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20 FASHION & TRENDS
BEAUTY
16 Shopaholic
Sexy 60’s and Rave Prints
This Fall designers opted for the sixties trends. From Louis Vuitton’s miniskirts and Gucci’s pastille colours to Valentino’s bright prints and Carven furs. Yes, prints haven’t vanished yet off the runway. This Fall Kenzo, Prada and Chanel opted for cheerful lines that add vivid touch to the cold season while Acne Studios, Diane Von Furstenberg headed towards darker shades of prints. Add a colourful piece to your wardrobe this season.
20 Beauty Buzz
The latest & newest beauty products & news you need to know
YOU, LOVE & LIFE
22 Relationships
Signs Your Colleague Likes You Have you caught your colleague secretly staring at you? Does he try to impress you all the time? Has he ever attempted to ask you out on a date? Lounge brings you signs which indicate that your colleague has feelings for you.
Mom’s Diary
My 2nd Miracle
Lounge welcomes the delivery of our mom’s second baby, this month the yummy mummy shares with us her experience giving us her opinion on the ideal way to introduce a second baby to your toddler.
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26 Q&A
Which is Better School Vs. Professional Life?
After leaving school for years now, the vision becomes clearer day by day, and we can decide which is better: the school life with its restrictions and bonders? Or the professional life with its responsibility and obligations? This month Lounge asks its readers about where they had their best days; in school or at work.
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40 Must List
The Blue Elephant: Must Read ... and Watch Lounge takes us in a mysterious tour inside auther Ahmed Murad’s bestselling novel ‘El Feel El Azraq’ or ‘The Blue Elephant.’
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EVERY ISSUE
6 Chairman’s Letter 8 Editor’s Letter In The Know
Everything you need to know to be in the know, from celebrity to entertainment news to what’s in style, Lounge keeps you fully updated.
54 Horoscope
Happy Birthday Virgo
56 Well Said
11 Habits Egyptian Should Reconsider
ENTERTAINMENT
28 Cover Story
Hana Shiha in Charge
After surprising us this Ramadan through her amazing performance as ‘Em Em’ in ‘El Sabaa Wasaya’ TV serial, Lounge spoke in an upclose and personal interview with the mother of two Hana Shiha about the role, back to school days and her coming projects.
We are one of the unique nations, we have our own concepts, beliefs and somehow this is what creates our Egyptian identity with its bad and good habits. This month Lounge brought to you some of the habits that maybe if we work on a little bit, we will be a better country.
32 Star
Hanan Motawie ‘Dahsha’s’ Evil Princess
After mastering evil in her last performance playing the role of ‘Rabha’ in Yehia El Fakharany’s ‘Dahsha,’ This month Lounge asks Hanan Motawie about the secret behind mastering the role, how she sees the Egyptian political scene and her up coming acting projects.
HEALTH & FITNESS
34 Health Desk
The latest & newest health & fitness news you need to know
OUT & ABOUT
38 Hotspot
Mastaba Restaurant: Authentic Egyptian Food
Lounge brought you a glimpse on the newly opened Mastaba restaurant located in Marassi, which offers authentic Egyptian food and beverages in M-Porium Mall.
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Chairman’s Letter CHAIRMAN Ahmed Helal EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherif Ibrahim EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amira Tharwat GENERAL MANAGER Ahmed M. Hanohoum ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Khaled Ashraf Hegazy PR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nevine Helal SENIOR EDITOR Reem El Shennawi CONTRIBUTORS Mayada Tarek Youmna Gad
Our dear readers, This month, we are celebrating Lounge’s 10th Anniversary, and so, we have chosen lovely Hana Shiha to celebrate with us posing on our cover. Read what she had to say about herself, her latest serials and her upcoming work. We have also brought to you the gifted Hanan Motawie who spoke about her latest hit serial ‘Dahsha,’ her political views and her upcoming work. This month also happens to be the Back to School issue so, we brought to you the top signs that your colleague likes you; don’t miss our Relationships section. We also asked our beloved readers in the Q&A section about whether they prefer school days or the professional life. As for fashion addicts, we have brought to you the latest collection of the 60’s and rave prints right from the runway. Moreover, don’t miss our review on author Ahmed Murad’s hit ‘El Feel El Azraq,’ it’s a must read...and watch! Our Hotspot section this month brings you a review about Mastaba Restaurant in Marassi, which offers Egyptian Food and Beverages. As for all the mamas out there, this month we share with you the experience of having a second child, its definitely an experience that is worth trying. Happy 10th Anniversary our dear readers, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and love. Enjoy our issue.
ADVERTISING MANAGER Doaa Mostafa DESIGNED BY Nagy F. Ragheb GRAPHIC DESIGNER Wesam Osama EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Noha Hesham Zayed IT ADVISOR Amr Fakhr El-Din
LOUNGE’S COVER: HANA SHIHA
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Ahmed M. Abd el Latif SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Osama Abu Omar DISTRIBUTION Charisma International All rights reserved to Lounge. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Website: www.lounge-eg.com E-mail: info@lounge-eg.com PRINTING International Printing House To subscribe or advertise, please contact our offices at: 17 Nakhla El Motaey St. 6th Floor Apt. 601 Heliopolis, Cairo - Egypt 02-2642 2298/7 Fashion Director & styling: Abier Ansary Photographer: Mahmoud Abdel Salam Makeup: Abdullah from Pace e Luce Hairstyling: Ashour Special thanks to Dusit Hotel for the location
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EDITOR’S
letter
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY LOUNGE So, by the time you read this issue, Lounge would be celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Being someone who worked seven out of the ten years, let me tell you that the process of making a lifestyle magazine requires a lot of efforts, stress and pressure but, what distinguishes it from all the other 9 am to 5 pm jobs, is that you do your daily duties with passion and love. Knowing that there will be readers out there who are keen to see what’s new and wait for your product to see life is the most fun part in the process. Through the past years we as Lounge team have witnessed a lot of challenges where the biggest of them of course was the 25th of January Revolution and the economical crisis the country witnessed afterwards. However, we were able to pass the storm in order to survive and remain in the market. A lot of competitors gave up easily and closed their doors, but our team took the decision from day one and was up to the challenge that no matter what the sacrifices are we
believe in our project and we will not let it go easily, which made us now celebrate our 10th year remaining on the top as one of the best selling lifestyle magazines in Egyp. Needless to say that without our dear reader’s support and love we wouldn’t have been in the place we are in now. Celebrating our 10th anniversary, I would like to thank every single member of Lounge team who without their support life would be much harder, and I would like to send special regards to Chairman of Lounge Ahmed Helal, General Manager and the dynamo of the magazine Ahmed Hanouham, my Senior Editor Reem El Shennawi, our Graphic Designer Nagy Farouk, our Marketing Director Ikram Zaki, and all our writers and contributors through the years, who helped in making the brand name of Lounge. Last but not least, I would love to send my greetings to all the celebrities who graced our covers through the years and were keen on keeping their exclusive poses to Lounge’s lens out of their belief in its credibility and the quality of content it provides.
Dear readers your opinion always matters so, please send us your ideas and stay in touch with us through our facebook page www.facebook.com/LoungemagazineEG our instagram lounge_magazine or send to my e-mail amirabsb@yahoo.com
Amira Tharwat
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in the know
ROBIN WILLIAMS FOUND DEAD IN POSSIBLE SUICIDE
Veteran film and television comedic actor Robin Williams was found dead on Monday the 11th of August. He was 63. The cause of death is believed to be suicide via asphyxiation, according to the coroner’s office in Tiburon, Calif. He was found in his home. His publicist said the actor had been battling depression of late. “This is a tragic and sudden loss,” his publicist Mara Buxbaum said in a statement. “The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
KIM KARDASHIAN LEGALLY CHANGES HER NAME TO WEST
In the know...
Its official: Kim Kardashian is becoming Mrs. West. exactly 74 days after marrying Kanye West, she revealed on August 5 that she’s changing her last name and making it legal with a new passport. You can now call Kim Kardashian, 33, Mrs. West! And in true Kardashian style, Kim announced her name change by taking to her Instagram to share a flawless new passport photo that totally shows off her ample cleavage.
Celebrity
GEORGE CLOONEY AND AMAL ALAMUDDIN POST WEDDING BANNS
Just like a regular couple, the pair paid £35 and met the Superintendent Registrar at Chelsea Town Hall, with the legal notice announcing their wedding banns displayed in public for 16 days before the couple can get married. The document reveals that the pair will tie the knot in Italy, at a ceremony that is rumoured to be taking place at Clooney’s £25million home by Lake Como. And Clooney has already made plans to protect the couple’s privacy.
JENNIFER GARNER PREGNANCY RUMOURS ARE “NOT TRUE”
Listen up, everyone who has believed the Jennifer Garner pregnancy rumours: she and her hubby Ben Affleck are definitely not expecting another child. Speculation has arisen that the ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ actress could be pregnant as she’s been seen wearing loose-fitting tops recently. The couple already has three kids, daughters Violet and Seraphine and son Samuel, but Ben has previously said: “[Another kid is] not going to happen.
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TAYLOR SWIFT SURPRISES SICK FAN WITH HOSPITAL VISIT
Taylor Swift has surprised a young fan by visiting him in hospital, and his reaction was just too cute. Taylor spent the afternoon with six-year-old Jordan Lee Nickerson, who’s battling multiple illnesses including leukemia, at Boston Children’s Hospital. In a series of sweet videos posted on a Facebook page dedicated to the little boy named ‘Jordan’s Brave Page,’ the visit plays out with a very surprised Jordan bopping along to Taylor’s We Are Never Getting Back Together, before the pair play an enthusiastic game of air hockey together.
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LOUNGE
in the know
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES STORMS US BOX OFFICE The 2014 reboot, directed by Jonathan Liebesman took $65m in its first weekend, knocking Guardians of the Galaxy off the top spot. Following its success, Paramount has already greenlit a sequel for the movie, with Michael Bay on board as producer once again.
In the know... Entertainment
NICOLE KIDMAN AND REESE WITHERSPOON UNITE ON BIG LITTLE LIES
Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon are working together on ‘Big Little Lies.’ The pair will produce the comedy with plans to star together. They have acquired the rights to Liane Moriarty’s novel, which centers around two mothers who take a third under their wing when she enrolls her son at kindergarten with their children.
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RYAN GOSLING “REALLY PROUD” OF LOST RIVER
Ryan Gosling is “really proud” of his directorial debut ‘Lost River,’ according to the film’s star Christina Hendricks. The movie, which features Hendricks as a single mother struggling to survive in a ruined city, debuted to largely negative reviews at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. “People had very strong opinions about it, as they should,” Hendricks told Digital Spy. “I’m really proud of it, and it is an art piece, and it is the movie that we thought we were making.
JESSICA ALBA: ‘I MADE VERY SAFE, BORING CHOICES AS AN ACTOR’
Jessica Alba has admitted to Marie Claire that she could have made more daring decisions in her career. The ‘Sin City’ star explained that she was worried about receiving criticism for her movie roles, and often played it safe as a result.”I don’t know if I was ever typecast, but I just made very safe, boring choices as an actor and I take full responsibility for that,” she said.
LOUNGE
in the know
FACEBOOK ‘COLOUR-CHANGE’ APP HACKS USERS’ ACCOUNTS
A Facebook app that claims to change a user’s profile page has been revealed to be a scam. Called the ‘Facebook colour changer’, the app offers to change the usual blue colour of Facebook to a choice of nine others, including pink, green, orange and black. However, the app actually hacks the user’s account and computer.
BMW JUSTPARK APP HANDLES PARKING PROCESS FROM DASHBOARD BMW has announced that its upcoming vehicles will launch with a built-in app that handles the parking process from the dashboard. The BMW Mini will be the first vehicles to launch with the JustPark software on board, but the automaker plans to roll it out across its range this year.
In the know...
OLIVIA WILDE POSES FOR BREASTFEEDING PHOTO IN US GLAMOUR
Olivia Wilde is on the cover of GLAMOUR US - and inside the magazine, the actress breast-feeds her 3 month-old baby, Otis, in designer threads.Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in a Roberto Cavalli dress, Prada heels, a Prada scarf, Yossi Harari earrings and a Lanvin ring, Olivia and baby look adorable in the sweet shots.
Style & Design
CATE BLANCHETT TOPS VANITY FAIR’S BEST DRESSED LIST It’s the list every Hollywood name will be clamouring to see: Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed Poll is in, and there are new faces at the top of the list to watch out for. Topping the women’s list was Cate Blanchett (you may remember her knockout beaded Giorgio Armani dress at this year’s Oscars), joined by Lupita Nyong’o (we loved her powder blue Prada Oscars gown) and Emma Watson, whose fashion and beauty looks have kept us on our toes since she started off as little Hermione in Harry Potter.
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BUY VICTORIA BECKHAM’S CLOTHES WHILE GIVING TO CHARITY
The philanthropic designer is selling off more than 600 pieces from her own wardrobe in association with The Outnet and Christie’s, in support of the charity Mothers2mothers, a charity close to VB’s heart. “I laughed a lot when we were going through my wardrobe as the pieces hold so many happy memories for me, David and the children,” Victoria said.
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FASHION & TRENDS LOUNGE
shopaholic
SEXY
60’s
VALENTINO
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DSQUARED
LOUIS VUITTON
This Fall designers opted for the sixties trends. From Louis Vuitton’s miniskirts and Gucci’s pastille colours to Valentino’s bright prints and Carven furs. Amira Tharwat brought few of the styles straight from the runway, find your inspiration.
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TORY BURCH
DSQUARED
GUCCI
MARY KATRANTZOU
FASHION & TRENDS LOUNGE
shopaholic
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DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
CHANEL
MARC JACOBS
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Yes, prints haven’t vanished yet off the runway. This Fall Kenzo, Prada and Chanel opted for cheerful lines that add vivid touch to the cold season while Acne Studios, Diane Von Furstenberg headed towards darker shades of prints. Add a colourful piece to your wardrobe this season.
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PROENZA SCHOULER
KENZO
PETER PILOTTO
BEAUTY LOUNGE
news
SOFT, SMOOTH & SHINE
John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir nourishes hair for exceptional salon-softness, smoothness & shine. Its lightweight formula infuses strands and blocks frizz for 50% smoother healthier hair, its fast-drying formula leaves hair feeling soft and more manageable without a greasy residue. Use alone or with your favourite styler to add an instant boost of softness and shine to any style. Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir is rich with argan oil that gives your hair extra shine that you’ll be addicted to.
Y T
U A E
B
Z Z
U B
BOBBI BROWN CREAMY CONCEALER
Bobbi’s secret to looking fresh and well-rested: a yellow-based concealer that instantly camouflages dark circles. Bobbi’s long-wearing Creamy Concealer gives you quick, just-right coverage. The new and improved formula is richer and creamier, so it goes on easy, blends smoothly and stays on. Plus, it’s infused with skin conditioners to protect the delicate under-eye area. Fuss-free pressed powder sets concealer for long-lasting wear. Your ideal shade of Creamy Concealer is one shade lighter than your foundation.
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BEAUTY LOUNGE
news
TWO MILLION LANCOME ROSE
Absolue L’Extrait is said to help reveal firmer, more elastic, and more radiant skin. This serum/hydrator feels great and makes your skin look good. It absorbs quickly, with a heavenly rose scent; leaves a soft, velvety feel; and it imparts an even tone and the radiance of healthy skin. You can also use Absolue L’Extrait as your serum, day cream, and eye cream. Each jar of Absolue L’Extrait contains up to two million of these precious native cells.
THIS WORKS
A one-for-all pick me up to solve any skincare crisis instantly,This Works In Transit First Aid Antiseptic is a natural antiseptic blend which soothes minor ailments including spots, insect bites, cuts and foot blisters. In Transit First Aid Antiseptic leaves skin irritations feeling soothed and calm. In Transit First Aid Antiseptic is certainly a multi-purpose natural rescue remedy, it is formulated with an expert blend of high performance oils including antiseptic Petitgrain, soothing Rosewood, balancing Geranium and calming Lavender. Use directly on the affected area.
REMOVE THE DIRT
Ole Henriksen Nuture Me Cleansing Cloths is a package of luxe satin-spun cloths saturated with an ultragentle nourishing formula that blankets your skin with the softest, smoothest cleansing experience. Gently cleanse while removing all traces of makeup, even waterproof mascara, in one easy step. Each satiny-smooth cloth blankets skin with soothing moringa and borage seed oils, bursting with essential fatty acids, to nourish and unveil glowing, fresh, ultrasoft skin. It doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates. Gently massage over face in a circular motion, gently wipe over eyes to remove eye makeup.
IT’S SPRAY TIME
Label M Powder Spray Collection is lots of fun, on-trend and perfect for festivals. It’s a fast drying spray for instant colour, which gives an edgy matt texture for an individual statement look. The easy to use spray-in-wash-out spray, allows you to create on-trend catwalk styles, from colour blocking, ombré to dramatic highlights transforming your look without commitment! The collection includes several colours including, Powder Blue, Powder Purple, Powder Pink and Powder Red. Shake well and spray evenly 20 cm away from hair. Leave to dry for a couple of minutes before brushing out for a lighter effect or layer on more for an intense colour.
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YOU, LOVE & LIFE LOUNGE
relationships
SIGNS YOUR COLLEAGUE LIKES YOU h
ave you caught your colleague secretly staring at you? Does he try to impress you all the time? Has he ever attempted to ask you out on a date? Reem El Shennawi brings you signs which indicate that your colleague has feelings for you.
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A COMMON FRIEND GIVES YOU HINTS
When a guy is falling in love with you, he is likely to latch on to a common friend who can mediate his feelings to you. If you observe that a friend has been talking to you a lot about a particular classmate or has been trying to set you up with that classmate on more occasions, then it may be a sign that your colleague is falling for you.
HE INVOLVES HIMSELF IN THE SAME ACTIVITIES AS YOU DO
Have you recently noticed that a certain colleague of yours has signed up for all those extracurricular activities that you have signed up for? If he likes you, he could be doing this to fulfill his desire to spend as much time with you as possible. This is a clear sign that he wants to get to know you more.
HE SUPPORTS YOU IN FRONT OF OTHERS
Your close friends are likely to support you when you have an argument or brawl with someone else. But if you find that another guy is verbalizing his support for you for no benefit of his, chances are that he is trying to woo you and win your heart.
HE COMPLIMENTS YOU ALL THE TIME
When guys are in love, they tend to find
their crush good looking even in a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt. If your colleague compliments you even when you are looking extremely ordinary, it is a clear sign that he likes you.
him. A gesture’s a gesture and he cares enough about you to go out of his way. (Bonus points if he also picks up breakfast food!)
HE IS CONSTANTLY CROWDING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES
He remembers your birthday and even buys you a present. Remembering your birthday is one thing, thanks to Facebook. But, if he buys you a card, a cake, or a present, then yeah, he secretly wants to take things to the next level.
If your Twitter feed is replete with your classmate’s tweets, if he likes most of your Facebook posts, if he comments on all your blogs or if your message box is always overflowing with his messages, you may have found yourself a wooer. He may be doing this to get all your attention and to let you know that he is attracted to you.
SHARE THIS GALLERY
HE MAKES EXUCSES TO STUDY WITH HIM
YOU SPOT HIM AT ALL YOUR HANGOUTS
If your colleague likes you, he will make every excuse possible to make you study with him, he might even create a study group just for the sake of spending more time with you. You will find him sitting next to you asking you questions, or explaining to you that lecture you don’t understand.
HE BUYS YOUR BREAKFAST OR COFFEE
Take notice of how his friends act around you, or when he’s talking to you. They might know something you don’t and might even try and give him a hard time and tease him about it like guys usually do. So, try to catch some comments, exchanging eyes, smirks, or nudging that may be going on when you’re around. That’s exactly why this is one of the best ways to figure out whether he’s into you – guys are anything but compassionate about their buddy having a crush, and they will torture him when you’re around.
It is not possible that your colleague miraculously appears at the places where you hang out all the time. If you bump into him at every place you go to, he might be setting himself up to be at these places at a time when you are there too. This is an easy sign to make out that he could be attracted to you.
If your colleague buys you breakfast or coffee as an excuse to help you focus on your work, then it may be only a matter of time before he asks you to grab one with
HIS FRIENDS ARE NICE TO YOU
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E L C A R I M 2
YOU, LOVE & LIFE LOUNGE
mom’s diary
My
nd
l
ounge welcomes with mummy Youmna Gad the delivery of her second baby, this month the yummy mummy shares with us her experience giving us her opinion on the ideal way to introduce a second baby to your toddler. Do you know what is the world’s best miracle? Simply, it’s the stretch of your utters and belly skin, its the feeling of kicks all over your pregnancy and falling in love with them, its even these tiring days that seem of a purpose that count, and the best world’s miracle is living it all over again. My baby princess is my second bless, and from the moment I knew I was pregnant till the day she arrived safely to the world is a whole chapter in my life that worth cherishing. The funny thing about my second pregnancy is the same excitement I had when I was pregnant with my first child, same feelings of me wanting to share the news with all dear ones, I couldn’t wait to know the gender and start shopping, the same feeling of joy and happiness, all re-existed again. Only this pregnancy left me wondering, I had some contradicting feelings sometimes about it, I wanted a second child and a sibling to
my boy so much, but I was so worried how will that affect him being a 3 and a half year old child, and then having a whole new member grabbing attention must be confusing to him. Seriously, all I care about is my boy’s feelings, and it gave me hard time on how to introduce the fact that a new baby is on the way. At the beginning, it was not easy at all, and despite the fact that we had around pregnant aunts , it didn’t help that much. I was mistaken to believe that he is not old enough to comprehend all my actions and reactions. I remember one day I was shopping for the baby and he was with me, at this point he could differentiate between boyish and girlish clothes, but I never noticed until I was holding that little cute dress and he gave me that look and asked “Is this for the baby mama?” After that innocent question he behaved so differently nagging more than usual , asking me to leave the shop, wanting me to hold him and the reason was so obvious now as if he wants me to leave the world and be with him alone for a while, that’s when I decided to take time before we go shopping for the baby again together. Through my pregnancy we had our ups and downs but all I was focused on doing my best to make him love
the baby before she arrives. At some point, I believe I was successful; however, in my delivery he acted totally different that it left me for a while blown away, my boy is so much of a mama boy, and I was worried about my delivery and how he would cope and handle our separation, to my surprise he coped well to an extent he was not eager to come and join us for days, his reaction left me devastated, I wanted my boy back, I wanted him to be part of us and part of that event, and it was for days until he agreed to come back. Now we are back home, only two weeks since our little princess arrived, we have more time mainly the three of us, all I care about is enhancing the love between them, definitely sometimes I lose it, sometimes I fall apart, lack of sleep and having a 3 years old boy around with a baby can leave you with 3 eyes at the back of your head, we are still coping and I am still learning how to handle two kids instead of one, it’s a tough job and that what makes mums super mums everyday. As for my boy, I can understand how he feels now, how he must feel lost sometimes and that’s why a continuous reminder of my love and tender care is a must to make him feel at ease, I believe I will be seeing more of a behaviour may be I never noticed before, I’m all ready and armed and willing to take that journey with him. After all, he was my first bless, my door to the world of motherhood and was and always will be my sunshine.
A PARENTAL TIP If you are expecting a second baby, be ready to share it all with your elder one once the baby arrives, elder kids love having roles and given tasks, give him/her the task of bringing you diapers when changing for the baby, help you with baby baths, pick your babys outfit, it will take time for you and your elder ones to cope, but always remember kids love to be in charge and have a role.
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YOU, LOVE & LIFE LOUNGE
Q&A
a
fter leaving school for years now, the vision becomes clearer day by day, and we can decide which is better: the school life with its restrictions and bonders? Or the professional life with its responsibility and obligations? This month Mayada Tarek asks Lounge readers about where they had their best days; in school or at work.
SCHOOL VS.
WHICH IS BETTER?
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
NERMEEN IBRAHIM
School life is better as I consider school my second home and teachers were like our parents and friends were like my sisters. Life was all about purity reverse the university and professional life.
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DINA IHAB
Every part of my life is my choice to be either good or even great. I learnt from school years and it made my college years better and easier. I work while studying and I enjoy my business very well. Being an Entrepreneur in Qnet taught me how to use my energy and time to enjoy myself in every stage of my life.
MOHAMED ATEF
For me, I enjoyed university and the professional life more than school, because they gave me the chance to have many friends rather than in the school with limited friends, they also give me more experience in my life and at my work.
OMNIA REFAAT
I enjoyed my time in university and at work a lot in comparison to school days because I experienced many things with less parental restrictions than school.
EMAN EL-MERAGHY
Actually, school Life was the best part in my whole life, it was simple and easier. I think I was relaxed during that time, there wasn’t any sort of problems or stress unlike work; I wish I could go back to those days.
MIRNA ALLAM
I haven’t started work yet, but so far I think that university is much better than high school because I practice some sort of freedom; I choose what major and courses I would like to study. In addition, in university, I easily get the chance to meet new friends and professors with different backgrounds and cultures that could be beneficial in shaping my personality on the long run. Thus, campus life, without doubt, has a tremendous influence on me than high school.
NADA HAZEM ELOGAIL
University life is better because we gain more experience, and we deal with life that is more practical.
AHMED MAGED
Despite the fact that work and university is more fun, school for me was easier as there was no stress or deadlines.
MENNA HESHAM ELKHULY MUHAMMAD TAREK
School was fun and I had a lot of free time, but with no money. That’s why I think that university and work are better because I have both the money and the kind of fun I want to in a free life without restrictions.
School life because it’s easier to deal with people from the same social and educational level and the system itself is much more flexible than university and work.
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ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE
cover story
a
fter surprising us this Ramadan through her amazing performance as ‘Em Em’ in ‘El Sabaa Wasaya’ TV serial, Amira Tharwat spoke in an upclose and personal interview with the mother of two Hana Shiha about the role, back to school days and her coming projects.
A N HA A H I SH HARGE C N I
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Congrats on your amazing role in El Sabaa Wasaya, how were you nominated for the role? The writer of the serial Mohamed Amen Rady was the one who spoke to director Khaled Marey about me taking the role, and when I read the script of the serial I was really attrackted to the series starting from the first episode. How did you master playing a local girl though it’s far from your nature? I went to several local areas like Atabaa and Darb El Barabra; I wanted to see how people look, act and react in those areas. I noticed that local girls are very strong and tough. The script also included all the tools I needed as an actress to get my performance there. Any actor should be able to get the keys of the character through the script. I read the character, loved it and believed it. Have you mingled with any of those who practice Black Magic (dagal) in real life? Actually, no. I think Em Em’s wasn’t a dagala, she was thrown in this profession but, at the end of the day she knows very well that she is nothing but a con. She writes magical spells with song’s lyrics in it and uses her wit rather than magic to solve problems. She is not a professional dagala. What is your respond to the accusations the serial received as its opposing Sufism? I don’t believe that the serial has anything to do with Sufism. Unfortunately, we as Egyptians miss judge things, the relationship between ‘El Sabaa Wasaya’ and Sufism is Ebn Araby’s poem that we used in the intro of the serial, but the story has nothing to do with it at all. People who think that it’s related haven’t watched the serial. Which TV serial beside ‘El Saba Wasaya’ did you enjoy watching the most? Unfortunately, I didn’t have time at all to watch anything because we finished shooting in the last week of Ramadan. However, I liked the few episodes I watched from ‘Ad Tanazoly;’ I liked the director, the story, Amr Youssef’s performance and it always keeps me in excitement waiting for the next episode. I also liked ‘Segn El Nesa.’ After Ramadan, I decided I’ll take a break then start watching the serials I liked. What was your personality in school? Did it change? I didn’t change a bit. I was one of the kids who loved school, knowledge and reading. Unlike my other three sisters; I didn’t like going out and socializing. Still, till now my joy in life is reading a book by the sea.
Fashion Director & styling: Abier Ansary Photographer: Mahmoud Abdel Salam Makeup: Abdullah from Pace e Luce Hairstyling: Ashour Special thanks to Dusit Hotel for the location
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ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE
cover story
So, who are your favourite books and authors? Actually, you will be surprised (laughs). When I was young I used to read Shakespeare, Voltaire, Youssef Edress, Naguib Mahfouz and on a later stage Abbas El Akad. My mom used to have a huge library and I used to read the books she had. Recently, I started reading books for young talented Egyptian authors after I quit reading Arabic for a while for the favourie of authors like Paulo Coelho. Youssef Zedan, and Ahmed Murad whom I read his famous ‘El Feel El Azrak.’ I also started reading his latest novel ‘1919,’ which I fell in love with. We have amazing young novelists; I love the humour spirit of Haytham Dabour’s writings too. Which one of your kids is a copy of your personality? I have Adam and Malek, each of them has a part of me, Adam is adventurous, heloves science and doing experiments and I encourage him to do so, he also loves sports. On the other hand, Malek started recently getting more into the books world; he is eight and half years old now. He is more of a nature boy; outgoing, and he loves the sea. When we went to London he was amazed by Hyde Park’s green nature; he enjoys diving, snorkeling and wind surfing.
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Jeans shirt at St8 Armani dress at Polo Boutique Neckless designed by Azza Fahmy at Azza Fahmy Boutique Earrings at Hebz Boutique
What are the biggest challenge you experience as a mother and actress? I believe being an actress is the best job any mother could have (laughs), because I only work like 6 months a year and then I have the rest of the year off, so I am totally with the kids focusing on their education and sharing with them their hobbies. While the other half of the year is usually after they finish school. I feel I am blessed compared to any other parents who work daily from 9 am to 5 pm, but are too exhausted all year long on daily bases. It’s funny that even my kids started to get fed up of me (laughs). I also do one thing a year. I don’t work for money; I work when I find something I love and believe in. Recently, you had a new haircut that changed how ou look, who inspired you and do you like changing constantly? There is a story behind that, this is first time ever to cut my hair that short, and I had to go for that haircut when I had to dye my hair black for a role and it got burnt so, I had to cut it all and let it grow properly. In ‘Moga Hara,’ I used extensions, this year I felt my hair is getting weaker again so, I decided to cut it, but not as short as the last time, I went for a boyish look a little bit. Who are your favourite designers and your favourite perfume? I love Susha, his work is very bold and different. In general, I don’t pick my clothes according to designers; I buy the piece that I like and wear it as long as it makes me feel good about myself. I like some stuff from Chanel. I care more for the value not the price, I am trying to teach my kids the same eventhough the community is very challenging. When my kids tell me they want to wear Ralph Lauren, I always tell them it’s not about the brand it’s about what looks good on you regardless of how much it cost. As for my favourite perfume, I have been wearing Chanel No. 5 for the past 3 years, and recently I liked Elle Saab’s ‘Le Parfum.’ In the past, I used to like Nina Ricci’s perfumes and Angel. What is your favourite hotspot? It used to like Nuweiba now I prefer Dahab. It reminds me of Agamy in the past. I was born and raised in Agamy, it was a very calm community. I also like Gouna, but can’t stay there for long. What are you currently working on? I already shot a movie called ‘Abl El Rabey’ that is supposed to be in cinemas in El Adha Feast and will be shown in Alexandria Film Festival. Its going to be the finale film, and this year is a special ceremony as they are honoring Charlie Chaplin›s daughter for her contribution in cinema.The movie is directed and written by Ahmed Atef. Also, I have a script written by Mohamed Amin Rady and will be produced by Tarek El Ganayny, but I haven’t read it yet, there is another project with producer Sherif El Maalem, but I am still choosing the project that suits me the most. It’s too tempting, and I might go for two projects this year (laughs).
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ENTERTAINMENT
Photographer: Mahmoud Ashour Designer: Ahmed Abdallah Hair: Joe Dahab Makeup: Marwa Abaza
EVIL PRINCESS
star
DAHSHA’S
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fter mastering evil in her last performance playing the role of ‘Rabha’ in Yehia El Fakharany’s ‘Dahsha,’ This month Amira Tharwat asks Hanan Motawie about the secret behind mastering the role, how she sees the Egyptian political scene and her up coming acting projects.
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HANAN MOTAWIE How were you offered the role of Rahba in Dahsha? I was offered the role by the director of the serial Shady El Fakharany. The character is very complicated, which attracted me to play the role, and the fact that the story is written by great author Abdel Rahim Kamal is tempting. Moreover, I trust director Shady very much, and working with Dr. Yehia El Fakharany makes the perfect blend, he makes any actor glow beside him, all this plus the production company of course, the whole combination is irresistable. Your facebook page is full of positive reviews about the serial, what was the best comment? A lot actually, I like it when people called me ‘Modhshyt Dahsha’ or Hanan is being possessed in this role. Plus, reviews from great actors like Adel Imam, who I met in an event and he praised my performance, as well as Youssra and Libliba; a lot of great actors actually. Tell us the secret of the CD that made you pronounce the upper Egyptian dialect… Actually, I am a big fan of Upper Egypt and their dialect, I liked it from the beginning. The team of the serial helped us all speak it as spontaneous as possible without miss pronouncing any word in a very smart and simple way, the author read the whole dialogue of the serial with the correct upper Egyptian dialect and burn it on a CD, and gave each actor a copy, which made us speak it fluently. You also have another TV serial called ‘El Beet,’ which was aired this Ramadan, don’t you feel that ‘Dahsha’’s success affected ‘El Beet’? I did ‘El Beet’ three years ago so, I hadn’t realized its going to be aired this year with ‘Dahsha;’ however, sometimes when an actor has various TV serials in one season it shows different sides of the actress specially when the two roles are completely different. It enriches the actress if they are done as they should be. After watching this year’s TV serials, which serial you like the most? Honestly, without any exaggeration, in my opinion, ‘Dahsha’ is one of the best TV serials in the Arab World in the past couple of years; it’s like an epical serial. If I weren’t acting in it, I would have loved to be part of that serial. Also, ‘El Sabaa Wasay’ and ‘Segn El Nesaa’ are two of the greatest serials. I loved ‘Zat,’ which was aired in Ramadan last year, as well as ‘Moga Hara’ and ‘Bedon Zekr Asmaa.’ Last interview we did with Lounge, you told us that you loved ‘Les Miserables,’ which remindeded you of the political scene in Egypt back then, after more than three years since the 25th of January
Revolution do you still think in the same way? Let me confess that the view is very blurry, since the Brotherhood became in the picture, the scene became very vague and things got very complicated. You know that feeling when you have a right that you are fighting for, but things got way too complicated that you can’t point out who is right and who is wrong. It’s a big conflict and actually I can’t explain more because it’s too fague. Let me hope that things get better because the situation in the Arab world is becoming worse. Did you vote in the previous presidential elections? Let me skip that because unfortunately, people nowadays lost mutual respect to different opinions, people became either supporters in a very biased way or haters in a very cruel way, and I hate to be judged like that. Tell us more about the Honorary Master Degree you were granted recently… The Arab Academy for Technology in Alexandria granted me the Honorary Master Degree in acting for my contribution in acting, which I was grateful for.
What is the role of your dreams? I dream of playing different and crazy roles that doesn’t come in conflict with our traditions and believes. What is the novel you wish to take a part of its adaptation on screen? I would love to see ‘1919’ by author Ahmed Mourad on screen, and I would love to take a part in it. This is the last novel I read before Ramadan so, its effect is still on me. Also, ‘Khalty Safia Wel Deer’ was supposed to be on screen, but unfortunately, the project is postponed for 6 years now. The story is very short and very rich, full of incidents, I would love to take a part in it one day. We saw recently a photo session for you wearing veil, are you thinking about it? No at all, it’s just that each Ramadan few magazines ask for more conservative looks with genuine Egyptian clothes so, maybe what you saw was part of these sessions. What are you working on? I am taking a break at the meantime after Ramadan. I am working a movie called ‘Kabl El Rabea’ directed by Ahmed Atef and starring Hana Shiha, Ahmed Wafek and I.
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HEALTH & FITNESS LOUNGE
news
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K S E D H
T L A E H
LAZER FOR FIGHTING ACNE
Luckily, scientists are continually developing new treatments and rediscovering older therapies in the fight against acne. Laser and light treatments recently have been developed to target active acne. They work by killing the bacteria that reside in the skin cells and hair follicles. Blue light therapy and the newest generation of Nd:Yag lasers, such as Spectra and Cutera GenesisPlus, appear to be the most successful. However, at the present time there is no hard evidence light treatments work over the long term. The most conclusive medical review to date found that some forms of light therapy may be of short-term benefit, but evidence is scant for any lasting benefits. Plus light treatments can cause irritation and UV sensitivity, tend to be expensive and incur downtime post treatment.
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CHEW SOME ICE CUBES
Eating ice cubes might be a convenient way to get the same benefits that water offers. Your body needs roughly eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day. This helps with various bodily processes, including transporting nutrients, aiding the digestive system and removing waste products. Eating ice cubes is one way to hydrate yourself. Ice also can help lower your body temperature. On a hot day, crunching on a piece of ice might help you cool down. Also, people who suffer from nausea might benefit from chewing ice. Flavuored ice cubes is recommended to cancer patients who experience nausea and vomiting.
START YOUR DAY WITH PROTEIN FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Studies show that eating a high-protein breakfast can help curb cravings during the day. Protein-rich breakfasts can help with weight loss because protein slows down the rate at which the stomach empties its food into the next part of the digestive tract, and so it slows the passage of the carbohydrates that are with it. Eating protein also encourages the production of the fat-burning hormone glucagon. This works in the opposite way to insulin and increases blood glucose by encouraging the body to burn fat for energy.
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HEALTH & FITNESS LOUNGE
tips
m
How to
LOSE YOUR OFFICE BELLY WALK AROUND
Just because you’re sitting down doesn’t mean your hands and fingers are the only part of your body allowed to move. Instead of making calls to send a message to your college in the next office, get up and walk to his office. Try to move around, use the stairs instead of the elevator, go to the photocopying machine yourself..etc.
NEVER SKIP BREAKFAST
Eating breakfast is a characteristic common reason to successful weight loss maintainers and may be a factor in their success. There is some debate whether eating breakfast fires up the metabolism, but chances are solid that no weight-loss professional would ever encourage someone to skip breakfast.
DRINK WATER THROUGHOUT THE DAY Drinking water may promote weight loss. In
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addition to helping ward off belly fat, staying hydrated may prevent energy crashes and loss of mental focus. Keep a bottle of water on your desk and take a couple of sips every now and then. Add some lemon or lime if you need a little flavor.
EAT LEAN PROTEIN, GOOD FATS AND FIBER AT EVERY MEAL
Keep emergency snacks around so you’re not tempted by ordering fast food. When everyone else is diving into freshly baked cookies that a co-worker brought into work, you can more sensibly snack on raw almonds or other nuts and seeds or nitrate-free jerky to control your cravings.
TAKE SNACKS EVERY COUPLE OF HOURS
Perhaps one of the most critical pieces of belly-fat fighting advice: Don’t go more than
any people take a desk job and find themselves putting on weight, particularly around the middle. Even if you hit the gym regularly, sitting for most of the day might still cause you to pile on unwanted pounds. In addition, inconsistent workouts may not be enough to counteract the harmful effects of sitting all day. Making changes at work and during your off time protects your health and helps you lose belly fat. Check out Lounge’s top tips to lose that belly..
four hours without eating. Some people go six or more hours during the day without eating, in between lunch and dinner. Latenight calorie bingeing may result. So, if you eat lunch at noon, have a snack at 3:30 or 4 pm so, you don’t have an energy crash before dinner. Same thing applies for the time between breakfast and lunch. If you eat breakfast at 8 a.m., don’t wait until 2 p.m. to have lunch. Have a protein-rich snack at 11:00 a.m.
DITCH THE CHAIR AND USE A STABILITY BALL Stability balls force you to contract more of your abdomen, and that leads to burning more calories while sitting. As a bonus, the extra strength your abs develop while sitting on a ball can reduce symptoms of lower back pain.
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OUT & ABOUT LOUNGE
hotspot
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ounge brought you a glimpse on the newly opened Mastaba restaurant located in Marassi, which offers authentic Egyptian food and beverages in M-Porium Mall. Located in the M-Porium Mall at Marassi in the North Coast, Mastaba restaurant offers a variety of mouth-watering genuine Egyptian meals, where you can enjoy eating Falafel and smoking Shisha in the open air at the heart of the North Coast.
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Enjoying Mastaba’s menu is not only limited to visiting the place, you can order what you like no matter where you are in Sahel, and Mastaba team will make sure to deliver you your order hot and fresh.
This makes Mastaba the only restaurant in Sahel that offers delivery to authentic Egyptian food. What makes Mastaba unique beside its menu
MASTABA
at Marassi
and quality of food is the design of the place; architect Ahmed Fikry who designed Mastaba told Lounge that the design language emphasis the elements that driven from the Nubian heartland. The wall decoration mixes figurative geometric patterns and blind arcs
running as a wall cornice using a broad palette of vivid colours. The walls are also mounted by painted motifs.
Contemporary clear lined and colorful furniture organized in such a way that keeps
the wide and inviting space. All that in addition to the artificial lighting surrounded by Nubian pottery fixtures, which are falling from a false wooden Ciel. Actually, it is a different experience to live!
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OUT & ABOUT LOUNGE
must list
y
oumna Gad takes us in a mysterious tour inside auther Ahmed Murad’s bestselling novel ‘El Feel El Azraq’ or ‘The Blue Elephant.’
THE BLUE ELEPHANT A must read… and watch A short Description of “El Feel El Azraq” or “The Blue Elephant” by Ahmed Murad would be- the type of a novel that you won›t take your hands off until you are done with it. Through the pages Murad managed to introduce us to different and irrelevant worlds that shapes the story›s timeline in a magnificent way and keeps the reader in a continuous engagement to the flow of incidents. You can see through the nature of human soul, the rebellious one, the indifferent one and the determined one. The reader is actually introduced to the world of psychology and mental diseases, inner-self, along with hallucinations of the mind, doubt, love, hatred and even black magic. “El Feel El Azraq” is all about Yehia, the narrator and the main character, Yehia is a psychiatrist who used to work at the Abbasseya Psychiatric Hospital in Cairo until five years ago when he lost his wife and daughter in a car accident, and since then he decided to withdraw from social life and work. He then received a letter from Abbasseya Psychiatric Hospital warning him
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of a permanent dismissal if he doesn’t get back to work. Yehia was then sent to work at ‘9 West,’ where there was a surprise waiting for him, an old friend and a college at the university “Sherif” was accused of murder and was placed into the hospital to decide if he was psychologically and mentally ill at the time of committing the crime or not. Feeling puzzled and not believing an old friend would kill especially with the weird hazy symptoms Sherif showed, Yehia decided to go to beyond the limits to reach the truth. Murad literally succeeded in taking the reader to real extremes through Yehia›s mind. The catchy name of the novel makes you wonder what it refers to, it helps a lot with the excitement and the thirst for details element to exist,” El Feel El Azraq “as a name is not mentioned or referred to until the middle of the novel when we get to know that it’s a rare type of pills based on a natural substance secreted by the brain right before death to help it adapt. When taken as drugs, it causes near death experiences and intense hallucinations. The story should be
considered as an extraordinary experience that Ahmed Murad gives his readers through using detailed visionary descriptions when describing scenery and people, something that helps the reader with drawing a vivid vision of characters and scenes. Despite the fact that at some point you might feel lost in the very detailed descriptions of drugs, cigarettes, wine and Yehia›s journeys to the other world, Murad easily grasp the reader’s attention back with surprises and twist of incidents that keeps the element of excitement alive until the novel›s last page. The ending is considered an open one, where we are lost just like Yehia who is missing the past two years in his life, it’s the kind of end that only Murad knows and leaves to the readers to draw their own end with their own unique way and interpretation. The novel is perfectly written to thrill and adventure book lovers, to those who seek excitement through the pages with a dip of romance and reality. No wonder “El Feel El Azraq” was among the best selling books, it is actually an interesting story that is dramatically well written and introduced to readers.
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editorial
A new perspective
NOW OPEN AT LE MÉRIDIEN PYRAMIDS
“Explore Spa at Le Méridien Pyramids is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation featuring 16 treatment rooms, including couple’s suites dedicated to honeymooners and leisure travelers alike” says Barry Curran, The General Manager, “ Explore Spa offers exclusive signature treatments such as discovery, Balinese, floating & aroma stone massage, epicurean body wrap, signature water treatment and Arabian coffee buff are some to mention”
Explore Spa is vibrant and pulses with life, catering to the passion points of the Le Méridien guest by offering a venue for curious minds. It introduces a new perspective on customary spa facilities attracting both local and hotel guests with an eclectic vibe exclusive to Le Méridien. Explore Spa by Le Méridienis inspired by the rich traditions of social European spa culturesyet breaks through today’s preconceived notions of tranquil spa environments. Unlike traditional spa spaces, at Explore spa, laughter is encouraged and discovery is a given.
on spa
e
xplore Spa at Le Méridien Pyramids is the first signature spa by Le Meridien to open within Le Méridien Hotels around the world, a spa where indulgence is not just for the body, but for the spirit and the imagination, a spa that pulses with life and fuels your curiosity as it satisfies it, a Spa where signature treatments energize the creative self.
The spa is designed to engage guests at every turn by exuding a magnetic energy, complemented by artful expression throughout each signature space. This is a place to simply be and discover the good life while interacting with one’s surroundings, treatments and with others. The Explore spa experience begins on Arrival. Guests step through a transitional portal to enter the spa where they are pleasantly surprised by the sounds of music featuring a tempo not typically paired with spa. A large, open and integrated space, the arrival area is shared by a café, retail space and welcome desk all buzzing with life. Guests are immediately struck by the atmosphere – complemented by strategic use of lighting, color, and music – making them eager to step inside and enjoy this transformed spa. It is here that guests explore their own thought and the provocative installation of art, photography, literature, architecture or poetry that surrounds them. Blending interactive and contemplative spaces, the overall spa experience is designed to flow back and forth from social to semi-social to private zones.
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In the privacy of the Treatment Space, guests continue to be surprised and engaged through the clever and innovative presentation of the spa’s signature services. Set to the backdrop of soothing music, the treatment experience unveils the mystery of spa treatments while also demonstrating how products can be used at home. When the lights go down, Explore Spa may also offer guests Spa After Dark programmes.
Evening events are introduced to connect Le Méridien spas to the local, regional and international art communities which in turn evoke conversation and create brand loyalty. Explore Spa breaks away from how spa is viewed, reflecting the sophistication of today’s international traveler. The spa lives and laughs out loud and encourages all who enter to remove their filter, ask questions and cater to their yearning for continual discovery.
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seen
Nehal Ambar, Dalia El Behairy & Maged El M asry
nir Mohamed Mou
Hanady El Derawy & Shady El Azayza’s Wedd ing at Fairm ont Towe rs
The bride & groom
Dina Fouad & Mai Omar Ahmed Zaher and wife with
el Aziz oud Abd m h a M & d Samy Mohame
& Dalal Abdel Aziz Samir Ghanem, Amy Samir Ghanem
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st Lousy & gue
Laila Elwy, Hani El Behairy, Nehal Am bar & Fifi Abdou
The bride and groom with Kinda Alloush & Asala
Mohamed Mou nir, Safaa Abo u El Soud with daughter & Fifi Abdou
Asala Tarek El Eryan &
Dorra & F ifi Abdou
sra Nelly Karim, Fifi Abdou & You
ary y El Haw & Magd fa ti La l, de Ghada A
el Ghany Ahmed Zaher & wife with Fadia Abd
& Sherif Ramzyin Fahmy se us Mena H
Mena Shalaby & Kinda Alloush
The bride & groom with friends
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seen
Mema El Shaf ey & Noha El Sherbiny
& Hadia Ghalib Mema El Shafey
Turath Collection at Boho Gallery
Nourhan
Mema El Shafey & Lina Maklad
Eissa
Cherif fey & Rana Mema El Sha
, Hadia
y l Sherbin , Noha E y fe a h S l aE lad, Mem Lina Mak friends Ghalib &
Mahe El Shamey & Mema El Shafey
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Hadia Ghale b
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seen
Fans
Hamid El Shari
hamid el shari Mara ssi (Club M)
Hamid E l Shari
Ahmed
Hamid El Shari and Fans
El Shari nd Hamid a ry u o z Gan
ia Rashad Hamid El Shari ,Wesam Osama ,Sof aa Gom and Hossam
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Shari Hamid El
Hamid El Shari an d A fan
Fans
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Cairo Festiv al City
ity Cairo Festival C
Dejavu at
Cairo Festiv al City
Cairo Fe stival City
stival City Cairo Fe
Winners
Winners
Shehab
Shehab
Shehab
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seen
em m & Amani Kass Mohamed Ibrahi
Riham & Nayra Lamey Riham & Nayra Lmei
Press and Media Sofite l Hotel
Ghada B eshr & G uests
& Mai , Ghada m a ih R , mia Rania, La
irz, Ghada Beshr & guest Passant El Khataab, Mark Sm
Sherif Salah, Sala h Atya & Ghada Beshr
Guest Guests
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Guests
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brand news Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna receives Travelife Gold award
Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna has received for the third time the prestigious Travelife Gold Award representing the highest recognition for sustainable management in the tourism industry. Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna was proud to receive the “Travelife Gold” Award for environmentally friendly Resort management. The award is the highest recognition for sustainable management in the tourism industry and is recognized by all the major European Tour Operators. This award is the latest in a long list of National and International awards given in recognition of the progressive and sustainable environmental operating policies that the Resort has been pursuing for the past few years. Osama Abaza, General Manager, said: “This awards is a very important recognition for our continuous efforts in improving quality and sustainability. They are not only a great motivation for all our team members but at the same time they recognise the commitment of every individual to carry out their work in a quality minded, responsible and sustainable way.”
The new Galaxy Tab S - The Future starts here
Samsung Electronics Egypt announced the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung’s thinnest and lightest tablet to date. This Super AMOLED tablet combines the most advanced display technology with a full range of premium content for an unrivaled entertainment experience. The Galaxy Tab S is also powered with enhanced productivity features for effortless multitasking, all elegantly housed in a highly stylish, yet practical design providing the ultimate Galaxy experience. “The tablet is becoming a popular personal viewing device for enjoying content, which makes the quality of the display a critical feature,” said Seung-ho Yun, President of Samsung Egypt. “With the launch of the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung is setting the industry bar higher for the entire mobile industry. It will provide consumers with the ultimate viewing experience that brings colors to life, beautifully packaged in a sleek and ultra-portable mobile device.” Yun also added “There is no other tablet in the market that can compete with the deep viewing experience, innovative design aesthetics, and industry-leading productivity features of the Galaxy Tab S.”
EGP 13 million from ALEXBANK to FEB
ALEXBANK allocated EGP 13mn to the Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB) within its plan to support the Egyptian economy and execute a number of education and health projects. The bank also revealed its proposal to pump investments and offer a package of funding procedures aiming to boost SMEs according to the government’s new policy that focuses on supporting the SME sector and offering facilitiestoentrepreneurs. Roberto Vercelli, CEO of ALEXBANK, declared, “the bank granted the Federation of Egyptian Banks 2% of its current year’s profits which is equivalent to EGP 13mn for combating the slums phenomena in Egypt under theinitiative of Federation of Egyptian banks. This initiative was welcomed by ALEXBANK due to its detailed agenda and plan which will be monitored by a dedicated committee. He added: Human Development aspect is core to the development of slum areas in Egypt and ALEXBANK was keen to be a member of the sustainability committee mainly focusing on the development of health and education.
Kempinski Nile Hotel Appoints New General Manager
Kempinski Hotels S.A. has announced the appointment of Mehdi Zanoun as general manager at Kempinski Nile Hotel. A French national, Mehdi comes to Cairo with a wealth of experience gained from international postings within the hospitality industry over the past 13 years. A graduate of École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, Mehdi holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. He attended the Hilton International Shine Program (General Manager Program) from 2008 to 2009. Prior to his posting in Cairo, his career path has taken him from his home country of France to the United Arab Emirates. Before joining Kempinski Group with his first posting in Dubai two years ago, Mehdi held the position of acting general manager at Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
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Smoother journey for special assistance customers on ba.com
New enhancements to ba.com are making the journey even smoother for customers requiring special assistance. The improvements follow feedback from customers needing special assistance who told the airline they didn’t want to have to keep repeating their needs. They enable customers to enter and find out more information about the service they require when using the ‘manage my booking’ tool. Previously, customers had to book most types of special assistance by making a phone call to BA’s contact centres. The new ba.com service also allows airports to better forward-plan for providing specialist assistance to BA’s customers. On ba.com, customers can select from mobility and wheelchair assistance; assistance for those who are visually impaired or deaf or hard of hearing; or assistance for those with learning disabilities. A full breakdown of the assistance these customers can expect is also provided on the website.
Mövenpick Media Citydraws a smile over children faces in Ramadan
Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo-Media City has invited the children of “Awlady” orphanage for Ramadan Iftar at“Biba’s”, the hotel’s main restaurant.Each Ramadan, the hotel is keen to host orphanages in line with the sustainability program adopted by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, and in an endeavour drawing a smile over children faces and to raise their morale. Before Iftar, the children cherished the breathtaking scene at “La Terazza”, the outdoor restaurant overlooking the wide pools and greenery. While after Iftar, they have enjoyed a lot of kids’ activities that included the clown, face painting, the magician and other interesting activities. “I would like to thank Mr. Amr Kallini, the hotel’s General Manager, and also the hotel’s management for this day which the kids cannot wait for each year... It really stays for too long in their memories” Said Mr. Osama Omar, Manager of Awlady’sorphansassembly. The photo: Amira Nour, Public Relations Manager, and Mr. Hatem El Haggar, Food & Beverages Manager with “Awlady’s” children and supervisors.
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brand news A High Class Whisky
Ballantine’ 17 Y.O is the best whisky in world (Gold Medal in Wine and Spirit 2011). We admit that this Whisky has a very rare quality, a delicate assemblage of single Malts and single grains, a recipe that was created in 1930, intense, deep and greedy of caramel, honey, vanilla and roses. The Fine touch of peat along with the distinctive soft creamy fruit notes, developed over years in American Oak Cask make it more sophisticated and elegant. This whisky is incredible, really incredible.
Samsung Signs a Protocol of Agreement with the Ministry of Education to Upgrade and Develop IT labs in Several Schools in BaniSwief
Samsung Electronics Egypt recently signed a protocol of agreement with the Ministry of Education (MoE). The protocol was signed by Mr. Seung-Ho Yun, President of Samsung Electronics Egypt and Mr. Ramadan Abdel Hameed Hassan, First Undersecretary of MoE for BaniSwief governorate, under the auspices of Mr. Magdy El Batiti, Governor of BaniSweif. The protocol will include developing and upgrading 12 IT labs in several schools in the governorate to serve 1500 students. “We are keen to support the educational process through the technological advancements we excel in. Our initiative will offer students the chance to utilize an integrated system of knowledge”, said Seung-Ho Yun, President of Samsung Electronics Egypt. “We are keen to continue our leading role in encouraging children of Upper Egypt to become active members of their societies, through providing them with the necessary tools and skills through which they can effectively interact with cutting-edge technology. Since we launch Hope for Children in 2011, we’ve been working closely with the relevant authorities and NGOs like Sonaa Al Haya Foundation to make a positive impact in the life of children..”
Iconic Watch Brand Timex IntroducesInnovative Smartwatch
Timex, the iconic leader in outdoor and sports performance timepieces and the first authentic watch brand to enter the smartwatch space, has reached yet another milestone with the introduction of the TIMEX® IRONMAN® ONE GPS+, offering consumers stand-alone wireless connectivity without a phone. Timex is simplifying the wearable technology experience for all users, as TIMEX® IRONMAN® ONE GPS+ gives consumers the freedom to remain connected during any activity while leaving their phones and music devices behind. Providing new solutions for fitness activities and for any other instance when carrying a phone is not ideal, TIMEX® IRONMAN® ONE GPS+ includes a series of game-changing features, including: Standalone wireless connectivity without a phone, email-based messaging capabilities, tracking capabilities that communicate the user’s location to friends and family anytime, anywhere, custom-built “Find Me Mode” safety solution, which allows users to send an alert with exact location in case of an emergency, and several others.
Trevor Stevens appointed Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Food & Beverage for InterContinental Hotels Citystars
Simon Stamper, Regional General Manager InterContinental Hotels Group, Egypt and Lebanon announced the appointment of Trevor Stevens as Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Food & Beverages for InterContinental Citystars Hotels. Trevor has a wide experience and a long history of success in the Food and Beverage for over 20 years, he also has a vast experience in hotel industry; he climbed the culinary ladder from sous chef, to executive chef and then food and beverage director, the trail led initially to the Dominican Republic and California, then Singapore, Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. In his new capacity, Trevor will be responsible of the Food & Beverage Department for InterContinental Citystars Hotels. He will oversee all food & beverage operations in InterContinental, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars. He is aiming to lead in all food and beverage aspects of the hotels’ operations.
Sheraton Miramar’s director of Rooms Revenue receives Starwood’s 2013 President’s Award
In appreciation of her outstanding performance, Abeer Sobhi, Sheraton Miramar’s Director of Rooms Revenue has been selected to receive the Starwood President’s Award for 2013. This award is in honorable recognition of exceptional achievements and is presented once per year by the President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and The Middle East. Mr. Richard Moeri, Sheraton Miramar’s Hotel Manager presenting the 2013 President’s Award to Abeer Sobhi, the Director of Rooms Revenue of Sheraton Miramar Resort, El Gouna.
The Launching of Nissan «SENTRA» at Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria
Recently Nissan Egypt selected Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria to celebrate the launching of its new car «Sentra» the event was a real success whereby all invitees enjoyed the well organization and the interesting program. The event was held around the Hotel’s main swimming pool where the new car «Sentra» was placed and Nissan’s Sales & Marketing team introduces to all the invitees and media representatives the car’s features and options. Worth mentioning that Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria is always the first choice for all automotive segment in Egypt as it hosted before the test drive for Mercedes & BMW cars. Photo shows: Badr A.Aziz the Hotel’s Food & Drinks Manager among Mr. Moustafa Kassem Senior PR & Communication Manager & Mr. Mohamed Ehab PR & Communication Manager in Nissan Egypt.
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zodiac
Capricorn Dec.23 - Jan.20 Distance and spirituality will interweave with your sentimental life in an exciting way, maybe even slightly exotic, which can provide new experiences and can open new perspectives on the world. Distance relationships and romantic trips or taken on a sentimental purpose can make the picture of September 2014 more colourful. Your main interests will focus in the area of information and communication. Writing, research, studies, presentations and speeches will bring you recognition and success. Chance could be related to the higher education, scientific, legislative or cultural environment. You might take a development course, pass an exam, publish a paper, and start a Master’s Degree or even a PhD. In September 2014 you’ll stand out as an intelligent person and a good communicator, and your opinion will be listened to and might influence a lot of people. Long-distance collaborations and trips taken on professional purposes can be both nice and profitable.
Aquarius Jan.21 - Feb.19 It will be a good period to analyze your feelings or to screen your partner’s emotions, needs and psychological mechanisms. You might also find a secret that will concern the relationship or the person by your side. As regards other issues, in September 2014 one can notice a connection between Aquarius’ couple and money. There will be the opportunity of obtaining earnings through your partner. You’ll have a lot of determination in reaching your objectives, you’ll be competitive and you’ll feel the need to fight, to prove your strength and value, to mark your influence territory and to impose your point of view. You might do it in a rather tough manner, especially in the first part of the month, which can cause you some troubles. This month will be excellent for intellectual activity at a high level (studies, specializations, exams, writing, etc.). On the other hand, you’ll communicate very well with people from far away and you might take some important trips.
Pisces Salma Hayek, September 2, 1966
Feb.20 - Mar.21 You’ll have great need for love and great availability to offer love in your turn. You’ll overflow your affection on the dear person, you’ll find the right gestures and words to get them close to you. If you are single, September 2014 could bring a new love in your way. Beyond the romantic aspects, money seems to be a current issue. September 2014 will be an extremely interesting month for Pisces people from the professional point of view. Collaborations will no doubt be the most important issue of the month. Partnerships, teamwork and even social contacts can bring you money and success. New associations and alliances are foreseen, and there could also be new contracts. Your actions and projects will surge in the second part of September 2014. All throughout the month you will have a lot of work capacity and good protection against diseases. However, it will be good to eat diet food, to have enough rest and not to be so consumed with the other people’s problems.
Aries Mar.22 - Apr.20
Happy Birthday
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September 2014 will bring to attention the connections between the couple life and daily tasks. Thus, the workplace could represent the environment in which a new affair will occur or in which the existing relationship will develop. Between July 2014 and August 2015 you will be driven by some great passionate enthusiasm. Therefore, it is not excluded that a love story will be born at the workplace. Your collaborations, associations and relationships with colleagues will be at the foreground in September 2014. There will be a great predisposition for teamwork and even if you generally work well on your own, you will now have more success working side by side with somebody else. It’ll be an excellent period for building new partnerships and alliances, for signing new contracts.
Taurus
Gemini
Apr.21 - May 21
May.22 - Jun.21
You’ll go through an enchanting period. In September 2014, luck will provide wonderful opportunities to have fun, accompanied by circumstances that will favour the appearance (or the expansion) of love. You can use this interval to explore your sexuality, to discover new erotic techniques and sensations. If you have a steady relationship, this month the flame of passion could be lit again, and if you want a child, you will now have better chances to conceive it. September 2014 could also be a good month for getting engaged or for moving in with the dear person. Here’s a month in which you can bring the proof of your entire creativity, in which you can display your talents and skills. In September 2014, your force of expression will reach its peak and if you have artistic talent, you can now make it. The period will not favor just the creative-artistic areas, but will also be extremely advantageous to presentations, promotion or launches.
A lot of thoughts will gravitate around the idea of love, and the romantic enthusiasm and the sexual vigor will encourage a series of your initiatives and actions. The picture will become more animated and colourful, the desires stronger, the enthusiasm and eagerness bigger. You’ll promptly react to any sentimental suggestion, you’ll enjoy stirring and getting immediate reactions. A new passion can now be born, but there might also occur some sparks. Your interests in this month seem to be oriented especially towards the private life, family and properties, rather than professional accomplishments and ambition. However, you can stand out by ingenuity, intellectual performance, oratorical abilities and various talents. You’ll be very good at promoting your products. In September 2014 doing business in the real estate area, in consumer goods and anything that has to do with agriculture or with natural resources will also be favoured.
Cancer
Leo
Jun.22 - Jul.23
Jul.24 - Aug.23
Your relationships will tightly be connected to communication all throughout September 2014. The communication between the couple partners will be richer, more important or the information will be shared more easily from one partner to another. There will be an ampler exchange of ideas or opinions, message sending will become more intense, there will be declarations and confessions. A big part of the discussions held by you in September 2014 will be about the accommodation, family, cohabitation, properties. Walks taken together, dates and romantic or sentimental trips will also be part of the picture of the period. The first part of September 2014 will have a more passionate nature than the second one, in which daily tasks, work and responsibilities will prevail.
The first part of September 2014 will not be very rich in events of a sentimental nature. In this period, your vision will be practical rather than romantic, and the interests of the couple will be channeled towards money, accommodation and properties. The communication with the partner will be very good, and this communication belongs to the same rational, logical, pragmatic frame. The second part of September 2014 will be much more passionate. The sexual vigor will grow, emotions will be very intense. If you’re single and you find the right person, you won’t hesitate for very long before moving on to action. Love can occur unexpectedly and might have to do with distance. September 2014 will be a prosperous month.
Virgo
Libra
Aug.24 - Sep.23
Sep.24 - Oct.23
You should expect a nice period for love, enjoyable for the couple life in general. You’ll manifest a lot of charm on the others and, in your turn, you’ll have great sentimental availability and you’ll find it hard to resist temptations and indecent proposals, which seem to be more frequent now than ever. You’ll have a lot of fun and you’ll socialize a lot, therefore you won’t lack opportunities. However, beyond flirts and emotions, there will be an invisible thread that will tie the couple life to money or valuable things that will keep you connected to the tangible, to reality. In September 2014 everything will go more easily, will be more accessible, less difficult to accomplish. Personal charm will help you, no doubt, as well as the ease with which you establish connections, with which you manage to get the others to be interested, to be close to you, to become your allies.
This month could be about a period with reduced activity, of germination, as it often happens before the periods of great sentimental exuberance. Alternatively, the private life of Libras might have a certain dynamism, though, but things will develop either secretly, or within a well guarded privacy. Discretion will be stronger in the first part of the month. In the second part of September 2014 it’s possible that surpriseevents appear or other happenings that will cheer the atmosphere up or can even cause some changes. This month will be a very appropriate interval for intellectual preoccupations (studying, editing, writing, research, calculations, data processing, etc.), for communication (speeches, interviews, presentations, negotiations), for traveling and activities that require skill (drawing, various crafts, tennis, table tennis, etc.).
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Oct.24 - Nov.22
Nov.23 - Dec.22
Your sentimental life will develop in a satisfying way in September 2014, not very passionately, but harmoniously, with promising perspectives. In this period, your relationships will rely on friendship and mutual support rather than on sharing some intense and deep emotions. The couple will go through a joyful, carefree period, characterized by socialization, fun, optimism and future projects. The entourage will play an important role either by your involvement and your partner’s in various group activites, or by the fact that participating in such activities will favor the birth or the development of a new love. Friends could also come to the foreground, as mediators or advisors regarding sentimental problems. The second part of September 2014 will be more relaxed than the first one. September 2014 will be an active month, full of chance at the professional level.
In September 2014 it’s possible that a relationship with somebody involved in your career will start, or that your partner will help you advance, or that the professional decisions will be influenced by feelings - or vice versa. Or you might simply have higher standards: you might fervently want for your partner to advance or you might feel attraction to people that stand out by influence, competence, performance or special talents. Otherwise, this month will be excellent for socializing together with the dear one, while participating in group activities can give birth to favorable romantic circumstances. It will be a successful month. Participating in reunions and meetings will favour you all throughout the month. Collaborations, business partnerships and group projects will be productive and will bring accomplishments and satisfaction.
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well said
HABITS EGYPTIANS SHOULD RECONSIDER w
e are one of the unique nations, we have our own concepts, beliefs and somehow this is what creates our Egyptian identity with its bad and good habits. This month Mayada Tarek brought to you some of the habits that maybe if we work on a little bit, we will be a better country.
Seeing a decent man riding a bicycle It’s really funny yet, a shame that 1 to work is highly unlikely to happen in 5 Egyptians still race with the ambulance Egyptian streets, although we are one of the in the street, instead of pulling aside to help nations that need it the most, thanks to our awful traffic jam and narrow streets. Now that we should consider using bikes more often, we should also change our views on girls using bikes, it’s 2014 for Gods sake!
them arrive faster people still follow the ambulance to drive faster.
It is not true that girls who didn’t get 2 married until their 30’s will never get married, and people should stop pushing her
they need to reach their destination. We really should change this kind of disrespect; all Egyptians should respect time and respect each other’s by not letting people wait for them.
and call her spinster.
3
Stop saying it is a shame that people dance in the street, let people be happy and start celebrating life; we need it the most.
4
Most Egyptians think that only young people can do anything they want to do, but old people shouldn’t. Actually, no one is too old to enjoy his life; to love, dance and play sports. People should stop judging elder people and should stop depriving them of the pleasure of life.
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Only few Egyptians respect time, and 6 the rest always arrive late. People forget about the unpredictable traffic and the time
Living a healthy lifestyle is impossible for 7 most Egyptians. We often eat unhealthy food, thanks to our traditional dishes that we
are so proud of like Mahshy, Fata and other fatty meals. We unfortunately still think of sports as leisure in our life and we never take it seriously. are very curious and nosy when 8Egyptians it comes to interfering in each other’s lives.
We always like to judge people, which is a reflection of how insecure we feel about ourselves. People always break the traffic signs and 9 lights unless there is a police officer, we have no consciousness when it comes to
street rules unless there is someone supervising or there is a camera. We are a very consuming society 10 that has a huge appetite for spending money even for useless stuff. As soon as we hear of a sale on an item, we stop by and grab it ignoring the fact that we will never use it. We have our own unique way of 11 making any English word sound Egyptian; apart from the “b” and “p” that
became a trademark, we change several words into Arabic like the famous puzzle “autobis complete” that is orginally called “stop its complete.”