bridges (Mansoura, Minya, Aswan and Qena), the highway from Cairo to Marsa Matrouh, and many other highways that connect different cities together.
The new capital is expected to be home to around seven million residents, offering them job opportunities similar to those found in Cairo.
This project’s vision is to renovate and develop up to 4800 kilometers of road networks split up into two stages. During 2014 and 2015, 186 bridges were repaired, as well as the development of 155 km length of paved roads. The government aims to restore an additional 214 bridges by the end of 2016. The second phase of this project begun in August 2015 with the help of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, and has so far seen the development of 600 kilometers of roads.
The New Capital During Egypt’s 3-day Economic Conference held in Sharm el-Sheikh in March 2015, it was announced that the government would begin establishing the New Administrative Capital to Egypt. An investment of around 45 billion USD is expected from various foreign investors for this new city located south of the Cairo-Suez road. The new capital is expected to be home to around seven million residents, offering them job opportunities similar to those found in Cairo, as well as governmental buildings, a medical city, educational institutions, a business zone and a sports zone, among others. However, along with the announcement of this project came a lot of negative feedback including the question of whether the economic situation in Egypt will be able to withstand such a huge project, and whether this should be a priority above many other important issues that may put to rest citizens’ security concerns.
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Sharq al Tafria At the end of the year 2015, the government announced the start of this megaproject set to be located in Port Said. Not only will this project include the renovation and extension of the city, but will also provide a port, a harbor, an industrial zone and a residential area to house and serve those working on the projects. In order to ease the access to the above infrastructures, the Egyptian government will also work on renovating the highways that link Port Said to Sharm el-Sheikh, Ismailia, and create a new road to connect the city to the Cairo-Ismailia desert road. This project, if completed and maintained correctly, will offer millions of job opportunities for a variety of people, as well as attracting investors and spark international interest.
25-Grain Silos Project In the year 2013, under the rule of former President Adly Mansour, The Egyptian Holding Company for Silos and Storage announced the plan to build 25 silos for the storage of grains in many Egyptian governorates in order to protect these products from birds, insects and other threats. This will lead to an increase in supply for the nation, eliminating any waste. As a large portion of our production is constantly thrown away due to the lack of control and prevention of threat, this project will provide the population with a safer source of food.
El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant Also originally announced in 2013 during the former presidency of Adly Mansour was the establishment of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant in El Dabaa, west of Alexandria, that is estimated to be completed by 2022, while the four reactors are set to be fully operational by 2024. Russia has agreed to loan Egypt 25 billion USD in order to help aid the construction of this nuclear plant, while Egypt will begin returning this in annual installments at a 3% interest rate starting from 2029. The four reactors are going to be third-generation reactors, which are now considered the most recent advancement in this field. The president emphasized the fact that this project’s sole purpose is to produce electricity, and will not be used for any reasons other than peaceful. DEC 2016 | Ct
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Fish Farms in the Suez Canal In order to increase the production of safe seafood goods, the Egyptian government has begun establishing fish farms in the Suez Canal and North Sinai. As of June 2015, around 500 of these farms were completed as the first stage of this project, hoping to reach 3800. Not only does this project provide safer alternatives to seafood, as well as an increase in the production, but it also encourages the residency of new fishermen and agriculture graduates to the area, as it is quite uninhabited. Research has proved that this will enable Egypt to become a self-sufficient source of this product.
New Ismailia Project In November 2014, the Egyptian president announced the construction of a New Ismailia City that will be situated on the east coast of the Suez Canal, overlooking the established city. Other than the fact that it will be the first Egyptian city that will cater to special needs residents, like having escalators that take them to their homes, this new city will also be home to and serve the needs of laborers working in any of the Suez Canal development projects. This new city will include the construction of around 6,000 housing units, as well as the expected health and emergency services, sports clubs, educational facilities and markets.
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New Alamein City This new coastal city will aim to revive environmental tourism, and will be established south of the already-existent coastal road. Construction of the New Alamain City will cover an area of around 90,000 acres, already begun in October 2015. The city is estimated to accommodate 30,000 resident for the next 40 years, and consists of several phases, of which already 8,000 acres have been planned. However, many have questioned the essentiality of this project: yes, we are in need of touristic income, seeing as Egypt is home to beautiful scenery, however, will it really generate a significant amount of income for the country?
As a large portion of our production is constantly thrown away due to the lack of control and prevention of threat, this project will provide the population with a safer source of food. Takaful and Karama Pension Projects In order to offer assistance to the population living in poverty, new pension projects aimed to help finance some of the poor’s lives begun as of 2014, with the third stage launching this year. This project has already covered one million families, and aims to reach one million and a half by mid 2017. The World Bank is creating projects of its own that will help support this particular governmental project. Takaful provides cash transfers that are given to the families per month, and aims to help them provide their children with health care and education services, whereas Karama targets the elderly that have passed the age of 65 as well as the handicapped population living in poverty by providing them with a monthly amount of 320 EGP. Both pension projects’ main target is to support the segments of the population that find difficultly working due to their age or possible disabilities, as well as those who do not receive enough monthly income to take care of their children’s needs.
Jabal-el-Jalalah Project in Sinai This project has recently begun construction under the supervision of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, and aims to establish the Jalalah city by building the Al-Jalalah touristic resort, the King Abdullah Bin Abdelaziz University, a new industrial zone as well as restoring the Sokhna-Zaafarana road. The city itself will also be developed and will eventually include a medical city, touristic and residential zones, services to cater to those zones and an Olympic village. Since this city is rich in minerals and raw materials, especially marble, the government is looking to build a road through the mountain itself to aid in the transportation of these materials. This road, along with the SokhnaZaafarana road that will reach Hurghada, eventually connecting to Halayeb and Shalateen, will house the new industrial zone that will include a fertilizer plant and quarries that maximize the production of marble, mud and kaolin. The Al-Jalalah touristic resort, which will overlook the Gulf of Suez, as well as the King Abdullah Bin Abdelaziz University will both attract a diverse population to the city. The resort will include two hotels, the first of which will be built on the mountain itself, and the second will be home to 300 rooms, chalets and a Marina and will be situated on the coast. This resort should be completed by July 2017, along with a water desalination station established specifically to cater to its residents. The university will spark international interest as it will implement some of the most advanced teachings and managements found in Egypt.
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Golden Triangle Project This project aims at improving the industrial and trade aspects of Upper Egypt by building roads to connect the industrial zones of Safaga, Qena and al-Quseir. Through this, they can cater to the new economic zone that will be built in the area to support the various agricultural, trade and touristic centers that will further enhance the development of Upper Egypt. The Golden Triangle project will cover around 840 thousand acres.
Batterjee Medical City Adding to the touristic element of Alexandria, the Middle East Healthcare Company announced the agreement of the construction of the Batterjee Medical City in the elite compound: Alex West. To be operated under the Saudi German Hospital name, this hospital is estimated to begin accepting patients by the end of 2019, with the commencement of the foundation already beginning last September. This project consists of four phases, the first of which being a general hospital, the second will include seven specialty hospitals, the third being a medical tower that includes 220 clinics and finally, a medical college. The total cost of this project rounds up to around 2.5 billion EGP. The Batterjee Medical City will appeal to North Africa and the Middle East, and is forecasted to be one of the highly successful projects in Egypt. p
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FEATURE
Ideas for a Different
New Year Holiday A trip in the Desert A three or four day trip in the desert could be a pleasant and serene experience, so we chose for you an area called Wadi Watir, which is not far from the Nuweiba resort. At Nuweiba or nearby, there is a variety of accommodation to choose from. There are hotels with full facilities and there are Bedouin camps which are basically huts made from palm leaves, wood and sometimes Bamboo. Or for more upgraded camps, there are Small Dune Camp, Sababa Camp or Habiba Organic Farm, to name a few, with some facilities, kitchens, barbecues and even a pool. Some people prefer to get their own camping equipment and arrange with the Bedouins to prepare them a daily breakfast. You can start your trip by going to Wadi Watir where there are a number of Bedouin settlements there, then visit a couple of springs such as Ein Umm Ahmed, or the famous springs of Ein Khudra, which is a beautiful picturesque oasis with gardens and date palms, encircled by steep mountain ranges and vertical cliffs. Nearby is the White Canyon, Abu Hamada and the Rainbow Canyon, all colourful pretty places worth a visit. Nawamis is another site comprised of a set of mysterious buildings set at elevated points, that nobody knows who built them or where they came from. Looking for a bit more? There are several Internet sites for quad bike rentals or guides to take you on a tour on bikes or a safari on a beach buggy. If you opt to take it easy, spend your time on the beach (some of the camps are situated by the sea or a pool) reading, listening to music and enjoying a cool drink. On New Year’s Eve, we recommend a Bedouin Night in the desert where the Bedouins will cook you a fine meal. Drink the Bedouin tea with marmarya and toast the new year under the vast sky and stars. The following morning, visit the castle beach area where you will find some lovely beaches. Castle Zamman offers a nice place to enjoy the day with stunning views from above the mountain overlooking the beach. It features a pool, bar and serves slow-cooked food.
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Spend the evening on the nile If you are tired of Cairo’s noises and congested traffic and don’t want to be part of a large crowd on New Year’s Eve, your best option is to take a felucca on the Nile river and sail the night away. Invite some of your close friends, bring your music and put together an elegant picnic for the journey. Relax and enjoy the lights on the banks. The experience is amazing. On the other hand, if you are looking to have a larger group of friends, rent one of the Nile yachts. Christina is one option and accommodates around 25 people. Sit back on the deck, sip a refreshing drink and satisfy your palate with delicious dishes admiring the Egyptian shoreline. We recommend advanced reservations to guarantee your cruise. Another is Valentine and Valentino Yachts that can host up to 70 persons. There is a kitchen, two toilets and a bar area with a buffet. Through Airbnb you can book one of the houseboats located in Bab El Louk. Make it a potluck dinner, where you can all share in having a great New Year’s Eve party on an authentic houseboat.
the traditional ConCert and dinner Along with your favorite group of friends or family, reserve early for Cairo Opera’s famous New Year’s Eve concert which you should not miss. Start with a candlelit dinner at one of the fine restaurants (usually the prices are steeper on New Year’s Eve, but you get a very special set menu), then move on to the Opera. The concert usually ends just before midnight, making it time for you to hurry up to another venue to toast in the New Year.
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FEATURE
A House PArty rty You can make it big or small, depending on your mood. Make it interesting by throwing a costume party with a theme. Planning and brainstorming is part of the fun. If you are throwing an “Arabian Night”, remove all the furniture and throw a few pillows around, and place candles all over. Of course Middle Eastern food should be best to serve. A “Speakeasy party” can include gangster style outfits or glamorous 1920s style of attire. Turn your living room into a cocktail lounge, turn the lights down low, pick up some of the small table lights you see at nightclubs, add as many tables as you can to the room, and cover with a white tablecloth. Section off an area for a dance floor and a special bar area and consider either hiring a jazz band, or just put jazz music on. For food, make it finger food to go with the drinks. Another idea is a “Hollywood Style party”. Each guest can dress up as his favorite movie star. Either serve really fancy food or have each guest bring a potluck dish that goes with his or her costume style. Décor should be real snazzy. You can dangle crystal balls from the ceiling and throw some fake fur around. A red welcome rug would be a great addition.
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ConneCt witH nAture in An eColodge If you want to get out of Cairo but do not want to travel far, try El-Hammra Eco-Lodge, located in the village of Wadi–El-Natrun, midway between Cairo and Alexandria. It is located close to the beautiful saltwater of ElHammra Lake, where visitors can swim, bird watch, “star watch”, visit some of the oldest monasteries in the world, go for walks in the desert, play sports in their courts or simply relax with a drink by the open-air swimming pool located in the garden in front of the lodge. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also ride horses or donkeys around the stable or into the desert. Another close location is staying at an ecolodge in Tunis Village in Fayoum, a great place to disconnect from the outside world. Visit the magnificent Lake Qaroun and the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls. Fayoum is known for bird watching and has a long history in the arts with the Mohamed Abla Art Center, offering courses on photography, writing and pottery among other things. Tunis Village is also known for its pottery, and the shops are full of colorful ones from tea sets to fruit bowls and
other items of decoration for the house. The village is home to three hotels/ecolodges: Sobek Lodge, Zad Al Mosafer and Kom El Dikka. The Bedouin inspired Zad Al Mosafer is quite spacious, with an area for bonfires surrounded with tent seating areas and a library where they host a book club every Friday. The rooms are pleasingly primitive, with vibrant colored curtains and the gentle chirping of birds as a soundtrack. There are traditional Egyptian ovens made out of clay where fresh bread is baked every day. Traditional foods are offered, like feteer with honey or cheese. Sobek Ecolodge has a homier vibe and better food. The buildings resemble simple Nubian architecture and features Nubian themed seating areas. Sobek also offers a winter-equipped swimming pool and an elevated seating area where you can waste hours just gazing into the green fields. The rooms are equipped with all required means of comfort. Kom El Dikka directly overlooks the lake and the housing is similarly simple and surrounded by green spaces and flowers, while a range of activities are also available. p
Entrepreneur
Nine Websites and Applications That Help Make our Lives Easier By Rana Kamaly
In today’s fast-paced world, we all look for assistance wherever we can find it, and this is why we are presenting you with these nine online services that will help ease many different aspects of life, and they are all one click away.
Food Blessed
Unfortunately, in this world we live in, we have people starving to death, even though there is an enormous amount of food waste. A young lady from Lebanon took note of this and created Food Blessed, a platform that aims to distribute edible food leftover from restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, etc. to people in need. Food Blessed is a self-funded, community-based and volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that aspires to eradicate hunger in Lebanon. They do so through their soup kitchens that collect the edible food waste and turn it into meals that people can pick up. They also have a mobile food cart that moves around to different places to distribute these meals. This Food cart “Souper Meals on Wheels” is the first of its kind as it distributes meals in the morning, and turns into a pizza restaurant by night. This is a really noble cause that would be highly beneficial if implemented in Egypt as we also have a lot of food waste that can cater to the underprivileged people living across Egypt. Website: www.foodblessed.org
law andak dam
If you or a loved one has ever needed a blood donation, then you are aware of the difficulties that come with finding the blood type you need, and as a result, most of us resort to spreading the word through our networks in the hopes that one of them will be a match. This website, basically an online platform for blood donations, was created to help reduce or solve this problem by helping post your request across all of their media channels so a larger number of people would show up to donate. They also present all of the information needed for the donator to know when and where to donate his or her blood. You can also fill out an application form online and they will contact you when someone needs your blood type. Website: www.law3andakdam.com
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Entrepreneur ElvEs
Elves is your personal helper or secretary. It is an application that enables you to chat with a real person and ask them about anything you need and they will have the answer for you. It can help you find something you are looking for, as well book you any flight, hotel, etc. and deliver items for and to you. The unique aspect of this application is that you are talking to a real person, not a computer, so the more they get to know you, the more their recommendations will be accurate and considerate to your own needs. Even if you want to shop for clothes, they will recommend options for you according to your style and needs, buy it for you and deliver it as well. Website: www.elvesapp.com
MuMM
We all need some help in the kitchen from time to time: if you are a working mom, or living alone or just need a break from cooking, yet want to eat something healthy and home cooked, then make sure to try out Mumm. This website offers home cooked meals made by housewives, so you are getting clean food as well as helping another person generate income for their families. Get Mumm also recently started collaborating with Syrian refugees in Egypt to cook food for their customers, so you will also be able to order delicious plates from the Syrian cuisine. In order to ensure that high quality is maintained, you can choose the chef yourself, and write reviews about the ones you have tried to leave advice for others. Mumm’s staff also conduct regular cleanliness and quality checks on the chefs’ kitchens to guarantee good products. Website: www.getmumm.com
NatakallaM
Natakallam is an online platform that helps Syrian refugees get Arabic tutoring jobs across the world. Even though for many of us learning Arabic is easily possible, especially in Egypt, the process abroad is expensive, time consuming and relatively unavailable. Natakallam offers online classes, making it easy for students to pick the time that suits them and access it from anywhere. Also, Syrian refugees’ numbers are increasing everyday, and even though they are allowed to live in different parts of the world, they are still not allowed to work legally in many places. Therefore, this website actually serves the needs of both markets, as the classes are offered at reasonable prices and will help support refugee families. Website: www.natakallam.com
El WafEyat
This is the first official online platform in Egypt to bring obituaries and condolences to the online world. Through their website, you can send your condolences to the family of the deceased, publish and post obituaries and death announcements, contribute to a good cause under the name of the deceased and get your obituary published in most Egyptian newspapers through their online portal and payment methods. What really stands out is that they have their own guide to all the details, paperwork and procedures that family members need to know when a person passes away. The process is very overwhelming at the time, so having someone to guide you through it saves a lot of time and hassle during these unfortunate moments. They also have a phonebook with numbers to all the services people may need at that time. Website: www.elwafeyat.com
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Nafham
For all parents out there who are struggling to help their kids with studying or find the best tutor, Nafham is here to cater to that. Nafham provides free prerecorded lessons for all subjects and grades that follow the Egyptian, Saudi, Algerian, Syrian and Kuwaiti curriculum. One of the benefits of it is that the video tutorials only last 2-5 minutes per lesson, so your children will not have to stay still for long. It also appeals to the kids as it is fun, interactive and educational, and for the parents, it is also free. They also have an application making it even easier for kids. Their teaching style is very innovative so this modern generation can really enjoy and learn from them. Website: www.nafham.com
Yaoota
Yaoota is an online shopping website where you can search, compare and buy items from over 100 stores in Egypt. It is basically an online mall for all the reputable stores available, excluding car and real estate markets. Even if you prefer to see a product before you buy it, you can still use this service to compare prices for this specific product before you go to the shop. Even though they just started two years ago, they have already expanded to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and are also planning to open up to more areas in the Middle East and Africa. Website: www.yaoota.com
tasktY
Through this website, you can order handymen like cleaners, plumbers, carpenters etc. They have most of the services that you may need for your home, and they offer it at very reasonable prices. Everyone gets scared to ask a total stranger to come into their house and fix something, but now they don’t need to worry because Taskty guarantees them. You can even order a cook or a photographer if you have a special occasion for a couple of hours, not having to pay anything except after the service is done. p Website: www.taskty.com
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Real People
A Talk with Mayan Raslan, Governor of Rotary District 2451 The Rotary in Egypt sheds an optimistic light on the role of women leaders in Egypt. Mayan Raslan has made history by becoming the first woman elected as District Governor of the Rotary. By Mona El Husseiny
About Mayan Raslan A devoted mother and wife, a dedicated academic and a successful leader in the civil society, Raslan has determinedly carved the path to her current status. She completed her bachelor’s degree from the Alson Faculty of Al Azhar. After graduation, she worked in the Saudi Embassy, as well as being a partner in a tourism company, and vice president in her husband’s business. While completing her master’s degree in Public Administration at the American University of Cairo, Raslan got married and had her first child upon graudation. She also completed her PhD in Political Science and Economics from Cairo University last year. Besides being an old Rotarian, she is also a member of various civil society organizations and NGOs; Raslan is a trustee at El Orman Organization and the Association of Egyptian Hearts, and is a board member of the Women Alliance, the Canadian Egyptian Council, the American Egyptian Council and the Lebanese Egyptian Council. She is also a member of the Lions and Inner Wheel clubs.
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The First Woman District Governor in Egypt Raslan is the first female to hold the position of District Governor in the region. “I have the honor to be the first woman governor, elected, not chosen, which is an even higher honor for me.” This post has never been headed or chaired by a woman since 1929, when the Rotary was first established in Egypt and women were not even allowed to join the Rotary as members. This changed in 1985 when a Rotary club in California admitted a woman as a member, causing the Rotary International to withdraw the club’s charter, claiming that it has violated the Rotary rules. The club in California took the lawsuit to the US Supreme Court, which ruled that no organization is to be based on discrimination. Consequently, women have been greatly contributing to the Rotary since 1987, becoming members, district governors, directors and presidents of clubs and Rotary Foundation Trustees.
In Egypt, the ratio of women in Rotary clubs has increased from 37% last year to around 45% this year. “Women must be given better chances to become leaders, because if a man can excel in a certain area, a woman has other qualities such as patience, a strong will and overall sustainability. These are feminine merits by nature, enabling women to lead and excel in society” Raslan adds.
The Rotary in Egypt The Rotary is a service organization that was first established in Chicago in 1905. It currently has around 35,000 clubs in 200 countries. There are 92 clubs in Egypt that act as charted governmental associations under the Ministry of Solidarity and Public Affairs law. A group of clubs is called a district, making Egypt District 2451, which is comprised of around 2,300 members.
What Does the Rotary Do? “There is a misconception that the Rotary is all about fun and parties,” Raslan states, “I would like to clear this out by saying, yes the Rotary is fun, but is also a serious entity.” Raslan is keen on spreading the true image of the Rotary in an effort to advocate and enhance a sustainable society of well-educated individuals and leaders. Through public relations and an understanding of core values, members of the Rotary work with the illiterate, low-income communities and the less-privileged class in order to provide them with inaccessible services and a better standard of living. The services are addressed to the poor, the youth and the illiterate, while targeting the different areas of education, women empowerment and health. Another goal is to try to achieve a sense of fellowship and peace among the people. The clubs also invite professionals from different fields in order to give lectures and interact with the members.
Areas of Focus “Each Rotary club achieves its own service projects in its own charted area,” explains Raslan,”We also gather as one group for one mega project.” Additionally, the clubs receive guided recommendations from Rotary International for projects such as: water installations in poor areas, overcoming illiteracy, disease prevention, child and maternal healthcare, economic development and revolving funds. Each month of the calendar year, clubs concentrate on one of these areas of focus and start planning for it whether by inviting speakers or fundraising a project.” Raslan adds, “Hopefully we will be able to cover all areas before the Rotary year ends in June 2017.”
The other six months concentrate on projects such as vocational training, youth integration, publishing the Rotary magazine, the Rotary Foundation and the membership seminar.
Executed and Ongoing Projects “This year marks 100 years since the establishment of the Rotary Foundation, so we are aiming to achieve many giant projects to commemorate the Rotary’s name,” states Raslan. Raslan says, “Currently, we are reaching out to international organizations such as the UNICEF and WHO to cooperate on achieving successful projects. We have already started taking steps in the following: illiteracy classes, women empowerment training - helping to train women in vocational work in Tameya village in Fayoum - in addition to a water installations project. Additionally, the Rotary signed a protocol with the Cairo University to cooperate on projects related to youth and Virus C.” Raslan adds, “We choose our areas of focus in alignment with the government as we are part of the community, so we give our efforts to what the government recommends. For example, the government announced that it wants to work on the eradication of virus C, so we are addressing this through joint efforts with the WHO by raising awareness and holding screenings and checkups.” The Rotary is also aiming to train nurses in hospitals, providing 40 to 50 open-heart operations, renovate and rebuild 20 schools, work on issues related to special needs and on women empowerment in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, Cairo University and with the potential support of the National Council of Women. “The clubs can work on their own areas of focus while trying to allocate fundraising to Fayoum for Tameya village, a very poor community,” adds Raslan.
Rotaract and Interact Clubs Rotaract is a division in the Rotary dedicated for members aged 19 –30 year olds. It is a cluster of young people who gather in one of the clubs and are supervised and monitored by the older members. Simultaneously, there is another division called the Interact club dedicated to the younger age group of 14–18 year olds. The Rotary Organization’s philosophy is to create leaders by engaging people at a young age all over the world. Raslan adds, “If every club has both Rotaract and Interact clubs, they will be able to create generations of leaders in service of the society.” Raslan embodies an inspiring image of leadership, academia and persistence. It is a pleasant thought to look forward to more women leaders shaping and contributing to the future of Egypt. p
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TRAVEL
The Charming City of
Marrakesh
Written and photographed by Ahmed Kafafi
Marrakesh is one of the most unique touristic destinations in the world as it is home to medieval mosques, madrasas, tombs and gardens.
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I
f people speak of a wonderland, one should definitely mention Marrakesh, the renowned Moroccan city. As you land, you are cut off from modernity and begin to travel down history and to medieval times. It is an Andalusian city that continues to bear witness to the grandeur of Islamic civilization in northwest Africa and Western Europe. Perhaps Marrakesh is only rivaled by the neighboring city of Fes, to the north of the country, but it continues to hog the limelight as a cultural center and a tourist destination for many reasons.
Once the first capital of the medieval Islamic state, this city has a lot to offer. It is home to the Berbers, the original inhabitants of the country who have settled around the Atlas mountain chain that stretches between Morocco and Tunisia through Algeria. Also, its closeness to the Atlas Heights makes it a magnet for adventure-seekers, especially skiers and mountain climbers. In spite of the inroads of modernity, Marrakesh remains one of the few cities in the region that has managed to preserve its traditional lifestyle in all aspects, including architecture, crafts and cuisine, among others.
The Red City While Casablanca is known as the ‘White City’ and Fes as the ‘Yellow City’, Marrakesh, because of its pinkish or crimson-red buildings and walls, it is called the ‘Red City’. You will never cease to marvel at the huge birds nestling peacefully on the buildings, towers and some parts of the city wall. Contrary to today’s habits in Arab cities, Marrakesh is perhaps one of the few places where you find crowds of cyclists taking to the streets. Residents use their bikes to free the city from traffic congestion and pollution, and it is also the most convenient mode of transport through the city’s alleys and narrow streets. In terms of size, Marrakesh is small and can be toured in a day if you are selective, but if you are a thorough traveler, it can take you weeks to explore, for it has an abundance of mosques, palaces, gardens, museums, historical graveyards and markets, let alone so many day trips that can be planned to destinations within the Atlas Mountains, like the Orika Valley and Cascade d’ Ouzoud.
Sightseeing and Activities Since the majority can’t plan to visit all the available landmarks, they usually ask for the help of a tour-agent to organize a suitable itinerary based on their preferences. Many would opt to visit some of the historical buildings, leaving time for the traditional, popular markets, while others would combine sightseeing with mountain trekking around the Atlas, keeping in mind that the venture into the mountains is an energy-sapping experience. Many tourists would ride to Wadi Orika, the closest point to the city, climbing to the spots that overlook the waterfalls, or set up camp to enjoy the cool breeze, especially during the summer, when the temperature soars in the city and people flee to the mountainside. Note: sometimes it can rain in the Atlas during the months of July and August. Only sports people or adventurers can make it to the summits with the help of special guides that are available upon request. Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa (4,167m), is located to the east of Orika Valley. DEC 2016 | Ct
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TRAVEL
Climate and transport
Marrakesh is known for its sunny, mild climate, making it a popular destination all year round. Its summer, that begins in June and ends in September, is similar to that of Cairo. Those who aren’t used to temperatures that range between 32 and 37 celsius should probably avoid visiting during that season. Ideal times are between March and May, as well as October and November. However, the biggest crowds flow to the city in the summer in spite of the high temperatures. Skiers visit during the winter as a rest stop after their ventures in the Atlas Mountains. At all times, the best way to explore the city is on foot, but people are advised to carry an umbrella. A horse-drawn cart (hantoor) or special service vehicles that provide tours around the city are also different means of getting around, avoiding the fares of the local taxis.
arrival, aCCommodation and touring
Marrakesh is located in the southwest of the country. A trip by train from Casablanca is a short option as it covers the distance of 239 km between both cities in three hours. During the train ride, you meet all types of cheerful and hospitable Moroccans. Don’t be alarmed if someone invites you to lunch at his or her place as they take it seriously, and insist on the invite. If you carry a respectable guide book like the “Lonely Planet”, you can easily check the list of hotels and pick one that suits your budget. Many prefer small hotels tucked away in the alleys of old markets, which are originally traditional houses. Some continue to offer full board, and in addition to their reasonable prices, they are close to all the landmarks of the old city. You can ask the receptionist to draw you up an itinerary for each day. Any tour of the city should begin with Jemma el-Fnna, a square that acts as an open museum of the city’s traditional lifestyle. The square attracts tradesmen, snake charmers, dancing boys of the Chleuh Atlas tribe, pipers and African drummers. Acrobats, magicians, fortune-tellers, musicians, monkey trainers, herb sellers, story-tellers, dentists, pickpockets, and entertainers in medieval garb still populate the square. The city is also rich in flavor when it comes to its cuisine. Many of its popular meals include fried liver, kidneys, sausages and chilly salads, but be careful, especially in the summer, for some might upset your stomach.
History of tHe landmarks
A brief history of Marrakesh will explain why a thorough tour of the entire city would prove to be impossible.
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Founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr Ibn Omar, chieftain and cousin of Al Morabitin king Yusuf Ibn Tashfin, Marrakesh became an imperial capital. In the 12th century, the Morabitin built many madrasas (Koranic schools) and mosques in Marrakesh that bear Andalusian influences. The red walls of the city, built by Ali Ibn Yusuf in 1122–1123, among various buildings constructed in red sandstone during this period, have given the city its nickname. Marrakesh grew rapidly and established itself as a cultural, religious and trade center for the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. After a period of decline, the city was surpassed by Fes, but in the early16th century, Marrakesh once again became the capital of the kingdom. The city regained its pre-eminence under wealthy Saadian sultans Abu Abdallah al-Qaim and Ahmad al-Mansour, who embellished the city with sumptuous palaces such as the El Badi Palace (1578), and restored many ruined monuments. At the beginning of the 17th century, the city became popular among Sufi pilgrims for Morocco’s seven patron saints, who are entombed there. With such rich history, no wonder the city features a 19km-long wall with four gates, the most famous of which is Bab Agnaou. There are three major palaces: El Bahia Palace, the Royal Palace and El Badi Palace, as well as mosques like El Kotoubia, Ben Youssef and Mouassine. Museums include the Marrakesh Museum, Dar Si Said Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art. Suqs are found everywhere and could take a considerable part of tourists’ time, such as the attractions of Suq Semmarine that displays everything from jewelry and local wear to leatherworks, as well as Suq Ableuh that specializes in the ingredients of Moroccan cuisine as well as Suq Haddadine, Suq Smata and Suq Belaarif. Gardens are also a worthwhile landmark including the reputed Manara Garden, the Majorelle Garden and the Agdal Garden, all of which date back to medieval times.
adviCe for travelers There are many travel agencies that organize day trips, but they could be costly, so an alternative would be to plan a variety of visits to include a madrasa, a mosque, a garden and a market, and if you have extra time, you can go to more places. The visit to Wadi Orika and Atlas is certainly time-consuming and hectic, so make a point of giving it a full day. Some would give the markets another full day or go around one suq every evening, all depending on your preferences. p
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Out & AbOut Cuisine
It is a growing movement, not just here in Egypt, but around the world. In the UK, adherents of veganism have multiplied by over 390% in recent years, according to the UK Vegan Society. There are now estimated to be around half a million vegans in the UK, and over a million in the United States. In Egypt, that number is substantially lower. There are no good indicators for the spread of veganism in Egypt, but it is possibly in the hundreds: a number that is now, however, growing rapidly. But what is a vegan and what should you do if you meet one? Veganism is a term first coined in the UK back in 1944 by Donald Watson, who adhered to a lifestyle free from all animal exploitation. It is similar to being a vegetarian, but more so. Not only do Vegans not eat meat and fish, they also avoid such products as eggs, milk, cheese and honey, seeing as all of these things, as not only unhealthy for human consumption, but are also perceived by some as a contribution to the suffering of other living beings.
The Rise of the
Vegans
By Steve Gooch
You may not know it, but there are vegans in your midst. Few in number, and indistinguishable from other folks, vegans are spreading their agenda of health, compassion and wellbeing to all those who will listen.
For many years, veganism has been on the back-foot, fighting its corner, presenting its evidence to a hostile scientific community and food industry, and a public whose main response has been dismissive ridicule. Vegans were the fringe crazies at the party, but no more. To answer the second question; if you meet one, listen. Their message, now backed overwhelmingly by the scientific community, will change your life. Vegans are moving into the mainstream as even the United Nations is pushing for a global move to a meat and dairy free diet. One of the main reasons for vegans to adopt the lifestyle is concern over their own health. The scientific evidence for moving away from meat, towards a plant-based diet, is staggering. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States, meat eaters are much more likely to develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes and suffer from obesity, than their vegan counterparts. Vegans have much lower blood pressure, and are generally much healthier. These findings have been replicated consistently around the world by all scientific communities. According to the American Dietetic Association in a 2009 report: “Properly planned vegan diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases… are appropriate for individuals, during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence, and for athletes.” The vegan argument however, is not simply that it is possible to get all of the body’s requirements from plant-based foods, but that the consumption of meat and other animal derived products is actively harmful. In a study carried out at the Massachusetts General Hospital over a thirty-year period, with more than 130,000 participants, it was shown that raising the share of animal protein in one’s diet by only 10% led to a 2% higher risk of death from all causes. In the case of heart disease, this figure rose to 8%. Eliminating eggs from the diet led to a 19% reduction in death risk, whilst eliminating red meat led to a drop of 12%. The problem with meat is that it is often contaminated with faeces, blood, adrenalin and other bodily fluids, as well as chemical compounds such as artificial hormones, designed to make the animal grow more quickly. It’s also stuffed full of antibiotics. When you eat meat, you consume these fluids and chemicals.
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Places that offer Vegan Dishes • • • • • •
A study at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, reported that 96% of a particular brand of chicken contained a highly dangerous bacterium called campylobacter. Campylobacter causes 2.4 million cases of food poisoning in the United States every year. The World Health Organisation has gone so far as to officially declare meat a carcinogen, that can increase the risk of colon or rectum cancer by as much as 18%. So what’s the alternative? The very best sources of protein, iron, and all the other minerals and vitamins a body needs, come from a plant-based diet. This is backed up by reports from The British Medical Association as well as The Vegan Society and others. Rich sources of protein are lentils, chickpeas, peas, peanut butter, spinach, rice, whole wheat bread, potatoes and broccoli. Iron can be found in soybeans, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, tahini, raisins, watermelon, millet and molasses. For your daily intake of calcium try molasses, tofu, fortified orange juice, tahini and almonds. B12, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, fats and other nutrients, all have plant-based sources, and are often of a higher quality than their animal-product derived counterparts. But surely drinking milk is okay? Don’t we need all that calcium to strengthen our bones and teeth? No, actually, it isn’t okay. Milk is the great lie of our age. The ‘Save Our Bones’ campaign in the UK has shown that whilst milk does contain an abundance of calcium, it is of a kind that the human body simply can’t absorb, even more so when pasteurised. Ironically, milk consumption has been shown to actually increase calcium loss, due to the body drawing on stores of bone calcium to neutralise the acidifying effects of milk on the body. T Colin Campbell; Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, made this observation in 2000 in relation to milk consumption: “Cows’ milk protein may be the single most significant chemical carcinogen to which humans are exposed”. That’s a pretty critical indictment of milk, and the studies are overwhelming. Time and again, the scientific community around the world is revealing the old-wives’ tale about the benefits of milk to be the nonsense that it is.
Abu Tarek, 40 Champolion St. The Vegan Kitchen, 10 Street 256, Maadi Just Falafel, Cairo Festival City, Fifth Settlement, New Cairo L’Aubergine, 5 El Sayed El Bakri St, Zamalek Earthly Delights, 9 Street 16, Maadi Agriculture Research Center, 9 El Basten Street, Downtown
In Egypt, as a consequence of the lack of knowledge about the benefits of veganism and the harmful effects of eating animal products, those that are turning to the lifestyle, are facing stiff opposition. Yasmine Nazmy, the former owner of ‘The Vegan Kitchen’ restaurant in Maadi, which has metamorphosed into ‘Earthly Delights’, a vegan home-delivery service, ran into some stiff opposition: “I have…had more objections than support. Just like in many other omnivorous societies, the Egyptian society regards meat as a necessity, and vegetarians/vegans as weak people who are ‘just going through a weird phase’. Most people who criticise a vegan diet often lack a lot of scientific knowledge, so it’s normal to expect an aggressive reaction…” Yasmin’s experience isn’t unusual. With nothing more than the hearsay wisdom of previous generations, most people find it difficult to understand or acknowledge that there is a different and healthier alternative to the prevailing norm. Heba, an Egyptian student currently living overseas, also said, “My friends were so upset from that lifestyle. (But) …through that hard process, some friends were influenced by me and they started gradually to become vegetarians (or) vegans.” The evidence that veganism (and its less draconian little brother, vegetarianism) is growing in Egypt can be found by visiting the Vegetarian/Vegan Society in Egypt’s Facebook page. Currently it has nearly three and a half thousand members. Alternatively, you could check out the Plant Based Diet (Egypt) page also on Facebook, with over two hundred thousand members. Many members of these groups may not be vegetarian or vegan, but their numbers are a testament to the fact that there is a huge and growing interest in this dietary regime. Mostafa Helmy, one of the founders of the Plant Based Diet page, said, “I think vegetarianism and veganism will continue to expand in Egypt and all over the world. A plant-based diet is a much healthier diet, and the western diet is what is killing us. Food industries will fight this, like the tobacco industry did years ago, they will cheat, they will lie in court, they will fund flawed research, they will do whatever they can to hide it for longer, but in the end, they will lose, because the truth is the truth, and in this day and age with the internet and all, they can’t hide it.” You could also check out www.kouhl.com, Egypt’s first online vegan lifestyle magazine “…with a focus on Egyptianizing the vegan and raw lifestyles.” p
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Out & AbOut Cuisine
Vegan
Christmas & New YearÕ s recIpes
Roasted Cauliflower IngredIents • • • • • • •
4 cloves of garlic 1 teaspoon paprika ½ a bunch of fresh thyme Olive oil Salt and pepper 1 lemon, zest and juice 1 large cauliflower, (1kg) with outer leaves left on • 400g of tomatoes • 40g flaked almonds • ½ a bunch of fresh parsley
dIrectIons • Preheat the oven to 180ºC. • Peel the garlic then grind along with the paprika and half the thyme leaves (preferably in a pestle and mortar). • Bash well to a rough paste, and then add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season. • Zest the lemon into a separate bowl and set aside. • Trim the outer cauliflower leaves. • Trim away and discard the stalk so the cauliflower can sit flat then cut across into the base.
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• Rub all over with the paprika paste, then place in a medium casserole pan. • Squeeze the lemon juice on top. • Cover and pop in the hot oven for around 1 hour 20 minutes, or until tender, removing the lid for the final 20 minutes. • Take the pan out of the oven, and then add in the tomatoes, tearing or slicing them up into chunks. • Sprinkle over the lemon zest and pick over the remaining thyme leaves. • Return the pan to the oven for a further 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden. • Meanwhile, place a medium frying pan over a medium-low heat. Add the almonds and toast gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden, then leave to cool. • Once ready, take the pan out of the oven. Scrunch over the toasted almonds, then pick, roughly chop and scatter the parsley leaves on top.
Red Cabbage, Beetroot & Apple Salad IngredIents
• 3 apples, cored and finely sliced • 650g red cabbage, thinly sliced • 250g raw beetroot, peeled and finely grated • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar • ½ lemon, juice • 5 tablespoons olive oil • 50g pomegranate seeds • Small bunch parsley, chopped
dIrectIons • Place the apples, cabbage and beetroot in a large bowl. • Mix together the vinegar, lemon juice, oil and seasoning and pour over the cabbage mixture. • Mix well, and then stir in the pomegranate and parsley just before serving.
Lemon Roast Potatoes IngredIents • • • •
1 kg potatoes 2 lemons 1 tablespoon coriander seeds Olive oil
Wild Rice & Brussels Sprout Salad IngredIents
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
dIrectIons • Preheat the oven to 200ºC. • Peel and halve the potatoes, cut the lemons into wedges and bash the coriander seeds in a pestle and mortar. • Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes, until soft around outsides. Drain well and let them steam-dry for 1 minute. • Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a tray in the oven for a couple of minutes, throw in the potatoes, lemon wedges, bashed coriander seeds and oregano. • Season well with salt and pepper and toss until the potatoes are well coated in the oil. • Pop in the oven and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning every so often, until golden on all sides.
• • • • • • • • •
300g mixed wild rice 2 red onions 2 tablespoons vinegar 500g Brussels sprouts 8 radishes 1 lemon 1 large bunch of mixed soft fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, basil 1 large handful of dried cranberries or raisins Olive oil
dIrectIons • Cook the wild rice according to the packet instructions, then drain and leave to cool on a large tray. • Peel the onions, and then using a food processor finely slice them. • Transfer to a bowl and add the vinegar. Scrunch them together and set aside. • Using a food processor shred the sprouts and radishes, then, in a bowl, dress them with the lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside. • Pick and finely chop the herb leaves and pop them into a large serving bowl. • Add the rice, onions and lemony veg as well as the cranberries or raisins, and toss together. • Drizzle over some oil and season, then stir and serve.
dIrectIons
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies IngredIents • 2 cups gluten-free allpurpose flour • ½ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground
• ½ teaspoon cloves, ground • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground • 1 teaspoon ginger, ground • ¼ cup sunflower oil • ¾ cup cane sugar • ¼ cup molasses • ¼ cup almond milk
• In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Set aside. • In another large bowl, beat sunflower oil and sugar together for 2 minutes. • To the oil/sugar mixture, add the molasses and almond milk. Continue to mix for 1 minute. • Add the dry ingredients, about a third at a time until stiff dough is formed. • Make the dough into a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or overnight. • Preheat oven to 180ºC. • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. • Using a melon baller or about ½ -¾ tablespoon of dough, roll dough into balls of approximately equal size and slightly flatten into a disk shape. • Place onto the baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. • Cook until golden brown (8-12 minutes)
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Out & About Cuisine
Ginger Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce Ingredients • • • • • • • •
4 cups of fresh or defrosted frozen cranberries 1 cup water ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice ½ cup raisins ½ cup dried cherries cup pure maple syrup, plus more to taste 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, plus more to taste • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus more to taste • Pinch of salt
Directions • In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients, and on high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. • Reduce the heat to medium-high, and simmer, uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until some of the cranberries have burst open, and the mixture reduces and thickens. • Smash the remaining cranberries with a wooden spoon or use a stick blender to reach your desired consistency. • Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to infuse.
Rosemary Roasted Mushrooms
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
1 kg mushrooms 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, more or less to taste 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves Salt and pepper to taste Baby arugula or baby spinach for serving Crisp breads or warm pita wedges for serving
Directions • Preheat the oven to 180ºC. • Clean the mushrooms. Trim away any gnarled stems. Cut large mushrooms into quarters, medium ones in half. • Combine in a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients and toss together. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until nicely wilted and starting to brown. • Transfer to a serving platter over a bed of arugula or baby spinach, if you’d like, and serve with crisp breads or warm pita wedges.
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Vegan Eggnog Ingredients • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, homemade almond milk or other non-dairy milk of your choice • ½ cup full fat coconut milk • Cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 30 minutes (optional)* • 4-6 Medjool dates • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg • Pinch of ground cinnamon • Pinch of ground cloves • Pinch of salt
Directions • Add all of the ingredients to your high-speed blender and process until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg on top. Serve immediately. • The raw cashews provide the thick, creaminess to the eggnog. If you want it thinner, leave it out or add less.
Ingredients
Directions
For the crust: • ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped • ½ cup rolled oats • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour • ¼ cup coconut oil • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Add pecans and rolled oats to a blender and grind to a powder. • Place flour in a mediumsized bowl and add pecan and oat mixture. Mix well. • Add the coconut oil and mix with a fork until it is incorporated into the flour mixture. • Stir in the maple syrup; mix just enough to blend well and form a dough. • Transfer mixture to a 9-inch pie pan and spread into an even thickness on the sides and bottom of the pan. Poke holes in bottom and sides of the crust. • Bake at 190ºC for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let the crust cool before filling. • While crust is baking, make the pie filling: in a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cornstarch until combined. Add sweet potato,
For the filling: • 3 tablespoons cornstarch • ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar • 2 sweet potatoes, cooked • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk • 1 teaspoon nutmeg • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • ½ teaspoon sea salt For the coconut whipped cream: • 1 can chilled full-fat coconut milk (fat solids only) • 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar or maple syrup • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegan Sweet Potato Pie with Coconut Frosting
• • • • •
almond milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt and whisk until blended. Pour mixture into pre-baked pie crust. Bake 1 hour or until edges are set and center slightly jiggles Let cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before serving. Once pie has cooled, open the can of chilled coconut milk, turn upside down, and open. Pour out the liquid at the top; you’ll use the cream part, not the liquid. Gently pour the coconut fat into your chilled mixing bowl and whisk with a hand blender or standing mixer until whipped. Add confectioners sugar and vanilla or maple syrup and whip again until fully incorporated. Spread evenly onto pie and refrigerate. p DEC 2016 | Ct
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CALENDAR dec.
2016 Art
Thursday 1sT To saTurday 10Th
Neighborhood Artist Eman Hakim’s work features bright colors. The faces in the paintings show tenderness that make you ask what is behind the dreamy eyes that infuse warm feelings. Art Corner Gallery, 12 Sayed Elbakry St. Zamalek. Gallery hours, 11 am to 9.30 pm
suNday 11Th
Good News Christmas Carnival
music
friday 9Th
Held at Le Passage Hotel in Heliopolis, the carnival will include a bazaar, Christmas songs with Noha Fekry, The New Hope Team will perform Christmas Carols, Michael Romany and his Sand Art Show, Emanuel Team and Good News Team Carols Concert. Le Passage Hotel in Heliopolis Time: 3 pm
Art
Jazz Concert Wave Jazz Band The Wave Jazz Band, paired with Adham Roshdy’s powerful vocals are equipped to add a refreshing twist of funk to your favourite jazz tunes. Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
saTurday 3rd Thursday 15Th
artist Mohamed rizk Exhibition This exhibition pays homage to the Egyptian sculptor Mohamed Rizk (19372008-). Rizk took part in many exhibitions in Egypt and worldwide and received a long list of prizes and awards for his statues in copper and iron and his beaten copper plates. Cordoba Art Gallery 3A Degla St. off Gameat AlDewal Al Arabia St. Mohandessin
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friday 9Th
speciAl event
darb 1718 8th anniversary Celebration The celebration will start with free workshops, “Pottery for Beginners” and “Recycled Art”. The day will carry on with the “Christmas Bazaar” where people can shop for a variety of artisanal products suitable for Christmas celebrations and the night will end with musical concerts that will be presented by independent Egyptian bands including Shereen Abdo, Sorour, Hawas, Y-Crew and Meshwar bands. free Entrance Darb 1718, El Fakhareen, Kasr El Sham’3, Old Cairo
PhoTogRAPhy December 1st - 12th of January
Photographs from the collection The Photographic Gallery at The American University in Cairo is hosting a group exhibition from the gallery’s archival collection. The exhibition entitled “Retrospective: Photographs from the Collection”, is an overview of past exhibitions ranging from the 19th Century to the present moment. Participating photographers are: Amr Abdallah, Aladin Abdel Naby, Marwa Adel, Robert Azzi, Reem Al Faisal, John Feeney, Meral Friedlander, Ara Güler, Boulos Isaac, Jaime Mota, Dorothy Norman, Randa Shaath, Riad Shehata, and John C. Tordai among others.
CHRISTMAS CON C
ER T S
sunDay 11th
christmas concert Gala el hadidi
Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
monDay 12th
cairo opera company and orchestra Alexandria Opera House Time: 8 pm
weDnesDay 14th & thursDay 15th
cairo opera company and orchestra
The Photographic Gallery, New Campus of the American University in Cairo New Cairo, Abdul Latif Jameel Hall, Plaza Level.) Gallery hours: Sunday through Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Main Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
friDay 16th
sphinx orchestra conductor hany hassan Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
friDay 16th
om el nour orchestra hanaa tanious El Gomhouria Theater Time: 8 pm
sunDay 18th
David’s heart choir Alexandria Opera House Time: 8 pm
sunDay 25th
christmas concert December 4th – January 5th
ART
eternal return The concept of “Eternal Return” is something that is repeated over and over in the work of the MexicanItalian artist Carlos Torio, who exhibits for the first time in Cairo. On this occasion, the artist has chosen the idea of recycling as the return of the residue through the usage of espresso capsules and aluminium covers of wine bottles. With this action, the artist makes out of the repetition and the reiterated gesture, a mantra full of a spiritual and ritual meaning. The remains, here brought back to life, have a new opportunity to be freed from their previous function to commence a new life. Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art, 8 Champollion St. Downtown. Tel: (02) 2578 4494
Neveen Allouba
Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
friDay 30th
christmas concert Mohamed Helmy
Small Hall, Cairo Opera House, 8 pm
saturDay 31st December & 1st January, 2017
cairo symphony orchestra new year’s concert
F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in E major L. van Beethoven: Mass in C major for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra op. 86 Soloists: Mirette Hanna (Piano), Ghada Shaker (Piano), Iman Moustafa (Soprano), Jolie Faizy (Alto), Hani El-Shafie (Tenor), Ashraf Sewailam (Bass). A Cappella Choir: Choirmaster: Maya Gvineria. Conductor: Andreas Spörri Main Hall, Cairo Opera House, Time: 8 pm dec 2016 | Ct
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CALENDAR dec.
2016
friday 16th
santa’s factory annual Christmas Event Come prepared to spread the message of CHRISTMAS GIVING with the whole family. Prepare yourself for a day packed with fun activities, Christmas Carols, exciting games for all ages, lots of things to buy and lots of food to indulge in! Fairmont Heliopolis
Monday 11th
film screening
“Woman in Gold”, directed by simon Curtis.
“Woman in Gold” is the remarkable true story of one woman’s journey to reclaim her heritage and seek justice for what happened to her family.
Monday 12th – thursday 22nd
there is only one rule..... Love By artist Rana Chalabi Opening night: Monday December 12th at 7 pm Alkahila Art Gallery 15 El Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz street - Mohandessin Tel. (02) 33040791 – Mob. 01228647511
Art
Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Mirren, starts her journey to retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt’s famous painting ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’. The film will be accompanied by English subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. Free entrance. Cinema El Fourn Darb 1718, El Fakhareen, Kasr El Sham’3, Old Cairo Time: 7:30 PM
clAssicAl sunday 10th
Cairo symphony orchestra Ginastera’s 100 anniversary Pedro Vilarroig: Drama at the Summits A. Ginastera: Piano Concerto No.1 op. 28 D. Shostakovich: Symphony No.1 in F minor op.10 Soloist: José Luis Juri, piano. Conductor: Vicente Ariño Pellicer Main Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
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monday 26th to friday 30th
Ballet
the nutcracker Ballet A two-act ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by way of Alexander Dumas’ adapted story ‘The Nutcracker’. Cairo Opera Ballet, Cairo Opera Orchestra Main Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
4th, 5th, and 6th January the Ballet will play at alexandria opera house
thursday 15th to sunday 18th
tom & Jerry live on stage in the Crystal Quest Join Tom and Jerry on an amazing adventure to long-lost Pawprint Island. Here they must search for the four lost Crystals of the Amulet that will restore magical power to grant wishes. They face all sorts of fantastical creatures on their epic journey, meeting well-known characters along the way as well as some exciting new ones Porto Cairo Mall
saturday January 7th, 2017
sunday 18th
film screening
spanish night: Chico and rita Chico is a young piano player with big dreams who falls in love for Rita, the singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romance unite them, but their journey brings heartache and torment. An adult animated romance musical directed by Tono Errando, Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal. Free entrance Cinema El Fourn, Darb 1718, El Fakhareen, Kasr El Sham’3, Old Cairo Time: 7:30 PM
Opera
live from metropolitan opera nabucca opera (Verdi) Nabucco short for Nabucodonosor, is an Italianlanguage opera in four acts composed in 1841 by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera. It follows the plight of the Jews as they are assaulted, conquered and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco (in English, Nebuchadnezzar II). The historical events are used as background for a romantic and political plot. The best-known number from the opera is the “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
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CALENDAR dec.
2016
Friday 16th
Jingle Jam in Cairo Festival City
Friday 22nd and sarurday 23rd
Cairo Festival City presents “Jingle Jam”, an allday event organized by Phenomena Egypt and filled with festive activities, live music and good food to get everyone in the holiday spirit. CFC’s The Playground will be transformed into a wintery wonderland where you will enjoy: • Carnival games for adults and children • Live Christmas songs by “Better Life” band • Shopping bazaar to buy all your gifts • Impressive drum parades • Dazzling Christmas tree and lights display • Santa’s grotto • Kids play zone • Live Christmas tree decorating by selected groups • Tasty treats by the best food outlets
Opera
the telephone The Telephone, or L’Amour à trois is an Englishlanguage comic opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti, both words and music. It was written for production by the Ballet Society and was first presented on a double bill with Menotti’s “The Medium” at the Heckscher Theater, New York City, in 1947. Cairo Opera Company, Small Hall Time: 8 pm
Invite your friends and spread the season’s magic! Ticket price: 60 EGP The Playground - Cairo Festival City
sunday 17th
classical
Cairo symphony Chamber Orchestra iii S. Prokofiev: Symphonie Classique in D major op. 25 F. Danzi: Sinfonia Concertante for Flute, Clarinet and Orchestra in B flat major op. 41 G. Bizet: Symphony in C major Soloists: Inès Abdel Daim, flute. Dimitri Ashkenazy, clarinet Conductor: Mina Zikri Main Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
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wednesday 13th
music
Piano recital Julio Resende is one of the most significant forces in the new generation of Fado and Jazz musicians in Portugal. He had a classical background, but soon found out he was not satisfied to play compositions he could not improvise over. Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
wedNesday 20th
ClassiCal
Omar Khairat Orchestra Main Hall, Cairo Opera House 8 pm
suNday 17th
Opera
Live Opera from the Metropolitan “L’amour de Loin”
L’Amour de loin (Love from Afar) is the first opera by the Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho from a five act French libretto by Amin Maalouf. The opera was given its world premiere performance on 15 August 2000 at the Salzburg Festival. The sensibilities and backgrounds of both Amin Maalouf, a Lebanese-French author and journalist also living in Paris, and Saariaho – both voluntary exiles – brought them together to collaborate to turn “a seemingly simple story into a complex story very simply told. …..(And with) the straightforward trajectory of its plot, L’Amour de loin turns anxiously around deeper themes – obsession and devotion, reality and illusion, the loneliness of the artist, the need to belong.” Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
saturday 17th
Fairmont Nile City’s Christmas Bazaar with hamleys Fairmont Nile City and Hamleys are teaming up this Christmas at Magenta Ballroom and Terracotta Terrace to bring you one of the most anticipated bazaars of the season with a dazzling array of activities and entertainment for all family members. Prepare to be inspired by the unique Christmas themed gift ideas for friends and family or treat yourself as you’ll be sure to find all you need for the festive season at the hotel’s Christmas Bazaar. Get the full Christmas experience while kids enjoy the season’s traditional activities in partnership with Hamleys, the world’s largest and oldest toy shop.
wedNesday 13th
yehia Khalil
Jazz
Whenever the word Jazz is pronounced in Egypt, you will hear it coupled with the name of Yehya Khalil; for he is the One and Only Jazzman of Egypt, and Egypt’s Ambassador of Jazz to this world.
Warm up with a festive drink as you browse the booths offering Christmas themed items from the city’s top notch vendors including toys, apparel, collectables, accessories, leather products, Christmas decorations, and much more, providing a truly unique and festive shopping experience. Fairmont Nile City Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm
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Society The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes recently held a cocktail reception to announce and celebrate the debut of the very first Westin Hotel in Cairo. SPG Platinum and Gold members, as well as media representatives enjoyed a sumptuous variety of delicious delicacies from Westin’s world renowned healthy menu representing their “Eat Well” pillar of service. Guests also got the chance to dance the night away with a live performance by Okasha, the popular jazz singer. p
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Somabay announces 2016 winner of its annual Golf Tournament at a glittering ceremony October 8th was the date for The Cascades Championship Golf Course, as it marked the occasion of announcing the winner of Sombay’s annual Golf Tournament for the year 2016. The Westin Hotel held a prestigious Gala Dinner under the auspices of the Egyptian Golf Federation where Mr. Mansour Kabbany was awarded Somabay’s Golf Trophy in a ceremony celebrated by some of the world’s top competing golfers, and Egypt’s social influencers. The ceremony featured an elegant reception dinner, as well as lively entertainment attracting unprecedented media coverage. Somabay’s Golf Trophy is one of the most prestigious tournaments that has been attracting world-class players for over twelve years.
CAE 2nd Banque Privée Golf Tournament Event Credit Agricole Egypt held their 2nd Banque Privée golf tournament, on October 22nd at Katameya Dunes’ Golf Club, where they hosted more than 90 golfers. François Edouard Drion, CAE Chairman and Managing Director, gave a thank you speech after lunch and prize distribution ceremony. The first winning team, which consisted of four members, won a trip to Soma Bay for 4 days, including flight tickets, along with access to play two golf rounds. p
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