&
7
RECIPES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE
FITNESS & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
REVEL
IN INDIA TIME TO GEAR UP
SUMMER’S BEST GEAR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW>>
LAURENT BETOURNE’
ON THE OUTSTANDING PATH TO LUX SERVICE AND SUCCESS
Badass Watches Trendy Outfits Fit Kit
ENDURANCE Go Faster Lose Excess Body Fat Train Intuitively
The Greek Village brings Santorini to your Marassi experience. It offers summer time's much needed get-away with it's unprecedent beauty and simplicity. Positioned on a hiltop to view dazzling panoramas and romantic sunsets, you will walk through charming alleyways jotted with white and blue homes, inspiring a mystic aura that will evoke your senses. Wait for it this beauty is coming your way soon from Emaar.
EMAAR MISR SALES CENTERS: MARASSI | UPTOWN CAIRO | HELIOPOLIS MOHANDISEEN | NEW CAIRO | DUBAI
EDITOR’S NOTE THE LOST VIRTUE Our grandfathers, alone in the wilderness, were keen to survive the harsh conditions of wars, survival, and an overdue of significant technological advancements with utter mastery and perseverance. Conditions have changed, and now most of their life lessons have been taken from the home to the real life, without the art of the know-how. The big value of all this knowledge was in that it bestowed power. For learning to do something with full dedication and willpower gives more power to actually do it. And through this know-how, many people have succeeded in their lives and further nations have become great. Many men have sailed their marriage fearlessly at a very young age, and took the helm of their own relationship during turbulence with pride and nobility. Divorce was very unlikely and mutual compromise was prevalent and rampant. Men of that time forged strong and sturdy personalities that even showed in their physique. They recognized the power of doing things well for the sake of better productivity and quality of life. So what is the matter with our lives? What is stopping us from living the best days of our lives? In a man’s quest for meaning to life, it is imperative to know that life is made worthwhile, not by the few great moments we experience, but the making of the daily life pleasant and full of meaning. The difference in lives is largely influenced by the power of doing; to fix a marriage, to pursue a dream, to win your mates, to flourish a hobby, or even to serve the unfortunate. All people dream, many make plans, but only few utilize their potential to the fullest and serve their dreams.
Christine ChristineKassasseya Kassasseya 4 | August 2017
THE FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE TEAM Owner/Founder Zeyad Sorour
Editor-in-Chief
Ahmed El Khodary
Managing Editor Christine Kassasseya
Business Development Director Mohamed Ibrahim
Marketing & Project Director Samar Zaki
Art Director Eman Salama
Graphic Designer
Nada Al Azzeh , Ingy Salah Eldin
Financial Director Haitham Hamouda
Distribution
Mohemed Reda , Ahmed Fawzy
COVER & INTERVIEW CREDITS Photographer: Eman El-Hawary
28 Al Shahid Mohammed Qenaya St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 24156580 Mobile: 01115683666
6 | August 2017
F&L Magazine flmagzine_ www.fitnessandlifestylemagazine.com
CONTENT August 2017 GROOMING
Color Trends in Menswear Summer 2017 The Fit Kit 10 Sexy Men’s Cologne to Try in 2017
WATCHES
Delve Into Our Collection of Opulent Timepieces 9 of the Most Creative Watches You Will Ever See
SMART
Interview with Laurent Betourne, Area General Manager for Sofitel Egypt How to Stop Arguing and Start Solving Your Relationship Problems Like A Pro! Bring Refreshing Mint into Your Home Interior
ADVENTURE
Luxuriate in the Diamond of Egypt Your Guide to India Orange County California Offers Middle Eastern Travelers a ‘Summer to Remember’
GEARS
Wheels Latest Gossip Toyota Unveils All-New Fortuner with Refined Style and Comfort to Add to Its Impressive Off-Road Capability
TECHNOLOGY
What’s Up Tech? The New OPPO F3 Selfie Expert Is Here to Capture All of Your Friends in One Single ‘Groupfie’
FITNESS
Bulletins: Never Skip Leg Day Meet the Experts Skinny Men… You Can Bulk Up Now with These Tips
BODY & HEALTH
Bored with Your Breakfast? Mix up Your Mornings with These Delicious Recipes Cut Down on the Substance More Addictive Than Cocaine Combat Age with This Healthy Lifestyle Food and Performance for Endurance athletes Indira... The Ultimate Indian Culinary Experience InterContinental Cairo Citystars Attracts Lovers of Truly Authentic Egyptian Cuisine with the Opening of Al Khal
ENTERTAINMENT Culture & Arts Upcoming Events News Zoom In
8 | August 2017
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August 2017 | 9
CONTRIBUTORS Yasmine Shahine Life Coach
An Associate Certified Life Coach (ACC) by the International Coach Federation (ICF). At the begining of her coaching career, she engaged herself in ONE on ONE coaching and through the years she developed her own tailor-made coaching programs for people and companies to develop their potentials and awareness. Email: yshahine@whycoachegypt.com Facebook:YasmineShahineLifeCoaching YouTube:YasmineSLifeCoaching
Zeina Kassas
Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist from the International Sports Sciences Association U.S. (ISSA), Coach, and Sports Nutritionist at Athletics for Life Egypt
Sports nutrition is not only about losing weight, it helps you attain the better version of you! Whether you’re aiming to get stronger, fitter, or more muscular, a healthy lifestyle all starts with your dinner plate! Email: Zeina.kassas@gmail.com Instagram: bigzeeez
Eman El-Hawary
Photographer & Art Director Studied photography in Dubai in 2008 and shortly went pro, where her clients quickly recognized that what they get is not a simple “professional shot”, but rather “a moment captured”. Also studied and worked in Cairo as a print-shop expert, a graphics designer, a web designer, and a crafts entrepreneur. Though best known as a portrait photographer, she is also recognized as a competent fashion, outdoor, and corporate photographer. “There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.” -Ernst Haas Email: emozine@gmail.com
10 | August 2017
Alaa Basyouni Nutritionist
Graduated from Ain Shams University, School of Medicine. Obtained a diploma in Healthcare and Hospital Management as well as, Clinical Nutrition both from the American University in Cairo. Additionally, acquired a certificate in Lifestyle Medicine for Weight Management from Harvard Medical School. Founder of the Health Republic, a social platform that aims to provide instant nutritional day-to-day advice, all with the goal of raising health awareness towards a better lifestyle. E-mail: alaa.basyouni@ess.aucegypt.edu Facebook: @HealthRepublicEG
Victoria Haig
BSc and Fitness Nutritionist Specialist from the National Association of Sports Medicine USA
Ten years in the Health & Fitness Industry as a Nutritionist in Madrid, Beijing, and now at CrossFit Stars Cairo. Victoria has created Healthy Meal Advisor (a healthy lifestyle ecosystem) to show people how healthy nutrient dense food can be tasty, how their plates should look like, and which foods in which proportions they should eat. Victoria practices ‘aware’ eating helping to educate the client: ‘everything we eat is either feeding disease or fighting it’ – encouraging the client to make their healthy eating a lifestyle not a diet. Victoria is also a mother and fitness junkie with several NASM certs. “Shifting your mindset to shift your weight.”
Ammar El-Hommosany Travel Blogger
Ammar is an adventurous traveler and founder of a travel blog under the name of “Khod Fekra W Safer Bokra”. He is passionate about discovering new places and different cultures. Ammar Also majored in Radio & TV and works as a filmmaker and a photographer.
August 2017 | 11
GROOMING - STYLE
COLOR TRENDS IN MENSWEAR SUMMER
2017
12 | August 2017
W
MULBERRY 4CM BROWN WOVEN LEATHER BELT FOR EGP 4,343
ith the heat blazing down on you, there is a push towards dressing like ice cream. This season’s spectrum is markedly leaning towards light hues, all-white, or earth and skin tones. Mix and match this season’s styles and make them compliment your looks.
INCOTEX SLIM-FIT LINEN AND COTTON-BLEND SHORTS FOR EGP 5,674 ORLEBAR BROWN OLIVER SLIM-FIT BUTTON-DOWN COLLAR COTTON OXFORD SHIRT FOR EGP 2,437
RAG & BONE STANDARD ISSUE BEACH COTTON SHIRT FOR EGP 4,601
BEAMS PLUS SLIM-FIT COTTONBLEND TROUSERS FOR EGP 3,373
GUCCI ACE EMBROIDERED WATERSNAKE AND LEATHER SNEAKERS FOR EGP 12,417
SEKFORD TYPE 1A GOLD PVDPLATED STAINLESS STEEL AND LEATHER WATCH FOR EGP 21,187 SAINT LAURENT PRINTED COTTON-JERSEY LOGO T-SHIRT FOR EGP 6,740
NN07 CROWN SLIM-FIT LINEN SHORTS FOR EGP 3,067
COMMON PROJECTS ORIGINAL ACHILLES FULL-GRAIN LEATHER SNEAKERS BROWN FOR EGP 9,197
BURBERRY SLIM-FIT COTTON-PIQUÉ POLO SHIRT FOR EGP 4,433
*All products are available at mr.porter.com *All prices are subject to change
ALOYE + G.F.G.S. COLOURBLOCK PANELLED COTTON T-SHIRT FOR EGP 6,438
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI STRETCH-COTTON CORDUROY TROUSERS FOR EGP 14,974
SAINT LAURENT D-FRAME TORTOISESHELL ACETATE AND OUTERKNOWN HAPPY APPLIQUÉD SILVER-TONE SUNGLASSES FOR ORGANIC PIMA COTTON-JERSEY EGP 8,114 T-SHIRT FOR EGP 1,394
AMI SLIM-FIT COTTON-DRILL CHINO SHORTS FOR EGP 4,431 August 2017 | 13
GROOMING - FITNESS
THE FIT KIT Active apparel has become wardrobe staples for all fitness enthusiasts and the fashion-conscious. With more creative designs and innovative materials are refining day by day, it is easy to build an adequate workout wardrobe empire with comfortable and functional outfits. Whether you are looking to refresh your workout basics with trendy items or you are brand new to this, we’ve collected must-have athletic apparel for summer 2017.
14 | August 2017
*All products are available at mr.porter.com *All prices are subject to change
2XU TR2 MESHPANELLED COMPRESSION T-SHIRT FOR EGP 1,827
TRACKSMITH VAN CORTLANDT STRIPED MESH TANK TOP FOR EGP 1,673
NIKE T1 FLOW SWOOSH WATER BOTTLE FOR EGP 440
SALOMON AGILE MESHTRIMMED ADVANCED SKIN ACTIVE DRY T-SHIRT FOR EGP 912
TRACKSMITH VAN CORTLANDT MESH SHORTS FOR EGP 2,282 IFFLEY ROAD HAMPTON SHELL SHORTS FOR EGP 1,979
NIKE DESTROYER TRAINING GLOVES FOR EGP 855
APL ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS TECHLOOM PRO CASHMERE-BLEND SNEAKERS FOR EGP 6,540
2XU TR2 COMPRESSION TIGHTS FOR EGP 2,286
IFFLEY ROAD SIDMOUTH DRIRELEASE HALF-ZIP T-SHIRT FOR EGP 2,133
ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS ASCEND MESH AND RUBBER RUNNING SNEAKERS FOR EGP 5,017
DIOR HOMME SKATEBOARD FOR EGP 16,224
IFFLEY ROAD LANCASTER DRIRELEASE PIQUÉ TANK TOP FOR EGP 1,672
August 2017 | 15
GROOMING
- FRAGRANCE
8 SEXY MEN’S COLOGNE TO TRY IN 2017
1.
8.
2.
7. From timeless aromatic classic woody notes to bright aquatic fragrances, we’ve picked out 10 standout scents that we find are declarations of intense and distinctive personalities.
3. 4. 1. DIPTYQUE SENS EAU DE TOILETTE FOR EGP 1,989 2. TOM FORD BEAUTY BLACK ORCHID EAU DE PARFUM FOR EGP 3,365 3. JACK PERFUME EAU DE PARFUM FOR EGP 2,962 4. ODIN NEW YORK SEMMA FORMULA ELEVEN EAU DE PARFUM FOR EGP 3,910 16 | August 2017
6. 5. 5. SISLEY PARIS SOIR D’ORIENT EAU DE PARFUM FOR EGP 2,654 6. BAMFORD GROOMING DEPARTMENT COLOGNE FOR EGP 2,810 7. PENHALIGON’S ENDYMION EAU DE COLOGNE FOR EGP 3,030 8. CZECH & SPEAKE NO. 88 COLOGNE SPRAY BERGAMOT FOR EGP 3,128
Experience The Authentic TASTE OF ITALY
5 Abou El Feda st., Zamalek For reservation : 02 273 703 80
Tavolino Zamalek
Tavolino August 2017 | 17
WATCHES
- ELITE
DELVE INTO OUR COLLECTION OF OPULENT TIMEPIECES
The world of watches is as varied as the species in an ocean, but if there is anything we witnessed in 2017, it is the continuous move toward crafting the most mechanically advanced, technically innovative, and lavish looking luxury timepieces that one can’t pass by without buying. No matter how thoughtful you are when it comes to spending, you will certainly rely on the extra zeros in your bank account. So get started and take a thorough look at our opulent selection of watches collected to suit your pretentious taste of luxury.
BREGUET RETOUR EN VOL XXI FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH IN TITANIUM
BREITLING NAVITIMER RATTRAPANTE
NEW ROLEX CELLINI MOONPHASE 18 | August 2017
ULYSSE LE LOCLE NARDIN SUISSE
OMEGA GLOBEMASTER OMEGA CO-AXIAL MASTER CHRONOMETER
HUBLOT BIG BANG TECHFRAME FERRARI TOURBILLON CHRONOGRAPH
JAEGER LECOULTRE DUOMÈTRE QUANTIÈME LUNAIRE
OCTO ULTRANERO SOLO TEMPO 41MM
NEW ROLEX SKYDWELLER
PANERAI LUMINOR MARINA 1950 AMERICA’S CUP 3 DAYS AUTOMATIC ACCIAIO
LONGINESS MASTER COLLECTION AUTOMATIC
TAG HEUER AQUARACER STRENGHT AND STYLE TO 300 METERS DEPTH
NEW ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA August 2017 | 19
9 WATCHES -
AVIATOR
OF THE MOST CREATIVE WATCHES YOU WILL EVER SEE One of the most enchanting things about watch design is the scale at which everything happens. It is the rich legacy of beautiful decoration and artistic craftsmanship that create an exceptional masterpiece with unique characteristics. Some of these watches exceed a million dollar just because their faces display information in a quirky creative way. We’ve got you some of the most interesting timepieces of all time. ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR WATCH
ROSS MCBRIDE DIGITAL DESTRUCTION WATCH
JAQUET DROZ BIRD REPEATER
MR. JONES VINGT MILLE
FIONA KRUGER SKULL WATCH
MR. JONES TIME TRAVELLER 20 | August 2017
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS ASTRONOMICAL WATCH
VAN CLEEF & ARPLES HAND-PAINTED POETIC WATCH
NOW AT SAHEL TELAL,THE PLATFORM 01012228806 August 2017 | 21
SMART - SUCCESS STORY
INTERVIEW WITH
LAURENT BETOURNE’ AREA GENERAL MANAGER OF SOFITEL EGYPT
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO ENTER THE HOTEL INDUSTRY? I entered into this industry by chance. At my teenager time, I was seeing my career more in the Art field, especially the interior design or fashion design. When I was 15 years old and in recognition to my success in the diploma, I asked my father to buy me a motorcycle. He agreed to finance only half of the price, which made me think about finding a job to manage the remaining balance. He found me a job in a friend’s Hotel & Restaurant owner. I did enjoy and discovered myself in such an environment; somehow I found what I like with a bit of design, but much more with the human contact via owners, clients, and collaborators… always in movement… no routine!
YOU HAVE SPENT NEARLY YOUR ENTIRE CAREER IN DIFFERENT CONTINENTS. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO STAY IN EGYPT? I am now entering my 6th year in Egypt, which has passed really fast. I am very passionate and fully devoted to the hotel that I am held responsible for. Truly, my motivation is engineered and empowered by all the challenges, objectives, and achievements of the hotels I manage. A lot has been delivered, but the sky is the limit; hence, I’m always excited for more to come. Meanwhile, I have a great opportunity as an Area General Manager of Sofitel Hotels Egypt to manage the legend, mystique, and historical hotels, including Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, and a resort “Sofitel Taba” in Sinai.
WITH AN EXPERIENCE THAT SPANS NEARLY FOUR DECADES, WHAT ELEMENTS AND ADVANCEMENTS DID YOU BRING TO SOFITEL CAIRO EL GEZIRAH? I am not so much in favor of speaking about myself; however, in a snapshot from 2011 to 2017, we have passed through tough and challenging periods from 2011 till early 2013, in which we were on a surviving mode to protect our employees and sustain the financial performance in positive results, while keeping our guest’s satisfaction. We have passed this period with great success in capturing our market share and delivering the targeted results. As from 2014
22 | August 2017
onwards, we are in a development mode, focusing on the product enhancement and capitalizing on the various possible revenue generated areas in the hotel to optimize our revenue and upgrade our standards of service and quality. This roadmap led us today to a strong position in terms of trust, recognition, and confidence of the employees, company, and stakeholders.
SOFITEL CAIRO EL GEZIRAH IS AMONG THE RENOWNED HOTELS IN EGYPT. HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF THAT AND MAKE SURE THE SERVICE IS THE BEST IT CAN BE? By operating under the flagship of the Sofitel brand, we link the world with French elegance across a collection of unique addresses offering our guests and partners a “cousu main” service enriched with emotions, performance, and a passion for excellence. This is our mission and all our measures are taken in this direction. In order to go beyond and extra miles, we never stop at achievement level, but we are always in action moving forward to the next step with a clear target to make our guests and observers astonished and impressed. Simply, I transform that “Disrupt to reach the perfection.” To reach that, a lot of energy, training, and organization are needed. Also, the recruitment has to be adapted to the permutation. With above 600 employees and 600 hearts beating across the hotel, we intend to unlock our creativity and allow us to express ourselves more freely to impress our guests.This is so called “HEARTIST, our new cultural approach, in a simple definition: “if your heart speaks, your brain will follow”. But the most of all, we are all passionate with a common goal to master the art of welcoming and serve our guest with heart, curiosity and inventiveness…It is much more than a profession, it is our way of expressing our passion.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR HOTEL’S LOCATION? WHY WOULD PEOPLE CHOOSE TO STAY IN SOFITEL CAIRO EL GEZIRAH? AND WHAT AUTHENTIC LOCAL EXPERIENCES WILL HAVE ACCESS TO? Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah is a French contemporary, elegant hotel with an oriental inspiration ideally situated on the southern tip of the Gezirah Island, by the bank of the river Nile - what was once a romantic lover’s walk. The hotel combines a true urban oasis of refinement, elegance, and serenity in all of our facilities, including rooms, wide selection of restaurants, ballroom, spa, and gym overlooking the Nile. You can surely enjoy the spirit of the historical city while being away from the traffic and the turbulence of the Egyptian mega pole.
Did you know that all of our restaurants have an access to a private alley along the Nile and the hotel? Did you ever enjoy a meal at Le Deck by Laurent Peugeot, concocted by Jordan our French experienced chef from 1 star Michelin restaurant in France, or a nice shisha after a Moroccan meal in the Palmeraie Restaurant cooked by Dia our Moroccan chef, or a great Indian specialty in the Manipuri Restaurant prepared by Satya our Indian chef, or a great BBQ on the table in the famous Kebabgy Restaurant, and soon in “Casa Mia” our new Italian Brasserie to be introduced by Carlo our chef who just arrived from Italy to open it soon? And last but not least, have you ever enjoyed the pool overlooking the Nile, a part of our Spa & Fitness managed by Geraldine our French Spa Manager?
HOW DO YOU OFFER THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY WHILE MAINTAINING THE HUMAN TOUCH?
The type of technology that we are looking for is to be fully compatible with such, further to facilitate and improve the quality of our services by developing much more than a human touch with a personalized touch. We incorporate all means of technology that help us to be much more reactive and faster in delivering services to the guest demand. Only an“Apps away” we are not only maintaining a human touch, but moving closer to our guests. I call that an“Intelligent digital human touch.”
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF LUXURY AND WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DELIVER LAVISH SERVICES TO YOUR TOP-NOTCH CLIENTS? In the dictionary, it is defined as something expensive that is pleasant to have but not necessary… something that gives you a lot of pleasure but cannot be done often. In our industry, the hardware and its components August 2017 | 23
are vital, but the authenticity of the human contact is essential to create the difference and add value. Having said that, the first step starts with the hiring process to ensure that we are selecting and identifying the talented and passionate individuals. Next is to extend them all the tools and support to ensure the optimum return in terms of service consistency. The following step is to provide a dedicated, personalized service at a high standard and quality. Further to reach our perfection to deliver lavish services to our top-notch clients, we do provide - what we call in Sofitel - a “Cousu main service” (in English heart-felt service) consist of being attentive to the details, through reading the guest’s mind and delivering a service from the heart. This lead us to go beyond our guests expectations and make them feel welcomed, heart-warmed, and a sense of belonging.
YOUR JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD IS EXCEPTIONAL! WHICH COUNTRY DID YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY THE MOST AND WHAT QUALITIES MARK EGYPT AMONG THEM ALL? Actually, that’s difficult to judge. Throughout my professional journey, I have experienced different missions, cultures, challenges, environments, and achievements. They are all quite variable to be compared. On the other hand, all experiences that I have gone through have added a lot of value to my knowledge and expertise, and enabled me to explore more. In a nutshell, being part of an opening team in Muscat in 1984, the re-opening of Sofitel in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) in the early 90’s just before the return of the Prince Sianouk, the opening of a hotel in Hangzhou in China, and being the only expatriate working in all cities of over 8 million people, or leading a renovation of a 750 rooms in Warsaw, in Poland, just before the entry into Europe. So all in all, there were fabulous professional experiences, but also so much nicer “rencontre” and opportunities to get the privilege of being confronted to so many different cultures and objectives. Now to be fully transparent, I believe that in all the countries that I have been to, the top of the top in the late 90’s was – and may still be - Thailand, (especially in the north), because of the natural service attitude and behavior of the citizens. In Egypt, with the right motivation, support, leadership, and coaching, you really can capitalize on the potential of people that are willing to deliver outstanding customer satisfaction with commitment.
IN THE EYES OF YOUR EMPLOYEES, WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY YOU SHOULD HAVE?
A managerial ethic is a must in all situations. Also respect, trust, fairness, and recognition are keys to success, but are not always easy to maintain, especially when you are managing hundreds of employees and ensuring the same principles with your closest collaborators. At Sofitel, we call our employees “Ambassadors.” 24 | August 2017
This reflects how much we admit the importance of our employees’ roles as they represent Sofitel.
TO THOSE WHO ARE INSPIRED TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY?
WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUES YOU ARE FACING ON YOUR CURRENT POSITION?
To be successful in this industry, you need to be fully committed, enthusiastic, and have a great service-minded attitude. You also need to be a strong team leader, so you can teach and coach the entire community to maintain customer satisfaction. This industry requires flexibility in terms of working hours as well as an ability to switch from one situation to another, which require multiple technical skills and a high level of logic to be able to make the right decision at anytime. My last advice is related to personal life, and this is to be ready to sacrifice a well-balanced lifestyle by having your professional obligations superseding your family commitments. In that sense, I express my appreciation and gratitude to my wife Cristina and children Arnaud, Nicolas, and Charlotte-Marie for being always very supportive throughout my entire journey.
The fragile business environment throughout the past six years and the uncertainty of tomorrow are among the key challenges. Despite this fact, it is imperative to be always reflecting and extending a positive vibe and optimistic mindset. Today moving on with all our projects, the main challenge is the limited resources of talented people with the same frequency of passion, motivation, and ambition. Nevertheless, it is always very healthy to be on such challenging conditions and be stronger to overcome all obstacles.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER
August 2017 | 25
SMART - RELATIONSHIPS
HOW TO STOP ARGUING AND START SOLVING YOUR RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS LIKE A PRO! By: Yasmine Shahine
26 | August 2017
Ever wondered why sometimes you run out of any logical solution or reasoning to sort out an argument or a fight with your partner? It’s because both parties keep forgetting that men are from Mars and women are from Venus! Let me give you some tips to make your life much easier and happier especially during any argument or fight… • When a woman argues with you, it means that she is trying to express her thoughts and emotions that ought not to fit into a particular frame. She just wants you to listen beyond her words and understand the root cause of the problem. She doesn’t have to make her points all laid out in a perfect manner like a graduate thesis, nor be logical, unemotional, justified. • If you feel the urge to put on the “Mr. Fix It” hat without fully seeking to understand the problem and open the door to new ideas, simply back off. Because you will get more rational and she will get more emotional, which may create further complications. • Say what you mean and mean what you say! When in the middle of a fight, think thoroughly before uttering any word and make sure that it resembles what you feel in an appropriate manner. Sometimes the words of the argument are just window dressing for the true underlying issue. If you don’t address the underlying problem, there is no way you can deal with the symptoms or control their possible consequences. • Stick to the real issue at hand! It’s entirely too easy for an argument to get dragged. You start off arguing about who left the seat up again, which turns into you don’t understand me anymore, which somehow further mutates into a fight about who is contributing what to the household. So keep diversions to a minimum, without getting back to old fights or side-issues. Just focus on the end-result. What is the fight about? What needs to be resolved? Stick to that goal.
• Never underestimate the power of saying “I’m Sorry.” In reality, some fights just aren’t worth having from the first place. Backing down doesn’t mean showing weakness or letting go of your self control. Ask yourself whether this is a fight you need to have; do you have a legitimate point or are you just trying to rise up your ego? Be willing to back down for the greater good of your relationship. • Don’t aim to wound your partner. Not only is it childish and counterproductive, this sort of fighting can cause a mortal wound to your relationship. The worse the fighting, the greater likelihood that one of you is going to say something that you can’t take back. Your relationship may survive… but it’s going to have one hell of a scar afterwards. • Think of it this way. An argument is like a low-burning fire. Treat it right and it’ll go out with minimal fuss. Yelling and losing your temper is like tossing a bottle of lighter fluid into the mix. Sometimes the explosion will consume the fuel quicker and end things. Most of the time, though, it’s going to start burning out of control and in ways you didn’t account for.
I know this part is difficult, especially if you feel that you are right or have been treated unfairly, but my last advice is… Take a deep breath, hold it, and let it out slowly. Let your heart rate slow a little before you speak. If you absolutely need to, tell your partner that you need to cool off for a moment, exit the scene, take a few minutes to calm down before you get back in there, and then continue in a reasonable manner.
August 2017 | 27
SMART - INTERIOR
BRING REFRESHING MINT INTO YOUR
HOME INTERIOR
M
int is quite a versatile hue that adds a fresh, chic touch to home interior. There are many ways to add a splash of color to dull décor without transforming your home to a little girl’s castle room. You can add a strike and bold effect by adding metallic hues or blending with dark and bright shades. Consider plain white and beige fabrics and rugs to create a statement and original interior, and then break the minimalistic style with a mint lamp, throw, vase, canvas, or few cushions. We’ve brought you few ideas to mimic for an earthy aesthetic appeal.
TWO SEAT SOFA AVAILABLE AT STYLER FURNITURE
AVAILABLE AT EKLEGO DESIGN 28 | August 2017
STRANDMON WING CHAIR AVAILABLE AT IKEA
GREY TRANSPARENT GLASS VASE WITH A CORK DETAIL AVAILABLE AT ZARA HOME FABRICS AVAILABLE AT TAMARA FABRICS TWO SEAT SOFA AVAILABLE AT STYLER FURNITURE
NATURAL-COLORED ROUND JUTE RUG AVAILABLE AT ZARA HOME CEILING LIGHTS AVAILABLE AT EKLEGO DESIGN
FLORAL MAKRAMEYA RUN AVAILABLE AT FROM EGYPT
SOLID CANATELLO WALBUT WOOD AND GLASS TABLE AVAILABLE AT BLEND FURNITURE
MUGS AND MUG HOLDER AVAILABLE AT JOUD FOR HOME ACCESSORIES
UTOPIA CANVAS BY DINA SAMAHA AVAILABLE AT ARTISTRI August 2017 | 29
ADVENTURE - EGYPT
LUXURIATE IN THE DIAMOND OF EGYPT By: Ammar El-Homossany
30 | August 2017
Tired of your mundane daily routine? It is time to spend the best days of your life at one of Egypt’s top-notch destinations, Sahl Hasheesh. Whether you decide to drive or fly, the jewel of the Red Sea is merely 15 minutes drive from Hurghada International Airport. Start the day with a mesmerizing boat ride and dock at the magnificent coral reefs and exotic marine life. With a team of professional snorkeling experts, you will also get the chance to explore the dolphin world, get to know fascinating information about them, and even play with these friendly creatures. You can also enjoy interesting shows of professional swimmers and dolphins. This place was opened in 2010 and it’s one of the must-visit attractions in Hurghada. One of the outstanding attractions in Sahl Hasheesh is the sunken city; a historic underwater paranoiac city filled with old monuments. It’s an unexplainable, real lifetime experience for any avid underwater explorer. Also the crystal clear blue waters are home to an underwater world of unspoiled, pristine and colorful marine life that is worth prospecting through glass in Hurghada’s grand aquarium. Sahl Hasheesh is also the ideal location to experience the desert with endless activities. Explore the desert life with the destination’s Safari’s expeditions while setting fire and throwing BBQ parties with your beloved companions. If you’re a fan of golf or still a beginner, you can enroll in golf courses and come back to your hometown with an extra hobby. If you are planning to spend your honeymoon in Egypt, Sahl Hasheesh should be on top of your honeymoon destinations list, due to its gorgeous location that is surrounded by luxurious resorts and lavish private villas. The weather is also so cool over there. Not to mention the uncountable activities that you can indulge in. In short, Sahl Hasheesh is the authentic Red Sea escape that promises the ultimate fun-in-the-sun experience to individual travelers, group of friends, honeymooners, and families.
August 2017 | 31
ADVENTURE - INDIA
India
Your Guide to:
By: Aya Ragheb
Location: South Asia Capital: New Delhi Largest City: Mumbai Official Language: More than 20 languages Popular Religion: Hinduism Currency: 1 Indian Rupee = 0.28LE Temperature: 34 degrees From south to north, India is blessed with breathtaking cities, each representing diverse culture, religion, and norms. Whether you choose to delve into a gastronomic experience, spurge on a utopian resort, or revel in India’s vibrant culture, India offers adventures of all kinds and for all types of people.
HISTORICAL ADDICTS
Taj Mahal
us Located in Agra, Taj Mahal is a famo ld mausoleum and a UNESCO Wor around Heritage Site. A gem for Muslims the world, the famous landmark was constructed in 1631.
The Harmandir Sahib Known as the Golden Temple, it is located in Punjab. Just as its name refers to! It is a temple completely made of gold. It’s also a pilgrimage site for Sikh.
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Humayun’s Tomb Located in the capital, New Delhi, this is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Its significance lies in the fact that it was the first garden-tomb in India.
Ellora Caves
Just another UNESCO World Heritage Site that's easily found in Aurangabad, Ellora is one of the biggest rock-cut monastery-temple caves worldwide that combines 34 monasteries.
Hampi
Famous for its ruins, Ha mpi was the center of Hinduism in the 14th cen tury. Currently, it featur es hundreds of ancient mo numents as well as sta tues and buildings.
INDIA FOR ADVENTURERS Mountain Biking
You can go mountain biking in Ladakh, a region that extends from the Kunlun Mountain to the Himalayas. Mountain biking is also available in a Himalayan town called Manali and in Pindari, Munnar and other unlimited places where adventure awaits you.
Water Sports
From rafting to kayaking, India has it all. Go on a white water rafting experience in Rishikesh, River Indus and Zanskar and enjoy kayaking in Brahmaputra River and Subansiri.
Trekking & Mountaineering What is more adventurous than wandering around India on foot? India is famous for its treks like Gangotri Gomukh trek, Markha Valley trek in Ladakh and many others. As for mountain-climbing, get ready to feel the rush while climbing your way up the Kedarkanth, Chandrashila, or Mt Kanamo.
Paragliding
Talking about Paragliding World Cup, then Bir Billing is your must-go destination. It is a village in Himachal Pradesh known for hosting the first World Cup for paragliding. Manali, Mussoorie, Kamshet, and Banglore offer paragliding too.
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INDIA FOR NATURE LOVERS Kanha National Park
Lonar Crater Lake
Oval-shaped, the amazing lake of Lonar is a national geo-heritage monument and the only salt water lake in basaltic rock in the world. It is a beautiful destination for anyone who wants to get lost in nature; it is situated in Maharashtra.
Known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, this natural park will take your breath away from the first glance. It is a huge forest located in Madhya Pradesh full of wild animals such as tigers and jackals among many other species.
s r e t a w k c a B a l a r The Ke
The Valley of Flowers
the Kerala and rivers; s, ke la ke sure , ls a ed can cation. Ma terconnect a relaxed va th hand r o fo b t o ys Several in a sp ur to-go ic waterw n yo e is sc rs its te a in Backw nd take ouseboat a l made. to take a h and natura
Imagine a vast field of flowers beside the Him that’s exactly wh alayas becaus at Valley of Flow e ers is all about. national park in It is a Uttarakhand, a we st er n Hi malaya state, consisting of en demic alpine flo wers.
Goa
A state in western India, known for its breathtaking beaches and wild nightlife, Goa is located on the coastlines along the Arabian Sea. Goa is a former Portuguese colony that has beautiful beaches such as Anjuna beach and Baga beach and vivid ambiance.
MUST-TRY INDIAN DISHES NORTH INDIAN DISHES:
SOUTH INDIAN DISHES:
• • • • •
• • • • •
Chole Bhature (spicy chickpeas and fried bread) Butter chicken Samosa (fried or baked filled-pastry) Rogan Josh (lamb with curry and tomato sauce) Naan (leavened bread)
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Dosa (pancakes) Idli (a cake with black lentils and rice) Biryani (rice mixed with meat, fish, or vegetables) Chicken 65 (fried chicken with flavorsome spices) Masala Dosa (pancakes filled with potatoes and rice)
Whether you are a nature lover or a history addict, India has got you. As for the food, my Indian friend told me “India cannot be labeled under any one cuisine, food in every Indian state is very different.” So make sure to savor as many Indian dishes as you can!
Cairo: 5, Abou El Feda Street, Om Kolthoom Hotel, Zamalek. Alexandria: l passage, 52 Foud Street For delivery call: 0101-222-8815 or 02-2737-2552 August 2017 | 35
ADVENTURE - EDITORIAL
ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA OFFERS MIDDLE EASTERN TRAVELERS A ‘SUMMER TO REMEMBER’
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he Ultimate Guide to Orange County’s Summer Leisure Activities Perfect for Families Orange County California is home to ‘relaxed luxury’ in the United States with its luxury retail outlets, world-famous theme parks, multi-awarded five-star hotels and resorts, and highly acclaimed gourmet experiences. Blessed with a stunning coastline and beautiful weather all year-long, people from around the world flock to the OC throughout the year; however, this summer has its own ‘must experience’ unique attractions perfect for visitors and families from the Middle East.
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THIS SUMMER’S TOP SIX (6) ULTIMATE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN CALIFORNIA’S ORANGE COUNTY ARE:
1. ENJOY UNLIMITED FUN AND THRILL AT THE OC FAIR
The OC Fair & Event Center is bursting with Farm Fresh Fun and it’s free admission, making the OC Fairgrounds this summer’s best party. Enjoy new rides and attractions such as The new La Grande Wheel XL, Big Wheel, and Endeavor – an open-air ride in which passengers are suspended in their seats and experience 3G acceleration. Riders will feel the sensation of flying 60 feet through the air at 25 miles per hour. A new fun house, Rockin’ Rodeo, has also opened, with its zany twists and turns around every corner. Regular favorites have also returned including the Big Top Swinger, Cliff Hanger, Cyclone, Insanity, Mach 1, Speed, Wild River and more. For a full list of carnival rides, visit http://ocfair.com/oc-fair/things-todo/carnival/
2. VISIT THE HOBBIT
Since 1972, this tucked-away Bilbo Baggins of OC eateries has justifiably drawn generations back for its single-seating, seven-course, prix-fixe experience (Wednesday to Sunday at 7pm), where you’ll start with bubbles and hors d’oeuvres in the wine cellar, continue at nestled tables strewn throughout a tiny house, enjoy a stroll on the patio, or a chat with the chefs during intermission, then house entrees and desserts.
3. WATCH THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS TRAINING
The Los Angeles Chargers are now calling Costa Mesa home! The Los Angeles Chargers will hold the team’s training camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa. The Jack Hammett Sports Complex is located at 2750 Fairview Road, adjacent to Costa Mesa High School. For more information, visit the Los Angeles Chargers 2017 Training Camp Practice Schedule here: https://www. travelcostamesa.com/los-angeles-chargers/ Practices are free and open to the public, but fans are encouraged to reserve free bleacher seating passes – available on a first-come, first-served basis – in advance on the Chargers website. The Jack Hammett Sports Complex features six fields and serves as a hub of youth sports in Costa Mesa, including soccer and flag football.
4. GO ARTSY AND GLAMOROUS AT FASHION ISLAND HISTORICAL PHOTO EXHIBIT EXPERIENCE THE GRANDEUR AND VISION OF FASHION ISLAND’S 50 FABULOUS YEARS WITH A HISTORICAL AERIAL PHOTO EXHIBIT DISPLAYED IN ATRIUM COURT FROM JULY 14 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29.
Beginning with black-and-white images of the barren land on which hosted the 1953 Boy Scout Jamboree, the photo exhibit takes you through the evolution of Fashion Island from concept and construction to what we now know as Southern California’s premier shopping, dining, and tourist destination. This visual narrative features images selected from Real Estate Masterwork Series, Half Century Aerial Photography Retrospective, Newport Center / Fashion Island, a book by Fred Emmert, aerial photographer, and Richard Frost, developer-turned-historian. The selected images were then printed on wood by WoodSnap bringing a unique touch to the exhibit.
5. EXPERIENCE LIVE DANCING COMPETITION AT NBC’S WORLD OF DANCE AT IRVINE SPECTRUM
The world’s biggest celebration of urban dance and music culture and the world’s largest dance competition show, NBC’s World of Dance, is coming down to Irvine Spectrum from August 11th – 13th, 2017. The Lab (Hip Hop), Non Stop (Hip Hop), Diana Pombo (Contemporary), Nick Daniels (Contemporary), DNA (Ball Room), Jennalyn & Luka (Cabaret Ball Room), Fuego (Hip Hop) and WOD All Stars (Hip Hop) will all be present and will be performing live. For more info, visit here: https://worldofdance.com/events/wod-live-irvine-spectrum
6. VIP SHOPPING AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA
South Coast Plaza is celebrating its 50th anniversary as the premier luxury shopping destination in the US. As part of the golden celebrations, South Coast Plaza has launched a range of 50th Anniversary Exclusive Merchandise that includes such items as a handbag from Berluti, Fur bag from Brunello Cucinelli, Eyeglass from Porsche Design, Snakeskin bag from Michael Kors, iconic loafers from TOD’S, Hard-shell Kiss Me Clutch from Charlotte Olympia, Trunk Bag from Marni, exclusively designed 32K Golden SS cultured pearl from Mikimoto, Automatic luxe watch from Dior and a lot more. Visit here to plan your shopping spree: http://www.southcoastplaza.com/ style/#50thMerch
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GEARS
- WHEELS LATEST GOSSIP
WHEELS LATEST GOSSIP
Volkswagen Polo Sporty and stylish, the Polo is renowened for being safe and tough with its galvanized body and steel hinges that reinforce the heritage story. But the latest Polo is also impressively intelligent and filled with inventive technology, where the back-view camera facilitates the parking process by emitting an audio signal as well as displaying the view behind the car with reference lines to help you line up your car to a parking space. Also the Emergency City Braking takes intelligent control of your driving speed by automatically braking if the sensor detects the risk of collision. The interior finish is polished with clever finishes and has rich details. The infotainment unit has simple mobile connectivity through Bluetooth or the USB adapter. The Polo has no less than seven petrol and two diesel engines, all featuring BlueMotion Technologies including a Start/Stop function and Battery regeneration and varying in power from 60 PS up to 192 PS whilst delivering plenty of torque. The final petrol engine powers the GTI and its manutal 1.8 liter TSI 192 PS engine can accelerate the GTI from standstill to 62mph in 6.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 146mps where the law permits. 38 | August 2017
BMW G310R The lightweight, nimble handling is what marks the G 310 R this year. The German motorcycle features a new 34bhp, 313cc, 4v single-cylinder powerplant fitted backwards, so that the inlet is at the front and the exhaust at the back. This design allows a straighter, more efficient flow of air into the engine and lets the motor fit closer to the front wheel for better weight distribution. Twin camshafts and valve gear is based on the S1000RR as is the superbike’s DLC (Diamond Like Coating) on the rocker arms and gudgeon pin. Like The G 310 R doesn’t have the most evocative exhaust note in the world, but the power delivery is so smooth and vibe-free that you forget you’re riding a single and the throttle pick-up glitch free. The motorcycle is very suitable for city traffic and free way streets. It’s free-revving and surprisingly urgent for its modest 34bhp.
Ford Fiesta Available in all exclusive Bohai Bay Mint and Chrome Copper exterior colors and key areas of interior trim, the all-new seventh-generation Fiesta is equipped with a 675-watt, 10-speaker set up specifically designed and fine-tuned by B&O PLAY’s acousticians as standard. The fiesta comes with both four-door and two-door hatchback body styles with a 0.2-inch wheelbase stretch, a 0.4-inch wider rear track, and 1.2-inch wider front track. The advancements are more dynamic to suit the sport line, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen sprouts from the center stack and uses Ford’s Sync 3 software, volume and tuning knobs, along with a few other audio buttons. The car offers three engine choices; 1.0 and 1.1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines, and a 1.5-liter fur-cylinder turbo-diesel. Moreover, Fiesta offers a range of advanced technologies designed to protect the rider in case of accident, including the Pre-Collision Assist and Door Edge Protectors. August 2017 | 39
GEARS - EDITORIAL
TOYOTA UNVEILS ALL-NEW FORTUNER WITH REFINED STYLE AND COMFORT TO ADD TO ITS IMPRESSIVE OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
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Compelling design will appeal to customers with its tough and forceful appearance combined with fluid lines Fortuner showcases its excellent utility with ample cabin space and convenience features for a superb driving experience Outstanding driving performance comes courtesy of a powerful engine and superior driving dynamics Full suite of advanced safety technologies ensures highest levels of protection
Toyota announced the launch of the 2018 Fortuner in Egypt to unveil a second-generation model, which builds on its heritage of being a durable sport utility vehicle (SUV) with impressive off-road capabilities.
and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, “The all-new Fortuner is a completely redesigned SUV that enhances driving confidence on every level while setting a new standard for SUVs all around the world. It debuts a compelling design with a strong identity, expressing With the new Fortuner, Toyota has focused on creating a more distinctive, refinement and innovation as well as functionality and toughness. It sleek, and powerful design while improving performance and adding a also epitomizes Toyota’s focus on developing vehicles with impressive wide variety of features to increase convenience, safety, and ride comfort. quality, durability, reliability (QDR) and off-road ability. The result of this Sharing Toyota’s development philosophy for the vehicle, the Fortuner’s is a comprehensive revamp, creating a unique SUV that is every bit as Chief Engineer, Masaaki Maeda, explained: “Our development concept comfortable on the school run as it is on the region’s toughest off-road was to build a true SUV that has style and confidence. The all-new trails. We sincerely appreciate the support of all our customers, and we Fortuner is the outcome of our continuous efforts to redefine toughness look forward to delighting them with this latest model.” while offering our customers powerful vehicles with drastically improved off-road capabilities. To ensure peace of mind for our customers, we COMPELLING DESIGN developed a new stronger frame, which enables the vehicle to withstand Toyota has created a new ‘Solid Fluidity’ design language for the Fortuner, rough road conditions, in addition to an improved four-link suspension which expresses toughness and wideness through the high body axis, the system for a more comfortable drive. The new engine offers high torque bulging wheel arch flares, as well as the chunky trapezoidal front bumper. at lower RPMs. Furthermore, the design concept is rough but cool, with The large, slanted upper grille is framed by thick chrome plating that three bold, iconic lines. On top of all of this, the all-new Fortuner offers extends around the sleek, aggressive headlamps, while the prominent premium utility and safety features.” trapezoidal front bumper creates a sense of depth. Sophistication and refinement on the other hand are reflected in the detailing – slender The new Fortuner is assembled in Egypt applying the highest quality and headlight clusters that are fused with the front fenders, the three lines technology standards of Toyota Japan, CEO of Toyota Egypt, Ahmed that score the sculpted roofline and flanks, as well as the sleek rear Monsef, said. He added that 47 percent of the parts assembled are made combination lamps and license plate garnish that blend with the complex in Egypt. surfaces of the rear body. “The new Fortuner was first launched in Egypt in 2012 under difficult economic conditions but we had taken up the challenge nevertheless. The Fortuner’s original design and range of refined features made it a complete success. In the first six months of its launch, the Fortuner was the best-selling SUV in Egypt, with a 26.3 percent market share,” Monsef added. According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East
The Fortuner has a tough yet smart rear design that defies the typical unrefined image of an SUV. The rounded upper body is highlighted by chrome-plated molding that wraps around from the sides to the back glass and contrasts with the shape of the rear bumper. The rear combination lamps and license plate garnish blend gracefully with the rear body. There are six exterior colors including Phantom Brown ME, Nebula Blue ME, Super White 2, Billet Silver, Attitude Black MC, and Gray ME.
EXCELLENT UTILITY The new Fortuner is a powerful seven-seater SUV with a roomy cabin of three rows designed to meet the demands of a big family. The Fortuner’s ample cabin space is complemented by superb convenience features, culminating in a sublime driving experience. The interior exhibits the toughness of an SUV, tempered with the elegance of a premium sedan. A focal point of the dashboard architecture is the vertical center cluster flanked by columns of soft simulated leather upholstery that offer leg support from both sides. The interior has stylish white ambient lighting, which is easy on the eyes and is used throughout the interior of the vehicle, creating a warm atmosphere that passengers enjoy. The car has unique automatic and rear front air-condition system imbedded at each row of the three rows to not only maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, but it can also be used to warm or chill drinks. It has a high-efficiency compressor, which decreases engine load and enhances cooling performance, contributing to excellent fuel economy performance. Other innovative touches (model dependent) include a 7-inch tabletinspired multimedia touch screen, a Smart Entry & Start system, an electronic 4WD switch, and second-row seats with one-touch operation for ease of folding. The third-row seats are equipped with a fixed hook attachment for simple and convenient stowage. There are no fewer than 15 storage areas in the new Fortuner. In terms of seats, a richly textured brown shade further enhances the sense of material quality available for the luxurious genuine leather seats. The front seats are given a sporty seat shape that flares out at the shoulders on both sides. With a full-color display, the Rear Parking Sensor and Rear View Monitor System ensures peace of mind when reverse parking. Drag and flick (similar to that of smartphones and tablet devices) operation is also supported. The Auxiliary (AUX) and Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports have been equipped near the console tray, where small items can be stored. The Fortuner has a 4.2-inch (Thin Film Transistor) TFT-type MultiInformation Display, Cruise Control and Bluetooth, which is flanked by strips of blue ambient light on each side. It is located on the dashboard in between the speed meter and the RPM gauge. It shows driving information, Eco Drive Indicator (Eco Judge/Eco Wallet), idling-stop time, and also has an audio operation function.
OUTSTANDING DRIVING PERFORMANCE The Fortuner is available with a choice of two petrol engines – a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 163hp and 245 nm of torque, and a 4.0-liter V6 engine, which churns out 234hp and 376 nm of torque. The Fortuner has a 6-speed automatic transmission, which maximizes engine potential and multi-stage gears optimized to improve drive force in the low-speed range. Optimized gear ratios have been set to provide an acceleration feel with powerful torque. The Fortuner has a newly developed frame structure with rigidity increased to the limit, delivering exceptional toughness in the harshest environments while preventing torsion and distortion to provide a stable driving experience. On the ride and handling front, an all-new frame has been bolstered by strengthened cross members, side rails, and suspension towers, enhancing the torsional and bending rigidity of the frame. This not only improves durability, but also enhances quality and safety. The Fortuner’s suspension comfortably absorbs the vibration to provide a ride that you would expect from a luxury SUV. The suspension uses a double wishbone (front) and a four-link suspension (rear) combination that has been redesigned for optimized comfort. An additional rear stabilizer has been installed to aid on-the-road smoothness and stability. There is a DRIVEmode switch, which offers a choice of ECO or PWR driving, while an easy-to-use 4WD switch is also equipped. The DRIVEmode switch allows the driver to select a preferred drive mode – ECO for optimum economy or PWR for enhanced power and acceleration. The ECOmode reduces power consumption in relation to acceleration and cooling in consideration of the environment. Fuel economy is further improved. The PWRmode provides sharper acceleration response, ensuring a more agile drive. A dial-type 4WD switch is equipped with a sleek design and is easier to operate compared to the previous lever-type switch. The Fortuner is fitted with newly developed 17-inch all-terrain tires, which boast high running performance both on and off-road. Newly developed 18-inch highway-terrain tires have also been designed for the road. The new tread pattern takes into consideration noise reduction on paved roads and fuel economy performance, in addition to contributing to stable driving.
TECHNOLOGY - NEWS
WHAT’S UP TECH?
QLED TV
CUJO SMART FIREWALL DEVICE
APPLE’S NEW 27-INCH IMAC LG-G6 42 | August 2017
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS USHERS IN A NEW ERA IN HOME ENTERTAINMENT WITH QLED TV Samsung Electronics launched its new QLED TV series Q8, and Q7 in Egypt, further demonstrating Samsung’s leadership in defining the future of home entertainment with advanced cutting-edge technology. The new lineup offers dramatically improved color performance, displaying DCI-P3 color space accurately and – in another world first for Samsung, QLED TVs are capable of reproducing 100 percent color volume. This means they can express all colors at any level of brightness – with even the subtlest differentiable at the QLED’s peak luminance of 1,500 nits. This breakthrough is a result of Samsung’s adoption of a new metal Quantum Dot material – making it possible for the TV to express a significantly improved range of color with much greater detail compared to conventional TVs. The improvements to design and usability in the QLED TV series include a single, transparent ‘Invisible Connection’ cable, through which all of the peripheral devices can be gathered and connected to the TV. This is in addition to the ‘No Gap Wall Mount’, which makes it quick and easy to affix the TV flush against the wall. Also the ‘Smart Hub’ interface has been extended to smartphones through Samsung’s new and improved ‘Smart View’ app, which now provides a comprehensive overview of all available content on the app’s home screen, including your favorite live TV programs. Consumers can also choose to receive alerts on their mobile devices about their favorite content, regarding for example, show times and availability.
UNWIND WITHOUT UNPLUGGING WITH LG G6 LG G6 smartphone is an essential accessory for modern travelers looking to stay connected, as it is designed to make it easier than ever for travelers to stay connected to their home, work, and surroundings no matter where they are. The G6 offers everything today’s connected traveler needs, making it possible for users to seamlessly take and share photographs, check their schedules, search for directions and more. The phone fits in one hand despite its large screen and is built to withstand unexpected accidents. These features make it the ideal travel companion for everything from beach bumming to intense outdoor treks and urban exploration. Mobile apps such as Airbnb, Uber, and Expedia, enhance the travel experience by heightening
convenience and helping tourists save money. Instead of opting for traditional package tours, travelers can now easily immerse themselves in their destination with the help of connected technology. In addition to maps that prevent travelers from getting lost, they can immediately search for the best places to eat and visit using social media, blogs and online reviews. Available at www.amazon.com for EGP 11,814.
APPLE’S NEW 27-INCH IMAC PROMISES A VISION THAT IS BRIGHTER THAN EVER The world is full of beautiful colors and the new iMac brings more of them to your screen. The new iMac desktop is packed with all-new technologies that take power and performance to a whole new level, featuring new processors, the latest graphic technologies, innovative storage, and higher-bandwidth connectivity. The desktop features powerful new Radeon Pro 500 series graphics and a Retina 5K display loaded with up to 8GB of dedicated VRAM, to deliver outstanding visual effects, 3D graphics, and sharp text in its most polished form. The iMac is also equipped with seventhgeneration Intel Core i5 and i7 processors as well as speedy and high-capacity Fusion Drive; so you can do anything you want with maximum velocity. VR makes its debut on iMac, with the ability to edit 360° video in apps like Final Cut Pro and create cutting-edge 3D VR content. Available at Apple Stores for EGP 32,200.
STAY SAFE ONLINE WITH CUJO SMART FIREWALL DEVICE You can know control what your kids access online, ensure privacy against hackers, and protect your finances with CUJO Smart Firewall device. From small to big devices, COJU will secure everything from tablets and PCs to TVs and baby monitors. COJU detects and blocks malicious sites and hacks to avoid inappropriate sires and apps, making it safe for families. To do this, CUJO analyzes your local network traffic data then sends statistics on that data to the cloud for further investigations, to detect any threats or suspicious activity and block it right away and even send a notification on your mobile app with the blocked process. Also built with 1GB Ethernet, CUJO will not slow down your network and will easily connect to your router through a step-by-step guide. Available at www. getcujo.com starting from EGP 1,772.
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TECHNOLOGY - EDITORIAL
THE NEW OPPO F3 SELFIE EXPERT IS HERE TO CAPTURE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS IN ONE SINGLE ‘GROUPFIE’
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ou’ve heard it right, OPPO just unveiled the newest Selfie Expert family member. The F3 is the first phone in history to have a dual selfie camera that can capture you and all of your friends in one single ‘Groupfie’ (Group + Selfie). OPPO is always raising the bar in the selfie game they have been perfecting it for the past nine years and they created the ultimate selfie phones, way before the selfie revolution had even begun, OPPO decided to take a step further. The F3 has a revolutionary dual selfie front camera which will make you take your everyday selfies to a new level. The Selfie Secret Weapon game plan was to fit more than five people into your Groupfies. The F3Plus includes an additional camera in the front that gives you wider, higher resolution images, so there’s no need to carry around a selfie-stick making it your very own selfie secret weapon for capturing quick and smart Groupfies. OPPO’s F3 is equipped with a 16-MP rear camera making it easy to capture crisp, clear, vivid shots, especially in low-light. OPPO is constantly looking for new ways to make capturing your picture-perfect moments easier at night and in motion with an ultra-high definition photos to last. The new OPPO F3 with its powerful dual front camera is every selfie fan’s dream; it offers a dual selfie camera – one that’s 16 MP and another that’s 8 MP, which gives you a double view group selfie camera. Now with OPPO’s F3, there is no more need for selfie sticks, thanks to the dual front cameras (one for selfie and one for group selfie). Making it the perfect camera phone for group selfies, the OPPO F3 will
also have the Beautify 4.0 camera plug in to give users a smooth and clear selfie. In addition to the customized software that gives you a unique experience of selfie with pre-filters, beautify mode, and group selfie mode. The OPPO F3, also known as the “Group Selfie Expert” runs on a 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM, boasting a classy design with a sleek metal body, flash touch access, and a dual selfie camera that provides a double view group selfie camera experience and makes it the perfect camera phone for group selfies. The mobile’s 16 MP camera has a 1/3 inch sensor and F2.0 aperture, which will produce high quality images even in low-light conditions. The wide angle front camera will ensure that you can capture almost twice as much as space, compared to those of the standard 80° cameras. The camera uses a tailor-made 6P lens module, which adjusts the path of light to minimize image distortion and maximize clarity and also has a smart facial recognition feature which automatically switches to the double view group selfie camera when it detects more than three faces in the frame, creating the “Groupfie”. The F3 sleek, metal uni-body structure comes in a matte gold look with an ultra-fine back antenna that gives the phone an edgy look making it easy to carry around and a must have accessory of the season. “The F3 was created for urban warriors, selfie photo aficionados and lifestyle mavens who want with the need to capturing flawless selfie photos, and our groundbreaking dual front camera smartphone will deliver the photos they seek. The F3 is also packed with outstanding performance, premium design, and amazing battery life.” Andy Shi added.
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FITNESS
- BULLETINS
BULLETINS NEVER SKIP LEG DAY
STABILITY BALL DRAW-INS
Lie on your back with your heels and the bottom halves of your calves on a ball, toes pointing toward the ceiling. Keep your arms straight out to your sides, palms on floor. Squeeze your gluteus and lift your hips up toward the ceiling so your body forms a straight line from chest to ankles. Keeping a tight torso, exhale while bringing the ball in toward your body as far as you can by bending your knees, and then slowly return to starting position as you inhale. Repeat. P.S: Do not let your hips sink or hike up at all during this exercise.
BALANCE LUNGES
Stand with legs about shoulder-width apart, hands on hips. Take a big step forward and lower your hips toward the floor until both knees are at 90-degree angles. This is your starting position. Now exhale as you forcefully push back off of your front leg and lift your knee by flexing your hip to 90 degrees, without allowing your foot to touch the ground. Balance for few seconds, and then return to the lunge position, and repeat.
DEADLIFTS
Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand with arms shoulderwidth apart, hanging straight down. Position legs shoulderwidth apart, knees slightly bent. Keep your chest high throughout the workout.
T
here is no doubt that a heavily weight machine can build strong and powerful legs, but there are several exercises that could also attain great results and help you save some time and cash!
SINGLE-LEG TOUCHDOWNS
Stand balanced on one leg with firm posture and tighten your torso. This will be your starting position. Gradually bend down at the hip, knee, and ankle, reaching down to the outside of your standing leg’s foot with the opposite hand. Slowly return to starting position, keeping your torso tight. You should feel constant tension on your leg muscles. Repeat. If you are unable to reach all the way down to your toe without falling over, try reaching to mid-shin instead and challenge yourself to reach lower level. 46 | August 2017
Inhale as you tighten your torso and bend forward from the hips, while pushing your rear-end back and keeping your shoulder blades retracted and chin tucked. Bend down in a squat form to mid-shin and pause for a second. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Exhale as you return to starting position. Repeat. P.S: It is important to go slow to avoid muscle strain or injury. Also keep your back arched throughout the exercise.
ONE-LEG WALL SQUATS
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, then position yourself against a stability ball, where your back is centered on the ball. Lift one leg up slightly off the ground and keep your foot slightly out in front of your knee. Place your hands on your hips. This is your starting position. Keeping your chest up, slowly bend the knee of your supporting leg as comfortably as you can (as long as your thighs are only parallel to the floor and now lower). Your gluteus should be rolling under the ball toward the wall. To return to the starting position, exhale as you squeeze your gluteus, pressing back against the ball. P.S: Keep your hips at a 90-degree angle as you lower and return to starting position.
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- MEET THE EXPERTS
MEET THE EXPERTS
FITNESS
Simone De La Rue Celebrity Fitness Trainer
Sharny and Julius Founders of Sharnyandjulius Fitness Website
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE BELLY FAT AND FLATTEN YOUR STOMACH?
IS IT TRUE THAT SOME PEOPLE NATURALLY LOSE WEIGHT FASTER THAN OTHERS?
It’s 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise! What you’re taking in is just as important as the abs series. My all-time favorite tummyflattening technique is the plank. You can do a moderated or full plank version and can add to the series by dropping your knees and tucking your foot to the side while still in a plank position. It’s important to use correct form so your knees are under your shoulders, your navel is toward your spine, and your neck is relaxed and elongated.
Yes, there are many factors, but the main two are predisposition to stress and metabolism. The first one is (in non-nerd speak) the way someone reacts to stress. People will either eat more (comfort eaters) or eat less. In this busy world, stress plays a major role in body composition, and whether a person is a comfort eater or food avoider when stressed will determine their predisposition. Metabolism is secondary. If someone has a high metabolism (uses more energy to stay alive) then they will naturally lose weight faster than a person with a lower metabolism. Age and gender are the major contributing factors to metabolism; a younger person has a faster metabolism than an older, and a man would have a faster metabolism than a woman.
48 | August 2017
Jason Karp Athletic Trainer Becky Tinney Creator of The Balance Method WHAT ARE SOME GOOD WORKOUT OPTIONS IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD A PERSONAL TRAINER? If you can’t shell out for a trainer, I suggest joining a morning boot camp or enlisting a friend for a scheduled workout date. I find when you have someone waiting for you, it’s much harder to hit the snooze button or skip the class. And if that doesn’t work, start a healthy competition with a few of your friends. Try a month weight-loss challenge. Who wouldn’t want a new body, some cash and some bragging rights?
Robbie Farlow Fitness Trainer
WHAT IS MY TARGET HEART RATE? Target heart rate—the heart rate range used to determine the desired intensity of an activity—will differ depending on the goal of the workout. You can calculate target heart rate using a percentage of your client’s heart rate maximum (HRmax), which can be predicted by subtracting your client’s age from 220, or by measuring your client’s heart rate while he or she performs a maximum exercise test. You can also calculate target heart rate using the Karvonen method, which takes into account your client’s resting heart rate (RHR). Subtract your client’s RHR from his or her age-predicted HRmax before multiplying the outcome by the desired percentage. Then add the RHR back onto that value. The difference between HRmax and RHR is called heart rate reserve (HRR). When the workout goal is to increase aerobic endurance, target heart rate should be 65 to 80 percent of HRmax (about 55%-70% of HRR). During interval training, which focuses on increasing cardiovascular performance, target heart rate should be greater than 80 percent of HRmax (70% of HRR).
Marta Montenegro Fitness Trainer and A Strength and Conditioning Coach
WHAT IS EPOC?
I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. IS CARDIO ENOUGH OR DO I NEED TO LIFT WEIGHTS TOO?
It’s short for, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Aka: the amount of oxygen your body consumes post-exercise to return to its normal state. You’ve probably heard EPOC referred to as the post-workout after-burn. And that’s what makes Metabolic Resistance Training the most efficient way to train when you’re in a time crunch. Because MRT keeps your body performing at a higher intensity, you’ll have a higher EPOC than you would with a standard heavy resistance training session with long rest periods. So while everyone else is finishing up their first sets, you’ll be on your way out of the gym with more free time.
Cardio does burn fat if you remain in a low-intensity zone, but what matters most is how many calories you burn. We tend to burn more calories in 30 minutes of cardio work, compared to one-third to half as many in 30 minutes of resistance training. However, lifting weights builds muscle—this is key. Muscles are our engines and the big calorie burners in our bodies. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn, even at rest. If you increase muscle mass by 3 pounds, you will raise your metabolism by 4%, boosting resting energy expenditure by about 60 calories per day, or about 1,800 calories per month. This is slightly more than a half-pound weight loss per month. August 2017 | 49
FITNESS
- WORKOUTS
SKINNY MEN… YOU CAN BULK UP NOW WITH THESE TIPS By: Aya Ragheb
Ever wondered why some people eat so much and don’t get fat? Well, just as everything has a reason, this question has an answer. Gaining or losing weight is based on two things; how fast you digest food and how many calories you eat a day. Usually, skinny guys complain of eating a lot without gaining any weight. That’s because they either digest food extremely fast or they think they eat a lot, but in fact, they don’t. When it comes to food, you need to eat more than your average calorie intake which depends on your height and your weight. Exercising is a factor as well; it will work along your food intake to build up your muscles. So if you are a skinny guy and want to gain weight, here is your guide. Your Food Intake Gaining weight is as hard as losing it. So just as any other process, you need to weigh yourself and keep track of it. You also need to count your calories. After weighing yourself, know your calorie expenditure. Eating more than your calories expenditure will allow you to gain weight. So instead of eating three meals a day, aim for five meals a day; each rich with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and lots of calories. However, don’t eat fast food five times a day. Even though you want to gain weight, you still want to gain healthy weight or you will end up being overweight and developing health problems. Beside the food, make sure to drink a lot of water which will ensure processing the food you’re eating. Exercising Weight Training Weight training is famous for increasing the strength and size of muscles. You can train at the gym or at home if you have the weights. It is best to train three to four times a week. Don’t start with lifting excessive weight. Test your ability and your muscles, and slowly work from there. Weight training may be dangerous if you push yourself too hard. Know your starting weight by trying out different weights. If you can do more than 10 reps, then you need to add more weight. If you wish to build muscles, focus on bodyweight, free weights, and machine rather than cardio. Focus on Different Muscle Groups Training only certain muscles groups is called isolation exercising which you don’t want. In order to build up your whole body, go for compound exercises and divide your time to make it rotate on muscles groups such as arms, chest, legs, etc. Don’t do one muscle group a day. If you think you are not doing it well then a personal trainer would probably be a good idea. Compound exercises include bench presses, dumbbell presses as well as squats, deadlifts, pull ups, chin ups, and dips. However, you have to be careful and not push yourself. When you exercise, take rests and don’t do more than 12 reps per one set. 50 | August 2017
EXERCISE
MUSCLES
Barbell Squat
Buttock, thigh, stomach, and back
Dumbbell Lunges
Lower body muscles
Barbell Bench Press
Chest, arms, and shoulders
Wide-Grip Lat Pull-Downs
Back and arms
One-Arm Dumbbell Row
Back and shoulders
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Shoulders, upper back, and neck
Abdominal Bicycle
Abdominal muscles
REPS
1 SET OF 8-12 REPS
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BODY & HEALTH - RECIPES
BORED WITH YOUR BREAKFAST?
MIX UP YOUR MORNINGS WITH THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES KICK OFF YOUR MORNING RIGHT WITH THESE CREATIVE RECIPES THAT ARE RICH WITH VITAL NUTRIENTS AND MADE WITH LOVE!
HASH BROWN EGG NESTS WITH AVOCADO TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES YIELD: 8 NESTS INGREDIENTS: 15 oz. frozen shredded hash browns, melted 8 medium eggs 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded ½ cup.rumi cheese, shredded ½ cup assorted bell peppers, cubed 1 tbsp. olive oil ½ tbsp. parsley, chopped 2 avocados, sliced Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, combine hash browns, olive oil, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Grease the muffin pan and divide hash brown mixture equally among the nests. Use your fingers to make a hole inside the nest.Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until the edges are brown. In another mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the crumbled bacon, bell peppers, rumi cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and then divide among the eight nests. Bake again at 350 degrees F until the egg whites set, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cook, and then slide them up gently using a fork. Serve with avocado slices. 52 | August 2017
PECAN CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST TOTAL TIME: 20 MINUTES YIELD: 6 SLICES INGREDIENTS: 3 eggs 1 cup milk 6 slices toast bread 2 cups pecans, finely chopped 1 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt 2 tsp. ground cinnamon Nonstick cooking spray Maple syrup, for serving Fresh assorted fruits, for serving DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 200 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow dish, combine the eggs, milk, salt, vanilla, and sugar and whisk until well combined. In another shallow dish, stir the pecans and cinnamon well until pecans are fully coated with cinnamon. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium low heat. Dip the bread, one piece at a time, in the egg mixture on both sides, and then place on the griddle. Cook the bread until browned, about 2 minutes per side, and transfer to the prepared baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining bread slices. Serve with maple syrup and fruit pieces, if desired.
CAPRESE STUFFED AVOCADOS TOTAL TIME: 10 MINUTES YIELD: 8 SERVINGS INGREDIENTS: 4 avocados, pitted 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup mini marinated mozzarella balls, halved Balsamic vinegar Extra virgin olive oil Basil, for garnish Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Scoop out avocados, leaving a small border. Dice avocado and set aside. In a large bowl, toss diced avocado with tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Divide salad among eight avocado halves. Garnish with basil. You can substitute the mozzarella balls with cubed white feta cheese.
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BODY & HEALTH - ENDURANCE
FOOD AND PERFORMANCE FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES By: Zeina Kassas
54 | August 2017
S
wimming, biking, and running… oh my! Many endurance athletes are currently preparing for the upcoming triathlon and ironman! Yet, not all of them pay attention to proper nutrition. Nutrition is one of the key factors that determines where you will finish, or if you will even finish at all. Let’s take a look at various aspects of nutrition in relation to these ultra-endurance events.
CARBOHYDRATES AND ENERGY Triathletes expend an incredible amount of energy during their training and, in turn, have to consume plenty of calories on a daily basis to stay in a peak form. Energy demands can vary according to the duration, intensity, and type of exercise training. Carbohydrates are the foundation of any nutrition regimen when training for an ironman triathlon (the main energy source). Unfortunately, your body only has a limited amount of carbohydrate reserve for endurance events. As an example, a 150-pound man has approximately 1400 calories of muscle glycogen (stored sugar), 320 calories of liver glycogen, and 80 calories of blood glucose. As the intensity of exercise increases during training, more carbohydrates will be used for energy because it can be processed faster. However, when the muscle and liver stores are depleted, the body will have to pull from the blood sugar. When this happens, you are on a steady path toward fatigue. This is what some of us like to call “hitting the wall.” One way to avoid this decrease in performance is to consume adequate carbohydrates before and during training and events. Another way is to maximize muscle and liver glycogen by carbo-loading. This involves tapering training one to two weeks out from an event and then maintaining a high carbohydrate diet (usually 70% of calories). Eating a meal three to four hours before an event is also part of this loading regimen and can result in improvements in endurance.
FAT INTAKE A very low-fat diet (20% of total calories consumed) is often the diet of choice among athletes, especially those who seek to reduce body mass and/or body fat below levels associated with performance and long-term health. Endurance athletes may find it difficult, however, to consume adequate calories on a daily very low fat diet, which can manifest as reduced endurance and suboptimal performances. From a performance standpoint, diets containing less than 15% of energy from fat have not been shown to be any more beneficial than diets containing 20%-25% of energy from fats. Adequate intake of key nutrients, such as calcium, zinc, and essential fatty acids, has also been shown to be compromised with a very low intake of fat.
PROTEIN NEEDS Protein is the last of the macronutrients that a triathlete needs for optimal performance. This
nutrient is not typically known as a major energy contributor during exercise, but in the fed state, it may provide up to 5% of the fuel used. As exercise duration increases, protein utilization increases as well to maintain blood glucose through a conversion process in the liver. It is important for ironman triathletes to consume protein, especially during recovery, as this will help repair injured tissues. The typical recommendation for protein intake is 0.55 to 0.65 grams per pound of bodyweight per day.
FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES The endurance athlete’s performance can be hindered by two fluid and electrolyte-related issues; hyponatremia and/or muscle cramps. Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in the blood decreases to a potentially dangerous level, leaving you weak, lethargic, nauseated, bloated, confused, or suffering from muscle cramps, headache, slurred speech, or swollen hands and feet during or after prolonged exercise. Left untreated, hyponatremia can progress to seizures, coma, permanent brain damage, and even death. On the other hand, athlete’s hydration status is the single most important factor that affects the overall performance. Numerous studies have shown that an individual’s endurance gradually decreases the more they become dehydrated. Dehydration is usually a result of sweat loss, expiration and inadequate fluid intake. Serious medical complications can result if this trend progresses. Endurance athletes face unique nutritional needs and challenges on a daily basis while engaged in prolonged exercise. Seriousminded endurance athletes must undertake certain nutrition-related tasks daily. They must consume adequate calories while maintaining a lean body weight, key nutrient needs - such as protein, iron, zinc, and calcium - a favorable fluid and electrolyte balance, proper nutrition before and during exercise, and paying close attention to glycogen repletion after exercise. Gender differences, schedules and time constraints, exercise-associated fatigue, loss of appetite, changeable environmental conditions, and sport-specific situations are some of the challenges encountered when designing an effective nutrition program for endurance athletes. The payoff is enormous; however, as high-performance eating habits improve performances, good recovery periods reduce the endurance athlete’s risk of injury and illness.
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BODY & HEALTH - SUGAR
CUT DOWN ON THE SUBSTANCE MORE ADDICTIVE THAN COCAINE By: Victoria Haig
Studies have lead scientists to conclude that refined sugar is more addictive than cocaine. Reducing our sugar intake should be a priority whether you are overweight or not, it has been proven time and time again that sugar increases your insulin levels. High blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and premature aging are just some of a long list of the ways sugar damages your health. The harsh reality is most people would benefit from eating less sugar. Easier said than done. As obesity rates continue to soar and studies highlight the chronic dangers of diabetes, scientists have counseled that death rates from diabetes related to illness may be four times higher than we had initially thought. This begs the question, why then do we find reducing our sugar intake so immensely tough. Marketing of sweet products tells us that we can enjoy sugar in moderation, but can we? Unfortunately, as human beings we find it difficult to control ourselves when it comes to sugar consumption. This is in part due to the effect it has on our bodies; it changes our hormone response and brain function driving us to seek more and more sugar. At the same time the hormone leptin, which curbs hunger and indicates to the brain 56 | August 2017
that it is satisfied, responds to sugar with a much lower intensity than it does to other foods. Sounds like an illegal drug, but in reality this substance can be found in abundance in every household in Egypt. Sneaky sugars lurk even in the foods people insist are ‘healthy.’ Examples of typical culprits include cereal, granola and granola bars, protein bars, and fruit juice. Then there are the foods that have unexpected quantities of sugar, such as ketchup, canned or packet soups, and oatmeal sachets. As if this is not enough, there are refined grains. Whilst refined grains are not composed of sugar as we know it, they do turn into glucose in the blood stream. These foods include bread, crackers, chips, and pasta – be aware your metabolic reactions these foods mimic that of sugar in the body. So back to that drug analogy, a plethora of scientific studies show the more sugar we eat the more we crave to get the same sweet sensation. Unfortunately, food companies are responsive to this and manipulate your palate accordingly – churning out tasty processed treats with the objective of making people addicted and collecting the profits. All sounds a bit gloomy, but it doesn’t need to be – it is within your power to re-train your tastebuds. In a recent study, subjects that cut down their sugar intake by 40% perceived
sweet treats as sweeter than the control group, leading researchers to conclude the less sugar you eat the more satisfied you’ll be with lower sugar foods. Researchers predict around two months to literally retrain your taste buds. It’s not easy, but it’s possible and more than worthwhile. So with this in mind, let’s examine the best tips for less sugar and a healthier lifestyle. Back to Basics: let’s start with the most obvious tips and graduate to the more complex ones. First and foremost, today is the day to stop adding sugar to your tea or coffee, or sprinkling on yogurt or fruit. In short, don’t add sugar to food or drinks. The next obvious shift is from processed to real whole foods. Nearly all packaged foods contain added sugars. If you read the food labels of processed foods you will find sugar comes in many disguises: fructose, corn syrup, rice syrup, molasses, honey, algave, brown sugar, and fruit concentrates. Gradually reduce the amount of sugar you eat - a study showed that when women ate berries as a snack instead, of a more sugary snack they ate less at dinner, actually 135 calories less which translates into more than a pound of fat a month. Complex carbohydrates are the nutritionist’s favorite because they are high in fiber meaning there is less of a rise of sugar in your blood. This is the reason why nutritionists consistently recommend sweet
potatoes, oats, and quinoa. A quick tip that I often advise nutrition clients is to always plan your meals around the protein portion of the meal. Protein being: meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy. Protein is processed differently in the body than carbohydrates and results in more energy being burned during digestion and a greater sense of satiety. Last but certainly not least is to avoid all sweetened drinks and fruit juice. Yes, you read fruit juice, too. There is a large body of evidence that liquid sugars are correlated to diabetes and poor body composition, because they alter insulin sensitivity and turn into fat in the body very quickly. Aren’t fruit juices healthy? I often hear this, it seems hard for people to understand that although they come from a healthy source because the fiber is removed, the body reacts to juice in exactly the same way as it would to a fizzy drink, spiking blood sugar and raising insulin. These extra calories are stored as fat – often in the organs or abdominal region. To conclude, please accept that all sugars are treated by the body in the same way, so don’t fool yourself that honey is any better than table sugar – follow these tips today for an improved body composition and healthier you. Don’t fall prey to the big food industries marketing ploys – look at the science, cut down on sugar, and reap the physical rewards.
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BODY & HEALTH - MEN 50+
58 | August 2017
COMBAT AGE WITH THIS HEALTHY LIFESTYLE By: Alaa Basyouni
E
ating well is the most important act one can do to ensure a healthy living. Being healthy and in good shape is not age specific, however, more dependent on our food intake.
Our bodies’ requirements vary with every stage of life based on our needs and activities, which necessitates adjustments in our diet. For instance, the needs of an infant differ from that of a toddler, and the needs of a teenager differ from that of an adult. Hence, the nutrition is distinct for each age group. Starting the age of 20, metabolism slows down to an average of 2% per decade.
Around the age of 50, women go through menopause while men experience some alterations called Andropause, where they encounter a drop in testosterone levels, enlargement of the prostate, and increased risk of many diseases. Andropause can affect mood, sleep, sex life, and concentration. Men over 50 are also prone to some health risks, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, in addition to a higher risk of developing diabetes, colon cancer, and low immunity. Factors that contribute to the development of these diseases are increased exposure to stress, inactivity, and taste changes. Sadly, there isn't a magic pill to stop the aging process but almost all of these problems can be resolved by eating right and accepting the fact that your body is changing and thus, adapting to these transitions accordingly. You can battle aging by including certain foods in your diet. Antioxidants are major age combating agents. Vitamin A, C, and E, as well as selenium and zinc have antioxidant and immune boosting properties. These vitamins are found in colorful fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. While, the minerals needed can be found in seafood, nuts, and whole grains. Additionally, fibers found in vegetables, legumes, grains, and fruits can help protect your gut from colon cancer and promote satiety.
The risk of high cholesterol, hypertension, and heart disease can be avoided by following the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is a way of life, and it includes plenty of olive oil, seafood, chicken, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and skimmed dairy products. Studies have shown significant improvement in cholesterol, blood pressure levels, and consequently a decline in heart diseases upon following this regimen. The Mediterranean diet incorporates foods that are rich in antioxidants as well as omega-3, which reduces bad cholesterol levels. Another important consideration to battle aging is proper hydration. We are exposed to numerous toxins on a daily basis, which accumulate in our body, causing cellular damage and acceleration of the aging process. Drinking plenty of water is essential to wash out toxins produced in the body and maintain a healthy kidney function. As we age, the sensation of thirst declines. So make sure to remind yourself to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.
chamomile tea are healthier alternatives. The entire world has been obsessed with superfoods as avocado, kale, turmeric, and green tea, due to their magical health powers. These superfoods are rich in antioxidants, omega 3, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, they help neutralize most of the aging health risks. Last but not least, a sedentary lifestyle is among the top contributors to many health problems. You don’t need to overload your schedule with tough workouts… all you need is 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, five days a week. Speed walking would suffice, as well as regular walks with a good company. Also, it would be great to go for a swim on weekends during these hot summer days to cool off. Engaging in a daily activity will not only help burn calories, but it will also maintain muscle mass and dramatically reduce stress levels.
On the other hand, keep track of your total caloric consumption and avoid sugar fueled foods. Refined sugar is considered a key factor in feeding cancer cells. Salt is also one of the factors that develop hypertension. To add rich flavor to your food, replace salt with assorted spices. Additionally, limit caffeine intake to avoid dehydration and reduce stress levels. Herbal teas such as lavender or
JUST REMEMBER THAT AGE IS JUST A NUMBER AS LONG YOU EAT RIGHT AND STAY ACTIVE. August 2017 | 59
BODY & HEALTH - EDITORIAL
INDIRA...
THE ULTIMATE INDIAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE From that first sip of your lassie until you linger over the final spoonful of homemade kulfi ice cream, a meal at Indira is a wonderful and satisfying exploration of fine Indian dining. Happily, no great sense of exploration is necessary to find Indira, which is located at Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars … or you could follow the fragrant aroma of spices through the Citystars Mall to its location handily placed near Gate 7 on Level 0. Indira’s atmosphere is unquestionably Indian, but with a subtle and understated Asian influence to create a chic and contemporary feel. There is none of the overblown ‘Bollywood’ style of décor that can lay a heavy hand on Indian restaurants. The richness of dark wood and deep burgundy, ornamental elephants and tapestries are offset by unfussy furniture and crisply set tables, producing a modern and upbeat atmosphere that buzzes with chat, laughter, and pure enjoyment of the occasion and the food.
So while enjoying the complimentary lassie – a yoghurt and mango drink – and sampling the spicy chutneys with poppadoms it was our eyes that first devoured the menu. And a word about ‘spicy-ness’. Chef Vikram, who keeps a keen eye on events from the open ‘prep’ kitchen alongside the tables, is always ready to ‘adjust the heat’ to suit Egyptian and European taste. As Vikram and his staff prepare all the spices in-house, and update the menu monthly according to ‘availability’, quality, and freshness is assured and is never compromised by the very reasonable prices. We shared a sampling starter dish of Indira’s Chicken Tikka chat and vegetable samosa with raita and tamarind dips. Alongside sat a basket of glazed naan bread that glistened irresistibly under the lights. Many more trips will be required to enjoy the Lobster Masala (Lobster tail cooked with garlic, ginger, spices, and herbs), Murgh Malai (chicken breast in creamy cheese sauce with spices) or the Kachumber of fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumber, herbs, and lemon juice.
The main menu is packed with ‘stars’ … the classic lamb Rogan Josh, Dal Makhani and Dal Tadka veggie curries, jumbo prawns in the Jhinga Masala, the gorgeously creamy Chicken Murgh Makhani. The beauty of Chef Vikram’s cuisine, to which he adds his special gravies and sauces, lies in the distinct and delectable flavours he brings to his dishes. Compared with the intricacies of spices and their subtle nuances of aroma and taste, preparing rice may seem deceptively simple, but we have all endured rice that cloys and refuses to separate. My Jhinga Biryani was perfect, as each grain seemed to tumble individually around the succulent prawns. My colleague’s Kashmiri Pulao was a work of art: Basmati rice slow-cooked with saffron, almonds, golden raisins, and cashews. “But what is this fragrance?” my colleague asked Vikram. “Rose water,” he smiled in reply. A wonderful touch, but typical of the care and delight he devotes to preparing the delicious Indian cuisine at Indira.
ADVENTURE - EDITORIAL
INTERCONTINENTAL CAIRO CITYSTARS ATTRACTS LOVERS OF AUTHENTIC EGYPTIAN CUISINE WITH THE OPENING OF AL KHAL
InterContinental Cairo Citystars has confidently lined up against the competition to attract lovers of truly authentic Egyptian cuisine with the recent opening of Al Khal. By the pool and so with the al fresco option, the main restaurant is well air-conned against the heat. Al Khal boasts cool tiled floors, shades of red, blue, and gold upholstery set against table arrangements separated by attractive drapes hanging from the beamed ceiling. The meal began with sipping Kassab (from a drinks menu of hot and cold beverages, mocktails and cocktails) and then a pleasing touch for an appetizer… ‘Dokka’ served with bread rounds brought soft, fresh, and warm straight from the oven. Dokka, crushed nuts with cumin and sesame, its part in Egyptian folklore, an Arabian equivalent of loving someone ‘for better or worse’ … “See, I love you so much, I’ll even eat bread and dokka with you.” Awww! Taste buds and romantic notions equally stimulated, it was time to sample from the menu which will soon be extended with even more classic Egyptian dishes. As executive Sous Chef Ahmed Shaaban emphasized “We offer truly traditional Egyptian food, dishes from different regions of the country, dishes that are special to families in the Delta, in Upper Egypt and other parts of Egypt … Port Said, Ismailia; we pull together the favorites from around the country.” No worries, there is plenty to explore and satisfy. Soups include Shourbet Lissan Asfour (pastina with clear meat broth and spices); there are five salads, plus cold appetizers featuring Gebna Adima (farm-aged cottage cheese with tomato and sesame) and hot appetizers. There’s assorted Mahshi, of course, Koushary and succulent Kebda Iskandaerani (stir fried veal liver) and Rokak bel Lahma with ground beef sandwiched between crispy layers of dough.
Tagens and main dishes include creations revolving around seafood, huge marinated shrimps, cubed lamb and lamb shanks, braised oxtail and pigeon, all with the perfectly matched herbs and spices to tease out the maximum flavor. And if you choose one of the three varieties of molokheya, expect to see the impressive Chef Nadia; the ‘mother of the kitchen’ emerges to cast an eye over diners appreciating her particular specialty. Just another touch, reassuring that you are truly eating from one of Egypt’s traditional kitchens. Stuffed Pigeons with Rice, Onion and Spices INGREDIENTS: 4 whole pigeons 1 cup butter 2 whole onions 20gr garlic 1/2 cup Egyptian rice 1 tbsp. mint, chopped 2 liters hot water 10gr cinnamon sticks 1 tbsp. cinnamon powder 20gr cardamom 1 whole carrot 50gr leek
50gr celery Salt and black pepper to taste COOKING METHOD: Sauté the pigeons with half cup of butter in a pan. Add the minced onion for 5 minutes in the pan. Add the pigeon’s hearts for 3 minutes then add the livers for 2 minutes. Put the rice and stir until half cooked then flavor with salt and pepper. Chop the mint and cinnamon powder. With the prepared mixture; stuff only ¾ of each pigeon’s cavity to leave room for the rice to expand, sew the openings or close them with toothpicks. Cover the pigeons with aluminum foil. Put the pigeons in a large cooking pot in hot water with cinnamon sticks, whole onion, garlic, salt, pepper, carrot, celery, leek, and cardamom. Simmer the pigeons over low heat for 45 minutes until they are tender. Remove the pigeons from their broth and let them dry for a few minutes. Transfer the pigeons to a large skillet and fry them with 1/2 cup of butter until they turn to brown. Serve hot with crispy potatoes.
ENTERTAINMENT
&
CULTURE
ARTS
BOOK
The Sky Below
Author Scott Parazynski brings back the memoir of some of the most unforgettable adventures of our time through the lives of an elite athlete, physician, and explorer. Ever since his childhood years, Parazynski never lost sight of his childhood dream to become an astronaut. During his career, the author flew five space shuttle missions and took seven spacewalks. He spent his formative years in far-flung global locales like Athens, Beirut, Dakar, and Tehran. Thirsty for more adventure after retirement, he climbed Mount Everest. The Sky Below also portrays an astronaut’s engagement with the challenges of his life on Earth, including raising a beautiful autistic daughter and finding true love.
MOVIE The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Having been on the opposite end of the bullet for years, top agent (Ryan Reynolds) is asked to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most famous and manipulative assassin (Samuel L. Jackson). The duo embark a 24 hours adventure from England to Hague, where they experience highspeed car chases, outlandish boat escapades, and a merciless Eastern European dictator (Gary Oldman) who is out for blood. Salma Hayek joins the mayhem as Jackson’s equally famous wife. The action comedy movie is directed by Patrick Hughes.
62 | August 2017
SERIES 5 Netflix Series for Every Yogi Personality
Power Yoga: Feel your inner warrior with the ultimate show about strength Jessica Jones. AcroYoga: The couples that train together, stay together. Take notes from America’s favorite power couple from the hit show Claire and Frank Underwood. Vinyasa Yoga is all about mental focus and means “moving into a special place in a special way.” Nobody demonstrates mental focus more than “Eleven” from your favorite show Stranger Things as she uses her mind to move things in a special way. Ashtanga Yoga: Known as the best of kind of Yoga that helps you master your breathing techniques, Ashtanga will leave you breathless just like the OA. Yin Yoga: This type of Yoga is best to relieve stress. What greater way to top it off with an evening of Gilmore Girls as you curl up on the couch with your favorite cozy blanket.
THE BIGGEST HITS OF THE MONTH KEISHA – RAINBOW THE FRESH & ONLYS WOLF LIE DOWN EMA – EXILE IN THE OUTER RING THE CADILLAC THREE – LEGACY DOWNTOWN BOYS COST OF LIVING
BRITT BOTROUS GHALI ARTIST
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Brittghali
NOUR EL REFAI PHOTOGRAPHER www.nourelrefai.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
UPCOMING EVENTS
SET YOURSELF FREE FROM WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK AUGUST 3
Parasites often invade our bodies without us noticing, but on the longer term they can have a serious impact on our health and wellbeing. We usually have limitations that we are not fully aware of, yet they hinder our abilities to grow. This workshop is about discovering the limitations and negative influences preventing you from moving forward and providing you with practical tools and actions to overcome them. By linking these life parasites with your past, you will be able to discover the origin behind them and strike them at the roots.
THE TRIFACTORY AQUATHLON AUGUST 4 Our signature Swim+Run event is coming to Hacienda on August 4th, offering you the chance to compete as an individual or part of a relay team. For more information and reservation, you may contact: The TriFactory info@thetrifactory.com
For more information and reservation, you may contact: Aspire Training Solutions 0121 086 0004
HR FUNDAMENTALS 3 DAYS WORKSHOP AUGUST 4 Interested in mastering the HR fundamentals through a Blended Learning Experience including simulation games, theory, practical knowledge sharing and excel tools? If your answer is yes, we encourage you to register for the HR Fundamentals - 3 Days Workshop starting from the 4th of August at AlMaqarr Coworking Space. For more information and reservation, you may contact: AlMaqarr Coworking Space 0100 789 8227
NEW SALSA DANCE CLASS AUGUST 6 Dancing is the best way to relax after a hard day at work. If you want to make new friends, do some exercises, or just change your daily routine, you’ve came to the best place! Latin Love Dance School offers new dance styles, like Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Kizomba, Reggaeton, and Rueda de casino! The new salsa classes will take place every Sunday and Tuesday at 7.00 PM starting from 6th August. For more information and reservation, you may contact: Latin Love Dance School 0101 201 1141
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THC - CASTLE ZAMAN AND BASATA AUGUST 10 Castle Zaman is a breathtaking and majestic destination. The simple yet elegant architecture and panoramic view are enough to capture your heart, a place where you will be transported into a serene world, that is simultaneously luxurious and eco-friendly. Equally unique, Basata is the first eco-lodge built in Egypt in 1986 and possesses one of best five beaches in the world.
CAIRO RUNNERS SAHEL AMAZING RACE AUGUST 11 Get ready for an adventure-filled event unlike any that we’ve done before. About 120 five-person teams will race through different competitions and tasks to be crowned winners of the Cairo Runners Amazing Race. Start putting your teams together and we’ll keep you posted of all the details here. For more information and reservation, you may contact: Cairo Runners 0109 896 7334
For more information and reservation, you may contact: The Hiking Club 0100 627 3385
AMR DIAB CONCERT LIVE AT GOLF PORTO MARINA 2017
WORLD DODGEBALL ASSOCIATION - 2017 AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS
AUGUST 18
AUGUST 25
Prominent Egyptian singer, Amr Diab will perform a live singing concert including some songs of his latest album on Friday, 18th of August at Golf Porto Marina, North Coast.
World Dodgeball Association in partnership with Egyptian Dodgeball Federation presents the Inaugural 2017 African Cup of Nations. Also the qualifying competition for the Dodgeball World Cup 2018 brings together all the World Dodgeball Association accredited members from Africa into a 2-day event celebrating the dodgeball sport, with the ultimate prize up for grabs - a place in the Dodgeball World Cup. The 2017 African Cup of nations held in Cairo will include the nations of Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan and South Africa.
For more information and reservation, you may contact: Ultra Diabians 0101 7159 618
For more information and reservation, you may contact: www.eventbrite.co.uk August 2017 | 65
NEWS HOTELS
AMERICAN EMBASSY’S OUTSIDE CATERING BY FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS AND TOWERS
Fairmont Heliopolis and Towers continues to prove its primary position among Egypt’s five-star deluxe hotels by providing first-class outside catering facilities. On the 4th of July, in celebration of the U.S. Independence Day, Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers was proud to provide upscale catering services for the American Embassy in Cairo. World-class chefs were present, working hand-in-hand to offer the most exclusive service; they were all meticulous about the details needed which turned the celebration into a huge success. An entirely inspired and dedicated catering team smoothly handled the event from start to end which helped turning the occasion into a memory of a lifetime.
FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS & TOWERS HOSTS FIBA U19 BASKETBALL WORLD CUP2017 NATIONAL TEAMS
Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers is famous for being the first choice for public figures. The hotel recently hosted the board members of the U19 Basketball World cup, the coaching staff and National players. The teams expressed administration for the hotel and its fusion architecture as well as the standards and quality of service. The visit came as part of the Basketball World cup-2017 taking place in Cairo. Being the premiere option for the elites worldwide, Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers is always eager to exceed their exclusive clientele’s expectations by providing upscale and personalized services.
HILTON LUXOR RESORT & SPA AWARDED GRANT TO DELIVER ENGLISH LANGUAGE LESSONS TO SUNSHINE ORPHANAGE
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spahas received a USD 1000 grant so that Team Members can work with the Sunshine Orphanage to deliver fully immersive English language lessons. The lessons will help children develop useful skills for their careers and introduce them to the hospitality industry. Since its launch in 2013, Hilton’s Action Grant supports Team Members to use their ideas to solve local issues that impact their communities. Winning programmes demonstrate a strategic approach to leverage Hilton’s skills and capabilities to provide a solution to a relevant local social or environmental challenge that is linked to the hospitality industry. This competition aims to foster creativity and initiative with Hilton Team Members, allowing them to be “intrapreneurs” – entrepreneurs that create local solutions from within the company. Since 2013, more than 300 grants have been awarded globally, providing more than $880,000 to support projects around the world and often creating the foundation for longer-term projects. 66 | August 2017
FAIRMONT NILE CITY COLLEAGUES AND GUESTS ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES FOR THE BI-ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
Fairmont Nile City colleagues and valued guests rolled up their sleeves this July and donated to the Ministry of Health & Population – National Blood Transfusion Service. This is part of corporate luxury brand’s social responsibility initiatives and Fairmont Nile City, Cairo’s leading hotel, both in its award winning hospitality and guest services, as well as its commitment to social responsibilities, has been making substantial steps in making a difference in the community. The donation campaign received generous and wholehearted support from colleagues and valued guests alike.
HOTELS
VIVO’S GOURMET PIZZA INTRODUCES NEW GOURMET MENU AT THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP EGYPT TURNS RAMADAN IFTAR DINING EXPERIENCE TO A FANTASTIC FAMILY GETAWAY TO DUBAI InterContinental Hotels Group has turned Ramadan Iftar experience into a memorable family getaway to Dubai. During past Ramadan, guests who enjoyed Iftar at any participating restaurant in IHG hotels in the Middle East got the chance to participate in the IHG Ramadan Raffle promotion. Daily raffle prizes were provided by each hotel and varied from restaurant dining vouchers to spa treatments and even hotel stays. But best of all, at the end of Ramadan, one lucky winner from each country won the grand draw prize and received a complimentary family getaway to Dubai.
SOCCER LEGEND RONALDINHO AT CAIRO MARRIOTT!
The Cairo Marriott Hotel hosted soccer legend Ronadinho as part of Marriott International’s continuous “Spirit To Serve” initiatives and Cairo Marriott’s ongoing support for the Tour N’ Cure campaign to help cure Virus C patients from around the world. Ronaldinho’s visit to Egypt came with the purpose of launching the “Ronaldinho Foundation” in partnership with Prime Pharma to provide underpriviliged patients the Virus C cure using the Egyptian medicine. Upon his arrival to the Palace, the legend was greeted by General Manager Khaled Al Jamal and the hotel management.
“MAKADI WATER WORLD”…. WHERE THE FUN AT ITS BEST
The world’s largest travel website “TripAdvisor” gladly granted “Makadi Water World” Traveller’s Choice Award 2017. “Makadi Water World” honourably been ranked number 4 out of the top 10 water parks in the Middle East, and number 20 out of top 25 selected water parks worldwide. It is worth mentioning that “Makadi Water World” Egypt’s largest aqua park built over 40, 000 sqm, featuring 50 adrenalin-pumping water slides for all family members including a 19 meters free-fall slide… And it is the only water park in Egypt that was featured in the worldwide top water parks category. This is not the first time for “Makadi Water World” to achieve such high score on the world’s top leading travel websites, for guest satisfaction.
THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY WELCOMES JOE GHAYAD GENERAL MANAGER TO THE NILE RITZCARLTON, CAIRO The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is pleased to announce Joe Ghayad as the new General Manager for its iconic property. Ghayad brings global experience to his new role and will oversee the entire operations of the hotel. Prior to joining The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, Ghayad was the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, the first luxury hotel in Kazakhstan. Under his phenomenal leadership, the property was amongst the leading hotels in Europe for ‘Guest and Employee Engagement’, and also continued to win several awards for consecutive years for Europe.
With the trend for ultra-pizzas spreading like wildfire throughout Cairo, Vivo’s celebrated Chef Carmine pushing boundaries as he strives to make the best quality pizza there can be inspired by 2-Michelin starred Chef Oliver Glowig and his home town Rome. Starting 1st August 2017, The Nile RitzCarlton’s resident Italian restaurant, ‘Vivo’, will invite guests to experience an exciting, unique and creative gourmet pizza menu consisting of consists of a varied selection of innovative gourmet topping combinations such as Pizza Delizia, offering pizza lovers that extra special culinary journey. With an extensive range of options to sample, diners are sure to find something to tingle their taste buds. For Italians, a good meal is not solely about delectable dishes. Taste goes hand in hand with creating the right setting to indulge in both. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo offers the perfect place to share special moments with friends and family overlooking endless views of the Nile.
SHERATON CAIRO HOTEL & CASINO WELCOMES ITS FIRST GUEST
The iconic Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino welcomed its first guest soon after it reopened its doors after extensive renovations. Mr. Mohamed Adel Ahmed Kaid, a Yemeni citizen, was the first guest to book a room at the hotel, a city landmark of more than four decades. Formerly a regular guest at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino, Mr. Kaid learned about the hotel’s reopening through social media and wanted to be amongst the first to stay at the newly reopened hotel. He was the first to see and experience the hotel’s newly renovated rooms and suites, enjoy the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience, indulge in sumptuous cuisine from the hotel’s wide array of restaurants, and revel in a variety of superior amenities, all while perched on the West Bank of the Nile River and delivered with the hallmark Sheraton Service the brand is renowned for. August 2017 | 67
HOTELS SOMABAY UNVEILS VERY ATTRACTIVE PACKAGES FOR EID
Somabay, the luxurious destination on the Red Sea, is delighted to unveil very tempting packages to spend your Eid; with year-round sunshine, white sandy beaches and magnificent sunsets, Somabay is the ultimate destination; and there’s no better place to spend your Eid than at one of the Somabay’s five hotels; The Kempinski Soma bay, Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa, The Breakers Diving & Surf Lodge,The Sheraton Hotel Soma Bay, and the Robinson Club Soma Bay. Somabay is delighted to unveil its latest addition; the Somasplash Waterpark. Perfect for adults and kids alike, and combined with the promise of sunshine and a vast range of fun-fueled activities. If Somasplash isn’t enough to float your boat, then the Gary Player designed Championship Golf Course and the panoramic views over the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea are sure to enchant. Active families will also love Somabay; the destination is home to some of the best kite-surfing and wind-surfing conditions in the world, while there is also the chance to explore the destination’s vibrant underwater coral gardens famed for the abundance of fish and turtles. For those parents hoping for a few moments of peace, then the Cascades Spa & Thalasso, the largest thalasso spa in the region, offers an oasis away from the excitement and babble of the kids.
RADISSON BLU HOTEL IS AWARDED THE SAFE HOTELS CERTIFICATE BY SAFEHOTELS ALLIANCE AB IN CAIRO, EGYPT
Safehotels Alliance AB head office is based in Sweden and was launched in October 2002, after years of extensive research of the travel trade to benchmark hotels from a security perspective. Safehotels has an international network of accredited security experts to audit hotels in order to guarantee consistency and quality in safety. Safehotels has developed, “The Global Hotel Security Standard”© a unique method to meet the need for matching hotel and conference security to the demand, measuring security for the business travelers, travel managers as well as the individual international travelers. The standard covers for The Global Hotel Security Standard© are fire equipment, fire procedures, general security, safe and security equipment plus staff training in various aspects. Radisson Blu Heliopolis applied for accreditation and has been thoroughly assessed through a strict process with an outside consultant. The hotel met all the criteria with their regular safety policies and procedures to be awarded the premium level of certification. Radisson Blu Heliopolis will now be audited and certified on a yearly basis to control and maintain the Global Hotel Security Standard of Safehotels.
COMPANIES
BRITISH AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WHITE COMPANY
British Airways announced its plans to give customers a great night’s sleep in the sky through a partnership with the luxury lifestyle brand, The White Company. The iconic British retailer will supply bedding and amenity kits in Club World as part of the airline’s £400m customer investment plan, with a focus on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all. Exclusively for British Airways, The White Company have also designed a bespoke, luxuriously soft large pillow and white cotton pillowcase to enhance customers’ comfort and to help them sleep well in the sky. Customers will also be given a supersoft woven blanket with satin trim and a specially developed luxury duvet to improve their quality of sleep, as well as a padded mattress cover giving an extra layer of comfort. 68 | August 2017
ZANUSSI EGYPT’S OFFICIAL PAGE NUMBERS HIT THE ROOF: REACHING 10 MILLION VIEWERS
Chef Yousry fires up social media platforms with his live streaming show “Live with the Chef” on Zanussi Egypt’s official page. The Chef presented 30 of his top food recipes from all over the world during Ramadan, using Zanussi’s cooking Appliances. The show enabled all followers from both genders, different ages and lifestyles to enjoy a best in class cooking experience. Live with the Chef was presented as a daily live streaming video, aiming at driving interaction between viewers and chef Yousry. The Show’s viewers reached 10 Million, as chef Yousry scored an unprecedented engagement rate exceeding 40% with total page reach of more than 36 million users.
LG DUALCOOL AIR CONDITIONER BUILDS A TOWER OF CHOCOLATE
Air conditioners often experience performance challenges due to the extreme heat conditions. Even though an airconditioning unit is working, the temperature indoors still keeps increasing, resulting to infuriating tenants whilst making the summer more difficult than they already are. In an attempt to creatively illustrate how advancements in technology trump the long-lived difficulties of extreme temperatures faced in the Middle East & Africa, LG Electronics (LG) conducted an experiment to demonstrate how the LG DUALCOOL air conditioner still cools, even when the outdoor temperature spikes to 65 degrees Celsius.
COMPANIES
DABUR EGYPT LAUNCHES DERMOVIVA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EGYPT CAREEM INVESTS IN LOCAL EGYPT STARTUP SWVL TO BRING LOW-COST TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO THE REGION
Careem, the leading ride-hailing service in the Middle East and North Africa, announced it has invested in bus transportation network, Swvl, the brain child of former Careem market launcher, Mostafa Kandil, fulfilling its mission to build an institution for the region.The investment, $500k in seed funding, will be used to help Swvl expand into new cities and markets as well as roll out new product features within its app, including new payment options. In addition to the investment, Careem’s Chief Experience Officer and Co-founder, Magnus Olsson, will be joining Swvl’s Board of Directors.
In a move to gain further regional and global success, Dabur Egypt Limited, the leading Egyptian manufacturer of personal and healthcare products, recently launched its new ‘DermoViva’ Brand in the local market, during a special ceremony held at the Hotel Intercontinental Cairo Semiramis and in the presence of the company’s senior executives, partners, and distributors, to expand its current share and broaden its customer base. Country Manager Anoop Sharma graced the event to highlight the main features of Dabur Egypt’s new marketing plan designed to further reinforce the company’s market presence. He added that more strategic partnerships will be continuously pursued to widen the reach of the flagship Amla, Vatika, FEM, Miswak, Hooby, and DermoViva brands, among others. The gathering also highlighted Dabur Egypt’s current local market standing and future growth plans, in addition to its wide-ranging product portfolio, from hair to skin to oral care products.
CAREEM CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF MOVING THE REGION TOWARD BETTER LIVING
Careem, the leading ride-hailing service in the Middle East and North Africa, marks an important milestone in its rapid growth story as it celebrates five years of reinventing transportation in the region and making lives simpler for millions of people. In just five years, Careem has grown its presence to more than 80 cities in the broader MENATP region, growing at over 30% month-on-month during this period. While doing so, it has turned itself into one of the region’s biggest homegrown success stories and a poster child for the thriving startup scene, drawing in a steady stream of funding and expertise from renowned regional and international investors to become the region’s sole billion-dollar internet company – and a selfproclaimed ‘unicamel’.
BANKS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EGYPT, EMIRATES NBD EGYPT HOLDS A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BARCELONA CLUB Boosting its excellence as an innovative leader to the Egyptian paid wallets through the launch of a co-branded prepaid card in the banking industry, Emirates NBDEgypt brings the most loved international football team FC Barcelona, the world’s most valuable sports club. The deal was presented in the presidential box at the Camp Nou and was attended by FC Barcelona Board Member Silvio Elías while Emirates NBD Egypt was represented at the event by Fuad Mohamed, Chief Operating Office, Frederic de Melker, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, and Senior Vice President, Head of Cards Business, Deepak Chandran. Emirates NBD Egypt takes pride in being the first bank in Egypt that will introduce a co-branded prepaid card of state-of-the-art features and peerless advantages, including special discounts, using a world brand as catalyst in the Egyptian market. The new prepaid card will come in line with the financial inclusion initiative, launched by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). To this end, it is designed to increase the penetration rate within the unbanked segment.
EMIRATES NBD LAUNCHES PIONEERING MOBILE APPLICATION BANKING SERVICES
As part of its commitment to facilitate banking for customers and become a leader in digital banking, Emirates NBD has redesigned its mobile banking application to include a range of new features and innovative digital banking services. The new application provides a unique banking experience for Emirates NBD’s customers that enables them to transfer funds through their mobile phones to all bank customers using “mePay.” The service allows customers to perform mobile to mobile same bank transfer using mobile numbers from their contact list instead of using their bank account numbers, in addition to paying various bills without waiting in queues.
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FASHION
ADIDAS FOOTBALL REVEALS MANCHESTER UNITED HOME KIT FOR THE 2017/18 SEASON
ADIDAS REVEALS ULTRABOOST X IN NEW STRIKING MYSTERY BLUE COLORWAY
adidas Football has revealed the Manchester United home kit for the 2017/18 season. Celebrating the club’s third year with adidas, the new home kit will be worn by the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Ander Herrera. The latest home jersey features a minimalist, sophisticated design which pays homage to some of the classic kits from the past, at the same time as being at the forefront of technical sportswear design with technical, breathable fabrics and mesh engineering. The kit features: an all-new button-up collar offering an elegant and contemporary design; the adidas three stripes in white on the shoulders; andred, white and black sleeves to represent the colors of the match-day flags seen at United.
Adidas Running has added an eye-catching mystery blue colorway to its UltraBOOST X collection for FW17, giving female runners a fresh new way to stand out on the streets. Launched earlier this year, UltraBOOST X is adidas’ pinnacle performance shoe, tailored to the unique shape of the female foot and designed to make women greater every run. The unique design of UltraBOOST X reflects the female foot’s natural running silhouette for an enhanced performance with every step. The shoe’s distinctive Dynamic Archworks alongside a sculpted mid-foot and Prime knit upper to adapt effortlessly to the changing shape of the female foot, delivering superior comfort and support.
CARS
HYUNDAI AIMS FOR A BIGGER SHARE OF THE MIDDLE EAST’S MEDIUM-TO-LARGE SEDAN MARKET
Hyundai is aiming to take a bigger share of the market for medium and large sedans in the Middle East, with an All-new Azera and updated Sonata both offering dramatic new looks and giving the brand a big boost in showroom appeal during the transition to the 2018 model year. The Korean carmaker launched the sixth-generation Azera in GCC markets in May, with a luxury specification and a large V6 engine option unique to the region. This will be followed by a revised version of the seventh-generation Sonata to be launched in August, which includes major changes to the car’sbodywork for a radical change in appearance. The Azera and Sonata each offer a step forward in design and technology, and are a dramatic expression of Hyundai’s evolving design language. This includes the company’s new signature Cascading Grille, which will become a unifying feature across the Hyundai range. 70 | August 2017
NISSAN SIGNS COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH CHLORIDE PLANTS IN EGYPT AND STARTS MANUFACTURING THE FIRST GENUINE BATTERY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF NISSAN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Nissan celebrates the Holy month of Ramadan in the presence of public figures and the press. In a joyous Ramadan atmosphere, Nissan Motor Egypt celebrated the presence of a number of dignitaries and senior representatives of the Egyptian press specialized in car news at its annual celebration at the Sea Omar tent at the Fairmont Hotel. The event was a unique experience and included the final show of the Champions League. The event was held in the presence of a number of representatives of Nissan, including the Chairman and Managing Director of Nissan Motor Egypt and Senior Marketing and Public Relations officials, as well as a group of Broadcasters and Sponsors of Egyptian TV and radio programs. In a pleasant atmosphere, the media enjoyed communication with their colleagues and officials of Nissan, which was an opportunity to reunite the automotive sector with all the media figures.
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ZOOM IN Toyota Unveils All-New Fortuner with Refined Style and Comfort to Add to Its Impressive Off-Road Capability Toyota announced the launch of the 2018 Fortuner in Egypt to unveil a second-generation model, which builds on its heritage of being a durable sport utility vehicle (SUV) with impressive off-road capabilities. With the new Fortuner, Toyota has focused on creating a more distinctive, sleek, and powerful design while improving performance and adding a wide variety of features to increase convenience, safety, and ride comfort. The new Fortuner is assembled in Egypt applying the highest quality and technology standards of Toyota Japan, CEO of Toyota Egypt, Ahmed Monsef, said. He added that 47 percent of the parts assembled are made in Egypt.
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ZOOM IN Semiramis Intercontinental Cairo Hosts Its Ramadan Media Sohour at Fawanees by Nile Terrace Semiramis InterContinental Cairo hosted its Ramadan media sohour at its picturesque Ramadan venue, Fawanees by Nile Terrace. The event was attended by various media personalities, bloggers, and influencers who enjoyed the delicious sohour dishes, prepared by Lebanese Chef Baz and the Semiramis culinary team, while humming along to the unique tunes of the Oriental RipOff Band.
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ZOOM IN
Marriott Egypt Hotels Host Spectacular Sohour! It is now well known that Marriott International has become the largest hotel company on the globe! What better way to showcase this than for all Marriott Egypt Hotels to host the most memroable Sohour of the Holy month for their media partners and cleints? The night started with the Marriott Egypt Teams greeting their esteemed clients and media partners who were visibly excited to unravel the spectacular night that awaited them. From the tremendous fire show to the phenemonal performance of Mahmoud El Esseily, the night was far from slow. Guests sang along to the tunes of El Leila El Kebeera puppet show and where wowed while the fireworks colored the night sky!
Boehringer Ingelheim Raises Awareness about Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risks Under the theme #Control_your_Diabetes_Care_for_your_Heart, Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, hosted an exclusive event on the 6th of June bringing together Egypt’s top experts to address cardiovascular risk and type 2 diabetes management. About 415 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes. The #WHO predicts that the number of #diabetes patients in #Egypt will rise to 6,726,000 by 2030. The panel discussion did not end by only stating facts about diabetes. Upon ending this event, Dr. Omar Shouman Nutritionist and Motivational speaker showed how diabetes patients can overcome and manage their #lifestyle through their activity and #food.
ZOOM IN
Tayarah World’s Sohour at Almaz!
The Cairo Marriott Hotel hosted Tayarah World’s Sohour at the Nile-view Almaz last Ramadan and everyone’s still a bit starstrucked! Tayarah World is a creative production media hub, starting in Egypt, that creates creative online video content and if you’ve seen any of their work, you’ll only begin to understand how cool the crowd was. The extensive guest list was a reflection of how Tayarah World really is and included plenty of amazing figures like Hend Sabry, Sherine Hamdy, Heba Serag Eldin, Hana El Awadi, Sherif Nouredin, and Tara Emad; talk about some name dropping! After a long night, guests left the Palace having enjoyed some delicious food, a picturesque nile view, and best of all, the greatest company!
Unilever Mashreq Launches the World’s Latest Technology for Dry and Damaged Hair in the Egyptian Market
In an extraordinary event, Unilever Mashreq, the leading personal care company - represented in Dove products - launches a new hair care range of products to revive the Egyptian beauty, delivering an important message from this global product to the beauty of Egyptian women. Unilever Mashreq, the brand’s parent company decided to celebrate the real beauty of Egyptian women and honored a group of female models who have enriched Egyptian society in different forms of human beauty and succeeded in changing the shape of life around them for the best in many fields, in a clear message that emphasizes that beauty is an integrated system that combines the natural beauty, and the inner spirit and human personality. The concert concluded by the famous violinist Manal Mohy, who influenced the concert with musical pieces that emphasized the idea of the main ceremony and sent the beauty and positivity around it.
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ZOOM IN
Hilton Appoints Mohab Ghali to Position of Vice President Operations for Egypt and North Africa Hilton, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, has announced the appointment of Mohab Ghali as vice president operations for Egypt and North Africa. Ghali is responsible for regional strategy development as well as overseeing operations for 19 hotels and 14 pipeline hotels in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. An Egyptian-Italian national and lifelong hotelier with more than 25 years’ experience, Ghali has a proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of hotel operations, opening seven Hilton properties in 11 years across four different brands. Ghali is widely recognized as a corporate strategy and development specialist who is effective and accountable in high-profile executive roles. His consistent delivery of superior results in growth, revenue, operational performance and profitability earned him the 2010 General Manager of the Year Award, and the 2015 MEA President Award for Hilton Worldwide.
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ZOOM IN Marriott Egypt Celebrates a Spectacular Sohour! Marriott Egypt hotels celebrated a unique customer Sohour this Ramadan at the JW Marriott Cairo’s driving range by inviting the top corporate accounts, travel agents, media and public figures. The night started with operette “El Leila El Kebira” performed by Fabrica Team that included all the Egyptian nostalgic folklore songs. Followed by Ahmed Essam’s firework show with his special effects that amazed all the guests and raised the spirit to the optimum. At the end of the night, the famous singer “Mahmoud El Esseily” set the night on fire with his cheerful songs that struck a chord with the crowd and gave a special taste to the Sohour. The guests enjoyed the whole ambiance, the exquisite tastes of hot and cold mezzah, oriental grills, delectable desserts, and an endless range of flavored shisha.
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ZOOM IN Oppo Invites Media Figures over Homecoming Movie Premiere at VOX Cinema Oppo, the leading manufacturer of innovative camera phones globally, invited media figures over a special night at Vox Cinema, Mall of Egypt to watch Spider Man: Homecoming movie premiere. It is worth mentioning that Oppo unveiled the newest F3 Selfie Expert, the first phone in history to have a dual selfie camera that can capture you and all of your friends in one single ‘Groupfie’ (Group + Selfie).
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ZOOM IN OPPO Celebrates F3’s Black Edition with a Black Shadow Party On Saturday, 22nd of July, Egypt’s top celebrities and influencers all gathered at Martin’s Beach Club at Sahel’s Bo Islands to celebrate OPPO’s new F3 limited ‘Black Edition’. On this day, Martin’s Beach Club that was once known for its all-white theme got covered in black to reflect the elegance and sophistication of the F3 black edition; needless to mention, everything is best in black. Extravagant black props were used to emphasize the theme, from black curtains, to black and white balloons, beach balls and photo frames. To spice things up, all attendees were given vintage props to elevate their looks and let them all get into the sophistication mood. Since OPPO F3Cameraphone is all about selfies and pictures, OPPO had some selfie-friendly mirrors throughout the whole space as well as a human-sized photo frame for the best groups selfies, where groups could make use of OPPO’s wide-angle front camera to snap the best “groupfies.”
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ZOOM IN Porto Marina Resort & Spa Is Redefining Leisure with an Exceptional Celebration at the New “White Paradise Island” Porto Marina Resort & Spa celebrated the launch of its new beach “White Paradise Island” offering a new definition of leisure experience. The launching event took place on the 7th of July 2017 entitled ‘the 777 event’ introducing the hotel new entertainment vision through a non-matching cruise with exceptional amusements discovering its ‘7 wonders’ aiming to take the concept of fun and entertainment to another level and guaranteeing a memorable day for the attendees from the youngest to the oldest. The event started with an amazing flying drum show followed by a festive music performance whereby the guests enjoyed a memorable night. The guests enjoyed their stay with our vast entertainment programs introduced with an innovative concept, a breathtaking sea view for a fine-dining experience (with Sky Lounge its recent re-opening overlooking the Mediterranean sea from high ground in a magical romantic atmosphere), world class spa with services ranging from seaweed wraps to Thalasso treatments, fun and safe kids area, sunny beach enjoying the sea’s pure degree of blue and the white sand, entertainment shows including magic and musical shows on the island.
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