1. Art and Diseño

CSA Contents
The Community Services Association (CSA) is
dedicated to providing the international expatriate
community with support to ease the transition and
adaptation to Egypt.
EVERY MONTH
9
CSA Community Center
11 CSA Information and
Referral Desk
This month: Where there is love, there is life
13 CSA Partner Vendors
14 Village Gift Shop
60
15 La Boutique
50
16 CSA Library
23 CSA Events
25 CSA Showroom
27 Fundamentals of
Living in Egypt
33 Arts and Lifestyle, Cooking,
Trips and Tours
45
110
37 CSA Fitness Training Center
40 News from the CSA Fitness
Training Center
41 CSA Fitness Training Center
Schedule
43 BodyFit Cairo Program
52 CSA Activities Calendar
100 Community Announcements
FEATURES
Happy Valentine’s Day
The articles and views expressed in this publication are entirely
those of the authors and are not endorsed by CSA.
18 You Are My Life
30 Love Upon the Throne of
Egypt
38 Girls Gone Vegan
47 Pace e Luce: The Ultimate in
Salon Service Luxury
55 Marriage per Love and Law
59 5 Places to Visit In and
Around Cairo
66 Love & Life
69 Not Your Average Chef
71 Red Velvet Cupcakes
73 Mexican in Maadi
79 Talk Like An Egyptian
81 My Egypt
82 The Ultimate Sport
86Trivia
87 Mum & Baby
89 A Cognitive Adventure
91 Every Minute Counts
99 Cairo Hacks
102 Embracing Illusions
February 15 CSA 3
CSA to the Readers
Fitness Center Coordinators
Krishanthi Ekanayake, Tanya Allahham,
Ahmed Hazem, Olwing Martin
The place to be.
Executive Director:
Fitness Training Expert
Ahmed Agamy
Flavia Makram-Ebeid
Fundraising Department:
General Manager:
Events Manager
Lama Al Hammuri
On-Site Services:
Business Development Manager
Riham R.El-Mograby
Denden Alcantara
On-Site Service Manager
Heba Azzam
Information Referral Specialist
Melissa Coleman, Sarah Durrett,
Renate Shehab El Din
Gift Shop Supervisor
Michaela Nemethova
Gift Shop Coordinator
Cecil Reyes
La Boutique Supervisor
Lisa Gonzales
La Boutique Coordinators
Natalia Zadaionia
Librarian
Renate Shehab El Din
Program Department:
Program Supervisor
Tracey Allard
Program Development Coordinator
Deliah Adham
Language School Supervisor
Jehan Al Ashry
BLISS Spa:
Bliss Coordinator
Hala Metwally
Fitness Training Center:
Fitness Center Manager
Sherif El Deib
Fitness Center Reception Administrator
Tanya Allahham
Communication Department:
Media and Communications Coordinator
Marcus O’Neill
Magazine/Digital Coordinator
Perihan Ahmed
Information Designer
Claudia Dencker
Finance Department:
Finance Manager
Verna Pinto
Finance Administrators
Svetlana Kirnasova
Website and Social Media Coordinator
Sarah Durrett
Volunteers:
Carmen Urquiaga; Cecilia Alleyne-Budge;
Chandrika Naidu; Cristina Wheish;
Dominique Krayenbuhl; Jayne Kimmet;
Johanna Boessenkool; Mayssa Hourani;
Mona ElEmary; Nisha Patwari; Pat
Canfield; Phoebe David; Robert Moss;
Samia Wadman; Sylvia Jennette; Tina
Cleverton; Unnati Shah; Urvashi Mohan;
Violeta Salama; Wiwik Johnson
Oasis Magazine:
Printing by Interpress
IT Services:
Integrated Technology Services (Karim
Abdel Raouf ) www.its-egy.com
ADVERTISING
Oasis is a premier magazine for the international expatriate community living and working
in Greater Cairo. With a distribution of 5000 free copies throughout Cairo, we offer exciting
opportunities to advertisers wishing to reach a large segment of the expat community.
¼ page 9cm x 12,5cm: LE 500
½ page horizontal 19cm x 12,5cm: LE 950
½ page vertical 9cm x 26cm: LE 950
Full page (A4)
21cm x 29,7cm + 3mm bleed: LE 1800
Full page Advertorial (A4)
21cm x 29,7cm + 3mm bleed: LE 2000
Acceptance of Advertorials is entirely the
discretion of the Magazine and Website
Advertising Coordinator.
Ads must be presented by email or on CD
with all fonts and pictures included; resolution
300dpi; tiff format.
For placement of advertisements and more
information please contact Perihan Ahmed at CSA:
Tel.: 2358 5284
Mobile: 010 688 28 537
e-mail: [email protected]
Deadline: The deadline for booking the Ads is
first Tuesday of the month prior to publication;
artwork is accepted till the 10th. Please book
early as space is limited.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The theme of this issue is taken
from a famous quote by Mahatma
Gandhi - “Where there is love,
there is life”. Now of course when
Gandhi uttered these words he
wasn’t taking about Valentine’s
Day, but it’s not hard to ponder the
parallels with your own experiences
during this otherwise fluffy and
commercial holiday.
People who know me best know
that I’m not particularly romantic.
In fact, often to my detriment, I’m
about as far away from romantic as
one can get. It’s just not me. My
philosophy is that love shouldn’t
be measured by theatrical displays
of affection, but rather your daily
actions. And in a way, I feel that’s
kind of what Gandhi was talking
about. Living your life through the
lens of love (not hate), tolerance
(not ignorance) and compassion
(not judgment) truly is what makes
life worth living.
This month we’ve got content
to satiate the romantic and the
unromantic at heart. Read about one
author’s incredibly intimate recent
birthday gift in “You Are My Life”
or a famous Ancient Egyptian love
affair in “Love Upon the Throne”.
For the more practical we have a
historical look at saints, specifically
the origins of St. Valentine in this
month’s A Cognitive Adventure and
an article about the importance of
volunteering in Egypt in “Every
Minute Counts”. Or perhaps if
you’re sick of me pontificating
about love (I don’t blame you!) and
simply prefer to hear others’ takes,
check out “Love and Life”. We
hope you enjoy it!
Marcus O’Neill
Editor, Oasis Magazine
February 15 CSA 5
CSA Sponsors and Supporters
CSA offers a heartfelt “Thank you” to all our supporters. Your continued support allows us to offer services, workshops
and lectures for expats living and working in Egypt. As an independent, non-profit organization, we could not exist
without the support of the business community. It is through partnerships and the efforts of companies like yours
that CSA is able to offer our services.
CSA Sponsors
CSA needs your financial support to continue providing services to the international community working and
living in Egypt. If you care to help and would like to become involved, please contact Denden Alcantara at
[email protected]
February 15 CSA 7
CSA Community Center
Welcome to your local CSA Community Center
The place to be for information and support, to learn and connect
with your local community, and to relax and meet friends
The CSA Center provides the expatriate community with a wide range of services.
Our well-trained staff and volunteers are here to help you find your way around the
confusing but exciting city of Cairo. Whether you are in need of a cup of coffee, a
chance to read a good book, looking for that perfect gift, fitness classes or wanting
information about Cairo, the CSA Center is here to provide the expatriate community
with all these services. Visit our center and read our magazine to find out how you can
utilize all our services to help make your day easy, relaxing and enjoyable.
Community Marketplace
CSA’s Community Marketplace is the fun
and easy way to find and talk about great
(and not so great) local businesses! It’s
about real people giving their honest and
personal opinions on everything from restaurants and spas
to coffee shops and medical services. Both Community
Marketplace together with the CSA online Classifieds
and much more are available at: www.livinginegypt.org.
CSA wants to be a family friendly place that
is safe and enjoyable for all members of your
family! Please remember:
• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Pets in the garden must be on best behavior at all times.
• Please don’t double or triple park.
• Please take care of your personal belongings at all times.
For more information visit our front desk or
download our membership application at
http://membership.livinginegypt.org
Stay up to date with all happenings
at CSA by having our e-newsletter
delivered to your inbox every week.
For more information or to sign up, go
to the CSA website www.livinginegypt.org
CSA Opening Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 8.45am-7.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
CSA, 4 Road 21, Maadi , Cairo
Tel: 23585284 / 23580754, Mob: 01068828540, Fax: 23802838
www.livinginegypt.org Facebook: livinginegypt Twitter: @livinginegypt
Directions to CSA in arabic from the autostrade, the corniche:
February 15 CSA 9
CSA Community Center
CSA Information and Referral Desk
The Information and Referral Desk is often the first place
people visit when they come to CSA.
We answer calls and transfer customers to the relevant
departments throughout CSA (Library, La Boutique,
Programs, Gift Shop, Fitness Training Center, Bliss and our
other partner vendors).
We respond to emails and face-to-face enquiries to try
and give customers as much information as possible.
New to Egypt, New to Maadi?
Come and see us to buy our Welcome Pack,
collect the latest Oasis magazine and answers
to your questions!
Available at Information and Referral
Community Announcements. Next to our three bulletin boards we also
have a Community Announcements board. If you have information you
think might be relevant to the wider community such as dog poisoning
in the area or a charity related event please notify us and we will add the
information to this board. Drop us an email or bring your A5 (1/2 page)
flyer to the Information and Referral Desk.
Flyers and Brochures. Flyers and brochures are a great way to promote
your business or service. CSA offers three box sizes where you can place
your flyers (maximum size A4/a full page) for 1 month, 3 months
or 6 months. Visit the Information and Referral Desk for pricing
information. Maximum of 50 flyers per month.
Answers to your Questions. Our friendly and helpful Information
and Referral staff will do their best to answer any and all questions you
might have. Drawing on their own personal knowledge or utilizing our
information packed website they will assist you in any way they can.
Bulletin Board
Did you know…
…that you can contribute your knowledge
or experience to the CSA Oasis magazine?
Contact [email protected] to find
out how.
If you would like to place an advert on the CSA
Bulletin Board bring a copy of your advert (maximum
size A5 or ½ a page) with payment to the Information
and Referral Desk. Types of advert include apartments
for rent, cars for sale, animals, services, items for sale,
household staff, drivers, jobs.
For private adverts we will add them to our online
Classifieds Section (check Online Resources,
Classifieds) of our website and for businesses we will
make sure you are included as a basic listing in our
Community Marketplace (check Online Resources,
Community Marketplace).
…that CSA’s consignment shop,
La Boutique accepts, not only
clothing, but home decorative
items, curtains, bedding, children’s
toys and electronics as well?
…that private Fundamentals of Living
in Egypt seminar’s can be arranged
for businesses/companies at any time?
Contact [email protected] for
more information.
Give us a call! If you have any questions for us don’t hesitate to give us a call
or drop us an email and we will do our best to help you. Tel: 02 2358 5284 /
02 2358 0754, Mobile:0106 882 8540, Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 8.45am-7.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
February 15 CSA 11
CSA Community Center
CSA Partner Vendors. We’ve partnered with various vendors in the community to bring our members top
notch products and services; all available onsite at CSA. Stop by, do some shopping, grab a coffee and get your nails
done. Make sure you experience all that CSA has to offer.
Nagada
Sunday-Thursday 9.00am-6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm.
Surrounded by Egypt…
Inspired by the World
Daily 9.00am-7.00pm.
Experience the wonders of Egypt and the world.
ASTI can arrange your flights, car rentals, hotels,
tours and much more.
www.americanstartravel.com
L’avenue
Sunday-Wednesday
9.00am-7.00pm
Thursday 9.00am-6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
L’avenue offers a variety of
luxury gifts and homeware,
including hollowware, flatware,
luxury home linens, crystal,
porcelain, handmade artistic
glass, indoor and outdoor
candles and much more.
http://lavenue33.com
Antwerpen Fine Jewelry
Sunday-Thursday
9.00am-7.00pm
Pamper yourself and enjoy
Antwerpen’s beautiful
selection of gold, diamond
and colored stone
pieces and its new
stunning and
affordable
silver line.
Zen Nail Salon
New at
Ultrasound Cavitation
• Removes fat non-invasively
• Tightens the skin and improves body contour
• Removes wrinkles
• Shrinks and tightens pores
• Rejuvenates skin
Appointments available 7 days a week.
Tel. 0100 310 3414
Daily
9.00am-7.00pm
Reconnect with nature and
free your body and mind.
Experience complete relaxation
with the numerous services we
provide you. Nails, manicure,
pedicure, gelish, acrylic, wax, facial hair removal.
For the Best Coffee in Cairo, look no
further. Aside from freshly brewed coffee
and specialty drinks, we carry a selection
of pastries, sandwiches and salads.
Sunday-Thursday 7.00am-7.00pm
Friday and Saturdays: 9.00am-5.00pm
Khan Touloun
Sunday-Wednesday 9.00am-7.00pm
Thursday 9.00am-6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
High quality Egyptian handmade crafts, including
beautiful recycled glass items, hand-woven shawls and
textiles, pottery, tea boxes, trays and coasters. Also for
the holiday season we have elegant nativity sets, angels,
glass ornaments, handmade garlands, Christmas trees
and much more!
The Place
Sunday-Thursday 9.00am-5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
Heba Arteen
Heba is a Cairo based jewelry
designer whose pieces are
reminiscent of the old times, yet
contemporary and stylish.
February 15 CSA 13
CSA Village Gift Shop
CSA La Boutique
The Village Gift Shop is a unique store that offers a range of handcrafted items, Egyptian souvenirs, artwork
and guidebooks. What truly makes it unique is our commitment to reach out to charities and NGOs, women
entrepreneurs and local artisans; you’re one-stop away from a perfect and unique gift.
February is the month of love and we are all in search of the most romantic
gifts we can find. Stop by our Village Gift Shop and see that it has been
struck with cupid’s loving arrows. You will definitely find the gift you’ve been
looking for. Get a unique table lamp made from recycled bottles to add a cozy
and eclectic atmosphere to your home. If you want to surprise your significant
other and show her how much your treasure her, come take a look at our oneof-a-kind jewelry boxes. Give your partner a piece of Egypt with these hand
crafted leather wallets and purses or one of our silver, ebony and wood pendants
so they can carry a piece of Cairo (and you) everywhere they go!
Support
Village Shop supports local
charity
The Village Gift Shop is the
place to find unique handcrafted
items. These items are made by
women entrepreneurs that support
themselves and their families, local
artisans from various areas of Egypt
and charities that support children
or adults of various needs. The shop
offers a great opportunity to help
support local women’s businesses
and support many valuable causes
in Egypt.
La Boutique - The CSA Consignment Shop is an expatriate “members only” shop where you can buy and sell preowned clothing, household items and other decorative accessories. Contribute to the community and make some
money for yourself by recycling your items. If you choose, we can forward items as donations to charity. New stock
daily, do not miss out on these great buys!
OUR SERVICES
Reminders: All items must be laundered, ironed and in good
to excellent condition to be eligible for sale. Mechanical
items must be in good working order. La Boutique reserves
the right to return items deemed unfit for sale. We must be
selective in the merchandise we accept for consignments, so
please do not feel offended if your items are not accepted.
We only want the best for our members.
Adult Section: You will find apparel in various styles and
sizes ranging from formal, business, casual, and athletic. It
is your one stop to find great buys.
Kids & Teens: Our kids grow out of their clothes so fast they
don’t have time to wear them out before they need to get new
ones. La Boutique offers fun and playful outfits for the little
citizens of the world.
Miscellaneous Items: We also accept home decorative items,
curtains, bedding, children’s toys, and electronics. All items
must be clean and in working condition. It you are not sure of
an item give us a call.
Volunteers: Need something to do? Why don’t you try our
volunteering at La Boutique? Great place to meet fun and
animated staff as well as interact with lots of new people in
the shop. Stop by and fill out a volunteer form at reception
and we will get those free hands working.
Announcements
• Garage Sale: The back garden garage sale will be held on Friday, February 20,
9.00am-12.00pm. Items available until supplies last.
• La Boutique has a stunning collection of evening gowns for the Green & Gold Gala.
Spotlight Vendors
Marie Claude – Lavish your
loved ones with a choice of
Valentine gift sets.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner
Once you sort out what your Valentine’s Day plans are then it’s all about figuring out what to wear. So whether you are celebrating the
day with a romantic dinner or hitting the town with your girlfriends, we’ve got a look that will make it a day to remember. Stop by
La Boutique because you are bound to find something for that special day.
The Village Gift Shop is run with
the help of a team of volunteers who
are always ready to help you with a
cheerful and friendly smile.
If you want to become part of our team fill out an application at the
CSA Front Desk and we’ll make sure to find you a position that suits
you.
14 February 15 CSA
We are always looking for new and
unique items, please ask our Gift Shop
Supervisor for more information.
Gift Shop Opening Hours:
Sunday-Wednesday 9.00am-7.00pm
Thursday 9.00am-4.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
www.livinginegypt.org
Opening Hours
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.00am-2.00pm
Wednesday Evening 4.00pm-7.00pm
Saturdays 9.00am-2.00pm
Drop Offs:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00am-1.00pm
Wednesday 4.30pm-6.30pm
Saturday no drop offs
February 15 CSA 15
CSA Library
The CSA Library is the only leisure-reading library of its kind in Maadi. A muchvalued resource for newcomers and veteran expatriates alike, it is stocked through
community participation via donations to the library.
Book Sale:
Join us in the CSA garden on Tuesday, February 17, 9.00am-2.00pm for our
Library Book Sale.
Books
Kick back and relax with these nontraditional love stories.
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Minerva Dobbs is in shock when
David, her extremely logical choice for a
boyfriend, dumps her three weeks before
her perfect sister’s wedding. When Min
overhears David make a bet with his old
nemesis—the gorgeous and successful
Calvin Morrisey—that Cal can’t get Min into bed in a month, she decides that fate has
just handed her a stacked deck.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured the hearts of millions of
fans. Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire
Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines
exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages.
DVDs
Looking for
love?
Love Happens. When self-help author Dr. Burke Ryan arrives in Seattle to teach a soldout seminar, he unexpectedly meets florist Eloise Chandler, the one person who might be
able to help him help himself. But will two people who may have met the right person at
exactly the wrong time be able to give love a chance?
@ CSA Library
• Award-winning authors
• Health and wellbeing section
• Reference books on Egypt,
Middle East and other
worldwide destinations
• Biographies and nonfiction books
• Children’s section (preschool to young adult)
• Science fiction, fantasy,
romance and more
• Magazines, periodicals and
newspapers
Membership
Terms and Conditions:
• Annual Membership:
350 LE per year for books,
magazines and DVDs.
• Any family member can take
out 5 books for a period of
three weeks.
• Members are entitled to
borrow 3 magazines and 2
DVDs per family in addition
to 5 book limit.
• Please note that children
must be accompanied by an
adult when using the CSA
Library.
Donation
The CSA Library donates all
their old glossy magazines to
A.P.E (Association for Protection of the Environment) an
Egyptian NGO whose mission
is to promote environmentally
safe solid waste management
in Egypt. A.P.E will use these
magazines to produce beautifully crafted products that
can then be sold. You can view
some of A.P.E’s products in the
CSA Village Gift Shop.
Made of Honor. Tom loves his life, until he realizes he also loves his best friend Hannah.
But when Hannah gets engaged to a dashing Scotsman and asks Tom to be her maid of
honor, Tom faces hostile bridesmaids, bridal showers, and bad hair days, all in an effort to
pull off the perfect wedding and steal the bride.
Tangled. The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now
that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first
time, and who she really is.
We feature a new movie (or two) every week - check the posters in the library for the
current week’s movie.
16 February 15 CSA
Library Opening Hours:
Sunday-Thursday
9.00am-7.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
www.livinginegypt.org
Lifestyle
You are
my life
By Natascha Lammerts van Bueren
There it was. Suddenly I was facing my
forty-fifth birthday. As if reaching that
age alone isn’t enough reason to shed
a tear or two, I was on top of all that
offered a little box. A cute little black
box rapped up with a white satin bow.
When I opened the box an elegant ring
gazed at me. The ring had a round seal
and contained an Arabic inscription.
Although I remember being happy and
proud of passing my exam in level 1
Arabic years ago, to this day I still do
not comprehend any Arabic sign, let
alone the Arabic alphabet. So yes, I was
indeed most grateful for the little note
hidden inside the box. “Enta Omri”,
the note says, explaining that these
words have the meaning “You are my
life”.
Oeff. I was completely struck by
this overwhelming statement. It’s
so big and huge. These words are so
extremely powerful that you can not
add anything to them. You wouldn’t
want to add anything, I would reckon,
as any addition would sound rather
meaningless.
In Egypt the words “Enta Omri” have
a special meaning. They are, first and
foremost, the title of the classic song
by Oum Kalthoum, the most famous
female singer that the Arabic world has
ever known. “Imagine a singer with the
virtuosity of Ella Fitzgerald, the public
18 February 15 CSA
persona of Eleanor Roosevelt
and the audience of Elvis
Presley and you have Oum
Kalthoum” her biographer
Virginia Danielson once wrote.
Oum Kalthoum, the girl who
was, at the age of twelve, pushed
onto the stage by her father after he
had dressed her up as a boy, became
a true legend in- and outside the Arabic
world. When she died on February 3
in 1975, millions of Egyptians were
inconsolable.
Whenever Oum Kalthoum performed,
whenever her songs were heard, the
whole country would come to a stop.
Craftsmen, workers, family of the late
King Farouk and president Nasser
Oum Kalthoum inspired Azza Fahmy,
the internationally famous Egyptian
jeweler-designer, to design a ring. A ring
with the inscription “You are my life”. A
ring that carries a heavy burden because
of its symbolism and the history of the
Arab’s world most famous singer, but
that “I now proudly put onto my left
ring finger every morning when I wake
up.
On my birthday last summer, I was
fortunate to be a guest of Azza Fahmy
herself on the Egyptian North coast, in
her romantically decorated house where
pink flowers were blossoming in a lush
garden and the soft Mediterrean breeze
was gently passing by. It was here,
amongst bougainvillea and surrounded
by Egyptian hospitality, that I opened the
little black box and first laid eyes on the
ring. I was blessed and loved. Through
the ring I was, all of a sudden, united
with two amazing women: one of them
a great and celebrated singer that had
once touched the hearts of millions of
people, the other one a famous designer,
which I had come to know in person.
That night, on my birthday, I stepped
out of their long and wide shadows,
just for a brief second. I was all smiles.
My heart was attached to two little feet
and it made a jump. “Here I am, come
and have a look at the present that I
just got”, I told anyone who wanted
to hear it. Just as when you are a little
girl and want the entire world to know
that it is your birthday. It is this happy,
spontaneous behavior that disappears
almost completely once you get older.
But on that night it was back again. All
because of the great Oum Kalthoum
and the sweet Azza Fahmy. Thank you
beautiful, remarkable ladies, for making
my birthday this year so special. For as
long as I live I will remember my fortyfifth birthday.
You were right, there was someone else
with me that night. Of course I haven’t
forgotten him. How could I? He, who
gave me this beautiful gift. The ring
that I will cherish in the same way as
I cherish our love together. But that’s
something quite personal, so I’ll end
here if you don’t mind.
Natascha Lammerts van Bueren lived
in Cairo with her family from 20112014. She writes for her blog natascha.
familielvb.nl and writes for several Dutch
online websites.
You are My Life - “Enta Omri”
himself, all were huge fans of her deep
voice and of the intensity of emotions
she put into her songs. Most of her songs
were about love, or the tragic loss thereof.
The touching Enta Omri, in which Oum
Kalthoum describes how she only starts
living when she meets the love of her
life, could easily go on for hours during a
live performance. In 2015, she will have
been gone for forty years. Nevertheless
even today her intense songs remain
extremely popular and Cairenes of all
ages still carry Oum Kalthoum in their
head and hearts. It’s hard not to notice
her in daily Cairo. You can come across
her colorful wooden statue, retro style,
in a small café at Khan-el-Khalili market,
where she waves her white handkerchief
at you and invites you to step inside for
a cup of tea. You will see the silhouette
of her face including her characteristic
sunglasses printed in black on a yellow
brick wall in Maadi. You will pass by
her monument when driving through
Zamalek.
www.livinginegypt.org
Your eyes returned me to the days that had gone by
They taught me to regret the past and its wounds
That which I experienced before my eyes saw you
What is the wasted life to me?
You are my life whose morning began with your light
How much of my life before you has passed and gone by
My darling, how much of my life has gone
My heart never experienced one bit of joy before you
And had never tasted in this world anything but the
flavor of injury
I’ve now just begun to love my life
I’ve now begun to fear for the passing of my lifetime
Every joy that I longed for before you was fantasy
My heart and mind meet find it in the light of your eyes
Oh life of my heart, oh you who is more precious than my
life
Why didn’t I meet your love, my darling, sooner?
The sweet nights and the desire and the love
For so long my heart carried them for you
Taste love with me
Taste love with love
From the feeling of my heart whose desire extended to
your feeling
Give me your eyes they reflect my eyes in their world
Give me your hands their touch calms my hands
Oh my darling come on forget about that which has
passed us
Oh you who is more precious than my days
Oh you who is sweeter than my dreams
Take me to your longing take me
Pull me away from the universe
Far, far away you and I
From the love that awakens our days
From the desire than sleeps our nights
I’ve reconciled time my days with you
I’ve reconciled time with you
I forgot my pains with you
And I forgot with you my woes
Your eyes called me to the days that have passed
They taught me to regret the past and its wounds
That which I experienced before my eyes saw you
What is the wasted life to me?
February 15 CSA 19
CSA Events
CSA Events February 2015
Chinese New Year
2015
Sundays and Thursdays
9.00am-2.00pm
For those days when you just don’t have the energy
to cook, we can provide a reprieve with homemade,
authentic cuisine from Egypt, India, Italy, Lebanon,
Pakistan and Thailand. These specialties are cooked with
care and love for you and your family.
Sunday, February 8
9.00am-2.00pm
Come celebrate Chinese New
Year (the Year of the Sheep)
this year at CSA. Highlights
include a lively Dragon dance
parade, traditional Chinese
food, craft and raffle tickets,
plus other vendors.
Farmer’s Market
Blood Pressure Screenings
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Wednesdays
Get your fresh herbs and
vegetables from Makar Farms.
Thursdays
Stop by for Tabi3y’s organic
vegetables and herbs.
Sunday, February 8 and
Sunday, February 22
10.00am-12.00pm
At Reception
Stay on top of your health with
our free blood pressure screenings.
Thai Buffet
art Exhibition
Featuring the works of Karim Shokair
February 1 to March 26
Karim Shokair will be displaying his
photography at CSA during February
and March. Karim’s philosophy is
that life is a journey that provides
many opportunities to test and see
our humanity in subtle and beautiful
ways, as well as crude and ugly ways.
Be grateful & be kind, dream and be
inspired, life is beautiful and above all
LOVE is what matters most.
Wednesday, February 11
12.00pm
Looking for a friendly place to stop in
for lunch? Drop by with your friends
for a traditional Thai meal. With
harmony as its base, dishes in the Thai
buffet are prepared with fragrant Asian spices and herbs
that will tantalize your taste buds. Don’t forget to mark
your calendar because it’s only once a month and the
menus are always different.
Garden Bazaar
Sunday, February 15 and
Monday, February 16
9.00am-2.00pm
Calling all ladies! Shop till you
drop! Lots of vendors await you with
a great selection of items to choose
from including clothes, accessories,
arts and crafts.
Valentine Spotlight
Bazaar
Thursday, February 5
9.00am-2.00pm
Visit our Valentine Spotlight
Bazaar to find just the right gift
for that special one in your life.
Your favorite vendors will be in
the CSA garden where you will
find candies, jewelry, clothes
and household items and more!
For any queries or questions on events, please contact [email protected]
February 15 CSA 23
CSA Showroom... a concept corner
This space is utilized by various artists and vendors to introduce you to new and exciting trends within fashion,
culinary arts, furniture design and more.
February 1 - February 7
Khazana –Collection of Indian Handcrafts
February 10 & 11
Makeup and Makeover - by Pace e Luce
Khazana is a treasure
house of unique
and genuine Indian
antiques, ethnic home
decorations, colonial
furniture, fascinating
handicrafts,
and
captivating objects
d’art. Each piece is
exquisitely designed
and made by Indian
craftsmen to beautify
your home. Want to look special? Pace e Luce will help create that
flawless look with their make-up techniques. If subtlety
is not your style, try on their dramatic eye makeup!
Whichever way you choose, Pace e Luce will not fail to
impress you with their art and expertise.
February 8 - February 14
JK Chocolates
Valentine’s Day is the most special day of the year for
chocolate and what better choice than JK Chocolates.
They produce luxury artisan chocolates using the finest
Belgian chocolate for the most amazing taste experience.
JK Chocolates will be at CSA the week prior to Valentine’s
Day offering their beautiful handmade truffles - a treat to
look forward to.
February 8 – February 14
Mirror Brands
Get the look of highend brand names at
discounted prices.
Mirror Brands carries
high quality women’s
bag, wallets, silk
scarves, sunglasses
and accessories that
won’t break the bank.
February 15 - February 21
Alecx Design
Furniture
Alex Design Furniture
is a high quality
furniture manufacturer
with more than 30
years of experience.
Producing
tailored
and designed pieces to
cater for our clientele
taste and style. Over
the years our products
have proved to be
durable yet functional.
February 22 - February 28
Samia Toma
Evening
Dresses
A variety of evening,
formal and bridal
wear. With 30
years experience in
Alexandria, Jakarta
and Cairo We can
work together to
mix and match for
anyone’s needs.
February 15 CSA 25
CSA Newcomers
New to Egypt?
Help us help you
At CSA, we understand the importance of positive adjustment and ongoing
in-country support
Fundamentals of Living in Egypt Seminar
Fundamentals of Living in Egypt is a one day orientation
seminar for the international expatriate community living
and working in Egypt. It is a unique opportunity for those
who have recently arrived in Egypt.
Next Seminar:
Sunday, March 15, 2015
8.00am-4.00pm
Cost $140
(It includes an authentic Egyptian Lunch)
Fundamentals of Living in Egypt will help you to
Some of the topics covered are
•understand the importance of cultural self-awareness and the
influences of culture in everyday life and in the workplace
•Cross-Cultural Adaptation
•improve and adapt communication with the local community,
colleagues and family members
•Staying Healthy
•adopt new activities and be ready to enjoy an enriching
experience living and working in Egypt
•Customs and Tradition
•Daily Life in Cairo
•Egypt Past and Present
Ahlan wa sahlan
February is the time of year when love is in the air. Egyptians do have a November Valentine’s
Day, but have also joined in on the Western version. As the holiday approaches be aware
that Egyptians are very romantic and feel bigger, more extravagant gifts are better. They buy
huge bouquets, massive amounts of stuffed animals and gigantic boxes of chocolate. There
are those that even give expensive jewelry or watches to their loved ones. Here in Egypt
simplicity is unheard of and to show someone you care means getting them a huge gift better
than everyone else’s.
You may not agree with this sentiment and feel that a single red rose is with a dinner out is
wonderful, yet you will be competing with everyone else who wants flowers, gifts and a table
at a restaurant. If you want to eat out reserve your table a week or two in advance. Book your
hair appointments at the beginning of the week as all women will be rushing to have their hair
done. On the morning of Valentine’s Day go to the florist and order your flowers. Of course
that night there will be large amounts of traffic as everyone heads out to be with loved ones. If
you drive make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going.
If you take the time to schedule things you can have a wonderfully romantic day. But then
again, if that all seems a bit too much for you then cook a nice meal, light a candle and open
up a bottle of wine!
Arriving in a new
country is exciting and
stressful at the same
time.
Since 1980, CSA has
played an integral part
in the lives of expatriates
by providing practical
support in what can
be a challenging, yet
exciting time. Improve
your chances of a
successful transition by
joining us at our next
Fundamentals of Living
in Egypt Seminar or any
of our other numerous
programs.
February 15 CSA 27
Culture
Love Upon the
Throne of Egypt
By Hisham El Meniawy
“We can’t get married.
I am not a member of the royal
family” she told him.
“But I love you” he said.
“But I don’t carry the royal blood”
“You are in my blood” he replied.
Historically-speaking, we find that kings
would sometimes marry another female
member of the royal family. By today’s
standards it might be very difficult to
imagine how someone would marry his
sister but it seems that this was common
practice in ancient times, not just in
Egypt but in other parts of the ancient
world too. If that were not available,
sometimes kings were wed to princesses
from other royal families, which is often
what happened in Europe.
30 February 15 CSA
Within that amazing atmosphere and
fantastic wealth, Amenhotep III was
born.
There is much evidence showing that
a love story developed at an early stage
between the king and a beautiful girl
who was not a member of the royal
family. Some evidence suggests the
family of that young beautiful girl may
have been related to the Israelites, and
that their lineage could be traced to the
prophet Joseph. The girl was born to a
couple known as Yuya and Tuya, who
were buried in the Valley of the Kings.
But no matter how powerful the family
of the young beautiful girl was, they
were not members of the royal family.
The love, which developed between
the young couple led to this historical
union before Amenhotep III rose to
the throne. When Amenhotep III was
appointed the king of Egypt, the young
beautiful girl became the famous queen
of Egypt, Tiye, who was to become one
of the most powerful and well known
queens of the new kingdom.
This is the love story of King Amenhotep
III and Queen Tiye.
The situation in Egypt was even more
complicated than that. Since the
beginning of their civilization, ancient
Egyptians followed certain rules and
traditions regarding royal marriages.
The king in ancient Egypt was not just
a member of the royal family, but he
was also considered a descendant of the
Gods. It was believed that the king was
the divine child of God ruling under
Middle East nearly 3500 years ago. The
borders of the empire stretched from
the northern borders of today’s Syria
to the southern borders of the Sudan.
The capital of that great empire was the
magnificent city of Luxor, which was
known as the city of one hundred gates.
Luxor, located in the heart of Egypt,
was a cosmopolitan city in the truest
sense of the word.
His name and that when he died he
would join his father in heaven and turn
into a shooting star in the sky. Thus, in
order to keep the royal bloodline pure
and consistent, the king was expected
to marry another member of his family,
whether that be a cousin, a sister, a stepsister or niece.
Amenhotep III was born to a very
wealthy family and was the crown
prince of a massive empire which spread
over most of what is now called the
www.livinginegypt.org
Queen Tiye was a
powerful queen,
but she was also a
very beautiful one
and it seems that
the love between
the young couple
made them break
all the rules.
Not only did
Amenhotep III
get married to
someone outside
the royal family,
but they allowed her parents to be buried
in the Valley of the Kings, and appointed
their son Amenhotep VI, the crown
prince and later the king of Egypt, to sit
next to his father upon the throne. These
were things that had never happened
before. Nevertheless, Tiye came to fill the
role of Head Queen and became known
as one of the most powerful queens of the
New Kingdom.
King Amenhotep III was the richest king
of ancient Egypt. He inherited a huge
empire that included the impressive city
of Luxor which, like today, received
visitors and tourists from all over the
world. Amenhotep III didn’t declare
wars on Egypt’s neighbors, which gave
him a great chance to develop his
kingdom in peace. Within that wealthy
environment queen Tiye played a
prominent role in the decision making
and administration of his kingdom.
Although it was common for Pharaohs
before him to be depicted as great
warriors, Amenhotep III was looked at
as more of a diplomat because he wanted
to maintain good relations with other
countries. This required him to run
some diplomatic marriages to different
women from the other royal families,
which gave Queen Tiye the chance to
get more involved in the diplomatic
affairs. Amenhotep III allowed Tiye
to write to other countries’ leaders and
accepted when they to wrote directly to
her since she was in charge of ruling the
kingdom next to him.
In all that Amenhotep III and Tiye
did, you can always feel the deep love
between the two of them. When you
look at their statues, you will find that
the queen was depicted as superior
as the king, which was so drastically
different from other Pharaoh’s of the
time. The love of the royal couple was
so strong that it even influenced art in
ancient Egypt for decades, which we
can see in the following period of their
son, Amenhotep VI, and his queen,
Nefertiti, as well as their grandson,
Tutankhamen, and his wife.
Hisham is an avid traveler who has a
deep passion for discovering links between
Ancient Egypt and other civilizations. He
has completed studies in history with an
emphasis in Egyptology/Archaeology.
February 15 CSA 31
CSA Activities
Welcome to Programs!
We have prepared a wonderful month for you! Join us in many of our diverse events!
There is a new team on board at Programs that have put together creative and exciting new adventures for you,
your children, and the entire family. Keep a look out for details in our Oasis magazine, website, newsletter, or
pop in at the CSA. Come for a coffee and chat, bring your ideas, share your skill in a lecture or workshop…
we love seeing you all!
TRIPS AND TOURS
To guarantee your place on a trip,
please book your trip well in advance.
Please note that all trips have to be
paid at least 5 days in advance either
in dollars or equivalent in EGP.
Zamalek Art Gallery
Tuesday, February 3
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $30
For those who enjoy art from all genres,
tour Zamalek and visit some of its wellknown and hidden treasures followed by
an authentic Egyptian lunch at Zooba. Trip
cost only covers transportation and tour
guiding service.
The Giza Pyramids and the
Sphinx
Friday, February 6
9.00am-2.30pm
Cost: $35 ($25 for children under 12)
Join Ahmed for this family day tour to the
Giza pyramids and learn more about Egypt’s
ancient history. Enjoy the outdoors and
the cooler breeze of the beautiful February
weather. Trip also includes a visit to the
solar boat museum and the Sphinx and an
optional camel ride around the pyramids.
Trip cost only covers transportation and
tour guiding service.
Shahira Mehrez House
Tuesday, February 10
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $35
A onetime teacher of Islamic Art and
Architecture, the exceptional Shahira Mehrez,
has for the past forty years devoted her time
to researching, collecting and promoting
endangered Egyptian traditional crafts. Her
exquisite shop in Dokki is the only place in
Egypt where you can see authentic costumes
from 13 different areas, each with their own
accessories and jewelry. It offers a wide
variety of beautifully crafted contemporary
clothes and home accessories for sale.
All activities are subject to
changes and cancellation.
Giving Back to the Community
Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals
Sunday, February 15
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $20
Join the CSA organized visit to ESMA animal shelter and hear about the initiatives
in Egypt to help animals in need. Learn more about volunteer opportunities, and
donations are always appreciated. A portion of the trip’s fees will be donated to ESMA.
Wissa Wasef
Tuesday, February 17
9.00am–2.00pm
Cost: $35
In 1951, Wissa Wassef founded the Ramses
Wissa Wassef Art Centre to teach young
Egyptian villagers how to create art and
tapestries. Wissa Wassef attempted to prove
that art is innate in everyone and can flourish
in spite of the deadening influence of mass
production. The Ramses Wissa Wassef Art
Centre has operated continuously for more
than 60 years. No patterns are utilized as the
artists create the tapestries directly from their
imaginations onto the looms. The Art Centre
has a museum of early works and a store.
Mashrabeya Shopping
Tuesday, February 24
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $30
At the Mashrabeya Furniture Factory you
can see the traditional art of Mashrabeya
alongside contemporary furniture making.
Tour the factory with an overview of the
production process and view finished pieces
in the showroom. Also available to view and
purchase are examples of the traditional
handicraft know as Tally (embroidery with
silver/metallic thread).
Book your private tour with CSA
If you have guests visiting or just want a special trip
for yourself and a few friends, we can still book a
private tour for you. Choose between half and full
day tours and we will provide you with the needed
transportation and a professional tour guide. All of
our guides are very reliable, highly informative and
carefully selected. For further information please
contact the Programs Department.
note: We provide transportation and guides for all our tours to historical sites and
landmarks. For other tours, please check with Programs.
Terms and Conditions: All trips are subject to cancellation if required
minimum number of bookings is not obtained. Cancellation by the CSA: If a trip is
cancelled the CSA will refund the cost of that trip. Cancellation by the customer: A
minimum of 3 business days notice is required in order to obtain a full refund. The
original receipt must be presented when claiming a refund.
For the most up-to-date information on all CSA’s trips, tours and classes please visit our website at www.livinginegypt.org
February 15 CSA 33
CSA Activities
Arts And LIFESTYLE
Please note that all courses have to be
paid at least 5 days in advance either in
dollars or equivalent in EGP.
Parenting Workshop
Sunday, February 8
10.00-1.00pm
Cost: $25
Join Instructor Carey Harris, MA ED,
Certified Positive Discipline Trainer,
Educator and School Counselor for this 3
hour workshop focusing on a wide range
of parenting topics including, parenting
styles, child development and temperament
(personality styles), how to handle
misbehaviors, kind and firm parenting
strategies and creative, fun ways that foster
cooperation in the home. Suitable for all
caregivers of children in the primary years
(ages 5-12).
Tarot Readings
Crystal Workshops
Wednesday, February 11
11.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $15
A Tarot card reading can help guide you with
reflections of your past, present and possible
future showing you a fresh perspective on
your life. Book now for your session.
Tuesday, February 17
10.00am-12.00pm
and
Wednesday, February 18
10.00am-12.00pm
Cost: $50
In these workshops you will be introduced
to the types and properties of crystals, learn
how to differentiate between original and
fake crystals and be shown how crystals
work as healing tools by connecting with
our chakras.
Pharonic Painting on Papyrus
Sunday, February 15
10.00am-1.00pm
and
Monday, February 16
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $35
Join Noha in painting beautiful designs on
papyrus, including designs of cartouches,
hieroglyphics, pyramids and pharaohs. This
is a one of kind class not to be missed.
Earrings Workshop
Tuesday, February, 10 and
Wednesday, February 11
10.00am-12.00pm
Cost: $40
Come and join Sheri in designing and
making new and exciting jewelry. The
focus of this workshop will be on creating
beautiful earrings. You will learn different
techniques and the basics of design. This
class will be at Sheri’s workshop in Maadi.
Limited space available. Please register to
reserve your spot.
Electric Guitar Lessons
Saturdays
11.00am-2.30pm
Cost: $100
From RNB to Metal we will rock the place!
Bring your electric guitar and learn how to
play the most famous rock music songs.
Over 8 sessions you will learn the basics
of the electric guitar, how to read notes,
rhythm and timing. No matter the music
style, Mena will have all basic information
ready for you to start rocking.
Landscape Photography
Workshop
Monday, February 16
11.00am-1.00pm
and
Wednesday, February 18
11.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $40
Join Bahaa in this 2 session workshop
focusing on landscape photography. Learn
the basics as well as some tips and tricks to
taking better photos. This class also includes
a field trip for hands on experience.
WHAT’S COOKING
Find out more about food with CSA.
We offer a wide range of cooking classes
in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Our classes are designed for anybody
who loves trying out new flavors in good
company. Cooking classes are usually held
on-site with instructors demonstrating
preparation of authentic dishes. During
each class you can sample the prepared
dishes. Additionally CSA offers cooking
classes at special venues with professional
chefs: so brush up on basic cooking
skills, experience new cuisines and learn
advanced culinary techniques.
Sweets & Treats
Saturday, February 7
2.00pm-4.00pm
Cost: $30
Spend this class at a local sweets shop,
hands on how to make chocolate truffles
afterwards enjoy a snack in the beautiful
garden. Don’t miss out as there is limited
space available.
Private Cooking Classes: If you would
like one of our regular cooking classes set
up just for you, your friends or visiting
family then contact CSA program
department to discuss availability.
The History of Ancient Egypt
Tuesday, February 17
11.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $5
Thousands of years ago, the word
“Egypt” referred to the dawn of civilization.
Join Hisham El Meniawy, a professional
and certified lecturer of Egyptology, to
learn more about the history of ancient
Egypt. You will gain explanations to
complex historical issues that develop your
understanding of one of the world’s most
magnificent civilizations.
Classic Guitar Lessons
Saturdays
11.00am-2.30pm
Cost: $100
CSA is offering an 8 session classic guitar
course for beginner and intermediate levels
focusing on the basic skills, chord changing
and introduction to rhythm. Each session
is 30 minutes. It is a one on one class, and
is suitable for anyone 10 years and older.
Students must bring their own guitar.
Henna Tattoos
Tuesdays
11.00am-2.00pm
Cost: varies depending on size and design
Henna designs, also referred to as Mehndi,
are a natural, fun way to try out a tattoo
that is not permanent. Bring a design of
your own or choose some options from
traditional shapes and symbols.
Please note that all courses have to be
paid at least 5 days in advance either in
dollars or equivalent in EGP. For those
of you who love our cooking classes but
live in Katemeya, we could also organize
it for you in NCBIS, New Cairo for
your convenience. Do contact Programs
for more information.
Vegan Cooking Class
Tuesday, February 3
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $30
Join Cynthia Huijgens in creating delicious
recipes that won’t freak out your friends.
Learn how to make sour cream from
cashews, meatless loaf from lentils and
walnuts, and sauces and dressings from
common ingredients. This class will also
explore how to stock a vegan pantry and
where to find ingredients locally.
Egyptian Cooking
Monday, February 9
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $35
Join Amira and learn
how to make typical
Egyptian food, including
mahshi, okra tageen and
mohalabiya.
Mum & Baby Group
Every Monday
10.30am–12.30pm
Cost: $5
Come join other mums and their infants/
toddlers for play dates, coffee breaks and
information exchange. Mum & Baby is
friendly group of new mothers who meet
at CSA every Wednesday for the purpose of
providing mums and caregivers information
in a supportive and non-judgmental
environment.
Do you have a small group and would like a custom class or
trip organized just for you? Let CSA do the planning for you.
Contact: [email protected]
Please note: Cancellations should be made at least 3 working
days prior to class in order to receive a refund. To avoid
cancellation of classes please sign up 3 working days in advance.
For the most up-to-date information on all CSA’s trips, tours and classes please visit our website at www.livinginegypt.org
34 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
February 15 CSA 35
CSA Fitness Training Center
Welcome to the CSA Fitness Training Center!
CSA Fitness Training Center offers an array of activities designed to help
you and your family to achieve your personal health and fitness goals:
• Fat loss • Increased Flexibility • Muscle Tone • Rehabilitation • General Fitness
• Conditioning • Gym Orientation and Assessment • Certified Personal Trainers
NEW TO CAIRO? FIRST-TIME VISITOR?
The Free Trial Pass (Please bring your foreign passport to avail this offer) allows you
to enjoy three consecutive days of free membership and fitness at the CSA Fitness
Training Center! Gym only, eligibility includes a foreign passport.
Points to Note
Signing In. You must sign in at the FTC front desk
and present your membership card (or pay the walkin fee) before you will be granted access to the facility.
Attire. You must bring a clean pair of training shoes
to wear in the gym; no outdoor shoes will be allowed.
Please demonstrate good hygiene when in the gym
area. Refrain from wearing strong perfumes and do
not wear dangling jewelry or key chains.
Group Fitness Classes. Group Fitness Classes
are available to all FTC members as part of their
membership. Group Fitness Pass Cards are available for
$100 for 12 sessions. You can also pay the walk-in fee.
Pre-Paid Classes: Adults and Kids. Payments for
these classes must be received in advance of the
class starting and paid in blocks of sessions. Please
contact the FTC front desk for more information on
individual classes and pricing.
Pre-Booked: Adults and Kids. These are private
classes. See the FTC front desk for information to
contact the individual instructors.
MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES
Prices in USD
Single*
Family (Couple)*
Senior (65+)*
1 Year**
$555.00
$960.00
$445.00
6 Month
$380.00
$660.00
$305.00
3 Months
$275.00
$480.00
$220.00
1 Month
$140.00
$220.00
$115.00
Walk in
$12.00
$24.00
$12.00
incl. 60 day freeze option
incl. 30 day freeze option
* Current members receive a 5% discount when renewing their membership.
** Those purchasing a 1 year FTC membership also receive an annual CSA
membership for FREE.
The above memberships give you full access to all the gym’s facilities
AND to all the Group Fitness Classes. See FTC front desk for more
details.
CSA Group Exercise - PASS CARD
For Group Exercise Classes we also offer a Pass Card for the cost of $100,
which allows you to access 12 Group Fitness Classes over a period of 3
months. See FTC front desk for more details.
Weights/Equipment. Members are requested to
re-rack their weights and put their equipment away
after finishing each exercise. Please do not place any
weights directly on any bench. If you are unsure how
to use any equipment, please see the FTC staff.
Cardio Machines. At peak hours, usage on the cardio
equipment is limited to 30 minutes per machine. This
is to ensure that all members are able to participate in
their cardiovascular workouts.
Visitors. At no time may members have visitors
inside of the FTC workout areas. Visitors may wait
for members in the garden area. Front desk staff will
inform the member if he/she has a visitor.
For a full list of FTC rules see the FTC front desk
staff or the CSA website www.livinginegypt.org
For more information drop by the CSA Fitness Training Center front desk 2nd Floor,
#4, Road 21, Maadi - or call 010 0382 9368
Opening Hours - FTC opens early!
Sunday-Thursday 7.00am-9.00pm
Friday & Saturday: 8.00am-9.00pm
February 15 CSA 37
Health and Wellness
Other resources we
eventually
used
were the social
media accounts
of avid vegans
and
various
websites for new
menu ideas.
The Menu
Our
typical
day consisted of
loading up on
fruits and oats/
muesli for breakfast,
grilled/stir-fried
veggies (often with
grains) or soup and
a salad for lunch, and
a big salad or cooked
veggies for dinner, plus
snacks. We often had
two snacks daily, which
consisted of fruit, nuts (or
nut butters without honey)
and sometimes fresh juice/
smoothies.
By Heba Azzam and
Riham El-Mograby
By the end of last September it was
becoming obvious to us that our eating
habits were not in tune with what we
felt our bodies were telling us. It seemed
that our bodies were shouting at us for
change - skin problems, bloating and
gastric issues were just a few to start
with.
As two women in our twenties and
thirties we felt it was time to start
taking better care of ourselves. We
decided we needed to eat cleaner,
reduce our reliance on sugar for energy
and just start living a healthier lifestyle
overall. Experimenting with a vegan
diet seemed like the perfect fit. The
choice to become vegan was brought by
our increasing aversion towards eating
animal products. We had also read
about the health benefits of a plantbased diet. We were both curious to
find out if we could benefit from this
pattern of eating; both mentally and
physically.
The Plan
After deciding to go vegan we just
needed to figure out when to start.
We made the decision to begin our
veganism right after the meat-filled
holiday known as Eid Al Adha. Why?
For us it signified the end of eating meat
and animal products and the beginning
of a different lifestyle. Our goal was to
go 21 days free of animal products and
consumption (as well as workout 4 days
a week). We decided on 21 days because
according to studies, it takes 21 days to
break and make a habit.
38 February 15 CSA
We actually
planned very
little regarding
our
diets
in
advance and dived
into the process without
meal planning. The only
research we did ahead of
time was that we looked up
what fruits and vegetables we
should be consuming to ensure we
were getting enough nutrients and
vitamins.
Over the course of our diet
our shopping list comprised
seeds and grains (oats, muesli,
quinoa, chia seeds, sunflower
seeds), legumes (lentils and beans),
vegetables (various leafy greens
such as spinach, lettuce or kale,
zucchini, pumpkin, aubergine, bok
choy, lettuce, spinach, arugula, spring
onions, cucumbers, bell peppers,
avocados…etc),
fruits
(bananas,
apples, pomegranate, nectarine, figs,
watermelon…etc), dried fruits and nuts
(walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews)
and oils (coconut oil, olive oil, soy oil).
During the first week all of our
eating ideas came from conversations
between the two of us and through
experimentation. We made a few
mistakes along the way as we were to
learn that it is sometimes important
to consume certain types of
food together to
maximize their
nutritional
benefits.
Although not required for vegan diets,
we also cut out a lot of carbohydraterich foods, including bread,
rice and pasta. We
wanted to increase
our “green”
intake as
much as
possible.
www.livinginegypt.org
We also discovered that Egyptian and
other Middle Eastern cuisines have a
huge variety of vegan recipes, including
fouul (fava bean), taameya / falafil,
besara, hummus, baba ghanoush, batata
(sweet potato), grilled corn, koshary and
moussaka, which were all good saviors if
we were on the road.
Challenges
The main challenges we found about
going vegan was finding replacements
for foods that had become a regular
part of our diets, and ensuring our
meal options were easy and had enough
variety to avoid getting bored. We both
found breakfast and dinner the most
difficult meals as eggs, milk, cheese and
toast were previously often the norm.
Because we were eating so much fresh
food, we had to go grocery shopping
two or three times a week, which was
somewhat time consuming. Also, the
moral support from friends, family
and other co-workers was inconsistent.
Many in our circle teased us, saying that
we would not make it to 21 days. Teaming up
What made the whole experience more
enjoyable was the fact that we cooked
lunch together and would message each
other for ideas on what to eat for dinner.
We were able to motivate and share
our different cooking techniques and
ideas about what to eat. We felt it was
easier to team up with someone for this
challenge than to do it alone. Keeping
track of meals, what to eat and cooking
together as well as planning exercises and
workout challenges allowed us to stay
motivated. We never lost our motivation
even though we had birthdays filled
with cupcakes, cakes and chocolates and
other people trying to convince us that
we were not getting enough protein,
nutrients and/or vitamins.
The Final Word
The overall experience was extremely
satisfying and fun. What started out
as an energetic conversation about
health, veggies, and changing our
eating habits soon turned into the
most self-motivating and enriching diet
experience we’ve ever had.
The meals were large but our stomach
was not bloated and digestion was easy
and light. It was also interesting to
experiment with different ingredients
to put in salads. Half way through the
experiment we tried juicing fruits and
greens together and found the smoothies
a lovely snack. Discovering the different
tastes of various fruits together was
mouthwatering and left us always
craving more. The best part was we ate as
much as we wanted but did not put on
any weight - in fact we lost some!
An example of our vegan menu
for a day would be:
Breakfast: Muesli with almond milk,
strawberries and topped with a mixture
of seeds (chia/sunflower/ flaxseed)
Snack: Nuts, apple with almond butter
Lunch: Stir-fried vegetables, lentil soup,
leafy green salad
Snack: Sweet potato, banana, green tea
Dinner: Hummus with rice cakes and
aubergine disks
So what impact has this challenge had
on our current eating habits?
At the end of our challenge, we did
not go straight back to our previous
meat-eating ways. We’ve found that
our cravings for artificial sugars and
animal products in general are gone.
We now drink soy or almond milk
with our breakfast or coffee, snack on
fruits, vegetables or nuts throughout the
day, and eat meat only once or twice a
week. We also cut dairy products out
of our meals except for the occasional
cheese slices for a quick snack. We may
not become permanent or strict vegans
but our current goal is to maintain an
“80/20-rule” lifestyle, where 80% of
the time we eat vegan foods and the
remaining 20% of the time eat foods
that wouldn’t meet vegan diet criteria.
Heba loves food and adventures. Her
lifelong goal is to retire on a beautiful
beach. Riham loves positivity, simplicity
and being challenged. Her goal in life
is to always be happy (beautiful beach
retirement preferred!) You can follow them
on Instagram @ girlsgonevegan.
February 15 CSA 39
CSA Fitness Training Center
February News
Holiday
Fitness Class Holiday Schedule
A reminder to all clients that classes will finish in 2nd
week of December and start again in the 2nd week of
January. Payments will be accepted from beginning of
December. Make sure you pay before classes are fully
booked.
Holiday Closure
Please note that FTC will be closed on December 24-26
and December 30-January 1. FTC wishes you a Season’s
Greetings and a Happy New Year!
Group Fitness Classes
Group Fitness classes are
the perfect way to get a
full 1-hour workout in
with great music and
vibes, giving you all the
motivation you need for
an hour to pass quickly.
Group Fitness classes
can be very informative
and significantly improve your exercise techniques. FTC
offers a wide range of classes with the best instructors and
a diversity of exercises. Group Fitness classes are available
every day during the work week (Sun-Thurs), and are
free to FTC members. Check the FTC Schedule for all
Group Fitness classes offered.
FTC Schedule February 2015
Ballet
Ballet is famous for its beauty in
movement, graciousness, and
etiquettes. It is also a great
way for your child to be freespirited while learning to
be attentive and focused.
Despite ballet being low
impact, it builds posture
and promotes proper body
alignment and flexibility. Sign
your child up for Ballet
at FTC where you can
watch your child shine
with
professional
ballet dancers, Nicole
and Mye.
SUNDAY
7.45am-8.30am
Step Aerobics
Carey
8.30am-9.30am
Equilibrium
Kim
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
8.15am-9.15am
Body Action
Kim
8.15am-9.15am
Zumba
Jun
9.30am-11.30am
Boxercise
Usef
8.15am-9.15am
Circuit Training
Agamy
9.30am-10.30am 9.30am-10.30am 9.30am-10.30am 9.30am-10.30am 9.30am-10.30am
Boxercise
Circuit Training
Power Pump
Zumba
Power Pump
Usef
Agamy
Carey
Jun
Carey
Try ballet for children with Mye who teaches every Sunday,
Thursday and Saturday or with Nicole who teaches every
Tuesday and Wednesday.
Belly Dance
Belly Dancing is famous for its graciousness and appealing
fluidity in movement, however it is an extremely beneficial
form of art as it tones the abdominals, pelvis, thorax, and
back without being harmful to the skeletal structure. Come
join our Belly Dance classes with Souhair to get a release
through dance while toning your body to perfection. Belly
Dance classes are every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday.
If you are looking for quick
improvements in stamina, fitness,
weight loss, and strength, then our
Boxercise will fit the bill. Boxercise is
a form of shadow boxing that will get
your heart pumping, improving your
cardiovascular fitness, while toning
your entire body. Join Usef, the first
Master trainer in Egypt, to learn to
be quick moving on the defense and
attack, all while getting fit! Boxercise
classes are every Sunday and
Wednesday.
Saturday
9.00am-10.00am
Minimal Masters
Kristina
10.00am-11.00am 10.00am-10.45am
Pre Ballet
Tennis
(4 years)
Teddy Tennis
Mye
10.30am-11.30am
10.30am-11.30am
10.30am-11.30am
Belly Dance
Belly Dance
Cardio-Mix
Souhair
Souhair
Hisham Gohar
10.45am-11.30am
Ballet LV 1
11.00am-12.00pm
(6-7 years)
Tennis
Mye
11.30am-12.30pm 11.30am-12.30am
11.30am-12.30pm
Street
Teddy Tennis
Tae Bo
Tae
Bo
Fighting Hisham Gohar
Hisham Gohar Combat
Mariusz Buek
12.00pm-1.00pm
Belly Dance
Souhair
3.30pm-4.30pm
Gymnastics
4.00pm-5.00pm
(3-5 years )
4.15pm-5.00pm
Little Ninja’s
Dr. Khaled
4.15pm-5.00pm
Ballet & Creative Alpha Academy
(Beginner’s)
Dance & Fitness
Movement
Moyasser
4.30pm-5.30pm
(3-5 years)
(5-8 years)
Gymnastics
Mye
Nicole
(7-12 years )
Dr. Khaled
5.00pm-5.45pm 5.00pm-6.00pm 5.00pm-5.45pm 5.00pm-6.00pm
Ballet & Creative Ballet & Creative Alpha Academy
Tigers
Ballet & Modern
Movement
Movement
Dance (6-8 years) (Intermediate)
(4-5 years)
(9-13 years)
5.30pm-6.15pm
Mye
Moyasser
Nicole
Nicole
Ballet LV 1
(6-9 years)
5.45pm-6.45pm
5.45pm-6.30pm
Mye
Jazz/
Ballet & Modern
Contemporary
Dance (9-12 years)
6.00pm-7.00pm (Pre-Teens/Teens)
Mye
Nicole
Dragons
(Advanced Class)
6.30pm-7.30pm
Moyasser
Street Combat
Fighting
Mariusz Buek
Boxercise
Friday
4.00pm-5.00pm
Little Ninja’s
Moyasser
5.00pm-6.00pm
Tigers
Moyasser
6.00pm-7.00pm
Dragons
(Advanced Class)
Moyasser
Registration for all classes at the FTC front desk.
For more information drop by the CSA Fitness Center front desk or call 010 0382 9368
Please note that for all Pre-Paid Classes (Adults and Children), if we do not have any paid bookings before the class then we cannot guarantee
that the class shall take place. Schedule Information - Important notice: Please check all information for the classes as there may be changes.
Group Fitness - Free to Fitness+ Members
Group Fitness Pass Card available at Fitness Center Reception,
$12 Walk In Fee. All Welcome
40 February 15 CSA
Pre-Paid Kids
Bookings and Payments to
Fitness Center Reception
Pre-Paid Adults
Bookings and Payments to
Fitness Center Reception
www.livinginegypt.org
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is subject to change. Always check notice boards and/or Fitness Center Reception for more information.
For more information please do not hesitate to ask Fitness Center Staff for more details.
February 15 CSA 41
Precision, Control, Balance & Strength ......
STOTT PILATES® Mat & Reformer
Spinning®
Yoga
TRX®
Tel: 0100 343 3111
www.pilatesegypt.com
BODYFITCAIRO
The Serenity Centre
at CSA
4 Road 21
Maadi, Cairo
February 15 CSA 43
February 15 CSA 45
Lifestyle
The Ultimate in Salon Service Luxury
By Mohamed Hawas
Pace e Luce began as a family business
founded by Salam Morkos and Anwar
Zeidan, who’s names in Italian mean Pace
e Luce (Peace and Light). For over 20
years, Pace e Luce has excelled in artistic
expertise and the ability to understand
their clients’ wants and needs. Pace e Luce
is ranked globally among the top ten
salons in the MENA region, with branches
in more than 7 countries. Famous for
treating its guests to the ultimate in salon
service luxury, Pace e Luce has become
one of the most respected and sought-out
international salons.
our services up to date. We pride in
introducing the latest trends from the
Red Carpet first. We have the highest
caliber technicians in our fields. Our
goal is to maintain Pace e Luce as Egypt’s
number one luxury salon and spa.
How many stylists/employees do you
have?
Our team consists of 160 members, 12
of them being A Class Hair Technicians.
What services do you offer?
We offer everything (non-invasive)
the beauty industry offers from hair
styling, haircuts, full range of coloring
and artistic coloring, hair care and
treatments, a full range of spa services
for nails, body and face, body tanning,
cosmetic tattooing and semi-permanent
makeup, evening makeup, eyelashes and
much more. Our edge over the market
is our expertise in Bridal chignons as
well as fashion shows that trend the
latest from around the globe.
and change her look, she has come to the
right place. We specialize in accentuating
beauty in a symmetrical and natural way,
making women feel great and always
keeping it smooth and natural.
Do you require appointments?
We require appointments for technique,
meaning artistic services.
Where are you located?
Our benchmark branch is The
Maadi Branch. We have a branch in
Heliopolis and Our newest branch is
in Mohandesin, servicing the prime
locations of Cairo. We are open
10.00am–8.00pm, 7 days a week.
Do you have any services that
differentiate you from other salons?
If you see a Valentino dress at night, you
will know it’s Valentino without asking.
Pace e Luce is Pace e Luce. When you
see a chignon done by Pace e Luce, you
will know it’s Pace e Luce.
Get ready for your Valentine’s day
with tailored Pace e Luce make over,
please contact us at 2750 7555 / 666
I1 recently sat down with Nora Ghozzi,
Business Development Manager for
Pace e Luce Egypt to ask her about the
salon and its services.
Tell us about Pace e Luce? What does
the name mean?
Pace e Luce is a world-renowned luxury
salon and spa founded in 1994 by
Salam Morkos and Anwar Zaydan. The
Pace e Luce brand was derived from the
concept of peace and light coming from
the arabic names of the founders, Salam
and Anwar.
How long have you been operating in
Egypt?
Pace e Luce Egypt was founded and
launched in October 2010
What do you do at Pace e Luce?
I have the pleasure of monitoring the
full-scale operations as well as introduce
the brand in the market. My prime focus
is with our guests and what they enjoy,
seeking the newest and latest services
in the beauty industry and keeping
Do you offer any special services at CSA?
We offer Facial Services at the CSA
2
every
Monday from 9.00am-5.00pm.
What is trending this season?
This seasons trends are going Vintage Vintage Hair Styles, Vintage Makeup
and Eyes, Thick Vintage Eyebrows all
styled with Vintage clothes.
3
What are your most popular features?
Our most popular feature is our Bridal
division, sweeping the region with the
most extravagant hair and makeup.
What advice would you give someone
looking for a makeover?
Makeovers are the name of the game.
When a woman decides to do a makeover
Pace e Luce is available for facials
services at CSA on Mondays from
9.00am-5.00pm.
Image 1 and Image 2: ©Haitham Farouk - Photographer for the location, ©Maha Foad - Design & Contractor, Image 3: ©Khaled Fadda
February 15 CSA 47
CSA Calendar February 2015
SUNDAY
More information on www.livinginegypt.org
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Friday / Saturday
6
Zamalek Art Gallery
9.00am-2.00pm
Showroom: Khazana
Collection of Indian Handcrafts
Vegan Cooking Class
10.00am-1.00pm
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
2
Valentine Spotlight Bazaar
9.00am-2.00pm
3
Showroom
Makeup and Makeover by Pace e Luce
Showroom: JK Chocolates, Mirror Brands
Cook’s Day Off, 9.00am-2.00pm
Blood Pressure Screenings
10.00am-12.00pm
8
Showroom: Alecx Design Furniture
9
Garden Bazaar, 9.00am-2.00pm
Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals
9.00am-2.00pm
Pharonic Painting on Papyrus
10.00am-1.00pm
15
Earrings Workshop, 10.00am-12.00pm
10
Showroom
Samia Toma Evening Dresses
17
Mashrabeya Shopping
9.00am-2.00pm
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Blood Pressure Screening
10.00am-12.00pm
22
23
18
24
La Boutique Garage Sale
9.00am-12.00pm
Electric OR Classic
Guitar Lessons
11.00am-2.30pm
19
27
Green & Gold Gala
Electric OR Classic
7.00pm
Guitar Lessons
11.00am-2.30pm
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
25
21
Green & Gold Gala –
Golf Tournament
7.15am
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
Henna Tattoos
11.00am-2.00pm
14
20
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
Landscape Photography Workshop
11.00am-2.00pm
The History of Ancient Egypt
11.00am-1.00pm
12
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Crystal Workshop
10.00am-12.00pm
Henna Tattoos, 11.00am-2.00pm
16
11
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
Crystal Workshop, 10.00am-12.00pm
Landscape Photography Workshop
11.00am-1.00pm
Electric OR Classic
Guitar Lessons
11.00am-2.30pm
Thai Buffet , 12.00pm
Library Book Sale, 9.00am-2.00pm
Pharonic Painting on Papyrus
10.00am-1.00pm
7
13
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
Tarot Readings, 11.00am-2.00pm
Wissa Wasef, 9.00am-2.00pm
Garden Bazaar
9.00am-2.00pm
Cook’s Day Off, 9.00am-2.00pm
Henna Tattoos
11.00am-2.00pm
5
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Farmers Market, 9.00am-2.00pm
Earrings Workshop
10.00am-12.00pm
Parenting Workshop, 10.00am-1.00pm
4
Sweets & Treats
2.00pm-4.00pm
Showroom
Makeup and Makeover by Pace e Luce
Shahira Mehrez House
9.00am-2.00pm
Egyptian Cooking
10.00am-1.00pm
Chinese New Year 2015, 9.00am-2.00pm
Electric
OR Classic
Guitar Lessons
11.00am-2.30pm
Farmers Market
9.00am-2.00pm
Henna Tattoos
11.00am-2.00pm
1
The Giza Pyramids
and the Sphinx
9.00am-2.30pm
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
26
28
Trips/Tours
Safety &
Security
Kid’s Corner
Arts/Lifestyle
Cooking
CSA Events
Lifestyle
Marriage
per Love
and Law
By Mai Montaser
CSA wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day
When marriage is mentioned the
first thing people usually imagine is
blossoming roses, happy couples in love,
holding hands, dancing and kissing.
How sweet! But sometimes that initial
feeling of attraction fades and if you’re
not careful it can lead to serious losses.
In reality marriage is not like what
you see in fairy tales. If you take it
lightly you could be headed for a lot of
problems and major disappointment. If
you are seriously considering marriage
in Egypt there are a number of potential
problem areas to be aware of to avoid
issues down the road.
First, take note that the only official
marriage in Egypt is the legal marriage,
which involves actions and procedures
that must be followed by the assistance of
a lawyer. The procedures vary according
to the nationality of the foreigners, but
mainly a marriage affidavit is required
that includes biographical data and
religion. The affidavit must be signed
and notarized by your Embassy in Cairo.
It must also mention that the applicant
is free to marry and that the Embassy
has no objection to the marriage. At the
Embassy some documents are needed,
such as a valid passport and proof of
termination of last marriage (if any).
The Notarization Office of the Egyptian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs must certify
the notarized affidavit.
Next, the Egyptian Ministry of
Justice has to register the marriage
with the Department of Registration
of Marriage in Cairo. The required
documents for registration are proof
of identity for both parties along with
two photocopies, two photocopies of
the passport data page, the Egyptian
entry visa and residency stamp, five
personal photos for each party, a premarriage medical examination at a
government hospital and two witnesses
(with valid passport or I.D.) to sign the
marriage documents. The marriage
contract should be drafted in advance
by an Egyptian lawyer in both English
and Arabic and should be legalized by
the court to be valid. After the formal
legalization of marriage a residence visa
is given for 5 years and it will be possible
to obtain an Egyptian passport, get the
Egyptian nationality, and live happily in
love in Egypt.
The second type of marriage that is
practiced in Egypt is called Urfi marriage.
Urfi marriage is not registered in court
and does not have any legal effect. As
such Urfi marriage can be a dangerous
proposition because they do not entitle
the parties to financial or non-financial
rights or protections. For example, a
husband or a wife can hide or destroy
the Urfi document denying the marriage
existed and the other party would not
be able to establish the validity of it.
The legislature gives effect only to the
official documents (registered marriage
contract) and gives no effect to the Urfi
ones. According to article (99) of the
Law no. 87 of the Year 1931, marriage
lawsuits for denial of marriage are not
accepted before the court except when
marriage is documented by an official
document. And according to article (17)
of the Law no. 1 of the Year 2000, in
the case of denial of marriage, lawsuits
which are arising from the Urfi marriage
contract are not accepted unless the
marriage is documented by an official
document, except for cases of divorce or
annulment of marriage. In other words,
the legislature grants no rights for women
holding an Urfi marriage contract except
the right to request divorce or annulment.
A woman cannot file a lawsuit to uphold
the validity of marriage, request alimony,
or have any other rights. Also, regarding
paternity, if the parents are not legally
married, the law does not recognize the
father as the child’s legal father and does
not give any rights or responsibilities to
the child except after complicated legal
procedures to establish paternity. Such
court conflicts can kill any positive
emotions that once were between the
parents.
True love dictates that we not subject
our loved ones to suffering. For love
to survive, marriage needs to be taken
seriously because problems can destroy
what could otherwise be a beautiful
relationship.
Mai is an appellate lawyer, with a Master
of Laws (LL.M.) Degree from Indiana
University. She is Senior Counsel at
Global Business Law Firm (www.gblf.
net) in Maadi. She can be reached by
email at [email protected]
February 15 CSA 55
Entertainment & Recreation
Places to Visit
In and Around Cairo
By Rebecca Tiemtore
After leaving the United States 9 months
ago to live in Cairo, my life perspective
has changed greatly and it has forced
me to get out of my comfort zone. One
great thing about being an expat is being
able to have the opportunity to explore
the country that you live in so much
more than just being a visitor for a short
period of time. What I have enjoyed the
most about living in Cairo is being able
to see things that I have only read about
in books or online and was curious to see
during some point in my life. Here are
my favorite places (so far) that I have seen
in and around Cairo and recommend
visiting if you haven’t already.
Pyramid and the Black Pyramid are the
main pyramids at this site, with the Red
Pyramid holding a lot of significance
as it was the Egyptian’s first attempt
at building a traditionally shaped
pyramid. If you are brave and not too
claustrophobic, you can climb down
into and explore the Red Pyramid.
Al-Azhar Park
Al-Azhar Park is a large public park
located near the Citadel. The park boasts
many green landscaped gardens, a lake,
spectacular views of the city of Cairo
and the Citadel as well as many cafés and
restaurants. This is a great place to spend
the afternoon with friends and family!
Saqqara
Situated between Giza and Dahshur,
Saqqara is an archeological site that
houses the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which
is Egypt’s oldest pyramid. Also located at
Saqqara, are other worthwhile sites to
visit including several tombs and other
smaller pyramids, one of which visitors
are able to climb down and explore.
Dahshur
If you want to visit some of Egypt’s
pyramids and are looking to avoid
the crowds of Giza, head to Dahshur.
This archeological site is located
approximately 35 km south of Central
Cairo and contains 3 note-worthy
pyramids. The Red Pyramid, the Bent
Islamic Cairo
If you want to be transported back to
Cairo’s past Islamic heritage, a visit to
Islamic Cairo is a must see! Islamic
Cairo is located in the eastern part of the
city and boasts many winding streets,
markets, cafés and great architecture.
Noteworthy attractions that should be
on your list to visit while in Islamic
Cairo include Khan el-Khalili bazaar for
great shopping for Egyptian goods and
souvenirs, the Mohammed Ali Mosque
and the Ibn Tulun Mosque.
Gianaclis Vineyards
Gianaclis
Vineyards
is
located
approximately 2 hours from Cairo and
is a great place to go on a day trip! While
at the vineyards, visitors will be shown a
short video on the history of winemaking
in Egypt, given a walking tour of the
vineyards and given an explanation of
the winemaking process and a chance to
taste the different red and white wines
that are made at the winery.
Rebecca Tiemtore recently moved to Cairo
and enjoys traveling, photography and
writing about her experiences as an expat
and travel adventures in her blog (www.
thebeckydiariesblog.com).
February 15 CSA 59
Lifestyle
By Gunjan Pant Pande
Love. The eternal dilemma. Every
Valentine season we desire, we discuss,
we dissect and yet again we somehow
fail to truly define! What is love then?
A deep-seated affection? Respect?
Attachment?
Empathy?
Loyalty?
Friendship? Life? Or is it a bit of all of
that rolled into one?
That feeling where you’d say “if I could
give you one thing in life, I would give
you the ability to see yourself through
my eyes, and only then would you
realize how special you are to me.”
No definition. No boundaries. No
judgement. No measure. Just the most
delectable emotion.
Let’s take a look what love means
to different people from the CSA
community.
For Anindita (loving wife, doting
mother and thorough professional) it’s
“a feeling where you want to be with the
other person.” Plain and simple. That
time in your life when, in the words of
Bob Marley, “you find someone who
can completely turn your world around.
You tell them things that you’ve never
66 February 15 CSA
shared with another soul and they
absorb everything you say and actually
want to hear more. You share hopes,
dreams, goals, disappointments...”
However, “love is NOT life,” stresses
Anindita, because” life has many more
aspects than love alone, though love
should definitely be experienced by
everyone.”
Handicraft exporter and management
graduate Shweta begs to differ on that
score. “Love,” she firmly believes “is
life. For isn’t it love that makes life
worth living. A life devoid of love is
meaningless. Love therefore is that
indescribable feeling that makes us
willing to happily sacrifice anything to
make our loved one happy.”
Clare raises a toast to that and quotes
Chruchill to make her point that,
“immature love says, I love you because
I need you, mature love says, I need you
because I love you.”
Nodding in agreement, flight attendant
Melissa, who is very much in love right
now, thinks “love is a beautiful positive
force inside you that makes life worth
living and the world a better place. Love
most definitely is life!” Assistant Editor
Pooja concurs, stressing that love “is
trailing the undecided path of complete
and selfless surrender to your beloved.”
A feeling Anne completely relates to
as she shows off her gorgeous ring, a
token of the love she shares with her
Mr. Right. “Love is compassion. Love
is loyalty. Love is not hurting. Love is
having no boundaries. Love is passion.
Love feels so right. Love never ends.
Love is and brings happiness. Love is
that which feels RIGHT,” she smiles,
“love is born the moment we are born.”
And then there is Raju’s perspective.
Raju is a photographer, artist, foodie
and travel writer, who is sure “Love is
a Myth. Life is a lot more than love. In
fact, I read somewhere”, he reaffirms,
“and agree that: like is a lot like love and
less confusing. To me LOVE is - Loss
Of Valuable Energy.” Hmm… Food for
thought.
On a different note, IT professional
Surabhi gets a bit philosophical on the
issue and speaks her heart through a Leo
Tostoy quote: “Love is life. Everything I
understand, I understand only because
I love. Everything is united by it alone.”
www.livinginegypt.org
Sitting in her cosy living room in
Germany, Sonal calls love passion, “and
I also think that like life, love isn’t static.
As we change and grow, our definition
of love changes too!” she winks putting
the final touches to the Valentine gifts
she has in store for her loved ones.
Dhiraj, on the other hand, thinks “love
is knowing your various selves through
another.” A painter and sculptor in
his own right, he says “Yes, love is
life. A journey to find and keep parts
of yourself that you may have lost
over lifetimes.” Very Zen. Quite like
what Dubai-based homemaker Ranu
feels. She says “Love is that which is
premised totally on giving, without any
expectations, the highest and purest
feeling. It is liberating and is a larger
component of life.”
Expressing her thoughts on the subject,
13-year-old Emily gives love a Gen-Y
spin. “Some people say love is something
that your heart feels. They say it’s when
you have feelings for another. Other
people say it’s when you kiss and have
a relationship with someone else. In
actual fact I don’t think there is only one
meaning. It could mean several different
things. Like friendship and family as
well as marriages and relationships.
I am only 13 years old so I have not
yet experienced the true meaning of
love, but I have seen it. I can see when
someone is in love with someone or
something. It is a look they give to that
thing which shows it is special to that
person.” What a fresh perspective.
She goes on to add that “sometimes it
takes people years to realize it. Love is
the feeling that you can’t live without.
In fact, I think it is something that
people could not live without.”
Simply put, “Love is that totally
comfortable feeling of warmth and
compatibility with your partner. It
means trust, honesty, companionship,
support, lots of laughter and even some
tears, because it comes from the heart,”
writes in Jane sitting by the sea shore in
faraway Phuket.” Is love life? Sure! We
should all love something or somebody
and most definitely ourselves. It is the
very nature of our being and makes us
complete and unique from all other
species.” Wow!
No wonder “Love is called that beautiful
emotion, that can only be experienced
and shared,” says Bhatnagar from
Mexico, “Life most definitely becomes
easy when we experience love.”
Valentina, from Cupid country
Rome, calls love “noble, sublime and
wonderful. Lots of people think: my
being, my happiness depend on how
much I am loved. Wrong! Turns out my
being and my happiness depend on how
much I love. Love is the meaning of life.
Love gives life meaning!” Mamma Mia.
How true!
No wonder then that “love is the feeling
of wanting the well being and happiness
of another,” underlines newly-wed
Anku. However, “love is not blind.
The stronger the feeling, the stronger
the love.” It’s like “if I had to choose
between loving you and breathing, I’d
use my last breath to say I love you.”
Stay with that beautiful thought as
you share this wonderful feeling called
love with your near and dear ones this
Valentine’s Day!
Gunjan Pant Pande is a former journalist
with The Hindustan Times and The Times
of India (New Delhi)
February 15 CSA 67
Lifestyle
Not Your Average Chef
By Marcus O’Neill
Chef Nikolaus Delueg is the type of
guy you want to park yourself next to
at parties. Not only is he an expert at
his craft but his life reads a little like an
adventure novel. In the brief couple
of hours I had a chance to meet with
Chef Nikola (as he’s referred to here in
Egypt), I was regaled of stories from
his time as a competitive downhill
skier, his encounters with the mafia in
Central America, a trip motorcycling
through Southeast Asia and even the
time he spent a summer in a tent in the
wilderness of Northern Canada. It’s not
exactly what you’d call a traditional path
to being the Executive Chef at the Dusit
Thani Lakeview-Cairo, New Cairo’s
only 5 star luxury hotel, where he runs
10 kitchens and manages a staff of 125,
but I get the sense that he wouldn’t have
it any other way.
From the Cloth to the Kitchen
As the youngest son of a musician
(father) and a gastronom (mother) in
Northern Italy, Nikolaus was originally
destined for the priesthood despite
the artistic inclinations he’d inherited.
“I attended priest school for 3 years
when I was a teenager…This is how it
often was in those days. The oldest son
inherited the business, the youngest son
joined the clergy.” Over time however,
he came to realize that the church wasn’t
his calling.
Sushi from Izumi Sushi Bar at Dusit Thani,
featuring Chef Nikola’s creations, the Cairo Roll
(top) and New Cairo Roll (right)
He always knew that cooking gave
him the creative outlet he desired, but
becoming a chef wasn’t an option he’d
seriously considered until he suffered
a serious skiing injury while racing for
the Italian Junior National Team. To
keep him from heading back to the
slopes, his mother agreed to send him
to Munich, where he completed his
culinary training and eventually ended
up opening up his first restaurant.
Sojourn to Central America
Years later, following the divorce from
his first wife, Nikolaus was looking for
a fresh start. Upon visiting a friend in
Central America he knew this was the
place he’d do it and was back within
the month to try his hand owning and
running a small hotel. His venture
started off well enough, but as soon as
his business began to grow, the local
organized crime came calling. “It was
a scary time” relates the chef. “Tourists
don’t usually see it but the area I was
in can be very dangerous.” After his
guardian (similar to an Egyptian bowab)
was murdered as a warning for him to
pay up, he knew it was time to move
on. Although his endeavor ultimately
failed, as Chef Nikola puts it, “when
one door closes, five more doors open”.
A sampling of Chef Nikola’s lambchops, duck breast
and prawns from Ruen Thai restaurant at Dusit Thani
The Great White North
After Central America, Chef Nikola
moved to Canada and attempted to fully
get back into the restaurant industry.
Unfortunately the process wasn’t as
smooth a transition he’d hoped. In fact
he even found himself planting trees in
the Yukon one summer to make ends
meet. “There were just 26 of us (other
tree planters) and the bears up there for
hundreds of miles….It wasn’t exactly
how I thought coming to Canada
would be.” But he worked his way back
up through the restaurant ranks and
landed a job in Montreal that allowed
him to travel and refine his skills all over
Africa, which eventually led to his first
experience in Egypt.
Chef Nikola
in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh until
2007, when his career took him to The
Philippines and then Saudi Arabia.
It was here that he opened some of
the finest restaurants found in either
country. But like how most foreigners
who taste Egypt inevitably return, Chef
Nikola was back in 2012, now as the
Executive Chef at Dusit Thani.
His current role gives him the creative
freedom he’s always yearned, and he
has no plans to go anywhere soon. “For
me (Egypt) is one of the best countries
to live in – friendly, affordable, full of
history, safe, not too far from Italy,
always sunny and lots of work to do.”
Sample Chef Nikola’s creations at
the Dusit Thani Lakeview-Cairo
during CSA’s Green & Gold Gala
on February 27, 2015. Reserve
your seats today!
Of course, this is all great news for me.
Needless to say it will give me more
opportunity to sample Chef Nikola’s
delicious creations, but perhaps I will
also get to hear a bit more about his life
story. I have a feeling what I’ve heard so
far is just the tip of the iceberg.
Egypt and back again
Chef Nikola came to live in Egypt in
2003 and worked at various locations
February 15 CSA 69
Recipe
Red Velvet Cupcakes
By Anna’s Cookies & Pies
Valentine’s day has long been known as
the holiday of love, and what better way
to show your love than with red velvet
cupcakes (makes 12 cupcakes)!
Ingredients
Cupcakes
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 4 teaspoons (6g) natural unsweetened
cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature and
separated
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• liquid or gel red food coloring
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room
temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting
• 8 oz (224g) cream cheese, softened to
room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to
room temperature
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) cream or
milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line
a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake
liners.
For the cupcakes: Sift the flour and
cornstarch together to make sure it is
evenly combined. Whisk this, along
with baking soda, cocoa powder, and
salt together in a medium bowl. Set
aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer beat
the butter on high speed until smooth
and creamy - about 1 minute. Add
the sugar and beat on high speed for 2
minutes until creamed together fairly
well. Scrape down the sides and up
the bottom of the bowl with a rubber
spatula as needed. Add the oil and beat
on high for 2 minutes.
food coloring-- until you reach your
desired color. I use 2 tablespoons. With
the mixer on low speed, add the dry
ingredients then the buttermilk, do not
overmix. Whisk or beat the 2 egg whites
until thick and foamy, about 3 minutes.
Fold into cupcake batter with a rubber
spatula or wooden spoon. The batter
will be silky and slightly thick.
Spoon batter into cupcake liners filling
½ - ⅔ of the way full. Bake for 2021 minutes or until the tops of the
cupcakes spring back when gently
touched and a toothpick inserted in
the center comes out clean. Don’t
overbake; your cupcakes will dry
out. Allow to cool in the pan for 5
minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool
completely.
Make the frosting
In a medium bowl using a handheld
or stand mixer fitted with a paddle
attachment, beat the cream cheese and
butter together on medium speed until
smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the
confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon
cream. Beat for 2 minutes. Add the
vanilla and 1 more tablespoon cream
if needed to thin out. Beat on high for
1 full minute. Taste the frosting and
add a pinch of salt if too sweet. Frost
cooled cupcakes immediately before
serving. I used a Wilton #12 tip; I don’t
recommend a star tip. This frosting is a
little too thin.
Unfrosted cupcakes remain fresh
covered tightly at room temperature
for 2 days. Store frosted cupcakes in the
refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and allow
to come to room temperature before
serving. The baked cupcakes (without
frosting) may be frozen up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
You can also find Anna’s Cookies
and Pies at CSA’s Cook’s Day Off
every Sunday and Thursday from
9.00am-2.00pm.
Add two egg yolks and the vanilla.
Beat on medium-high speed until
combined. Beat in the vinegar and the
February 15 CSA 71
Entertainment & Recreation
Mexican
in Maadi
By Lyric Unger Bowditch and Eden Unger
Bowditch
What do an Italian, a couple EgyptianSudanese fellows, and a pair of
Mexican-Irish sisters have in common?
Considering you know the punch line,
you still might be surprised by their
decision to open a Mexican restaurant in
Maadi. Surprise or not, just be thankful
that they did.
Osman and his partner, Massimiliano,
opened Barbacoa on June 19, 2014. Their
wives are sisters, Elizabeth and Siobhan,
respectively. All of the partners are very
serious food lovers with a penchant for
the authentic. Osman and his wife,
Elizabeth, traveled around Mexico,
“every year for ten years,” he explains.
They had the opportunity to taste the
many flavours of Mexico and collect
recipes they adored. Osman is a graduate
of AUC and has experience in the food
business (he owns a catering business in
South Sudan that serves many diplomats
from the UN, EU and embassies, and
he has a long history running bakeries
and restaurants), so when the chance to
open a restaurant in Cairo came up, they
took it. “We could see there was a gap, a
desire for good, authentic Mexican food
in Maadi,” Osman says, and that is only
the first chapter of the story.
72 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
If they were going to do it, they were going
to make it fabulous. They began going
through the 200 recipe choices that they
had brought back with them, picking the
most interesting and delicious selections
for their menu. “We’ve changed it three
times since we opened,” he admits, “We
want everything to be real.”
Real, perhaps, but it is hard to imagine
the original dishes being as delectable as
the Barbacoa renditions. The menu offers
a wide range of Mexican dishes, mild and
picante, familiar and unusual. Mexican
chef, Alejandra, offers her talents and
personal flare to the traditional. Every
dish, however, is made with ingredients
that are truly authentic. Haas avocados
are brought in from Kenya since they
are truly different from the avocados one
finds in Egypt. As a result, Barbacoa’s
guacamole is superb, filled with the
rich and nutty flavor brought to it by
the Haas avocados and perfected by the
chef. “We’d like to grow some of our own
produce, maybe try growing the Haas,”
Osman points to the possible rooftop
garden above. The guacamole is served
with warm homemade corn chips. All
of their beef dishes are from select cuts
of meat. Their hamburgers, for those
looking for a more American-style entrée,
are made from 100%-brisket. In addition
to Barbacoa’s attention to ingredients, is
their attention to detail. Their homemade
Saratoga potato chips/crisps, are hand
sliced and paper-thin. The potatoes are
then soaked in ice water overnight and
dried, before frying, to achieve maximum
crispiness, though they really melt in your
mouth. Their signature lamb dish is slowcooked for seven hours. Their generous
helping of ceviche de pescado brings the
tangy lemon and onion together without
overpowering the fresh flavor of the fish.
And presentation, too, gets attention.
Their aguas frescas (popular Mexican
fresh drinks) are served in tall glasses with
fresh fruit or, in the case of the horchata,
a cinnamon stick. The horchata (sweet,
spiced creamy rice milk) is practically
a dessert. It is sweet and whipped to a
light fluff, like a smooth rice pudding in
a glass. The flavors of the aguas frescas
include watermelon, mango, and lemon
and are sensational both in flavor and
presentation.
Their desserts include a warm Empanadas
de Cajeta y Platano (banana and
caramel), which is a light flakey pastry
filled with sweet banana and covered in
caramel and nuts. Massimiliano is also a
mixologist and Barbacoa offers an array
of cocktails, including familiar favorites,
like mojitos and margaritas.
When asked to point to favorite items
on the menu, Osman takes his time to
consider. “I’d have to say the Barbacoa
de Cordero (butter-soft lamb, wrapped
in banana leaves, slow-cooked for seven
hours) but also the burger- the beef is so
good, though maybe, too, the fried and
grilled fish tacos…” Osman laughs, “It’s
hard to pick.” And, yes, we’d have to agree.
Road 10, Al Maadi, next to Metro
Supermarket, Tel: 01017333689, Hours:
2pm-11.30pm, Barbacoa also offers a
breakfast menu (available from 2pm5pm). In- house dining, pick up or
delivery available.
Lyric is in 11th grade (year 12) at Cairo
American College. She is an avid writer
and eater. Eden is also an avid eater, as well
as an author (www.younginventorsguild.
com). She teaches at The American
University in Cairo. They have lived with
their family in Cairo since 2006.
February 15 CSA 73
74 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
February 15 CSA 75
CSA Community Center
Talk Like An
Egyptian
My name is Jeje (Jehan) Ashry and I am the CSA
Language School Supervisor.
I have spent 13 years teaching Arabic to English
speakers. I love learning and have discovered
that it is contagious. I have been privileged to
meet people from all over the world who have
broadened my thinking and in turn, I do my best
to educate them, not only about my language, but
also about my country, its culture and its people.
Getting Around Maadi
Ahlan wa sahlan fil ma3aadi. This is a friendly greeting Egyptians will say to
foreigners around Maadi. It means “Welcome to Maadi”.
Maadi was founded approximately one hundred years ago when the British
army ordered the Canadian officer, Alexander Adams, to design and plan a
neighborhood for British officers and affluent Egyptians. The word Maadi
comes from the verb (3adi), which means cross, because to reach Maadi you
had to cross the Nile.
Most of the original residences were designed as villas (not more than 3 floors)
with large gardens. The first place of worship built in the neighborhood was
a synagogue (behind the police station now) owing to the high number of
Jewish families in Maadi at the time. Later King Farouk opened Il Farouk
Mosque (beside the bridge now).
When navigating Maadi keep in mind that if you ask locals for directions,
it can be a challenge because they are not used to using maps. Rather they
will give directions based on landmarks. For example, ”go straight until you
reach the church, after turn right…”. Also for Egyptians it is very rude not
answer your questions, so even if they don’t know the answer they will still
do their best to direct you, but in this case they will end their instructions by
saying you should ask (someone else) again.
For more information about Arabic (or other) Language Classes at
the CSA Language School please contact our front desk or email
[email protected]
Vocabulary
Go
Come
Cross
Turn
Walk
Straight
Left
Right
Above
Under
On
In
Next to
In front
Behind
Between
Address
Street
Building
Flat
Floor
Bridge
Square
U-turn
North
South
East
West
How can I go?
I am lost
I am not from here
I am sorry
I don’t know
ruuh
ta3ala
3adi
lef
imshi
3ala tool
shemaal
yemeen
fo’
taht
3ala
fi
gamb
uddam
warra
bain
3enwan
share3
mabna
sha’h
door
kobri
medaan
malaf
shamaal
ganoob
shark
gharb
ezzay aruuh
ana tayeh
ana mesh men
hena
ana asef
ma3rafsh
When you see a ‘3’ written, this symbolizes the a
strong “A” sound, where you compress your throat
and exhale strongly.
February 15 CSA 79
Culture
My Egypt
My Egypt features a different person every month giving you their personal tips and recommendations about life
here as an expat.
Name: Maria Harper
Nationality: English
Age: 52
Living in: New Cairo
About: A Nile cruise 30 years ago began my love affair with Egypt. The charm of Egypt’s history, people, culture and weather were
addictive. In 1998 I met my husband Hesham during an extended holiday in Luxor and simply never went home! After 2 idyllic years
in Luxor we moved to Maadi. Cairo was initially rather intimidating, particularly with a newborn baby, but now it’s truly home.
My typical week
Mornings start with a 5 minute drive
to drop our teenage son, Adam, to
school at MES. Back home it’s time
for coffee with Hesham and a review
of what is happening at Symphony,
our music school. It’s also time to
check the building progress of the new
music centre in the basement of our
villa which we have designed and built
from scratch - thankfully it’s the final
phase of this huge project! I try to do
any shopping in the mornings as roads
are much quieter and parking easier.
Few days pass without a visit to Festival
City! Afternoons are spent juggling
Adam’s football training, homework
and working at Symphony. Friday is our
lazy day when we often have a leisurely
brunch outside.
Food Heaven
The oven-baked pizza at Mulino in New
Maadi is delicious as is their bread baked
on-site. For al-fresco dining we go to
Paul in Downtown Kattameya or Fish
Market in Maadi which has the bonus
of a wonderful Nile view. Maharani on
Road 7 is our favourite for Indian food
and we are looking forward to them
opening in New Cairo in 2015.
Hair Salons
I go to Elite on Road 250 in Maadi.
Lebanese owner Maroun has a great
team of hairdressers and beauticians.
The salon is spotlessly clean and there
are no communication problems as
French, English and Arabic are spoken
fluently. Men have the comfort of their
own salon next door.
Driving Tips
Start with driving in your local area
and gradually add new routes. Driving
in Cairo is unique and it takes time
for even the most competent driver
to adapt. An international license can
be used for the first year but then an
Egyptian license is required. Police
checks are everywhere so don’t be lazy
with the paperwork!
Loves
I just love the weather in Egypt and
never complain about the heat even
in the middle of summer. Watching
the beautiful sunsets over the Nile,
meeting people from so many
countries and cultures and having just
about anything delivered also adds to
Egypt’s rich experience.
Exploring Egypt
Luxor is my favourite holiday
destination. Once you have seen the
popular tombs and temples stop off at
the nobles tombs which are small in
comparison but have exquisite artwork.
Finish the day with a cocktail on the
Terrace of the elegant Old Winter
Palace Hotel. Remember to show
your Resident’s Visa to qualify for
reduced hotel prices when travelling
in Egypt. In Cairo the Step Pyramids
at Saqqara make a great day out. Use
one of the qualified on-site guides; they
are inexpensive, speak good English
and have a wealth of information. The
modern museum is air-conditioned
and artefacts are well labelled.
Favourite
Supermarket: For fruit and vegetables
I love the local souk across the bridge
from Road 9; produce is always fresh
with local prices. Gourmet has great
meat, cheese and other interesting
foods are added each time I visit.
Furniture shop: Ikea is my second
home! Our new home is full of Ikea’s
modern furniture and other household
accessories I didn’t even realise I
needed. The restaurant also serves the
most delicious salmon dishes.
PET-TASTIC
We bought Tiger,
our 4 year old
Egyptian
Mau,
from
EMRO
(The
Egyptian
Mau
Rescue
Organisation), in
Mokkatam. The centre offers cats for
adoption in Egypt and worldwide, can
arrange pet-passports and has a daily
clinic run by qualified vets. It’s never
easy to leave animals during holidays
but boarding facilities are excellent
with air-conditioned rooms and it is
clear that everyone at EMRO really
loves cats.
If you are interested in contributing to the My Egypt page contact Marcus O’Neill: [email protected]
80 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
February 15 CSA 81
Entertainment & Recreation
The
Ult mate Sport
By Lindsay O’Neill
As a female expatriate living in Egypt
it’s not uncommon for me to catch the
attention from locals when out and
about. The fact that I’m often engaging
in some type of physical activity makes
for a different situation entirely. But I’m
usually not involved in more common
sports such as basketball, softball,
running or football/soccer like many
expats. Rather I mostly participate in
something known as simply “Ultimate.”
So what is Ultimate?
According to the World Flying Disc
Federation, in 1968, Joel Silver
introduced the idea of Ultimate Frisbee
to the Columbia High School Student
Council in Maplewood, New Jersey,
USA. The following year, the first game
was played between two groups of high
school students. The rules of the game
were first drafted in 1970 and the first
college ultimate game was played in
1972.
When I started playing Ultimate more
than 15 years ago I had no idea that
the sport had been around as long as
it had. I was actually never exposed to
the game until I attended university.
Traditionally the game has been played
at the university or college level, but now
school Physical Education programs are
helping introduce the sport to younger
82 February 15 CSA
children which appears to be having an
impact on the rise of the popularity of
the sport.
One of the features of the game that
makes Ultimate unique amongst team
sports is it is a non-contact, self-refereed,
team sport. This means the game relies
upon players being responsible for
following and enforcing the rules on
their own. Competitive play is always
encouraged, however, it is never to be at
the expense of respect between players,
following the rules, and playing for the
joy of the game.
The best way to learn how to play
Ultimate is to jump right into pickup games with people who are
knowledgeable of the skills and strategy
required to play the game. As in any
sport, there are rules and specific
language used for every aspect of the
game. The following are some basics of
the game that will help you before you
even hit the field:
zone (whichever end zone they are
attacking).
• The person in possession of the disc
is known as the “thrower” and is not
able to run with the disc. Instead they
must pass the disc to their teammates
in any direction on the field.
• The goal of the players on defense
is to gain possession of the disc by
intercepting passes by the offense or
causing an incomplete pass (ie. disc
hits the ground).
Recently, my team, the CAC Destroyers,
hosted a tournament that brought all 6
teams in Egypt together to play, with
one even traveling from Alexandria to
compete. I have been playing the sport
for more than 15 years and I can say
that I was pleasantly surprised at the
calibre of talent that was displayed.
• A turnover occurs when an offensive
team’s throw is not caught by a player
on the same team.
• When possession changes, the team
who was defending becomes the
offensive team and tries to move the
disc towards the opposite end zone.
Ultimate in Egypt
• Usually two teams of 7 players
compete on a field roughly the size of
a football field.
I was very delighted to find out when
I moved to Egypt last year that there
were already Ultimate teams operating
and that I would have the opportunity
to continue playing a sport that I have
come to love. It by no means has the
popularity it does back in Canada, but
in the last year the number of teams
has doubled. What is promising is
the teams are made up of increasingly
younger members, which is essential
to growing the sport here and making
it more accessible for all who would
like to participate. The teams currently
practicing and playing in Egypt are
comprised of members ranging in age
from 14 years to more than 40 years.
www.livinginegypt.org
In a country that can sometimes have
a culture of exclusivity, it seems that a
game based on “inclusiveness” would
not be possible. However, the people
currently playing the sport would more
than love to see the sport grow, myself
included. It is a game that brings
together Egyptians and expats, has no
limit on how old you can be to play, and
encourages anyone to play irrespective
of gender. If you or someone you
know would be interested in learning
the sport, I encourage you to search
Facebook for a team/club in your area
(they all have Facebook pages and
encourage new player participation).
Or better yet, find a field and start up a
new team of your own.
“Lindsay is an elementary teacher at
the Canadian International School
of Egypt. She was first introduced to
Ultimate when her future husband’s coed team was one female short and has
been hooked ever since.”
• End zones are created at each end of
the field.
• Teams attempt to score points by
having one of their teammates
catch the disc in the opposite end
and tournaments entirely devoted to
growing the participation of women in
the sport. Egypt has a long way to get
to this point, but in the meantime girls
who wish to play must be willing to
play on male-dominated teams.
Ultimate Basics
Pull – a throw from the goal line by
the defensive team to start a game
and/or point. When a point is scored
the scoring team remains in the end
zone and the other team returns to
the other end zone where they wait
to receive the “pull” and being their
offensive attack.
Inbounds/Out of Bounds – when a
disc is thrown beyond the side lines
it is a turnover. Play continues from
where the disc went out of bounds.
No running with the disc – the
person with the disc must stop as
quickly as possible when they catch
the disc and can only pivot while in
possession of the disc.
Stall Count – the thrower has 10
seconds, also known as “stalls,” to get
rid of the disc. If the stall count gets
to 10 before the disc has been thrown
then it becomes a turnover.
Fouls – Ultimate is a non-contact
sport so physical contact should
always be avoided. Any dangerous
contact or behaviour that affects
the outcome of play is considered a
foul. When a foul is called the disc
is usually returned to the thrower.
Defensive players cannot grab or hit
the disc out of an offensive players
hands, however they are encouraged
to do what they can to block the
disc from making it down the field
towards the end zone.
Scoring – teams score a point if a
teammate catches the disc in the
end zone they are attacking. The first
team to 15 points wins, usually with
a time cap of 90 minutes, but this can
vary depending on the level of play.
Substitution – players can be
swapped only after each point unless
an injury occurs.
What was noticeable, however, was
the lack of female participation.
Traditionally, if a team is considered coed it means that teams must put 4 guys
and 3 girls on the field each time. In the
event that a team does not have enough
girls then teams can agree to “match”,
meaning the number of girls on the
field must be the same for each side.
Today, in countries where the sport
is more established, there are teams
February 15 CSA 83
February 15 CSA 85
Family
Family
February Trivia
Impress your friends with this month’s trivia dedicated to the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
7. What percent of American women send themselves
flowers on Valentine’s Day?
1. In what Shakespeare play is Valentine’s Day mentioned?
2. Te Amo is “I Love You” in what 3 languages?
8. Who created the first box of Valentine’s Day candy?
3. The God of Love in Greek Mythology is called what?
9. On February 14, 1929, what mobster was behind the
murder of seven members of a rival gang in a garage on
North Clark Street, Chicago in an event which came to
be called the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre?
4. The oldest known valentine that is still in existence
today was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his
wife. Where was Charles when he penned this valentine?
5. Who receives the most cards on Valentine’s Day –
girlfriends, wives, moms or teachers?
10. Which British monarch made St. Valentine’s Day an
official holiday in 1537?
6. Like the Taj Mahal, which of the seven ancient wonders
was a gift of love from a king to his queen?
Place numbers from 1-9 in each empty box so each column, row, and bold box contain numbers 1-9
Intermediate
Challenging
2
6
9
1
3
4
5
8
7
5
4
1
6
8
2
7
9
3
7
1
5
8
9
6
2
3
4
9
3
7
1
4
5
6
8
2
4
1
2
5
9
5
7
6
6
3
8
4
3
1
2
2
8
2
6
1
9
6
5
8
1
7
8
7
2
9
3
9
3
5
8
5
2
4
7
2
1
7
6
8
4
6
1
3
5
7
4
9
Answers from December/January
8
9
5
4
2
6
1
3
6
1
3
7
8
4
9
2
5
1
3
5
6
7
9
4
8
2
5
8
2
3
9
1
6
4
7
9
5
6
8
3
7
1
6
9
4
5
6
8
4
3
2
7
1
1
3
2
8
4
9
7
3
5
6
9
8
1
2
86 February 15 CSA
8
1
7
4
5
3
6
5
9
3
7
1
2
8
7
4
5
2
3
6
9
9
6
8
1
7
5
4
7
2
3
4
8
9
1
4
5
6
9
2
7
3
9
8
7
1
5
4
6
6
4
8
2
9
1
5
2
6
1
5
7
3
4
5
7
9
3
6
8
2
1
3
2
7
4
5
8
4
9
5
6
8
8
5
7
9
4
2
9
2
1
3
7
5
6
3
9
5
8
1
6
7
8
1
4
6
3
9
6.The Hanging Gardens of
Babylon
2
2
3
3
7
5
4
9
9
2
6
4
3
8
8
1
1
3
1
6
3
5
4
2
7
4
1
7
8
6
9
5
Answer to Trivia
7
4
2
7. 15%
8
7
4
6
6
1. Hamlet (mentioned in
song by Ophelia while
lamenting her father’s
death)
3
3
1
1
8. Richard Cadbury
4
1
7
9
2. Spanish, Italian & Latin
9
9
7
9. Al Capone
6
8
5
3. Eros
2
2
10. King Henry VIII
5
4
4. Imprisoned in The Tower
of London
8
5. Teachers
3
2
www.livinginegypt.org
Choosing the Right School
Choosing a primary school is always an important process for parents. For expatriates
the process of choosing a school can be slightly more complicated involving issues
such as curriculum, language of instruction, and often the prospect of hefty tuition
bills. Education is obviously crucial to development, but for expats far from home
the right school can provide opportunities for socialization and community building
which are of equal importance in raising healthy and happy children. Considering
this, most expat parents will conduct extensive research before carefully selecting a
school for their children. The following information outlines several key issues to
guide you in your school selection.
Language of instruction is a key factor that will shape school selection. For
expat parents in Egypt, most opt for international schools yet some prefer what
are referred to as ‘language schools’. For parents looking for language specific
curriculum, numerous options are available in Cairo. A bit of digging shows nearly
eleven French schools and three German schools in Cairo. Those particularly
recommended include the French school named Concordia in New Cairo, and
The Deo School, a German school, based in Dokki. Curriculum type is another issue vital to school selection. While international
schools offer English as their language of instruction, with options for secondary
language education, curriculum across these schools will vary. Curriculum is largely
based on nationality / country of origin. The most commonly used curricula in
Cairo are based on British, American, and Canadian systems of education. The
International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is also used by various international
schools in Cairo. In deciding which curriculum and school will work best, parents
must examine long-term plans as curriculum type factors into secondary education
and, ultimately, university admissions processes.
Navigating the fee structure of international schools is another daunting task. Parents should anticipate a non-refundable admissions fee, a one-time registration
fee, and transportation fees in addition to tuition costs. While tuition rates among
the below mentioned schools vary, and are dependent on the age of your children,
parents should expect to pay between 7,000 to 20,000 USD for grades K through
five, and 16,000 USD to 22,000 USD for grades six through twelve.
In surveying numerous expat parents in Cairo several international schools were
widely preferred. The New Cairo British International School (NCBIS) was
recurrently lauded as among the best international schools. Based in New Cairo,
children from expat families comprise nearly sixty percent of the student population
at NCBIS. The school offers nursery, primary, and secondary education for grades
K through twelve. NCBIS utilizes an interdisciplinary approach while adhering to
the British National Curriculum. However NCBIS is “integrated” and also adheres
to the “philosophy and approaches” of the IB Programme. NCBIS requires teachers
with extensive experience and teaching certification equivalent to that of the British
National system. Cairo American College (CAC) is also highly regarded within the
expat community. Based in Maadi, the school offers instruction for Pre-K through
twelve and adheres to an American style curriculum. Approximately half of the
students are US citizens. Canadian International School of Egypt (CISE) also
received particular praise among expats looking for a greater degree of diversity
within the student population. Based in New Cairo, CISE students are eighty
five percent Egyptian. The curriculum is based on Canadian Province of Ontario. The Modern English School, based in New Cairo, was also mentioned as an
excellent educational option for expat children. Primary students are immersed in
a “foundation years” program which emphasizes independent inquiry and problem
solving. The primary program is based on the British curriculum and is adapted
for an “international setting”. Secondary students may choose either a British or
American curriculum in addition to applying for an IB diploma in the last two
years of instruction. Cairo clearly boasts a wide variety of international schools and parents should start
their search with a very specific vision of what type of school and curriculum they
are looking for. Hopefully the above information will serve as a valuable first step
for expat parents undertaking such an important decision making process.
Mum &
Baby
Julie C. Herrick is a freelance
writer and editor. She and her
husband have lived in Cairo
for ten years and welcomed
their first son in July 2014.
She helps to run the weekly
Mum & Baby Group at CSA.
The Mum & Baby group usually meets on Wednesdays. Please check their
facebook group for updates and information: maadimumandbaby.
February 15 CSA 87
Culture
A Cognitive
Adventure…
Saints
Hello. Hola.
Marhaba.
I am Amirah
Ahmed.
I was born in the Sunshine State
(Florida, USA) to a Cuban mother
and Egyptian father and lived
for over 4 years in Egypt. This
multicultural mix has provided me
with a great interest in international
affairs, culture, and people.
Therefore, I am very curious about
the world and curiosity undoubtedly
leads to questions. In the process of
nourishing my curiosity, I hope to
offer you with some insight into
your own lives… Let’s go on a
cognitive adventure together!
There are saints all around the world
that are recognized in many religions. It
is important to understand what makes
a saint as well as who they are in the eyes
of different religions; this will aid when
we discuss an important saint often
recognized this month - St. Valentine.
Let’s explore the notion of a saint around
the world through different religions, as
we then learn about the saint that gave
Valentine’s Day its name.
What are saints?
In the most simplistic terms, saints
are individuals who are recognized as
having an incomparable amount of
holiness. Although, “saint” is an English
term that originated in Christianity,
historians use the term to generalize
attributes of distinctive holiness visible
within person in many religions around
the world. There are other terms, for
instance, including (Hadrats) Sufi Saints
that arose out of traditional Islam, the
Hindu rishi or guru, the Buddhist arhat
or bodhisattva, and the Jewish Tzadik,
who are also referred to as saints.
The author John A. Coleman had a very
interesting conclusion regarding saints
across cultures and religions in which
he determined that they all have a lot
of the same qualities. For example, they
are all exemplary models, great teachers,
perform miracles (or exhibit source of
benevolent power), choose a life away
from comfort and material attachments,
have a revelation of something in
relation to the holy, and are intercessors
in which they intervene on behalf of
someone through prayer.
In Christianity, the term “saint” has
many meanings which depend on its
usage as well as the denomination.
To illustrate this, take Catholicism,
where saints are individuals formally
recognized by the Catholic Church
and are believed to be in heaven. This
differs from the interpretation of
Protestantism, where they use the word
“saint” a bit more freely referring to
anyone who is a Christian.
In Sufism, which came out of
mainstream Islam, they acknowledge
the “Wali” (friend of Allah) and hold
the title “Hadrat” in high regard. There
are shrines in tombs of Sufi saints and
festival days on both the anniversary
of their death and for their tradition of
miracle-working. In Judaism, the title
“Tzadik” is given to characters in Jewish
tradition that are considered righteous,
like Biblical figures and spiritual masters.
In Hinduism, there are numerous men
and women well-regarded as saints
since many individuals can reach the
status of saint among their followers
and amongst Hindus overall. Followers
of Buddhism hold the Arhats, known as
a “perfected person” who has achieved
nirvana, in high regard.
Who was
St. Valentine?
The story of St.
Valentine
goes
back to the time
of the ancient
Roman
Empire
where on February
14th the ancient
people of the era
celebrated the day to honor Juno, the
Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses.
The legend says that during the time
of Emperor Claudius II’s reign, Rome
was involved in several gory and out of
favor campaigns. The Emperor found it
difficult to get soldiers to fight for him
and felt that the reason men did not join
the Roman army was because they did
not want to leave their wives and families.
This prompted Claudius to cancel all
marriages and engagements in Rome to
resolve his shortage of soldiers. Valentine,
a priest of Rome, disregarded Claudius’s
unwarranted order and started to secretly
marry couples. When Valentine’s defiance
was discovered, he was beaten and put to
death on February 14. After his death he
was named a saint, which marked the
origin of Valentine’s Day.
Another version of St. Valentine’s story
says that he was killed because he tried to
help Christians escape from the Roman
prisons because it was there that they were
being tortured and beaten. However, in yet
another widespread version of the legend
it says that while in prison Valentine fell in
love with jailer’s daughter who visited him
during imprisonment and that before his
death he wrote a farewell letter to her from
the jail and signed ‘From your Valentine’.
This expression became popular among
the love struck thereafter and is still used
today.
February 15 CSA 89
Lifestyle
Every
By Terumi Mascarenhas
A couple of years ago at one of the
many Christmas bazaars in town I met
a lady who was extremely frustrated
with her sales. She was volunteering
for a small NGO called Life Vision and
although their products were amazing,
she found it hard to increase her sales.
I was taken by her enthusiasm and
dedication towards the organization
and immediately offered to help. Little
did I know that this would develop
into a great friendship and that I would
become involved in something that is
now very close to my heart.
Life Vision is a NGO working in
different areas throughout Egypt.
Perhaps their most well-known project is
their work with people with disabilities.
You might have seen their products
for sale at the CSA Village Shop. They
range from cuddly camels to wooden
puzzles, cute owl key rings to cloth gift
bags. Each item comes from one of
Life Vision’s 12 centers, where people
with disabilities have been trained by
Dutch occupational therapists to create
this craft. This is the center’s source
of income, which enables them to do
even more work for their area, gives
them respect and self-confidence and
helps improve the community’s attitude
towards people with disabilities. Due to
their busy schedule, the occupational
therapists have little time to market
90 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
Minute Counts
and sell the products, and this is where
volunteers step in. At the moment we are
two people helping Life Vision increase
their exposure and provide the centers
with a permanent source of revenue.
In the beginning I thought it would be
impossible to sell/raise the estimated
budget, but I came to realize that every
single piastre counts. This Spring we
raised enough money to buy three
sewing machines for the new center
in Mokkatam, allowing the women to
increase their production. Personally,
the most exciting part is at the end of
the fiscal year when we compare how
much we’ve raised against the budget
and distribute bonuses to the centers.
Knowing that I’m able help people who
are close, yet so far away always brings a
smile to my face.
If you are interested in volunteering
for a NGO or charity, there are many
options in Egypt, and believe me, you
will make a difference. Every minute
of your time counts and what you
might consider to be a menial task or a
simple gesture, will mean a great deal to
someone else. Oasis magazine lists a few
charities which could benefit from your
time: baby wash, visiting children with
cancer, teaching English to Sudanese
refugees or training women in different
handicraft skills. The list is endless.
their different departments and schools
are always looking for people to help. I
often volunteer at my children’s school,
as they always need support in fairs,
family days, field trips and class mums.
It’s always great to see so many other
parents involved and having a great
time, and I think (deep down inside)
that the kids enjoy it too! The bottom
line is that there is always someone out
there who needs a helping hand and
those few (or more) hours will turn out
to be extremely gratifying!
Terumi has been in Cairo for 12 years
and still loves it. She has 3 children and
this semester has been spending her time
volunteering for Life Vision, as assistant
coach for her daughter’s YSL team and as
her son’s class mum.
But of course volunteering is not only
about helping a charity, it’s about
assisting and feeling rewarded. CSA
has many volunteering opportunities in
February 15 CSA 91
February 15 CSA 95
96 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
Lifestyle
Cairo
e
f
i
l ks
hac
... those little helpful cheats that makes
Cairo city living a little easier!
By Jennifer Cole
Cairo is a hive of activity and for those
of us short on time, a few ‘hacks’ that
make life easier are much appreciated. A
life hack is a trick or shortcut that helps
boost our productivity.
One of the biggest burdens on time is
sitting in traffic, but some of these ideas
below mean you can avoid lost minutes
with a little online convenience. Want
a taxi fast? Use the Easy Taxi app
straight from your iPad or phone. The
app locates you via GPS and finds a
pre-registered taxi within a short radius
of where you are. A simple touch of
a button and it calls one for you, and
sends you details of the driver, along
with a photo plus car registration. You
can even track the cab in real time as
it makes its way to you, so no standing
outside waiting!
eating in with the comfort of not even
having to step outside your front door.
Your children need a doctor? www.
tabibi247.com has a call out service
to your home and have doctors that
speak excellent English. They can even
vaccinate your children in the comfort
of home without having to deal with
Cairo traffic and doctor waiting rooms.
If a blood test is needed, you can even
have that at home too! www.alborglab.
com will come to your home and return
them the next day!
For last minute kid shopping (from
baby supplies to birthday presents to
costumes for a school party) try www.
hedeya.com or www.kidsavenues.
com. All can be delivered to your home.
It’s also useful to know that many of
the children’s toy stores also offer a free
gift wrapping service. Perfect when you
remember at the last moment that your
child has been invited to a party and
you are out of gift bags!
For food shopping
Dakakyn
(www.
dakakyn.com)
has
a delivery service
and sells fruits and
vegetables and much more. They also
offer same day delivery.
Enjoy your extra time of minutes saved!
Hungry but don’t want to go out?
www.otlob.com is a one stop shop of
restaurants that will deliver to your home
for a nominal fee. Online menus and
special offers make eating out the new
98 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
February 15 CSA 99
Community Announcements
SPORTS
CAIRO AMERICAN SOFT BALL LEAGUE
We have both men’s and women’s teams to join or bring your own!!! We have
a newly renovated children’s playground, food and beverages are available
evenings and Fridays. For more information please contact: Women’s
Commissioner: Julie Alfred [email protected]. Men’s
Commissioner: Ahmed Gad [email protected]. Chairman: Rodney
Stephens [email protected].
CAIRO CYCLISTS CLUB (CCC)
Organized road rides occur every Friday at 6:30 AM leaving from the front gate
of CAC. A typical road ride will consist of 5 to 15 riders and cover distances of
40 to more than 100 km. Skill level is divided to three groups CCC1, CCC2
and CCC3, each of them teaming up for the ride, and all groups meeting
together at the finish line in CSA for refreshments. Extraordinary rides are
organized a few times a year. Visit us in http://cairocyclists.wordpress.com.
CAIRO HASH HOUSE HARRIERS (CH3)
We meet every Friday afternoons for fun interesting runs and walks in the
desert areas around the city. A typical run is 9 kilometers in length with a 4
kilometer walk for the more sensible. Physical fitness is not essential but a
sense of humor is mandatory. CH3 is family oriented club, leashed dogs and
even children are welcome. You can catch a ride from our meeting point is in
front of the ACE club in Midan Victoria. For more information call Lurpak
on 01092442570, email [email protected] or visit www.cairohash.com.
CAIRO RUGBY
Men’s and Ladies training, Tuesdays 7.00pm-9.00pm, Maadi Olympic Sports
Village. Juniors training, Thursdays 6.00pm-7.00pm, Victory College playing
fields. Beginners and experienced players welcome. Contact Juniors rep: Paul
01223794779 or Seniors rep: Mathias 01274930208. Visit: www.cairorugby.com
MAADI RUNNERS
Maadi Runners meet for long runs every Friday morning in front of CAC’s main
gate at 7.00am or earlier. All ages and abilities are welcome. For exact time and
details contact Mohsen Alashmoni at [email protected]
RADIO AUTO CLUB OF EGYPT
Race is a club which promotes the building and racing of radio controlled
cars. Races are held twice a month at Victory Field on an outdoor track. For
more information call John Klingler at 01001690402 or send him an email at
[email protected] or check the website, www.racegypt.org
SOCIAL AND INTERNATIONAL GROUPS
6TH OCTOBER INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR WOMEN, MEN AND FAMILIES
Coffee mornings, cocktail evenings, special events and day tours. For more
information please contact Sarah at [email protected]
AFRO-ASIAN WOMEN’S GROUP
Ours is a socio-cultural, non-profit organization of ladies representing Asia,
Africa and Egypt. It is also a socio-civic association aimed at giving aid and is
involved in charity. For more information please contact Sarra 01001267671,
Mahsit 0111104659.
AUTISM
Autism rates have been rising throughout the world in recent years. In the
US, the current Autism ratio is 1:91 in children. Many Egyptian societies
are there to offer support to autistic children and their families. If you have
an autistic child and would like to talk about it contact Reem Samy 01006369473 or email [email protected]
Caire Accueil (FRENCH SPEAKING GROUP)
Our monthly coffees are held every 3rd Sunday morning of each month at
the following address: 33 road 15 in Maadi. We also have coffees morning
in Katameya. For any information, you can contact Caire Accueil president:
Carole Brena, mobile: 01095049061, email: [email protected] or
visit our website www.caireaccueil.com
Cairo Chinese Speaking Women’s Association
Cairo Chinese Speaking Women’s Association is an energetic and dynamic
group committed to promoting Chinese cultural awareness and appreciation
through community services, charities and cultural activities such as Chinese
language courses, Chinese cooking class, martial arts, mahjong, business
networking and organize cultural exchange tour to China. For more
information Tel: 01206202999, Email:[email protected]
CINECLUB: FILMS AT THE NVIC
Cineclub of Egyptian films with English subtitles at the Netherlands-Flemish
Institute of Cairo (NVIC), Zamalek. Weekly lectures on Thursdays at
6.00pm and film evenings on Sundays at 7.00pm. Free Entrance. Visit:
http://institutes.leiden.edu/nvic/
of each month in the garden of the house. Multiple cultural activities and
entertainments (body workout, English conversation) proposed to all
nationalities speaking French. Please contact UFE secretariat: 01062104334 /
[email protected] or website: www.ufe.org
HELIOPOLIS WOMEN’S COFFEE MORNING
Meets every Wednesday. Contact Ans ‘Noordermeer’ [email protected]
or call 01061492247
INDONESIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (IWA)
invites all Indonesian speaking ladies to attend our monthly meeting on
the second Monday of each month. For more information, contact Kum
01003388976.
ITALIANS IN EGYPT GROUP
Italians in Egypt host a monthly coffee morning every Sunday. For more
information please contact: Faiza Frigido 01222163463 or email info@
giegypt.net or visit www.giegypt.net
MAADI COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
Attention all current and one-time string players! Dust down that violin,
polish up your cello, dig out your viola and come and join us in musicmaking. We are a group of adult and student players who meet weekly at
CAC and are keen to welcome new members. We have a varied repertoire
from classical to modern. For more information, please contact Jenny Jeong at
[email protected] or Judy Tansca at [email protected]
MBA INTERNATIONAL LADIES
We meet every second Tuesday of the month, please join us for Coffee and
Refreshments and learn about our Activities and Special Events. For more
information please email [email protected]
MUM & BABY GROUP
Wednesdays 10.00am-12.00pm (0-11 months) Cost: $5 at the door. Mum &
Baby Group is a great way to meet other mothers who are going, or have been
through, the same experiences as you. Use this time to chat, ask questions,
play with your baby and interact with others. This is not a childcare facility, so
babies must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Expectant mothers are
welcome to join. Join our Facebook group maadimumandbaby.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS IN CAIRO
Do you have a problem with food? Are your problems with eating too much (or
too little) affecting your life? Maybe Overeaters Anonymous can help. For more
information, contact OA Cairo at [email protected] or go to www.oa.org. Meetings occur most Fridays from 12pm to 1pm in Room 204 at the CSA
(above reception and below the gym - through the door labeled Accounting).
ourselves. Our purpose in gathering is for our own spiritual growth but we
come together to assist each other in our journey. For more information
contact Leslie at [email protected]
WOW - WOMEN OF THE WORLD
WOW are a diverse group of women with one thing in common ... A strong
interest in new people and unique experiences! Join us at our Coffee Morning
Meetings. We usually meet on the 4th Wednesday at the Maadi House
(September-April). For more information, email us at [email protected].
Join The Fun! Expand Your World!
CHARITIES, VOLUNTEERING AND SUPPORT GROUPS
AA IN CAIRO
AA & AI Anon meeting schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 8.00pm at St. Joseph’s
Church in Zamalek in between St. Hassan Sabry and Shagaret El Zor, near
Pub 28. Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8.00pm, Tuesday 7.30pm at Kasr
El Maadi Hospital, Corniche El Maadi (near Alfa Market beside Radio Shack
on 3rd Floor). For more information, contact Magdi at 01222133926, email
[email protected]. Or Mo Tycoon at 01004884902, email safinamohamed@
hotmail.com, www.aaegypt.com
African Hope Learning Centre
An English Speaking school for Refugees in Maadi needs help with
volunteers. All sorts of possibilities from tutoring to running special programs
to mentoring teachers or fundraising. No previous experience necessary- just
a willingness to help. Please contact Alessandra on 01068745272 or Jonathan
on 01007582391. More information on our website- www.africanhopelc.com
BETTER WORLD FOUNDATION
We are a local NGO that helps empower Egyptian youth to impact their
communities through inter-cultural exchange and education. We are in need
of native foreign language speakers volunteers. For further information please
visit the website http://www.bwngo.org/ or email [email protected]
CARITAS - EGYPT THE “OASIS OF HOPE” CENTER
Our center provides free counseling and rehabilitative services to drug
addicts through the assistance of a dedicated professional team. If anyone is
interested in volunteering or is qualified professionally in drug addiction/
rehabilitation issues and would like to offer their services, visit our website
www.caritasegypt.org or email us at [email protected]
SPANISH SPEAKING LADIES GROUP
Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of the month. For details please
contact Cecibel Elshaer on 01227483993 or Rosa America on 0100- 1071181
or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ CDHHCairo2011Y2012
Egyptian Advance Society for Persons with Autism
and Other Disabilities
The Egyptian Advance Society for Persons with Autism and Other Disabilities,
is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help in the daily program, the Saturday
Recreational Club, and a variety of areas for our Autism Awareness Month
activities and events. We also need volunteers who enjoy being creative and
working with the public. Maadi Address: 329 Road 262 cross with 277, New
Maadi Cairo, Egypt. New Cairo Address: Ahmed Ismail St, 14 Avenue, 5th
District, El Narges, New Cairo. Tel & Fax: (+202) 25177471 or 2 or 3, email:
[email protected], www.advance-society.org
THE INDIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, ANNAPOORNA
It has been functioning in Cairo since 1976. The monthly meetings take place
on the second Wednesday of every month. All women who are Indians/Indian
origin/married to Indians are invited to join this very special organization. To
get in touch with us please send an email to our group site annapoorna-club@
googlegroups.com or call our President Urvashi Mehta at 01225413434 or
our treasurer Renuka at 01003309229
EMRO
The Egyptian Mau Rescue Organization - This is a non profit, charitable,
animal organization rescuing indigenous native spotted Mau cats, and
offering these for local and international adoptions. Please help through
adoption, donations, sponsorship or volunteering of time. EMRO Office &
Veterinary Clinic - Villa 11, El Togarayeen City, El Mokattam, Cairo. Tel:
25076946 or 01507157525 www.emaurescue.org - [email protected]
THE TREE LOVERS ASSOCIATION (TLA)
The Tree Lovers Association is an environmental NGO focusing on nature
conservation and propagation. Founded by Mustapha and Saffiya Moyine El
Arab in May 1973 with a group of dedicated residents from the green suburb
of Maadi, they initiated several programmes and projects, and developed
guidelines and codes of conduct on how to interact with the environment.
For more information about the group or to join one of their walks email
Samia Zeitoun: [email protected]
FRIENDS OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER
The wards for the poorest of the poor have beds for 80 children from all
over Egypt who look forward to our visits. We offer them time, comfort,
encouragement, and gifts we can provide. Items needed for donations are
coloring books, crayons, notebooks & pens, flight bags, playing cards,
baseball caps, stuffed animals, bubbles, small trucks or cars, dolls, or anything
that is appropriate for children from 1-18 years of age. Please contact Susie
01222105835 or 2358-5627.
TOASTMASTERS
Toastmasters can help you improve your public speaking and leadership skills.
You can work on anything from the fear of speaking in public to using a more
interesting vocabulary and smiling at the audience. For more information
about the Cairo Toastmasters Club visit www.cairotoastmasters.com or call
Abdelrahman Magdi on 0114-1322003 or Mohamed Zamzam on 01005249195 / [email protected]
HADARET SAKKARA
Our organization helps the numerous child rubbish collectors we often
see sifting through Cairo’s streets. There is an economic pressure on these
children to work rather than to attend school regularly. We are looking for
volunteers to teach or to prepare food and also for donations of any kind. For
more information please contact Dr Luciano Verdoscia 01227782305, email
[email protected]
SOUTH AFRICANS IN EGYPT
email: [email protected], tel: Tania: 01277701756
TURKISH SPEAKING LADIES COFFEE MORNING
Meets every month, open to all Nationalities (Turkish Speaking). For more
information please contact Nidal El Beheiry at [email protected]
FINNS IN EGYPT ASSOCIATION (SEFE)
Open to all Finnish-speaking expatriates in Egypt. For more information,
please go to www.finnsinegypt.org
WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF CAIRO
Welcome all English speaking women. For information a schedule of events
please contact the WA Center at 11 Yehia Ibrahim St., Zamalek, Cairo Tele:
27364187, mobile 01006319888. Or email [email protected]
I.A.F.
Information for partners of foreign nationality. I.A.F. supplies information
for women who wish to marry or are married to Egyptian men. I.A.F. answers
questions on family rights, visas, working permits, marriage contracts and
marriage, safety for children and immigration, hate and racism, women and
sexual discrimination etc. Address: 2-4 Ludolfusstrasse 60487 Frankfurt a.M.
Germany Telphone: 0497075087/7075088
French Abroad Network (UFE)
Nonprofit organization supporting childwood associations in Cairo (orphans
and young people). Meeting held permanently in the UFE’s house (every
morning, road 14 in Maadi). Coffee and networking, every first Thursday
WOMEN’S GROUP FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, CAIRO
The Women’s Group now meets on the full moon each month. We use the
energy of the full moon for illumination. We discuss the astrological trends
of the day, and do a group meditation as well as setting an intention for
RESALET NOUR ALA NOUR NGO
We are a non profitable organization that helps the underprivileged all over
Egypt and our work is based fully on donations. For more information about
what we do visit www.rn3n.org or call 0122106102.
100 February 15 CSA
www.livinginegypt.org
S.P.A.R.E
“Society for the Protection of Animal Rights in Egypt” Ours is a charitable
organization dedicated to protect animal lives. Our shelter can house up to
forty dogs, complete with food, grooming, exercise and medical attention.
Part of our shelter is a kennel where you may board your dogs while traveling.
We accept donations for food, medicine, vet care and neutering programs. We
need volunteers to socialize the animals and assist with grooming. We have
wonderful animals waiting for adoption. Please call 33813855, 38190575,
01223162912, www.sparelives.org
VISIT CHILDREN WITH CANCER
If anyone would like to join a group of ladies and bring a smile to those
children in hospital for cancer treatment, then please join us on Thursday
mornings leaving Maadi at 9.00am returning around 12.30pm. There are
25 children in the ward aged from babies to 18. We need 25 juices, some
small gifts, soft toys, cards, puzzles, caps and toiletries for boys and girls.
Transport from Maadi provided. For further details please contact Jane on
01002760003.
MISCELLANEOUS
Buddhist Meditation
Are there any other Buddhists out there who would like to meditate together
regularly? If so, please contact Maureen on 012753-36442.
HELIOPOLIS COMMUNITY CHURCH
Meeting just off Baghdad St. in Korba, the heart of Heliopolis, HCC is
where “new things come to life.” Worship service is Fridays at 9.00am (with
children’s classes). An interdenominational and international church with
people from over 25 countries, worship is in English in the chapel of St.
Michael’s located at 10 Seti St. For more information please call 24142409,
email [email protected] or visit our website www.hccCairo.com
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Maadi
55 Road 15, Maadi, Egypt. Tel.: 2358-2004. Weekend Masses: Friday: 9 am
(English with Tagalog hymns), 7 pm (English/Korean). Saturday: 10:30am
(Italian in chapel), 5:30pm (English), 6:45pm (French). Sunday: 8:00 am
(French), 11:00 am (Sudanese), 5:00 pm (Spanish), 6:15 pm (English).
MAADI COMMUNITY CHURCH
An oasis for refuge and renewal.....where the nations gather for worship.
Over 40 different countries and many denominations come to together on
the weekend at the corner of Port Said & Rd 17 on the grounds of St. John
the Baptist Church. Come join us Fridays from 2:30-4:00pm (Africa Live)
and from 5:00-6:15pm Visit our website (www.maadichurch.com) for more
information. You can also contact us by phone at 23592755 or by email at
[email protected].
ST. ANDREW’S UNITED CHURCH OF CAIRO
St. Andrew’s is an international, interdenominational congregation in the
heart of Cairo. We invite you to join us for worship and fellowship on Fridays
at 10:00 AM (year-round) and Sundays at 7:00 PM (September-May). If
interested in volunteering with refugees and displaced persons at StARS,
please call (02)25759451. For more information, please call 01276666843,
email [email protected], or visit www.standrewschurchcairo.
com. St. Andrew’s is located above the Nasser Metro station at 38, 26 July
Street.
SAINT MARY’S COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
Our church carries out lots of charity work please come and give us a hand
Coptic Orthodox Holy Mass in English. Saint Mary’s Coptic Orthodox
Church (Ard El Golf, Heliopolis, Shams Iddeen Il Zahabi Street), 8.00 am
to 9.30 am (Communion served to Orthodox). Followed by Bible Study
in English, third Saturday of Each Month. All are Welcome! Please bring
others!Snacks and Drinks served. For more information contact Father
Youssef (Phone & Text: 01223476343, Email: [email protected]
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, MAADI
“A spiritual home away from home.” We are an English-speaking
international and multi-denominational congregation following an Anglican/
Episcopal tradition. Worship Services: Family Holy Communion: Fridays 10
AM (with Nursery and Church School for Children & Youth), and Night
Service with Communion: Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Rector/Minister: Rev.
Paul-Gordon Chandler / Assoc. Minister for Youth, Education & Young
Adults, Rev. Ben Robinson. For details please call 23583085 or email to
[email protected], website: www.maadichurch.org. It is located at the
corner of Road 17 and Port Said Rd in Maadi.”
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
(LDS) hold services on Friday at 9:00 am in Maadi-#21 Road 17. Contact:
David Risley 01274857932 / 23783395.
THE JOINT RELIEF MINISTRY (JRM)
We offer cleaner, baby sitter, domestic helper, a program striving to assist
refugees and displaced people in Cairo to meet the challenges of life here. We
have a basic skill training program equipping people for domestic help. Please
call Amira- 27364836 or 27364837
Please note: The above is for informational purposes only. CSA accepts no liability
for any of the services advertised throughout the magazine. For changes or additions
to Community Announcements please contact [email protected]
February 15 CSA 101
Lifestyle
Embracing Illusions
By Riju Shrimali
Miss. M got rid of her name when she
accepted her first job as an assistantmatron of the girls’ boarding wing of
the Delhi Public School, about 30 years
ago. ‘Miss M’, she deliberated during the
long and intense process of rechristening
herself, was too unimaginative to arouse
any curiosity from others, and hence was
perfect for her. Her physical appearance
was, by grace of the creator, rather
commonplace. She was stocky without
being obese and her complexion was
neither pale nor radiant – just the right
mix to escape a second glance or provoke
any remark. The official uniform of the
assistant matron, blended-in well with
the school uniform of the one thousand,
two hundred and forty children; with
these tools of camouflage, she existed
freely without eliciting any judgment
or inquisitiveness about her looks, her
name or her attire.
She carried herself with pure blandness,
guarding herself devotedly against any
extreme of emotion, be it love or hatred.
If you had the opportunity of visiting
the girls’ washroom, you would find
the walls replete with graffiti, written
and designed with colorful irreverence
in language and caricature. No one
was spared – neither the conscientious
head-teacher, nor the flirtatious physics
teacher, not even the poor watchman
with a limp who hobbled about kindly
on his walking stick! Miss M was the only
exception who never found a mention,
not even a faint chalk mark about her,
in this hall of fame! She watered and
nurtured her inconsequential existence
with great care. Every time a new
batch of girls arrived, some innocent
ones among them would try to evoke
her warmth by a new-year’s greeting
card and some would try to extract a
word or two of displeasure from her by
disregarding the 9pm bedtime-rule, but
they failed miserably. Miss M accepted
cards without any display of gratitude
and let the rule breakers be, until they
bored themselves out of rebellion. Since
she seemed to desire neither love nor
102 February 15 CSA
respect and resented neither rebellion
nor disobedience. The girls listened to
her. They did as she told them with
robot-like perfection.
Miss M’s life remained predictably
seamless for long enough until one day,
suddenly, about four months back, she
found herself browsing the internet on
the subject of ‘childhood loneliness’!
It all began when Mr. Sherwood, the
head teacher called her to his
office one morning, even
before she could take
her usual position
in the canteen for
breakfast.
“Miss M, this girl Sara, this new Year
3 kid from Kashmir, has problems
adjusting with her roommates. I would
like her to shift to your room for some
time. She will of course have her own
bed, a study table and a cupboard”,
informed Mr. Sherwood.
“OK”, said Miss M and left his office.
Mr. Sherwood, unlike everyone else,
was not as indifferent to Miss
M as she would like.
She struck him as a
queer woman who
never asked for
promotion, never
haggled for a
pay raise, never
complained
to
him
about school
politics,
n e v e r
came with
stories
of
disobedience
and
never
congratulated
him on his great
work in leading
the school from one
victory to another.
He thought that
Miss M’s paucity
of emotions and
expressions would
be an antidote to
7 years old Sara’s
tendency
for
emotional
outbursts. Two weeks in the school and
Sara had already once tried to carve the
name of her imaginary boyfriend in her
wrist with a pair of scissors, peed on her
roommate’s bed to avenge herself against
something and tore a pillow of another
roommate who tried to wake her up in
the morning. Miss M had heard these
stories but had avoided feeling anything
about the matter. She did not wish to
get involved in emotions because they
soon got messy, tangled and painful to
say the least. She had had enough with
her mother and then her boyfriend.
Thirty years ago, she had vowed to live a
sane life, bereft of these murky illusions
of love, hope and faith.
Miss M ignored Sara’s avoiding
her food except rare bowls of
strawberries. She ignored
Sara going to her class
without combing her
long hair. She ignored
Sara’s refusing to
do her homework,
and would grumble
herself calm without
betraying any sign of
anger or affection.
One evening, when
Miss M was combing
her hair, which she
always kept in a bun,
Sara suddenly remarked,
“Miss M, you have
beautiful hair. I thought
only my mother had
long, black hair, like the
lake in Kashmir, but
yours is fine too!
Could I braid it
for you?”
“No”, replied Miss M as she hastily
finished the routine and tied it again in
her usual bun.
But, something stirred within her,
something that she had so carefully put
into hibernation. The next morning
after breakfast, Miss M ditched her
newspaper and went to the library to
study about childhood loneliness. She
then went to the school office to look
into previous records of Sara. She was
conscious of her deviation and felt
guilty as if she were committing a
sacrilege against her values, but some
unknown force coerced her into this
new path. This afternoon when Sara
came back from school she found a
strawberry cereal bar
on her bed.
That night when Miss M tried to sleep,
she felt vulnerable and exposed. She
could not muster a wink of sleep; she felt
awakened by a sort of nervous energy.
Noiselessly, she left her bed and sat on
Sara’s reading table. Her eyes found what
looked like a diary and she began to read
it. It was not long, neither organized. On
the contrary it was illegible and almost
nonsense at several places. But she read
on and pondered. The next day, before
sunrise, she went for a run in the school’s
jogging park. Students were quite
surprised to find Miss M in something
other than her uniform, but she jogged
on. She even made lingering eye contact
with some girls. When she came back to
her room, Sara was awake. Miss M undid
her bun and let Sara braid her hair.
After a month or so, Sara and Miss M
were seen together in a theatre. They
were spotted at ice-cream parlors and
dress shops. The washroom wall in the
school began to be rejuvenated with new
set of graffiti about Miss M grooming up
for a secret admirer. Classrooms buzzed
with conjectures about identity of this
secret admirer. Some upper school boys
even found her attractive enough to
have a crush on.
Soon thereafter, Miss M walked into Mr.
Sherwood’s office requesting a raise. “You
see, since I have adopted Sara, I need to
save for her. Her uncle has refused any
financial help”, Miss M said.
For some unknown reason, Mr. Sherwood
interpreted whole episode as another
feather in his cap. “It is…” he mused,
“my doing! I have given love and life to
two individuals and perhaps this is my
best achievement so far”, he proceeded
for coffee in this self-congratulatory
mood. Miss M, meanwhile was basking
in trifle worries that befit the mother of a
7 year old. She had to shed extra weight,
resume her guitar and writing, improve
her cooking otherwise she would be bad
example for her daughter. If love, hope
and faith were illusions, she would rather
risk embracing them, than go about
being a wooden Miss M any longer. But
before everything else, she had to get
back to being Betty Littlefinger, which
of course was her name before becoming
Miss M all those years before.
Riju was a consumer research director in
Indian Market Research Bureau, Delhi.
After moving to Egypt, she has been a
homemaker and devotes spare time in
learning about cognitive sciences and
child development.
www.livinginegypt.org
February 15 CSA 103