REPS Fitness Center - Community Services Association

Transcription

Oasis Contents
Contents
Every Month
38
Inside
Cover
42 56
5 To The Readers
7Sponsors
9 Welcome to CSA
11 CSA Programs and
Myths of Strength
Training
What is SPINNING?
Depression Suppression
56
Services
13
15
17
19
25
27
29
33
37
48
90
Partner Vendors
Information and
Referral Desk
Village Gift Shop
La Boutique
Events
Showroom
New to Egypt
A Cognitive Adventure
Talk Like An Egyptian
Trivia
Mum & Baby
70
75
The Nubian People and
Culture
Love Is On Your
Bookshelf
76
Features
Activities
REPS Fitness Center
Calendar of Events
Community Announcements
Columns
51
65 67
69
73
79
81
82
83
20
30
Resolving Marital
Conflict the Healthy Way
5 Reasons to Love Living
in Cairo
76
85
88
38
Destination Istanbul
The Things We Do For
Love
Exposure in the Soccer
Field
88
Nutrition 101
Flavia’s Fab Facts
An Expat in Cairo
The Life Coach
Diner’s Delight
The articles and views expressed in this publication are entirely those of the authors and are not endorsed by CSA.
February 16 CSA 3
To The Readers
EDITOR’S NOTE
When you look up the word “love” in the dictionary you get many
definitions. Merriam-Webster describes love as “a feeling of strong or
constant affection for a person”. Others use terms like passion, longing,
connection and togetherness when defining love. Many would say the
ability to love is quintessentially part of what makes us human.
And yet despite this, love can be something that is regularly pushed
aside when things get tough, not only in our own lives but in the
broader world around us too. It is in these times I’m reminded of an
incredibly powerful message from Canadian politician, Jack Layton,
as he was dying of cancer. He said, “Love is better than anger. Hope is
better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving,
hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” It’s difficult for
even the most cynical among us to argue with that sentiment.
In the spirit of promoting a little more love throughout the world, we’ve got a packed issue that’s sure to get you
feeling the love. We’ve got a new column, The Life Coach, which addresses the often overlooked issue of self-love.
For couples, we have a guide on Resolving Marital Conflict the Healthy Way. Another author describes her love
of living in Egypt in Five Reasons to Love Living in Cairo. And for the more analytical minded A Cognitive
Adventure explores the theories in which humans love.
Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention CSA’s most anticipated event of the year, the Green & Gold Gala and Golf
Tournament is taking place Friday, February 26. Limited tickets are still available. Don’t let the opportunity to treat
the loved ones in your life (a shameless plug, I know!) pass by.
Marcus O’Neill
Editor, Oasis Magazine
Writing for Oasis
Oasis Staff
Editor
Marcus O’Neill
Advertising Coordinator
Perihan Ahmed
Information Designer
Claudia Dencker
Contributors
Amirah Ahmed, Jehan Ashry, Supriya
Chawla, Jennifer Cole, Carol El
Hawary, Lindsay Everhart, Sukanya
Ghosh, Kim Hampton, Laura Logan,
Flavia Makram-Ebeid, Trevor Naylor,
Julie-ann Odell, Marcus O’Neill, Susan
Richardson, Riju Shrimali, Tracey Sole,
Eden Unger-Bowditch, Lyric UngerBowditch and Amina Young
If you have a unique experience, story or adventure to share with us
and our readers, we would love to hear from you. For more information
contact [email protected]
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: 535 LE
½ page horizontal 19cm x 12,5cm: 990 LE
½ page vertical 9cm x 26cm: 990 LE
Full page 21cm x 29,7cm + 3mm bleed: 1900 LE
Full page advertorial 21cm x 29,7cm + 3mm bleed: 2300 LE
Full page front cover (fold-out) 19cm x 29,7cm + 3mm bleed: 3100 LE
Full page front cover (inside) 21cm x 29,7cm + 3mm bleed: 3200 LE
Acceptance of Advertorials is entirely the discretion of CSA.
Oasis printed by:
Ads must be presented by email or on CD with all fonts and pictures
included; resolution 300dpi; tiff format.
Oasis Feedback
For placement of advertisements and more information please contact our
Advertising Coordinator, Perihan Ahmed at:
Tel.: 2358 5284, Mobile: 010 688 28 537, [email protected]
Please send your feedback to
[email protected]
The deadline for accepting the Ads for March’s issue is February 15.
Please book early as space is limited.
February 16 CSA 5
CSA Sponsors
CSA offers a heartfelt “Thank You” to all our sponsors. Your continued support allows us to offer events,
programs and services to expats living and working in Egypt. As a non-profit organization, we exist through
the support of the local business community and organizations. It is with these partnerships that CSA is able to
continue to grow and maintain our commitment to long-term services as well as fulfill our obligation to support
numerous charities. Thank you for your support!
CSA Sponsors
Become a CSA sponsor and receive all the beneficial exposure. If you care to help and would like
to become involved, please email us at [email protected] or contact Denden Alcantara at
[email protected]. We look forward to establishing a fruitful collaboration with you.
February 16 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
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 good book, that perfect gift, fitness classes or information about Cairo,
the CSA is here to provide the expatriate community with everything they need
to make their time in Egypt an enjoyable one.
REPS Fitness Center
The place to be.
Executive Director
Flavia Makram-Ebeid
General Manager
Denden Alcantara
On-Site Services
On-Site Service Manager
Heba Azzam
Information Referral Supervisor
Renate Shehab El Din
Information Referral Specialist
Sara Salem
Gift Shop Supervisor
Samia Wadman
Gift Shop Coordinator
Cecil Reyes
La Boutique Supervisor
Lisa Gonzales
La Boutique Coordinators
Natalia Zadaionia, Shaymaa
Gouda
Operations Department
Operations Manager
Sherif Hamdy
Program Department
Program Supervisor
Tracey Allard
Program Development
Coordinator
Deliah Adham
Language School Supervisor
Jehan Al Ashry
BLISS Spa
Bliss Coordinator
Hala Metwally
Fundraising Department
Events Manager
Lama Al Hammuri
Business Development
Manager
Riham R.El-Mograby
Manager
Sherif El Deib
Reception Administrator
Tanya Allahham
Coordinators
Krishanthi Ekanayake, Tanya
Allahham, Olwing Martin,
Lindsay Everhart, Rana Kang,
Heba Marwan
Fitness Training Expert
Ahmed Agamy
Join Now! We have over 100 nationalities and are
growing. Individual and family memberships available.
Some of the great benefits include discounts to our paid
events and free guest passes for visiting family and friends.
For more information visit our front desk or download
an application at http://membership.livinginegypt.org
Communications Department
Communications Manager
Riham R. El-Mograby
Editor / Communications
Coordinator
Marcus O’Neill
Magazine/Digital Coordinator
Perihan Ahmed
Media & Communications
Coordinator
Laura Logan
Information Designer
Claudia Dencker
Finance Department
Finance Manager
Verna Pinto
Directions to CSA in arabic from the autostrade, the corniche:
Finance Administrator
Svetlana Kirnasova
Volunteers
Carmen Urquiaga, Dominique
Krayenbuhl, Jean Wood, Mona
ElEmary, Pat Canfield, Radia
Belaidi, Renata Grignani, Virginie
Lyko, Robert Moss, Tina Cleverton,
Ulrike v Rucker
IT Services
Integrated Technology Services
(Karim Abdel Raouf)
www.its-egy.com, 01007515123
Digital Services
Tittainment
www.tittainment.com
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
livinginegypt
February 16 CSA 9
CSA Programs and Services
Set in the heart of Maadi, CSA has been the top destination for expatriates since 1980. We offer a wide range of
programs and services that aim to help you settle in to life in Egypt, discover more about your new home and
offer ways to develop new skills while you’re here.
Information and Referral Desk
Programs Department
Village Gift Shop
The first place you’ll visit when you
come to CSA. We do our best to answer
all of your questions about CSA and
living in Egypt.
Putting together creative trips, tours
and workshops that are exciting for you
and the entire family.
A unique store that offers a range of
Egyptian handicrafts, souvenirs, artwork
and much more that help sustain many
charitable organizations.
La Boutique
A consignment shop to buy and sell
gently used clothing, household items,
accessories, children’s toys and much
more.
Special Events
Celebrate a wide variety of events
throughout the year like our Christmas
Party, Welcome Party, monthly bazaars
and our signature event, the Green and
Gold Gala.
The Bookshelf
A much valued resource for newcomers
and veteran expats alike, The Bookshelf
is CSA’s self-service book exchange.
The Showroom
REPS Fitness Center
CSA Language School
Used by various weekly vendors to bring
you new and exciting trends in art,
fashion, furniture design and more.
A safe and friendly environment to
help you stay in shape. Offering group
classes for adults and children, personal
training and nutrition consultations.
Practical language classes that teach you
how to deal with real life situations and
communicate in the most effective, fun
and appropriate way.
Bliss Spa
Oasis Magazine
Pamper yourself with signature massages
and rejuvenating facials with our expert
technicians.
CSA’s monthly magazine, Oasis, comes
out 10 times a year, and is the prime
resource of information for expatriates
living in Egypt.
Marketing Services
CSA offers an extensive marketing
platform to help you position and
promote your business.
@livinginegypt.org
February 16 CSA 11
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.
Antwerpen Fine Jewelry
ASTI
Daily 9.00am-5.00pm
Experience the wonders of
Egypt and the world. ASTI
can arrange your flights, car rentals, hotels, tours and
much more. www.americanstartravel.com
Zenny Nail Spa
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.
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.
Nagada
Surrounded by Egypt…
Inspired by the World
Caffe Greco
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
Sunday-Thursday, 7.00am-7.00pm
Friday and Saturdays, 9.00am-5.00pm
For the Best Coffee in Cairo, look no
further. Aside from freshly brewed
coffee and specialty drinks, we carry a selection of pastries.
Gourmet Egypt
Daily 8.30am-6.00pm
Providing you with ingredients for a
Gourmet lifestyle. Enjoy excellent quality products at
great value sourced only by the finest suppliers from
around the world. www.gourmetegypt.com | 19339
BodyFit Egypt
STOTT PILATES®
0100-3433111
Dr. Heba Hussein
Asst. Professor of Plastic Surgery
Laser and Plastic Surgery
+2 01223103480 / 0120448 8017
Bodyworx
Dr.Noaman Sideek
0100-3103414
The LAB
Dr.Waffa Hawas M.D.
Sample collection and vaccination
0122-3181995
The AUC Bookstore
Saturday-Thursday, 9.00am-7.00pm
The AUC Bookstore offers an
extensive selection of books, and
the highest quality of services. We
carry a varied selection suited to the CSA community
plus books and gifts. For more information visit our
Facebook page, AUC Press Bookstores.
Khan Touloun
Sunday-Wednesday 9.00am-7.00pm
Thursday 9.00am-6.00pm
High quality Egyptian handmade crafts, including
beautiful recycled glass items, hand-woven shawls and
textiles, pottery, tea boxes, trays and coasters. They also
have a collection of embroidered leather bags, purses,
dolls and shawls by Nevin Altman and angels and
nativity sets available year round.
February 16 CSA 13
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 we’re always looking for new
vendors for our monthly bazaar’s? If
you’ve got a unique product or service
to sell contact [email protected] to
find out more.
…that with its designer brands and
bargain prices, La Boutique is the perfect
place to find your outfit for the upcoming
Green & Gold Gala?
If you would like to place an advertisement
on the CSA Bulletin Board bring a copy to the
Information and Referral Desk (maximum size A5
or ½ a page). All advertisements will also be added
to the online Classifieds section of our website.
…that we have a bi-monthly e-newsletter
dedicated entirely to REPS Fitness Center.
To sign-up visit www.repsfc.com
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:
February 16 CSA 15
16 February 16 CSA
CSA Village Gift Shop
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.
Valentine’s Day
What’s New?
What is new in the Village Gift Shop? We
now carry hand made linens and towels from
the local charity Les Amis des Chiffoniers de
Torah. This charity (La Mason de Torah)
The celebration of the year is coming soon. Valentine’s Day is a great
opportunity to buy a gift for your loved one, friends, and family.
If you’re looking for ideas for this special day we have a variety of
candle holders that will create a romantic atmosphere, while sipping
wine from the amazing colored hand blown glasses by Mostafa.
Other unique and thoughtful gifts include original oil paintings by
the artist Henry, fabulous jewelry from Liliana, or assorted bags
from Nora Mossallem and FanSina. Spread the love to everyone. Be
it a smile, a flower, or a gift from the Village Gift Shop!
was founded by Sister Emmanuelle in
1985, supports women by teaching them
embroidery. Proceeds support the local
community. We also have fabric bean bag
chairs and fabric stools in many fabulous
colors from another new vendor M’YA.
Specials
We have wonderful specials this month on selected items. Come
check us out. You never know what unique treasure might be
waiting for you to find it!
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.
We are always looking for new
and unique items, please ask our
Gift Shop Supervisor for more
information.
Gift Shop Opening Hours:
February 16 CSA 17
CSA La Boutique
La Boutique - The CSA Consignment Shop. A shop where you can buy and sell gently used men’s, women’s and
children’s clothing, household items, accessories, children’s toys and much more. Our ever-changing inventory
includes designer labels, vintage, jeans, leather, current basics and one-of-a-kind international items.
What’s New?
Why sell and shop with us?
Advantages selling at La Boutique
Advantages shopping at La Boutique
• We do the sorting, pricing and selling
• Designer, brand, and international
names at bargain prices
• No need to worry about unnecessary
bargaining
• No need to worry about setting
dates, no shows, and strangers in the
home
• Just drop off your items and we do
the work
• Style selection, not just limited to
current trends
• New arrivals daily
• Treasure hunt, you never know what
you are going to find
• Open Wednesday
mornings. No drop offs.
• Don’t need a membership
to buy
• Consignors fee for selling
only
• “Last Chance” sale items
available every two weeks
Announcements: Clean out your closets. We’re now accepting spring items!
A Simple and Effective Fashion Formula
When you just can’t seem to get an outfit together and all else fails the following equation is worth a try.
1 basic piece + 1 interest piece + 1 completer + standard accessories
Start with one basic piece (a pair dark jeans, pencil skirt or basic top). Second, find an interest piece (something that makes
a statement a piece with a pattern, color, shine or texture). Third, get yourself a completer piece (a jacket, cardigan or belt
works well). This piece will make the outfit feel and look more thought out. Finally, accessorize with jewelry, shoes, clutch or
bag. The end result is an awesome outfit.
Opening Hours
Sunday to Thursday and Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
Drop Offs:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 10.00am-1.00pm
Wednesdays and Saturday No Drop Offs
February 16 CSA 19
Lifestyle
Resolving Marital
The Healthy Way
By Susan Richardson PhD
Ahh, February… the month of romance
and love, roses and chocolates… not
to mention jilted lovers and quarreling
spouses. As a marital therapist, I have
often wondered whether Valentine’s
Day does more overall harm than
good. Don’t get me wrong, I am in
favor of romance and passion, but
there’s something about Valentine’s
Day that sets the scene for unmet
expectations and lovers’ quarrels.
And, of course, nothing ruins a day–
especially a day dedicated to love–
faster than harsh words, raised voices,
and cold silence. Unfortunately, even
among the happiest of couples, these
20 February 16 CSA
distance-creating arguments can sneak
up at the most inopportune times.
How do you avoid the nasty
blowups that make you feel like your
relationship is sinking? Thankfully,
marital research provides us with some
helpful tips.
The all-important beginning
Do you ever feel like an argument
with your spouse is going nowhere
productive? Trust that feeling-- you’re
probably right. This doesn’t mean your
relationship is doomed, just that the
particular conversation is beyond recall.
According to world-renowned marital
researcher John Gottman, Ph.D., “96
percent of the time you can predict
the outcome of a conversation based
on the first three minutes.” Gottman’s
research shows that a “harsh start-up”
will almost always produce a negative
result. His message for couples? First,
focus on approaching your partner
in a respectful, non-attacking way.
Second, if a conversation starts harshly,
recognize that your odds of getting
back on track are slim. Take a
breather, and try again later.
Beware of the flood
Why is it so difficult to salvage a
discussion that has started harshly?
Often, harsh remarks trigger intense
negative emotions like anger and
fear, and when these emotions
wash over us, our internal fight-orflight mechanism “floods” us with
physiological responses like a racing
heartbeat, sweaty palms, tightness in
the chest, trembling hands, nausea, or
a headache. Gottman’s research shows
that when we are in this “flooded”
state, we don’t think as clearly or
process information as effectively. In
other words, when we are angry, we
are less likely to listen to our spouse,
and less able to see our spouse or
our relationship accurately. “Isn’t it
important to share my emotions with
my spouse?” you might ask. Yes, but
when working through a conflict with
your spouse, flooding is not your
friend. This is difficult to remember
when you are upset, but if you and
your partner can agree in advance to
“take a break” from the discussion
when either one of you becomes
flooded, you are more likely to have a
productive conversation when you are
both calm again. How do you know
when it’s safe to try again? When the
flooding is gone. Twenty minutes can
often work wonders. As a final point,
it’s also worth noting that Gottman
has found that some people, especially
men, find flooding so aversive that
they try to escape it as quickly as
possible. If your spouse tends run
away from arguments, s/he may be
trying to escape the “flooding,” not the
relationship itself.
Attacking your spouse as a person
Another red flag to be aware of occurs
when you switch from complaining
about something your spouse does
and begin criticizing your spouse as
a person. A complaint sounds like,
“You didn’t call when you said you
would call,” while a criticism sounds
like, “You are so selfish! I can’t believe
you forgot to call! You only think of
yourself!” Yes, we are all flawed in
some ways and, of course, we usually
have intimate knowledge of our
partner’s flaws. However, criticizing
your spouse as a person will usually
elicit defensiveness rather than the
openness to change that you desire.
Attacking your spouse as a person
can also take the form of expressing
contempt for your partner. Once you
start feeling contempt, it’s time to take
a step back, because anything you say
from that moment on will tear at the
fabric of your relationship. Gottman’s
research demonstrates that criticism
(“character
assassination”)
and
contempt are so destructive that their
repeated presence in a relationship
is predictive of future divorce.
Whenever you start thinking, “My
spouse is the problem,” stop and try
to get perspective before proceeding. If
abuse, addiction, or mental illness is at
a play, you may be correct in assuming
the problem won’t change much until
your partner gets help (however, rage
and contempt rarely persuade a spouse
to seek treatment). If none of these
factors are part of your relationship
and your spouse is otherwise a decent
human being, you are likely losing
sight of some important information
about the situation or your spouse.
Gaining perspective
Seeing one’s own relationship
accurately isn’t easy, and one’s view
of a relationship is influenced by
so many different filters (e.g., past
experiences, belief systems, etc), that
volumes of self-help books have been
written on the topic. However, one
filter that arises for most couples is
the “fundamental attribution bias”
(Fritz Heider, 1958). According to the
fundamental attribution bias, when we
explain our own negative behavior, we
often attribute it to situational factors
(“I was having a stressful day,” “I was
really upset about my dog dying,”
etc). In contrast, when we explain
someone else’s negative behavior we
tend to attribute it to their personality
or character (“He’s an insensitive jerk,”
“She’s manipulative”). Unfortunately,
this means that we fail to give adequate
weight to the situational factors that
affect our spouse’s behavior, and
instead we are quick to cast a dark
shadow over our spouse’s character. It’s
also important to note that sometimes
these situational factors can include
chronic conditions like a stressful job,
a difficult child, a medical condition,
or being the sole breadwinner or the
primary caretaker.
Repair attempts
In the middle of a disagreement,
most couples will make occasional
efforts to limit the destructiveness
and encourage a more productive
discussion. These “repair attempts”
can take many forms, including:
an outright apology, a silly face,
an inside joke, a gentle touch,
a willingness to listen, agreeing
with one of your partner’s
points, or requesting a short break.
Repair attempts are the “secret
weapon” that prevents arguments
from spinning out-of-control. To the
extent that you skillfully employ repair
attempts - and remain open to your
partner’s attempts - you’ll find that
you spend less time picking up the
aftermath of a full explosion.
Develop your marital friendship
and avoid “Negative Sentiment
Override.”
According to Gottman, one of the best
ways reduce unproductive conflict is
to actively create positive moments in
the relationship when the two of you
are not in the middle of a conflict.
What’s the connection? To the extent
that the two of you feel generally
positive about the relationship, you are
much more likely to cut your partner
some slack and to be open to your
partner’s “repair attempts” during a
conflict. However, when your negative
feelings about the relationship start
to outweigh your positive feelings
(“negative sentiment override”), every
little problem becomes a big deal
and you will be less receptive to each
other’s repair attempts. This sounds
like common sense, but its importance
can’t be overstated.
Want to learn more? Check out one
of Gottman’s many books, including
What Makes Love Last?
Susan Richardson, Ph.D., is a clinical
psychologist and sees clients at the Maadi
Psychology Center.
February 16 CSA 21
CSA Events
CSA Events February 2016
Cook’s Day Off
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, France, UK, Italy and Thailand, as
well as a wide selection of sweets. These specialties are
cooked with care and love for you and your family.
VALENTINES Spotlight Bazaar
Sunday, February 7
9.00am-3.00pm
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,
household items and more!
Exploring Mortal Designs
Sunday, February 7
10.30am-11.30am
In this seminar Reem Bassiouney, an
award-winning Egyptian novelist and
associate professor at the American
University in Cairo, discusses the
themes in her most recent book.
Mortal Designs is the story of a contemporary Egyptian
romance of rare grace and wit, played out by characters
trapped in their attitudes toward class and gender.
Farmer’s Market
Thursdays
10.00am-2.00pm
Stop by for Tabi3y’s organic
vegetables and herbs.
Thai Buffet
Wednesday, February 17
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 21
9.00am-3.00pm
Calling all ladies! Shop ‘till you
drop at CSA’s Garden Bazaar. Lots of
vendors await you with a great selection
of items to choose from including
clothes, accessories, arts and crafts.
GEMS AND JEWELRY
Monday, February 8
10.30am-11.30pm
This Valentine’s Day join Sharif
Begermi of Antwerpen Jewelry
for a conversation about gems
and jewels. Have all you questions
about gemstones and the process of making of jewelry
answered. As an added bonus you can bring in your
favorite pieces for a complementary verbal evaluation.
CHINESE NEW YEAR AT CSA
Sunday, February 14
9.00am-2.00pm
Come to join us in celebrating the
Year of Monkey! Chinese New Year
is an annual celebration marking the start of the Chinese
Lunar calendar. Each vendor will offer its own unique
celebration theme, performances and food. Visitors will
experience the Chinese Lion Dance, traditional folk
music, cultural games, martial artists and much more.
Note, this event was originally planned for January 24.
For any queries or questions on events,
please contact [email protected]
February 16 CSA 25
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.
January 31 - February 6
Khazana –Collection of Indian Handcrafts
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.
February 7 - February 13
Molika’s Brands
We provide the highest quality top fashions through
our mirror image top brands. Our products include
leather products, accessories and woman clothing all
at a fraction of the cost of traditional designer brands.
February 21 - February 27
El Patio Furniture and Home Accessories
by Lamia Hassanein
View the exceptionally crafted textiles
of Egyptian cotton, linen, and toile.
Gaze on El Patio’s custom made
furniture, including sofas, tables,
beds, chairs and curtains, as well as reupholstery.
February 28 – March 5
Jayanti Maydeo Paintings
Jayanti Maydeo has been passionate about painting
since childhood. Being an ardent photographer,
she has transformed many of her photographs into
beautiful paintings. She truly believes that beauty lies
in the eyes of the beholder and draws inspiration from
nature and the people around her. Her work is mostly
in acrylic and water color.
February 14-February 20
Ethnica Gallery
Browse the unique and exotic Indian handicrafts of Ethnica
Gallery Egypt. Their collection includes accent furniture
pieces, soft furnishings (bed covers, throws, cushions,
tablecloths and runners) and ladies fashions (shawls,
handbags, slippers, pareos, skirts, tops and more).
February 16 CSA 27
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 20, 2016
8.00am-4.00pm
Cost $160
(It includes an authentic Egyptian Lunch)
Fundamentals of Living in Egypt will help you to
•understand the importance of cultural self-awareness and the
influences of culture in everyday life and in the workplace
•improve and adapt communication with the local
community, colleagues and family members
•adopt new activities and be ready to enjoy an enriching
experience living and working in Egypt
Customized Seminars
If the next scheduled Fundamentals of
Living in Egypt seminar doesn’t work
for you, know that private customized
seminars for businesses or individuals
can also be arranged at CSA at any time.
For more information, please contact
[email protected]
Some of the topics covered are
•Cross-Cultural Adaptation
•Customs and Tradition
•Staying Healthy
•Daily Life in Cairo
•Egypt Past and Present
NEWCOMER TIPS - THE MOVIES
In years past it wasn’t always easy to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster in theatres
in Cairo, but this is certainly no longer the case. Here in Maadi there is Family Cinema
on the Corniche and El Bandar Cinema in New Maadi. Outside of Maadi there’s
even more choice with screens at City Stars Mall (Nasr City), Point 90 Cinemas (New
Cairo), Americana Mall (Sheikh Zayed), Galaxy Cinema (Manial), Mall of Arabia (6th
of October) and Nile City (Downtown), just to name a few. If you’re looking for a more
glamorous movie experience Golden Stars VIP theatre is the choice, where the tickets
are more than twice the price, but you’ll fight fewer crowds and have leather recliners
for viewing! The movie experience itself is probably a bit different than what you’re used
to. Most theatres assign seats, so when you purchase your tickets be prepared to choose
where you’d like to sit. There is often an intermission half-way through the movie to
allow viewers to use the washroom or have a cigarette. And if the movie you’re watching
is 3D, you’ll have to purchase your glasses from the concession counter (remember to
hold onto them for your next visit). It is always wise to check schedules in advance
using websites like www.elcinema.com. Be prepared for the time on these websites not
to always match the actually show time (it is Egypt after all!), so it’s always good to give
yourself a bit of extra time.
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 16 CSA 29
Culture
By Jennifer Cole
and enjoy.
My husband, young daughter and I
moved to Cairo in August 2012 and so
as I write, we are in our fourth year of
living here in Egypt’s capital. During
that time we have lived through a
curfew, power cuts, political instability,
sandstorms and a lot of negative press
from media outside of Egypt. We have
welcomed our second daughter, seen
our first go to school and we have
travelled the length of the country as
well as visited many countries nearby.
As we sign up for a fifth year in Cairo,
I know that friends and family still
wonder why we choose to live here.
These are just part of the reasons why.
Modern innovations to make life
easier too. Recently when a tap sprung
a leak, rather than having to try and
call an expensive plumber, I was able
to call Fil Khedma who can send
a carpenter, plumber or electrician
around to our house the very next
day with a reasonable fixed price. I
remember it wasn’t that easy when I
lived in London. As a busy working
mum, I love that I can ‘order-in’
almost anything, be it a doctor from
Tabibi 24/7, shopping from many
online stores or even souvenirs now
that Oum El Dounia offers a delivery
service!
1. The New
2. The Old Cairo is a city that is constantly
developing and growing. Living in
New Cairo, I am surrounded by
new housing and entertainment
developments. I see new restaurant
and food shops opening weekly and
can experience first-hand how the
newer parts of the city are coming to
life. Just recently, we have had Oscars
Supermarket, Fuddruckers, Nola
Cupcakes and Dunkin Donuts open
on Road 90 and a new Carrefour and
Gourmet have opened close to Seven
Stars Mall.
For my family, part of the charm and
attraction of Cairo is its diverse history
and this metropolis is particularly rich
in what it has to offer. From admiring
the ancient Pharonic Pyramids by
camel or horse to exploring the
atmospheric alleyways of Islamic Cairo
on foot and haggling for a bargain in
the Khan el Khalili. Or from visiting
the hanging gardens of Babylon in
Coptic Cairo to enjoying a walking
tour of the palaces of Heliopolis. Or
the eerie history of the City of the
From the arrival of IKEA just a few
years ago and Cairo Festival City,
which recently celebrated its second
birthday, I find it easier to find a
piece of ‘home’ than ever before.
Debenhams, the Lego Store, Virgin
Megastore, Hamleys, to name a
few new brands that are arriving or
creating new stores in Egypt quickly.
New cinema complexes are opening
too, making entertainment within
easy reach. The creation of Family
Park has made a new opportunity for a
clean open space for kids to run freely
30 February 16 CSA
Dead, or the panoramic city views of
the Citadel, or watching the colour
of whirling dervishes spin before your
eyes. Or coming face to face with the
funerary mask of Tutankhamen at
the Egyptian Museum or seeing the
ancient remains of Egyptian kings’
mummies. There is so much to explore
in this fascinating and multi-layered
historical capital and with some great
local guides who help us to unlock its
riches; it can be unforgettable. When
visitors come to stay with us in Cairo,
I am proud to show them all that is on
offer and love to see how it surpasses
their expectations as they discover the
real charms of the city beyond just the
magnificent Sphinx at Giza.
3. The Near
What to do when you need a break
from Cairo’s constant tireless energy?
I love that within easy reach of us are
numerous Egyptian gems. You can
relax amongst the yachts at the plush
El Gouna marina, or enjoy a speed
boat ride amongst the lagoons or go
for a catamaran sail amongst dolphins.
It’s easily reachable by car or a short
flight to Hurghada.
Or head north by car or train to
Alexandria on the Mediterranean
and enjoy fresh fish and a view of the
harbour or an evening stroll or horsedrawn caleche along the Corniche.
For warmer waters, the Red Sea at
Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh or even Ain
Sokhna are all within easy reach. It’s
fun to go diving, sailing, snorkelling,
swimming,
sunbathing.
Enjoy
exploring more of Egypt’s history
with a leisurely cruise along the Nile,
visiting the temples and tombs of
Luxor or an early morning hot air
balloon ride over the Valley of the
Kings. Or enjoy a lavish afternoon
tea at the Old Cataract Hotel whilst
watching the sunset in Aswan...
tee off from. Shoppers have a choice of
malls. Kids will love the role play fun at
Kidzania. History is around every corner
for history buffs and the Arabic language
is a great challenge for linguists. Apart
from the odd sand storm, it’s fair to
say we get a great deal of sunshine
throughout the year too! Numerous
expat community clubs and associations,
as well as sporting clubs and activities
also mean there is a lot of support from
other like minded travellers.
For these five reasons, and actually many
more, I look forward to enjoying our
adopted home for at least another year. Or escape it all with peace and
tranquillity of sailing and fishing on
Lake Nasser or camping under the
stars in the Black and White Desert...
4. The Not So Far
Egypt is located just a short plane
ride away from some further afield
adventures. Within an hour, you can
be in Amman and enjoying Jordanian
hospitality. Hire a car and drive to the
salty Dead Sea or take the picturesque
Kings Highway to explore the rose
red city of Petra. An hour in another
direction can take you to the beautiful
island country of Cyprus. Landing
down in Larnaca, you have many
beautiful places to discover. In just
over an hour you can be in the Greek
capital of Athens, enjoying the local
gyros and souvlaki and admiring the
Acropolis. In just over two hours, you
can explore the souks or relax in a
steamy hammam in Istanbul, Turkey.
5. Something For Everyone
Ultimately in Cairo, there is something
for everyone. Thrill seekers will enjoy
Quad biking at the Sakkara Pyramids.
Golfers have many beautiful courses to
Jennifer is a teacher at a leading
international school in Cairo and has
lived in Egypt since August 2012. Prior
to this, she has worked, lived, studied or
travelled in over 40 countries and 400
cities, including the Middle East, Asia,
Europe, North and South America,
Africa and Russia. She lives in Cairo
with her husband Sam and their two
young daughters.
February 16 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 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 or bring your ideas … 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.
Day Trip to the Desert
Saturday, February 6
10.00am-3.00pm
Cost: $50
The pyramids of Abu Sir originally
consisted of fourteen pyramids. Only four
are still standing. Of the four, the first you
will visit is the pyramid of Neferefre, in
which some remarkable finds, including a
royal group of statues of the old kingdom
and several portraits of other kings were
found. In addition to pyramids, there
are also various tombs in the necropolis,
as well as the sun temples of the kings of
the 5th Dynasty. Join this trip and enjoy a
fascinating guided tour in the land of the
forgotten kings of the 5th Dynasty.
Saint Simon’s Cave in
Mokattam
Tuesday, February 16
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $30
Escape the noisy city to the serenity of the
desert and enjoy a beautiful family day
at Wadi Degla located near Maadi. This
trip will start with a two hour hike in a
canyon that used to supply the river Nile
with water. This protected valley is also
home to numerous species of animals,
birds and plants. The hike will be followed
by a Bedouin BBQ lunch and music.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and
to bring your camera. Please note that a
minimum number of sign-ups is required
for tour to run.
The Pyramids of Abu Sir
Tuesday, February 9
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $45
The Monastery of Saint Simon, also
known as the Cave Church, is located in
the Mokattam Mountain in southeastern
Cairo, in an area that is known as ‘garbage
city’ because of the large population of
garbage collectors or Zabbaleen that live
there. The Zabbaleen are descendants
of farmers who started migrating from
Upper Egypt to Cairo in the 1940s. Join
this trip for a one hour tour in the cave
church followed by a visit to the garbage
city gift shop and recycling center. All the
money you spend there goes to the APE
recycling organization.
Monasteries of Ain Sukhna
Saturday, February 20
8.00am-7.00pm
Cost: $65
If you’re a history buff, don’t skip this
opportunity to visit some of the world’s
oldest, active monasteries. St. Anthony’s
Monastery (Deir Mar Antonios), the
Coptic Monastery located at an oasis
spring that dates back to the mid-14th
century. St. Paul’s Monastery (Deir
Mar Boulos) in the Wadi el Deir, a
magnificently desolate valley south of St.
Anthony’s, is the place where the hermit
monk was buried sometime around 340
AD. This will be followed by lunch in Ain
Sukhna overlooking the tranquil turquoise
water of the Red Sea.
note: We provide transportation and guides for all our tours to historical sites
and landmarks. For other tours, please check with Programs.
All activities are subject to
changes and cancellation.
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 16 CSA 33
CSA Activities
Trip of the Month
Old Palaces of Cairo
El-Sakakini Palace
Wednesday, February 24
9.00am-2.00pm
Cost: $45
Hidden in the middle of a very busy area
in Cairo, one instantly wonders how
these random and chaotic suburban
surroundings must have looked
back in 1897 when this architectural
masterpiece was constructed. The ElSakakini area was named after the
creator of the Palace, Habib Sakakini
Pasha (1841-1923), a Levantine
businessman whose family immigrated
to Egypt at the beginning of the 19th
century. The palace now belongs to the
ministry of antiquities and after being
neglected for many years and closed
for reconstruction work, CSA has been
permitted to officially visit the palace
for the first time.
What people are saying about CSA’s Trips and Tours
People are raving about CSA’s recent Book Tour,
The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit:
“Loved seeing the house and I can imagine it when
she (the author) lived there. Thank you for all your
research and work in planning this tour” – Kerri
(USA)
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.
CSA Pub Tour
Friday, February 19
5.00pm-11.00pm
Cost:$20
Join CSA for a fun night out exploring
Cairo’s night life, make some new friends
and discover some new places to enjoy.
On this tour we will be visiting several
local night spots. This tour will fill up fast
and has limited seating so please don’t
miss out. Transportation and 1 local beer
included, pickup and drop-off will be at
CSA (food and beverages not included)
Must be 21 years of age to attend.
Skincare Workshop
Sunday, February 21
10.00am-12.00pm
Cost: $25
“Great experience. Loved the history.” - Chris (Canada)
“How great Cairo must have been back then. Loved
the story.” - Britta (Germany)
“Very interesting to connect the book to
places in Cairo. It was easy to see the past
elegance of the city.” - Miriah (USA)
“Loved this tour. Such a treat to see the
spots from the book and to feel the feelings
of a different time. Great initiative.” Jacqui (New Zealand)
To book your group or private tour
contact the Programs Department
today at [email protected]
or 02 2358-5284.
Join this professional skincare workshop
with Bliss Spa Facial expert Lamis Badr.
Learn about the best way to care for your
skin by determining what your skin type
is, how to clean your skin as well as what
products work best and which to avoid.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity
and sign up today.
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 at [email protected] or 02 2358-5284.
34 February 16 CSA
Mum & Baby Group
Mondays
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 Monday for the purpose of
providing mums and caregivers fun and
information in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
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.
Chocolate Making
Sunday, February 7
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $60
Who can resist chocolate... especially on
Valentine’s Day? For this special class
you will join Chef Mervat Dissoky from
Chocola Exquisite Treats and learn how to
create a variety of delicious treats. In this
class, Chef Mervat will teach you how to
melt, temper and mold chocolate. You will
also learn how to make chocolate truffles
and ganache using the most up-to-date,
refined Belgian techniques and the most
premium quality Belgian chocolate. Each
of you will make approximately 30 classic
chocolates and creme-filled truffles. Why
not make this Valentines Day extra special
and bring home some delicious treats for
that special someone. This class is expected
to fill up quickly so reserve your spot today.
Persian Cooking
Monday, February 15
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $40
Lebanese Cooking
Tuesday, February 23
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $40
If you love Lebenese food then this is a class
you won’t want to miss. You will learn how
to make delicious mezzes and learn why
these delicious bit size treats are so popular
in restaurant menus across the country.
This class is about creating simple recipes
with amazing flavors perfect for sharing,
grazing and snacking. A perfect class for any
beginner looking to expand their knowledge
about food or for the gourmet in the house
who wants to pick up a few extra tips.
A Taste of Thailand
Monday, February 29
10.00am-1.00pm
Cost: $45
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.
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.
If you are a lover of Middle Eastern cuisine
then don’t miss out on this cooking class
featuring traditional cuisine from Persia.
In this class you will learn how to make a
stew called khoresh-e-qeymeh. This dish is
typically served with polo (rice) and saffron,
along with tahdig (crunchy rice) and fresh
vegetables/ yogurt.
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]
If you love the flavors and aromas of Thai
cuisine, you shouldn’t miss this chance of
learning to create delicious meals at home.
In this “hands on” cooking class Chef Mam
will demonstrate a selection of delicious
Thai favorites to delight your palate.
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 5 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
February 16 CSA 35
REPS Fitness Center
Welcome to REPS Fitness Center!
• improve Your stamina
• increase your strength and muscle mass
• improve your flexibility
• reduce your fat
• rehabilitate
• improve your overall fitness
REPS Services
Classes for Adults & Children
REPS offers a variety of fitness, dance and
sport classes for adults and children. No
matter your taste, we’ve got you covered. Rest
assured that we only hire qualified instructors
who are truly passionate about what they do.
Their enthusiasm is contagious! Check out
the REPS Fitness Center calendar on the next
page or stop by the REPS front desk to find a
complete list of our current offerings.
New to Cairo? First Time Visitor?
The Free Trial Pass allows you to enjoy 7 consecutive days of free use
of REPS Fitness Center. Just stop by our front desk and show our staff
your foreign passport, and you’re all set.
Personal Training
Personal Trainers are experts on what fitness
regime is the best and safest option for YOU,
allowing you to save time and get the most out
of your workout. All of our trainers (Agami,
Carey, Carmel & Kim) are certified and have
years of experience helping others transform
their body to meet their goals. If you are
struggling to motivate yourself or not seeing
the results you think you should be, let our
personal trainers help. Contact REPS Fitness
Center today to book an appointment with
one of our talented trainers.
Nutrition Consultations
Marcus O’Neill, a Registered Dietitian
from Canada, offers one-on-one nutrition
consultations in REPS Fitness. In addition
to completing his dietetic training at the
University of Alberta, he also possesses a
Masters degree in exercise physiology from
the University of Guelph. Above all Marcus
believes in balance and recognizes that health
is not measured by a number on a scale. For
more information or to book an appointment,
stop by the REPS Front Desk.
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 REPS 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 REPS front desk for more details.
Suunto Sports Watches now available at REPS
For more information: REPS Fitness Center front desk, 2nd Floor, #4, Road 21, Maadi
REPS Main: 0100 382 9368, REPS Annex Studio: 0120 699 0208
www.repsfc.com, repsfc
Opening Hours - REPS opens early!
Friday & Saturday: 8.00am-9.00pm
February 16 CSA 37
Health and Wellness
Myths
OF Strength Training
By Lindsay Everhart
4. Stretch before your workout
In the world of “broscience”, the gym
is packed with information that isn’t
always conducive to our fitness goals.
Check out these common myths to be
sure you don’t fall victim!
This common advice has come under
scrutiny in the past few years. Why?
Because static stretching while your
muscles are cold can potentially
damage them. Moreover, it may even
minimize their ability to do work at
maximum capacity – a big no before
a strength workout. What should you
do instead? Ideally, engage in static
stretching after your workout when
the muscles are warm, and foam
roll tight muscles as they occur to
minimize imbalances.
1. Cardio is the best way to lose
weight
Sure, with the right diet tweaks
and a steady commitment, you
will absolutely see the pounds melt
away with cardio. Is it the best way
to lose weight and keep it off? No.
Cardio raises your metabolism only
temporarily. Building muscle, either
through athletics or weight-lifting,
raises your metabolism permanently
(or for as long as you keep the muscle
through a healthy lifestyle); the more
muscle you have, the more calories
your body burns. Bonus: it gives
your body sexy curves you’ll never
attain through running alone. So
save yourself the hours of mundane
training on the treadmill and lift some
weights to build curvalicious, caloriebusting muscles.
2. Lifting weights makes you bulky
This is only true if you have soaring
levels of testosterone, which most
men do. Women, on the other hand,
don’t have the right hormonal balance
to build giant muscles. Ladies, unless
you’re taking a hormone supplement
or have a rare medical condition,
you will never look like Arnold
Schwarzenegger from lifting weights.
3. You can spot treat fat away
Unfortunately, this is not the case. No
matter how many crunches or inner
thigh exercises you do, the jiggle will
not go away until you lower your
overall body fat percentage. Once you
do this, your sexy six pack and shapely
thighs will shine!
38 February 16 CSA
5. Pregnant women shouldn’t
exercise
How sad that our expectant mothers,
who will soon have little time for
themselves and will be chasing after
toddlers and doing daily tasks onehanded, are being told to not stay
fit! Mothers-to-be, you are absolutely
allowed, and even encouraged, to
exercise during your pregnancy. While
I wouldn’t recommend training for
a triathlon, you are most welcome
to do cardio for up to half an hour
(more than this depletes oxygen
supplies in the circulating blood and
potentially to the fetus) and to lift
moderate weights, with only a few
modifications a knowledgeable trainer
can recommend.
6. If you work out hard enough,
you can eat whatever you want
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news,
but this just isn’t true. Yes, you can
get away with donuts and a familysize pizza here and there (guilty), but
benefits of exercise won’t shine through
if you don’t eat well. Pay particular
attention to the ratios of your
macronutrient intake (lean protein,
healthy fat, and whole carbohydrates).
Most fitness experts recommend a
45-30-25 ratio (carbs, protein, fats,
respectively) for
building muscle,
and slightly less
carbohydrates
(and
counterintuitively, more
healthy fat) if you are trying
to lose weight.
And of course, math is key – calories
in should equal calories out. Come
to the REPS Fitness Center to have
your body analysis done – this will
show you your BMR (the number
of calories your body requires to
do its basic functions), add your
calorie expenditure based on
your lifestyle, and incorporate
the calories you burn through
your fitness regimen. For
example, a 30 year old, 170cm
female who weighs 60kg, has
a moderately active lifestyle
and engages in strengthtraining four days a week
should consume about 2300
calories per day to maintain
her weight.
7. If you stop working out, your muscle will turn to fat
Many people have noticed that when they stop exercising, they gain weight, and they
attribute this to losing muscle. This is not exactly what happens. When you stop exercising,
your muscle does shrink in an effort to conserve energy; since the body is no longer using
the muscle as vigorously, it decides to focus the energy elsewhere. So the muscle is still
there, its role has just been minimized.
Why does one gain weight then? It’s often because the person is still consuming the same
number of calories as when they were exercising, but no longer engaging in the extra
activity to burn those calories. So, if you do stop working out, be sure to lower your calorie
intake in order to maintain your figure.
8. Deep squats cause injuries
How unfortunate that this myth has made the rounds! Deep squats not only activate
every single muscle in the legs and glutes, they also activate the core; and the
lower you go, the more your bum gets a workout (hello, ladies!). We should
rightfully be afraid of injuries while weight-lifting, but form is key to
safety – deep squats don’t cause injuries, poor form does. Ask your
trainer to give you instruction if you’re unsure of the proper form
for any exercise.
9. Supplements can be used as replacements
While this is largely a matter of personal opinion, by relying
on supplements for your meals and macronutrients, you can
miss out on many other things the body needs, like fiber
and micronutrients. Rather than making whey protein
and power bars your primary source of macronutrients,
instead opt for eating well-balanced meals, and stick to
the supplements when your body needs the extra push.
For example, taking whey protein after a workout is a
fine option, as your body particularly craves protein (and
carbohydrates) within the hour after vigorous exercise.
10. Cravings should be ignored
Am I telling you to eat that slice of cake you really want?
Not exactly. But if you are craving something obnoxiously
sweet, it’s possible your body is telling you it needs more
carbohydrates. Try eating a piece of fruit or a healthy
carbohydrate, and see if your craving subsides.
Another possibility is that you are feeling emotionally
unwell and that your brain needs a boost of
dopamine (very similar to what happens when an
addict craves his vice). By fulfilling your craving,
you activate your brain’s reward system, making
you feel better (this explains the terms “comfort
food” and “emotional eating”).
Either way, cravings are your body’s way
of saying it needs something. Listen to it,
as the body has evolved amazing ways to
communicate with your mind.
Lindsay is a NASM certified
personal trainer and an IBBFA
certified Barre instructor.
Prior to her fitness career,
she was a scientist in the
Department of Physiology
and
Biophysics
at
Georgetown University.
She currently teaches the
weight-lifting program
tailored for women,
Lifting Ladies, and
the ballet-infused class,
Barre Fitness, at REPS.
February 16 CSA 39
REPS Fitness Center
February News
Introducing REPS Annex
We’re excited to announce that REPS Fitness Center is expanding its
offerings to include Spinning, Pilates, Yoga, TRX and Mat workouts
in REPS Annex (formerly BodyFit Egypt). Book your classes online at
www.repsfc.com/booking
REPS Spin® Marathon
Lift 2 Lean
4 Hours, 4 Instructors, 4 Charity and 4 FUN! REPS will
be hosting our very 1st Spin® Marathon on Saturday,
February 13, 9.00am-1.00pm. Our team of 4 Spin®
Instructors will guide you through a 4 hour Spin® ride
including a long endurance road, a lot of steep hills,
realistic obstacles, and a fulfilling end at the finish line.
Good music, fun morning in the sun, with a great cause
that simply can’t be missed.
Strength and Core
There’s more to core training
NEW than simply developing your
abdominals. Your core encompasses
a variety of muscles, ranging from the front
of your torso to your back and obliques. In
fact, if you’re focusing too much on your abs
at the expense of other core muscle groups, you’re putting
yourself at risk for injury. All athletes, including runners
and lifters, require a balanced core to maintain a stable
spine and aligned pelvis for safe, optimal performance.
Join Agamy (ACE and ISSA-certified personal trainer with
a NSCA-endorsed specialization in strength conditioning)
for Strength and Core and he’ll give you the core you want
and need. Strength and Core classes are on Mondays at
7.00pm (REPS Annex) and Saturdays at 9.00am.
Adult Modern and Ballet
Create a dancer’s body
NEW shape by following the
exercises
of
dancers
which strengthen their muscles
and increase flexibility. In addition
to
learning Modern
Dance
and Ballet steps, enhance your
coordination, balance, and have fun
while toning! Adult Modern and
Ballet classes are on Sundays at
6.00pm and Thursdays at 1.30pm.
Hisham
Gohar’s
new
NEW class is dedicated to one
thing, and one thing only
- strengthening and lengthening
your muscles! Your body will be fully
transformed in this intense 45 minute
class. Beware, it is not for the lighthearted! Lift 2 Lean classes are on
Sundays at 9.15am.
Kids Classes
It’s a new semester and
a new opportunity to
teach your children the
importance of fitness!
We offer all kinds of
activities for every age.
Check out these classes
and see the calendar on the next page for our weekly
schedule: Zumba4Kids, Soccer Stars, Taekwondo,
Gymnastics, Little Ballerinas, Ballet and Modern,
Contemporary and Jazz, Mothers and Daughters Barre
KANGOO JUMPS
Jump your way to health
NEW with instructor Rama Sami
in the New Kangoo Jump
class at REPS Fitness Center! With
regular rebound exercise using the
special Kangoo Jump shoes, you’ll very
soon see noticeable improvements in
muscle tone, endurance levels and
weight management. Kangoo Jumps
classes are on Sundays and Tuesdays
at 10:45am in REPS Annex.
Registration for all classes at the REPS Fitness Center front desk.
For more information drop by the REPS 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 classes: free for members, $12 for walk ins, $100 for 10 session class card.
Pre-paid children’s dance classes: please register at reception.
Pre-paid children’s Taekwondo classes: please register at reception.
Pre-booked Teddy Tennis: please register with instructor.
40 February 16 CSA
Pre-paid adult classes: please register at reception or with instructor.
REPS Schedule February 2016
REPS Fitness Center
SUNDAY
MONDAY
7.00am
Lifting Ladies
Lindsay
7.00am
Lifting Ladies
Lindsay
8.15am
Circuit Training
Agamy
8.15am
Power Pump
Carey
9.15am
Lift 2 Lean
Hisham
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
7.00am
Lifting Ladies
Lindsay
7.00am
Lifting Ladies
Lindsay
8.15am
Zumba
Connie
8.15am
More for the Core
Carmel
9.30am
Fusion
Connie
9.30am
Step Interval
Carmel
10.45am
Pilates at the
Stability Barre
Jasmin
10.30am
Tae Bo
Hisham
10.45am
Pilates at the
Stability Barre
Jasmin
12.00pm
Barre Fitness
Lindsay
11.30am
Barre Fitness
Lindsay
4.15pm
Pre Dance & Pre
Fitness (3-5 years)
Mye
5.00pm
Ballet & Modern
Dance (9-12 years)
Mye
6.00 pm
Modern Dance
for Adults
Mye
7.00pm
Salsa Aerobics
Francesca
REPS Annex
SUNDAY
3.30pm
Gymnastics
(3-5 years)
Dr. Khaled
4.30pm
Gymnastics
(7-12 years )
Dr. Khaled
5.30pm
Little Ninjas
(Beginner)
Moyasser
TUESDAY
8.15
Circuit Training
Agamy
9.00
Body Action
Kim
9.00am
Strength and Core
Agamy
9.30am
Step Aerobics
Carey
9.30am
Power Pump
Carey
10.00am
Teddy Tennis
10.30am
Barre Fitness
Lindsay
10.30am
Boxercise
Usef
11.00am
Teddy Tennis
1.30 pm
Modern Dance
for Adults
Mye
3.30pm
Gymnastics
(3-5 years )
Dr. Khaled
4.30pm
Gymnastics
(7-12 years )
Dr. Khaled
5.30pm
Ballet LV 1
(6-9 years)
Mye
1.00 pm
Mothers and
Daughters Barre
Lindsay
THURSDAY
Friday
3.30pm
3.30pm
Little Ballerinas
Little Ballerinas
(3-4 years )
(3-4 years )
Gabby
Gabby
4.30pm
4.30pm
Ballet
Soccer Stars
(5-6 years )
(5 years )
Gabby
Laura
5.30pm
5.30pm
Contemporary and Contemporary and
Jazz (Pre-Teen)
Jazz (Pre-Teen/Teen)
Nicole
Nicole
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
3.00pm
Soccer Stars
(3-4 years )
Laura
4.00pm
Zumba for Kids
(7-12 years )
Francesca
5.00pm
Tigers
(Intermediate)
Moyasser
Saturday
8.30am
Spinning® Extended
Ride 90 Minutes
Instructor Rotation
8.15am
Spin Fusion
Patricia / Carmel
9.30am
Mat Challenge
Patricia Tyler
9.30am
• Spinning® - Kim
• Pilates TRX®- Jasmin
9.30am
Body Action
Kim
9.30am
• Pilates TRX®- Jasmin
10.45am
Kangoo Jumps
Rama
10.45am
Mat Foundation
Patricia El-Sayed
10.45am
Kangoo Jumps
Rama
10.45am
Mat Foundation
Patricia El-Sayed
11.45am
Belly Dance
Souhair
4.30pm
Ballet (5-6 years)
Gabby
6.30pm
Spinning®
Ahmed
6.30pm
• Classic Mat - Patricia
6.30pm
Spinning®
Astrid
7.00pm
Strength and Core
Agamy
7.30pm
Gentle Yoga
Fatima
6.30pm
Spinning®
Erin
12.00pm
Belly Dance
Souhair
6.30am
Spinning®
Yasmine
8.15am
8.15am
• Yoga Blend - Gabby • Spinning®- Astrid
• Spinning®- Erin • Pilates TRX® - Carmel
11.45am
Belly Dance
Souhair
10.00am
Pre Ballet
(3-5 years)
Mye
10.45am
Ballet LV 1
(6-9 years)
Mye
7.30pm
Zumba
Francesca
6.30am
Spinning®
Yasmine
8.15am
Spinning®
Patricia / Carmel
Saturday
11.30am
Tae Bo
Hisham
6.30pm
Dragons
(Advanced Class)
Moyasser
MONDAY
Friday
10.30am
Self Defense in
Unarmed Combat
Mariusz
9.30am
Yoga
Irina
10.00am
Dynamic Yoga
Fatima
90min
This schedule is subject to change. Always check notice boards and/or REPS Fitness Center Reception for more information. www.repsfc.com, Tel: 01003829368, 01206990208
February 16 CSA 41
Health and Wellness
What is
By Kim Hampton
More than 10 years ago, as a student of
fitness training, I kept hearing the word
“SPIN.” Simply overwhelmed with all
I needed to learn, it took me a while
to find out what this “SPIN THING”
was. And, even after I figured it out,
I simply wasn’t won over on the idea
of sitting on a bike (which needless to
say, hurt my bum a lot) and cycling
for an hour. Well, I was WRONG.
A friend finally pushed me to try the
SPIN® Instructor Course and to my
amazement I was pleasantly surprised
and simply hooked. Hugh class spirit,
stimulating music, great equipment,
and effective workout for all levels (even
people with knee problems) are ways I
can personally describe SPINNING®.
And, just plain FUN!
It is unbelievable that the fitness
phenomenon known as SPINNING®,
began in a garage in California. An
endurance cyclist named Johnny
Goldberg, originally from South Africa
moved to California in 1979 and
needed a way to train indoors, as bad
weather was hampering his training.
The indoor cycling workout that he
created propelled him to set a record
when he biked 544 miles across Arizona
without stopping, in a time of 29 hours
and 46 minutes. Afterwards, he opened
his first indoor cycling center in Santa
Monica, California where he created
a class that involved a choreographed
group cycling workout focusing on
heart rate training, breathing, form,
and motivational coaching. He was
simply on his way to creating an indoor
cycling craze that would change the
boring stationary bike forever.
Johnny Goldberg eventually teamed
up with a fellow cyclist named John
42 February 16 CSA
?
how best to alleviate that bum pain
experienced by many, but seldom lasts
for more than 2 or 3 classes. So a word
of encouragement, hang in there!
Baudhuin to design a better bike; one
that was similar to the geometry and
ergonomics of a racing bike. In 1994
they founded a company called Mad
Dogg Athletics, Inc. whose mission
was to develop the indoor cycling
concept that they had branded.
SPINNING® is the original and
most recognized method and name
in indoor cycling. It is also a wellrounded activity for all levels of
fitness that is easy on the joints, fun
to learn, and a great form of exercise.
It ensures cardiovascular conditioning,
fat burning, strength training,
endurance and flexibility gains all in
one convenient class. The design of the
bike’s resistance mechanism guarantees
that you work out safely at your level,
whether beginner or advanced, as
you control your own intensity. The
instructors are trained to guide you
to make steady improvements in your
fitness ability in a safe manner. In
addition, they can give you tips on
If you have never tried SPINNING®, you
must. We currently are offering sunrise
rides, morning and evening classes, plus
extended and fusion rides (combination
between a 45 minute SPIN® class and 30
minute TRX® workout) for your fitness
needs. In addition, quarterly spinning
marathons are currently being planned
to challenge you and keep you in great
shape, plus give you a goal to work
towards. Our professional Certified
SPINNING® Instructor Team will offer
you not just a ride on a bike, but an
experience to take away with you. The
themed classes, variety of music, various
simulated terrain, narrative of technique
and gentle encouragement, allows for a
pleasant experience, while getting fit
and seeing results. A single pedal stroke
and a little push are all that it takes to
get started on your adventure with
SPINNING®.
Please inquire at REPS Fitness
Center for more information
on the SPIN® Class Schedule,
Introductory
SPIN®
Ride
and Trial Classes, Upcoming
SPIN® Marathons, and more
concerning SPIN®. We look
forward to riding with you soon!
Kim Hampton is an ISSA Certified
Fitness Trainer & Specialist in
Performance Nutrition, and a Certified
SPINNING® Instructor. Kim along
with her fellow SPIN® Instructors would
like to welcome you to try SPINNING®
at REPS Fitness Center.
REPS Fitness Center Annex
CSA proudly presents…
(Formerly BodyFit Egypt)
We are very excited to announce that REPS Fitness Center took over the well-established
BodyFit Egypt, as of December 18, 2015. All previous activities will continue, but stay
tuned for new surprises to be revealed soon!
Spinning®
Pilates®
Yoga
TRX®
Mat workouts
Spin !t has moved
to a larger room to
accommodate the
great demand.
Classes include High
Intensity Power
Pilates, and Pilates
at the STABLITY
Barre™.
Revived yoga classes
for your meditation
and wellbeing.
Use your own body
weight to improve
your core, overall
strength, and balance
using the US Navy
Seal-developed TRX®
Suspension System.
Develop the basic
foundations of
Pilates. Courses
include Mat
Foundations, Classic
Mat, and Mat
Challenge.
Patricia Tyler, founder of BodyFit Egypt, is continuing her involvement with REPS Annex as Lead
Instructor of the STOTT PILATES® Reformer Studio. As the first and only STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Trainer in Egypt, she is also offering PILATES® Instructor Courses and Workshops to anyone interested in
becoming certified in Mat and Reformer PILATES®.
SPECIAL OFFER
Classes formerly offered by BodyFit Egypt are now available
at reduced prices. We are also offering members of REPS
Fitness Center an additional 20% discount on packages.
For more information about REPS Annex, including schedules
and online booking visit www.repsfc.com repsfc
REPS Main: 0100 382 9368
REPS Annex Studio: 0120 699 0208
February 16 CSA 43
February 16 CSA 45
CSA Calendar February 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Mum & Baby Group
10.30am-12.30pm
Showroom
Khazana
Collection of Indian Handcrafts
1
2
Cook’s Day Off 9.00am-2.00pm
Valentines Spotlight Bazaar
9.00am-3.00pm
Mum & Baby Group
10.30am-12.30pm
Chocolate Making 10.00am-1.00pm
Gems and Jewels
10.30am-11.30pm
Exploring Mortal Designs
10.30am-11.30am
Showroom Mirror Brands
The Pyramids of Abu Sir
9.00am-2.00pm
7
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
CHINESE NEW YEAR AT CSA
9.00am-2.00pm
Showroom
Ethnica Gallery
8
9
Mum & Baby Group
10.30am-12.30pm
Library Book Sale
9.00am-4.00pm
Persian Cooking
10.00am-1.00pm
Saint Simon’s Cave in Mokattam
9.00am-2.00pm
14
15
16
Cook’s Day Off 9.00am-2.00pm
Garden Bazaar 9.00 am-3.00pm
Mum & Baby Group
10.30am-12.30pm
Skincare Workshop
10.00am-12.00pm
Lebanese Cooking
10.00am-1.00pm
Showroom El Patio Furniture and
Home Accessories
21
22
Cook’s Day Off
9.00am-2.00pm
Mum & Baby Group
10.30am-12.30pm
Showroom
Jayanti Maydeo Paintings
A Taste of Thailand
10.00am-1.00pm
28
29
23
More information on www.livinginegypt.org
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Friday / Saturday
5
Cook’s Day Off
10.00am-2.00pm
Farmer’s Market
9.00-2.00pm
3
Day Trip to the Desert
10.00am-3.00pm
4
6
12
Cook’s Day Off
10.00am-2.00pm
Farmer’s Market
9.00-2.00pm
10
11
19
CSA Pub Tour
5.00pm-11.00pm
Cook’s Day Off
10.00am-2.00pm
Thai Buffet
12.00pm
Farmer’s Market
9.00-2.00pm
17
Monasteries of
Ain Sukhna
8.00am-7.00pm
18
20
26
Green & Gold Gala
and Golf Tournament
Cook’s Day Off
10.00am-2.00pm
Old Palaces of Cairo
El-Sakakini Palace
9.00am-2.00pm
13
Farmer’s Market
9.00-2.00pm
24
25
27
CSA Events
Arts/Lifestyle
Trips/Tours
Cooking
50 February 16 CSA
Health and Wellness
breaking down the complex into
more manageable bites
By Marcus O’Neill MSc RD
Antioxidants: Hype vs. Reality
Antioxidants entered the public
consciousness in the 1990s when
researchers began to understand that
damage caused by reactive oxygen
species (ROS) was linked to various
chronic diseases including clogged
arteries
(atherosclerosis),
vision
loss and some types of cancer. This
led to a rush of products featuring
antioxidants, as well as antioxidant
supplements hitting the shelves of
supermarkets and pharmacies. But
the question remains, how much do
they actually help? Let’s try to tease
apart hype from reality when it
comes to antioxidants.
How antioxidants work
First, a quick lesson on how antioxidants
work. ROS, also sometimes referred to
as free radicals, are compounds that
steal electrons from others compounds
in the body. They are natural byproducts of metabolism or exposure to
sunlight, and can be found in the food
we eat, as well as the air we breathe.
The problem with ROS is that stealing
electrons from other compounds can
not only result in damage to DNA,
cell membranes and basically anything
else they come in contact with, but the
compounds they’ve stolen electrons
from become ROS themselves in a sort
of chain-like reaction.
Antioxidants are the defense against
ROS. They neutralize ROS by giving
up an electron without turning into
ROS themselves. They’re basically the
body’s version of using water to put
out a fire.
Antioxidants in your diet
Our body naturally produces a whole
host of antioxidants to deal with ROS,
but we can also obtain them from food.
Good sources of antioxidants are fruits
and vegetables (generally the brighter
the color, the better), coffee, tea, nuts,
whole grains, wine and, yes, even
chocolate (but only the dark kind!).
Diets high in antioxidant containing
foods are consistently associated with
lower rates of chronic disease as well
as longer lifespans, but it’s difficult to
quantify how much of these benefits
can be directly tied to the antioxidants
themselves.
To supplement or not
So, antioxidants from our diet are
probably a good thing, but are you
getting enough? Should you consider
supplementing just to be sure? Some
common antioxidant supplements
include vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene,
selenium,
manganese,
glutathione,
coenzyme
Q10,
flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols and
phytoestrogens.
Unfortunately outside of very
particular situations there is little
evidence to suggest that supplementing
with antioxidants staves off many of
the diseases they are often claimed
to and in some cases may actually be
harmful. For example, beta-carotene
supplements are a bit of a mixed bag.
They appear to protect against the
development of macular degeneration
(a form of blindness), but have no
benefit in terms of heart disease or
stroke, and actually increase the risk of
developing lung cancer in smokers.
The Bottom Line
Antioxidants play an important role
in protecting the body from damage
caused by ROS. Your primary source
of antioxidants should be food, ideally
from varied sources, including fruits
and vegetables. Most people do not
benefit from taking antioxidant
supplements, however if you are
considering doing so, you should first
discuss with your physician or dietitian
to minimize the risks of any potential
negative side-effects.
Marcus O’Neill is a
Registered
Dietitian
from Canada and Editor
of Oasis Magazine. He
is available for nutrition
consultations at REPS
Fitness Center. You can reach him
by email at marcus@livinginegypt.
org or follow him via Twitter (@
marcusoneillrd) or his blog (www.
dietitianabroad.com).
February 16 CSA 51
54 February 16 CSA
Health and Wellness
Depression
Suppression
Amina A. Young, RPh.
Medications:
Other:
Although mental health awareness
campaigns run in the month of
October, most of us can agree that
February is the most depressing
month. This month has little to offer:
bad movies, postholiday weight gain,
broken New Year’s resolutions and
being plain broke from the holidays.
For most of us, such occasional mood
changes are normal and temporary.
Unfortunately, this cannot be said of
the 350 million suffering from clinical
depression.
Selective
Serotonin
Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs): This is the first, and
most popular group of medications.
It is also usually the group of drugs
most patients try first and the most
prescribed for depression. It works by
making sure serotonin (5HTP) stays
in the brain longer and it has a long
history of safety and efficacy. A major
complaint is sexual dysfunction.
Examples are citalopram, escitalopram,
paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline.
Bupropion: Works on both dopamine
and norepinephrine. Not usually
considered a first choice but great as
an “add on” to existing medication to
maximize treatment. Also, it is given to
those if they are trying to quit smoking
or weight loss is recommended.
Clinical depression is not a simple
condition. Women are twice as likely
to be affected and it is estimated that
over 800,000 people per year commit
suicide from depression. In 2009, a
Cairo University psychiatry professor
claimed that 1.2 million Egyptians
suffer from depression. This is possibly
an understatement due to a lack of
resources for diagnosing, and the
overall stigma mental health disorders
may hold in certain cultures. It has
many different types and severities
(mild, moderate, severe). Likewise,
sufferers can experience a number of
symptoms that determine the type
of depression experienced. More
information can be found in The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
(DSM5) also known as the holy bible
of mental disorders.
People are treated for depression so
they can lead a productive life and
be able to function in school, work
and other social settings. Treatment
helps eliminate or at least decrease
negative symptoms, and decrease the
number of times depressive episodes
occur in one’s lifetime. It is also used
to prevent self harm and decrease
the risk of suicide. Depression is the
result of a chemical imbalance in the
brain. Some of the chemicals involved
(also known as neurotransmitters)
include serotonin (5HTP), dopamine
(DA) and norepinephrine (NE).
Medications are used to help correct
this balance.
56 February 16 CSA
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake
Inhibitors (SNRI): These drugs
work by ensuring both serotonin
and norepinephrine are in the brain
longer. These drugs are usually given
after an SSRI has been tried and didn’t
work. Earlier it was thought they
worked better than SSRIs but when
compared, the difference was small
and hard to measure. Examples are
venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine.
Trazodone: This drug is unrelated
to the other groups but works
by increasing serotonin. It is not
commonly prescribed because it
causes excessive drowsiness. This is
sometimes added to those already on
an antidepressant to help them sleep
at night.
Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants
(TCAS and TeCAs): These are reserved
for when SNRIs and SSRIs don’t
work. Usually they are avoided in
elderly since it can cause dizziness,
and constipation which harder
to manage in older individuals.
Even though they work
well, their side effects are
not as tolerable to most.
Examples are amitriptyline,
nortriptyline, mirtazapine.
Monoamine
Oxidase
Inhibitors
(MAOI):
This group of drugs has
been around a very
long time. Rarely used
unless the 3 previously
mentioned groups do
not work. People taking
drugs in this group need
to be closely monitored.
There are also a number of
food restrictions when taking
these drugs. Examples are phenelzine,
tranylcypromine, moclobemide.
Vortioxetine: This is the newest drug on
the market. Like trazodone, it shares no
similarities with other medications but
also works on increasing serotonin. It
seems to be a good option when SSRI/
SNRI are not working. New studies
indicate this drug may soon be a suitable
first choice. There also may be fewer side
effects associated with this option. Only
time will tell how it performs, as more
studies are in progress.
Natural products:
St. John’s Wort: Probably the
most famous and studied plant for
depression. There are studies that
show it works, and others that show it
doesn’t. When combining the evidence
it can be concluded that it does help
with depression for mild to moderate
cases. It works similar to prescription
medication. The downside is that this
product has a lot of drug interactions.
SAMe (S-adenodyl L-methionine):
Through
a
very
complicated
mechanism, this molecule increases
the neurotransmitters and chemicals
in the brain such as dopamine,
norepinephrine
and
serotonin.
Unfortunately, good formulations are
expensive comparable to prescription
medication.
Inositol: Formerly called a Vitamin
B8, but now downgraded to a sugar
alcohol that is not essential to humans
since we can self produce it. Benefits
have been seen at high doses, however,
larger scale studies are needed to
confirm this.
Vitamins and Essential Fatty Acids:
Specifically Folic acid, Vitamin
B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and
Vitamin C have been focused on.
Poor nutrition is sometimes a theory
thrown around for causing depression.
Good nutrition gives positive benefits
to overall health, so studying vitamins
is important. Unfortunately, lots of
conflicting data is reported. Essential
fatty acids from fish oils such as EPA
and DHA are important for our brains
and nervous system. Countries that
eat more fish seemed to have lower
rates of depression. When looking
at the studies, certain groups seemed
to benefit when taking fish oils for
depression, where as other groups
showed no improvement.
Hormones: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone made in our
bodies, but is also commercially
available. The way it is thought to work
is unclear, but it was found those with
depression seemed to have low levels
of DHEA, especially as we get older.
The studies were done on a very small
number of people and larger studies
are needed with better controls to
confirm if it really works. Safety
is also a concern here, where
evidence is needed that taking
this hormone at higher doses
won’t increase the risk of certain
cancers.
Neurotransmitter Precursors:
These are molecules required
to make the neurotransmitters
or chemicals that we make
naturally anyways. By ingesting
the ingredients needed to make
these molecules, the idea is it may
increase levels in the brain. A few
examples include L-tryptophan,
5HTP, phenylalanine. Some of
these studies show these molecules
work, other show they do not. More
information and properly controlled
studies are needed.
Others: Other agents claiming to help
with depression include damiana,
lavender, yohimbe, turmeric, ginkgo,
saffron and glutamine. Writing about
each one would make a very long
article! However, saffron is worth
mentioning since it is showing some
very exciting results. But this became
quickly less exciting when the only
country taking time to evaluate this
is Iran. Because of saffron’s potential,
hopefully other studies will follow.
Therapies:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
This is still considered controversial
by some, but has been around a long
time. It is usually only offered for severe
cases needing quick results, or where
everything else has been tried and
deemed unsuccessful. It has an unusually
high success rate but factors limit its use,
such as needing to do multiple sessions
per week for several weeks, cost of
treatment and strange temporary effects
like amnesia and confusion.
Psychotherapy (including cognitive,
behavioural and interpersonal): This
is a very important part of treatment
and invaluable when combined with
medication. Therapy can be individual,
group or family therapy if needed. This
helps with problem solving and coping
techniques through exercises that
help change how one thinks. Therapy
is usually customized based on the
specific goals you are trying to reach.
Lifestyle Considerations: Coping with
depression is more than just taking
medication and some therapy. Doing
your best to create better sleeping
habits, adding some physical activity
and healthy eating all contribute to
one’s overall wellbeing. Also minimizing
caffeine and alcohol consumption is
ideal. Lean on family and friends for
support, and know there are lots of
options not mentioned so talk to a
professional and don’t be afraid to do
your own research. If you hear about
a medication your coworker is on that
is working great, remember this doesn’t
mean it will work for you. Take time for
yourself, to read, meditate and perhaps
relieve stress with an adult coloring
book. If you have young children (and
boarding school and summer camp
is not an option) schedule some time
apart since studies show a few hours a
week of childcare / any assistance can
be beneficial.
Disclaimer: Always consult a primary care
practitioner before initiating or discontinuing
treatment.
Amina A. Young is a registered
pharmacist from Canada. She studied
at McMaster University then went on to
the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at
the University of Toronto. She lives in
Cairo with her husband and son.
February 16 CSA 57
Family
Did you know?….
Flavia’s Fab Facts
As we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, did you know these
strange and interesting facts about love?
Valentine’s Day Origins
There are many legends regarding the origin of
Valentine’s Day, but the most popular is that Roman
Emperor Claudius II did not want his soldiers to
marry during wartime for fear of distraction. However,
a priest named Valentine went against the Emperor’s
wishes and performed secret weddings anyway. He
was jailed for his betrayal and executed. Some stories
report that while in jail, he wrote a love note to the
jailor’s daughter and signed it “from your Valentine”.
Love & Tennis
Why do we use the term “love” in tennis? This term
dates back to 1792, where it meant “playing for love”
…or in other words, for nothing.
Why Diamonds?
Why do we give a diamond as an engagement
ring? The tradition is said to have started in the
15th century when Archduke Maximillian of
Austria gave his fiancée Mary of Burgundy a
diamond ring.
Lasting Love?
An extravagant gift of love was the Taj Mahal
diamond worth $8.8 million, given to Elizabeth
Taylor by Richard Burton for her 40th birthday.
Despite divorcing for a second and final time in
1976, Taylor would later admit “after Richard,
the men in my life were just there to hold the
coat, to open the door”
Kisses
Why does the X symbolize a kiss? In medieval
times people that could not write their names
used to sign with an X in front of witnesses. They
would then kiss the X to show sincerity.
Chocolate
Today chocolates are a favorite gift of love but
it was Richard Cadbury that created the first
heart shaped chocolate box that he used on
Valentine’s Day in the late 1800’s.
The Ring Finger
Why was the forefinger on the left hand chosen
as the lucky one to wear the engagement and
wedding band? The Ancient Greeks believed
that the vena amoris (vein of love) runs
through that finger straight to the heart.
Roses
The rose is traditionally the symbol of love,
but what do their various colors suggest? Red
(passion and true love), Yellow (friendship, but
also jealousy), Light Pink (desire, passion and
energy), Dark Pink (gratitude and thankfulness),
White (devotion or virtue) and Lavender or
Thornless (love at first sight).
The Aztecs
In Mexico, Chief Montezuma thought chocolate
to be a love drug. He is known for his habit
of drinking 50 cups of chocolate a day before
meeting with his harem of 600 women.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in India was built by Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife
Mumtaz Mahal after she died during the birth of
her 14th child. It is often recognized as the most
extraordinary gift of love.
February 16 CSA 65
66 February 16 CSA
Lifestyle
An Expat in Cairo
By Laura Logan
*Snap* I took another picture of the
graffiti on Talaat Harb St.
“Excuse me, my name is Ahmed,” said
a young Egyptian man, interrupting
my focus.
I generally try to avoid talking to
strange men in the street, so I just
nodded politely and continued to take
pictures.
“Excuse me, what are you doing?” he
asked. I told him I’m taking pictures
of the graffiti.
I decided to give Ahmed a chance.
Encounters with men in the street
usually start innocently (i.e. I just want
to talk; you need directions?; graffiti
halwa this way!) but nearly always end
with either “…you like sex?” or “come
see my shop!”
Fortunately for everyone, Ahmed was
sincere. Boundaries were put up and
they were respected.
I joined him and several of his friends
for coffee at a shop downtown.
One friend, Sayyed, works at an
exchange place near Tahrir Square.
The other man, Mostafa, runs a shop
on Mohamed Mahmoud St near
AUC’s downtown campus.
We talked about Mubarak and we
talked about Israel.
“Excuse me, I want to talk with
you.” Well clearly, I thought snidely.
“I really like to talk with people and
learn about them. People never smile
anymore. Why does no one smile?
People should smile...” I let him talk as I continued to peruse
the graffiti.
Ahmed had grown up in ‘Abdeen
downtown Cairo, where he taught
himself Japanese and English. His
dream is to one day visit Japan.
He kept talking for a solid fifteen
minutes, before he asked again “It is
okay if I talk with you?”
I asked about life under Mubarak. “Life
was bad. Mubarak robbed this country
and now everyone is poor. There
is nothing here,” Mostafa declared
sadly. Sayyed shook his head in
disagreement. “No, you’re wrong.
Mubarak was a good man and a good
president. It was Sadat that destroyed
Egypt financially. Mubarak protected
us and created jobs.”
I asked whether they knew anyone
who was imprisoned under the
emergency law. “I went to prison for
six years,” stated Mostafa, casually.
Shocked, I asked him how he could be
so nonchalant about it. “All Egyptian
men spent time in prison when
Mubarak was president.” He looked
over to Sayyed and tattled, “Sayyed
went to prison too.” Sayyed smiled
proudly.
The conversation shifted to the subject
of Israel.
“I like the Israeli people. I have met
some. But you never know who is
Israeli because they always lie about
their nationality,” explained Ahmed.
I suggested that Israelis might feel
unsafe revealing their nationality, due
to the anti-Semitism and anti-Israel
sentiment in Egypt.
“Yeah, maybe. I had a friend once who
told me he was Canadian. I believed
him until I saw his Israeli passport on
the table. When I asked him about it,
he confessed that he is Israeli with dual
citizenship. I asked him why did you
lie to me? He said it was because he
was unsure of how I would react.”
Sayyed chimed in, “A lot of people here
don’t like Israelis... or Americans, for
that matter. But they don’t understand
because most of the time they’ve never
had a conversation with one.”
“I love the Israeli people, but I
hate their government. Same with
America,” Ahmed elaborated.
*Names have been changed to protect identities
Laura Logan is a
freelance writer
from San Diego,
California who
has lived in Cairo
intermittently
between 2008
and present. She
attended
the
American University in Cairo (AUC)
for one year before transferring to
UCLA, where she majored in Middle
Eastern and North African Studies.
After graduating, she returned to Cairo
to study Arabic and pursue a career in
journalism. You can view her work on
Harvard International Review’s blog,
Scoop Empire, or her personal blog at
loganmideast.blogspot.com.
February 16 CSA 67
Health and Wellness
The
Coach
See the huge
possibility in your life
By Julie-ann Odell
In our first issue of The Life Coach,
appropriately starting in the month
containing Valentine’s Day, we take
a look at a very important and much
forgotten aspect of love: Self Love.
We’ve become so focused on showing
our love for others that we forget to
5 Steps to Loving Yourself
Replace self-criticism with praise:
Refuse to criticise yourself, and accept
yourself as you are for the moment.
When you criticise yourself, you break
your inner spirit. Learn to appreciate
and praise yourself for even the smallest
of achievements.
Be kind to your mind: Are you
disempowering yourself with negative
thinking and fears? If so, evict the
intruder and switch your thoughts to
a mental image that gives you pleasure.
Make positive thinking a habit.
Be your own best friend: Be aware
of negative self talk. When you find
yourself thinking disempowering
thoughts about yourself, send the
thoughts away and replace them with a
powerful, positive affirmation.
Spend quality time with yourself:
Read personal growth, and self-help
books. Listen to positive affirmations
and guided visualizations. Learn to
meditate.
Focus on personal growth: Attend
empowering workshops. Commit to
learning something new. Surround
yourself with positive people who have
an uplifting spirit and encourage you to
be your best.
remember that love first starts within.
How often do we take the time to
journey inside ourselves and find out
who truly lives there and what makes
us happy or sad and where did all of
those feelings begin.
We come into this world as beautiful
babies with clean emotional slates
and innocent minds, but there are
various factors from the time we are
born that affect the way we learn to
feel about ourselves. This includes
negative emotional patterning in
childhood from parents, family,
teachers, society and even the media
with representations of what success
and beauty is supposed to look like.
We are taught many things in life,
not all of them positive; and from the
negative emotional lessons, we create
limiting beliefs that become part of
our values system and determine to a
great extent how we live our lives, and
what and who we attract into them. It’s
a pity that we aren’t all given “A User’s
Manual” for our Emotional Operating
System as part of our educational
process but unfortunately, until now,
it does not exist.
I recently attended a Louise
Hay Teacher’s workshop in the
United Kingdom and from the 45
participants in the room - consisting
of many different ages and cultural
backgrounds - not a single person put
up their hand when they were asked
the question: “Were you taught as a
child how to deal with fear, anger or
shame? And when the same group was
asked to look at themselves in a mirror
and say: “I truly and honestly love
you” only a few people in the room
were able to authentically do so. It
shocked me, and made me realize how
important it is to spread awareness
around the importance of self-love.
When we live life from a place of denial,
we spend much of our time sacrificing
ourselves for the needs and wants of
others to keep relationships going at any
cost, and spend a lot of energy in the story
of: “Look what they are doing to me”,
rather than “Look what I am allowing to
happen!” Once we start to see life from
the “cause” aspect rather than the “effect”
and ask ourselves the question: “What
part of me is allowing this to happen?”
and “When did that belief system first
begin?” is when we start to realize that so
many of us were conditioned to believe
that we are not worthy of healthy, happy
and loving lives.
When we gain awareness around the
past and its patterns and limiting belief
systems, we can start to see that we are
truly deserving of love, happiness and
success. We can learn to forgive and
accept ourselves and others, change our
way of thinking and create empowering
belief systems. Once we can learn to
love ourselves unconditionally, we
can accept love from others in a very
different way. We attract enhancing
relationships into our lives, our passion
is ignited and we can finally see huge
possibilities for our future unfold.
Julie-ann Odell is a certified
Organization Relationship Systems
Coach (ORSCC) and a certified
NeuroTransformation
Coach.
She divides her time between her
clients in Cairo and Dubai and
is passionate about helping others
reach their full potential through her
personal growth workshops. You can
contact her at +20 111 836 1836.
February 16 CSA 69
Culture
By Supriya Chawla
The original Nubia is the dry hot land
of about 123,000 square kilometers
between the city of Aswan and
northern Sudan. Much of this land
now lies beneath the waters created by
the High Dam Reservoir (Lake Nassar/
Lake Nubia). With its construction an
entire population, consisting of about
hundred twenty thousand people, was
relocated from its ancestral home land.
Half of those were resettled in Kom
Ombo, about 10 miles north of Aswan,
and the other half were repatriated
to northwestern Sudan. At the same
time monuments in Nubia were also
relocated. For example UNESCO’s
efforts, at the time, to rescue from the
flooding waters the two temples of
Ramses II and his consort from Abu
Simbel are well known even today.
In earlier Egyptian texts, Nubia is
mentioned as the land of Cush. It
was through this land that Egyptians
obtained products of the Sudan like
ebony, ivory, leopard skins and a variety
of resins. Its people had for millennia
inhabited the middle reaches of the
Nile and their traditional ways of life
were based on agriculture, fishing,
transporting goods up and down the
Nile, virtually unchanged until the
Aswan Dam was built.
As we can see, old Nubia served as a
link between Egypt and a small part of
70 February 16 CSA
East Africa and trade between the two
countries was well established (It must
be noted, however, because of its barren
environment, it was not a regular trade
route for the rest of Africa). Egypt had
an abundant agricultural surplus and
since ancient times Nubians turned
to their rich northern neighbor for
vital food supplies, specifically grains.
In return Egypt was given access to
exploit Nubia’s rich mineral resources.
At the time when the most recent
Aswan Dam was complete in 1970,
the relocation trauma to the Nubians
was deepened by the fact that it was
the fourth time they had watched their
homes become submerged by the Nile.
The first dam was built between 1899
and 1902. It formed an artificial lake,
about 230 km upstream, and Nubians
moved back from the fertile strip at
the edge of the river and rebuilt their
homes going higher up the banks.
Then began a period of further trial
and error for the construction of the
dam and each time it was enlarged
to meet the needs of the country the
Nubian population was moved.
Following the most recent resettlement
the Nubians were finally granted at
least some compensation. To mention
just one type, special days were set
for Nubians to do their shopping
for merchandise at governmental
departmental stores. The prices at these
stores were subsidized, demonstrating
that the Egyptian Government was
well aware of the Nubian population’s
plight and considered Nubians very
much part of its population.
Nubians are a gentle, honest, proud,
and as we have seen, are an enduring
people. They are tall, slim and
darker colored compared to their
Egyptian counterparts. In the 20th
century Nubia’s working men came
northwards to find employment as
doormen, cooks, clerks, servants,
and can still be found in many
Cairene households. However it is
the large black rocks that are situated
on its southern tip and resemble
bathing elephants. Here is another
Nubian village that can be visited.
Visitors are welcome in any of these
villages and are often invited inside
for a drink of refreshing minted black
tea. The women take this opportunity
to bring out their handicrafts, which
consist of color-coordinated small
bead necklaces that intricately are
woven on small spools and represent
a typical Nubian craft and cannot
be found elsewhere. Other items are
baskets, caps for males that hold the
turbans in place.
also observed that they seldom marry
an Egyptian and eventually return
to today’s Nubia when they retire.
Many Nubians still speak their own
language, which unfortunately is not
a written language.
The
classic
modern
Nubian
villages that were spared by the last
rising waters around Aswan are
extraordinarily beautiful and practical.
They usually are built of mud bricks,
with barrel vaulted roofs and domes
for air circulation. The living quarters
are built around a broad central and
shaded courtyard. The village lanes
of fine yellow sand, twist past walls
painted in vivid shades of blue. A
visitor will find that the buildings elicit
a feeling of harmony and practicality.
They are cool and spacious, and as a
family expands the main building is
added to with the construction of
additional rooms.
A felucca ride will take a visitor to
Elephantine Island in the middle of
the Nile. The island gets its name from
To bring the Nubian culture to the
world and indeed envelope it into
tourist packages, UNESCO built a
museum in Aswan. The construction is
of sandstone and incorporates features
of Nubian architecture. There are over
2,000 artifacts that trace the area’s
history. The displays include the oldest
human skeleton. An exhibit of a prehistoric cave depicts the first attempts
at rock carvings and the use of tools.
The exhibits of the Pharaonic period
demonstrate the former importance
of the region to the rulers of Egypt
as a gateway to the south and give
the visitor a better understanding of
the former links between Egypt with
Nubia. There is also a section with
Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic
influences. The colorful exhibits of the
Nubian folk heritage emphasize the
individuality of the Nubian culture.
The most common crafts are pottery
and the weaving of baskets and mats
from palm fronds.
When one remembers that their
ancestors came from a very dry land,
the Nubians have adapted very well
living in the moist environment of the
Nile River and many own feluccas and
make very fine felucca captains and
guides in and around Aswan as well
to further up north of the country.
One can hire the felucca, its captain
and crew at low cost for a group of 20
or so people per boat for two or three
days. They will do the cooking and
entertaining and at the same time take
you to some enchanting archeological
sites along the river’s edge.
How do Nubians feel about themselves
today? The following will give some
idea when this writer once made a
dreadful mistake. I was sitting in a
restaurant in Aswan and was ready
to order. For some reason and I don’t
remember what it was that made
say to a Nubian waiter “but you are
Egyptian.” Oh dear, little did I know
at that time. He was enraged. “I am
not Egyptian, I am Nubian” he said
and walked off without taking my
order. I then realized that Nubians
are extremely proud to be Nubian
and often disdainful of northern
Egyptians. It is not a question of skin
color. It is something else, namely a
pride in one’s heritage!
Supriya has a diversified employment
history in Egypt. In 2000 she came to
CSA and served in various capacities as librarian, organizer of tours within
Cairo and all major and minor oases
including the desert regions. She also led
a craft group with the purpose of raising
funds for charity organizations in the
name of CSA. She retired from CSA
in 2009 and now lives in Tunis, in the
Fayoum Oasis.
February 16 CSA 71
72 February 16 CSA
Entertainment & Recreation
Diner’s Delight brings you a feast of flavor.
Every month Lyric & Eden Unger Bowditch share a new restaurant to add to your favorites!
VITTORIO’S
Few Maadi residents do not know
Vittorio’s. The restaurant opened in
2006 down the street from its present
location in Maadi-Degla. It made
the move in 2013, now across from
Stavolta… convenient, indeed.
Restaurateur, Vittorio Fouda, has
lived all over the planet. Formerly an
accountant in Cairo, he moved to
London in 1973 and then to Rome in
1975. He had been a longtime patron
of the Leonard Da Vinci Institute,
the venerable Italian scuola that that
can trace its origins back to the 18th
century. He loved Italy, the food, and
the language. He moved from Rome
to Sicily and worked in import/
export. In Sicily, he began to work as
a chef and a lifelong love blossomed.
Eventually, Vittorio found his way
back to London where he opened a
restaurant with a Sicilian friend and
partner, and then another in Palermo.
It was back in London that he met a
Columbian beauty, Maria Teresa, who
would become his wife. But his love
for his wife only fueled the fires of
his love for cooking. “The kitchen,”
Vittorio admits, “is my lover.”
In 2005, Vittorio and his family moved
back to Cairo. He now splits his time
between his restaurants in Bogota,
Columbia and Maadi. His children
speak English, Spanish, Italian, and
Arabic and he loves when they all get
into the kitchen together.
His food is filled with that love. Start
your meal with something hot and
flavorful, such as the spicy gambaretti
al arrabbiata (shrimp in a tomato and
chili sauce), or something cooler, like
the traditional caprese salad, made
with fresh mozzarella from local
cheesemakers with traditional Italian
sensibilities. Vittorio’s also get their
homemade pastas and ravioli from
Belle of the Ball: Perhaps the
lovely tapenade brought before
the meal & the great espresso
Dance Lessons Needed: Some
might prefer a more designated
non-smoking section
What’s in the Punch: Wine and
beer
Homeward
available
Bound?:
Delivery
these artisans, and pair the pastas with
a variety of savory house-made sauces,
from tangy tomato to creamy fungi.
Their pizzas could have come right
from Italy. The crust is exceptionally
thin and the options, plentiful.
Among the vegetarian entrees are the
rich spinach lasagna and the crespoline
di margro (baked pancake filled
with ricotta, parmesan cheese, and
spinach). Other standouts include the
filletto al pepe verde (beef fillet with
a green peppercorn sauce), which is
well prepared, tender, and flavorful.
End the meal with an excellent
Italian cappuccino and one of several
homemade desserts, like the warm
apple pie with a flaky phyllo-crust and
vanilla ice cream.
Lyric and Eden welcome your comments
and recommendations. Please drop them a
line at [email protected]
February 16 CSA 73
74 February 16 CSA
Lifestyle
Love is on Your Bookshelf
By Trevor Naylor
It is February and so of course the
theme of this issue is love. One would
struggle to find a theme, which is more
prevalent in the novel than this, so I
imagined, correctly, that finding books
to write about would not be difficult.
Love as depicted via fictional characters
is as varied as this complex emotion
can be in real life; and so despite the
many books devoted to love-based
storylines written over the centuries
there are always fresh variations to
sustain new books for today, where
in bookstores the romance sections
remain full of great writing for readers
of all levels and all ages.
Love, romance, marriage, adultery
form storylines in the Arab novel, as
much as anywhere else, and the latest
fiction title from the AUC Press has a
complex love theme at its heart.
Mortal Designs, by Reem Bassiouney,
tells the tale of Captain Murad,
who wishes to be buried in an
architect-designed, grand mausoleum
overlooking the Nile. In order to
fulfill this dream he creates a romance
between the architect, Hazem, who
represents Egypt’s older class and
elitist sensibilities, and a poor single
mother named Asma, who embodies
Egypt in her resilient patience as she
strives for a better life for her children
and is prepared to go to any lengths to
achieve her ambitions.
Things do not turn out as expected
once the storyline is established and
true love hits Asma hard as the main
characters grow into people one likes
and dislikes in equal measure. With
themes that touch on living and
dying, Ancient Egypt, modern life and
social class divisions, Mortal Designs
is something of a literary boat ride
across the Nile which is enjoyable
yet unpredictable. It is published by
AUC Press, is available now and I
highly recommend it. The author is an
award-winning writer who has taught
in universities around the world and
now lives in Cairo.
Love: The Joy that Wounds is a
collection of love poetry drawn from the
work of the great Sufi poet, Jelaluddin
Rumi and is a beautifully illustrated
work of words and calligraphy which
would make a perfect gift at any time
of year.
Poetry has always been the most difficult
medium for writers and even in today‘s
hectic times, we tend to look back to the
great names of the past rather than to
find fresh voices who reflect the world
we know live, and love, in.
Rumi has a wonderful way of
articulating the deepest happiness and
worst sadness that love can bring, even
in English translation. How amazing
it must be to read them in Persian.
In his poem, ‘You Are The Drop
and the Ocean’, Rumi encapsulates
everything to do with that person who
is the centre of your life.
Rumi was a mystic and founder of
the order of the Whirling Dervishes
and his legacy of words in thousands
of poems has made him the world’s
bestselling poet of all time. His poetry
reflects the paradoxes of love and
devotion which, though written in the
13th century, remain true today.
Bestsellers last forever, as do their
much-loved characters. Winnie the
Pooh is love embodied in a bear and
the book Love from Pooh is another
great present for everyone of any age.
Taking quotations from all of A A
Milne’s works featuring this endearing
character, we find his homely
philosophy both heartwarming and
full of quiet observation.
Thus under the heading ‘Loving
Thoughts’, we read… Pooh thought that
being with Christopher Robin was a
very good thing to do, and having Piglet
near was a friendly thing to have…
Find these books and more at
The AUC Bookstore’s newest
location at CSA. Open SundayThursday 9.00am-7.00pm.
Trevor Naylor is Associate Director of
Sales and Marketing at the AUC Press
and has worked in publishing around
the world for 35 years and is the author
of two books.
February 16 CSA 75
Travel
Destination
By Sukanya Ghosh
“If one had but a single glance to give
the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.”
- Alphonse de Lamartine
What is it that calls so many of us
to Istanbul? Is it the great tales of
the Ottoman Sultans we heard as
children? Is it the image of a city
with a fascinating amalgamation of
diverse cultures? Is it the captivating
scenic beauty? Perhaps, it is all of these
reasons and more.
Once the capital of the Roman/
Byzantine
(then
known
as
Constantinople)
and
Ottoman
Empires, Istanbul is one of the world’s
most interesting centres. With its
76 February 16 CSA
natural beauty, historic monuments
and rich culture Istanbul is a great
option if you’re looking for a change
in your otherwise busy humdrum life.
Istanbul truly is a perfect destination
with one foot on the East and the
other in the West.
In terms of its location Istanbul is
among the most special cities in the
world as it spans both Europe and
Asia. The commercial and historic
center of the city lies on the European
side, as does approximately two thirds
its population. South is the Marmara
Sea and to the north, the Black
Sea. The western part of the city is
divided from the eastern part by the
Bosphorous Strait.
Today Istanbul
is a flourishing city with all modern
amenities and a constantly growing
skyline. There are new developments
constantly taking place, including
new metro lines and an underground
transportation project (the Marmaray
Tunnel), which make it easy to get
around in. Approximately 12-15
million foreign visitors arrived in
Istanbul in 2015, making it the world’s
fifth most popular tourist destination.
Turkey is a secular state, meaning
there is no official state religion. Its
constitution provides for freedom
of religion and conscience. Despite
Turkey’s government being secular
the vast majority of its population
identifies as Muslim.
The climate of Istanbul is a little cooler
than many other cities located near
the Mediterranean. In the winter the
temperatures can drop below freezing,
while in the summer high-20s to mid30s degrees celsius are the norm.
Turkish cuisine is very diverse and
renowned. A few of the more popular
dishes are Menemen (a delicious
Turkish style omelet), Meze (cold
appetizers), Kuyu Kebab (a specialty
from the Black Sea region), Adana
Kebab (a must if you are a meat
enthusiast!), Manti (a hot dish served
with cold yoghurt and garlic) and
Baklava (the finest example of Turkish
dessert passion).
It takes less than 2 hours from Cairo
to reach Istanbul by air. Within
minutes of your arrival you can head
to the warren streets of their many
bazaars (including the famous Grand
Bazaar or Egyptian Spice Bazaar) or
visit its stylish art galleries, world class
restaurants, electrifying night clubs,
magnificent mosques, atmospheric
churches, intriguing museums and
Sultan’s palaces.
The top tourist attractions in Istanbul
will give you an insight into the city’s
history, culture and development.
These include:
• Basilica Cistern – The city’s most
unexpectedly romantic attraction, the
Basilica Cistern, provides a glimpse
of the complicated system that once
brought drinking water into Istanbul
from Thrace.
• Hagia Sophia - This sixth century
Byzantine masterpiece of Emperor
Justinian’s is a famous church-turnedmosque-turned-museum, which is
hard not to overstate. It has newly
opened tombs of several Ottoman
Sultans and their slaughtered sons.
• Topkapi Palace - An absolute must
see is the Topkapi Palace, home to
generation of Sultans and their wives,
who were closeted in the harem.
• Blue Mosque - This early 17th
century Mosque is one of the handful
of mosques in the world to boast six
minarets facing the Hagia Sophia.
• Istanbul Archeological Museum The museum has a range of collections
including housing the glorious
sarcophagus of Alexander, which
depicts the scene from the life of
Alexander the Great. You can also have
a glimpse of a peace treaty from 1269
BC preserved in the part of museum
nearest to the gate.
• Suleymaniye Mosque - As you stand
and walk by the busy Galata Bridge
and look at the city’s skyline, there is
a beautiful mosque that was designed
by Ottoman architect, Sinan, for
Suleiman The Magnificent. It is one of
the finest of the 42 surviving mosques
he designed for Istanbul.
• Galata Tower - You can get a bird’s
eye view of Istanbul from the top of
the Galata Tower, built in 1838. The
Galata Tower is situated in Beyoglu,
the modern part of old Istanbul in the
pre-republican days which was home
to city’s foreign residents.
Embellished by some of the finest
architectural and artistic sensations
in the world, with historic legacy in
its every nook and corner, Istanbul is
Turkey’s social,
cultural and commercial
hub. Beaming with liveliness and
actions, the city is considered as the
ultimate cultural crossroad. Its breath
taking attractions, enriching culture
and ever mesmerizing history will
always be a perfect tourist destination
for people around the globe.
Sukanya, originally from Mumbai, has
lived in Cairo for the past year and a
half. In Mumbai, she worked as a lecturer
in business and mass communication.
Currently, she volunteers with CSA and
teaches English language classes.
February 16 CSA 77
Culture
A Cognitive
Adventure…
Theories of Love
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!
Love can be an array of different feelings,
attitudes, emotions, attachment, and
attractions. Researchers, scholars,
and psychologists all have studied the
idea of love and have come up with
different theories to try to explain
different types of love that seem to exist
within relationships. With Valentine’s
Day this month, it only seems fitting
to explore some interesting theories
of love as we try to wrap our heads
around this mystical euphoric notion.
What is John Lee’s Color of Love
Theory?
What
is
Robert
Sternberg’s
Triangular Theory of Love?
Psychologist Robert Sternberg came
up with the triangular theory of love
which suggests that there are three chief
components of love: commitment,
intimacy, and passion. Picture a
triangle, comprising of three sides, with
commitment as the base, and passion
and intimacy the two upper sides.
The dimensions of the triangle are not
Liking
R
Int
o
Pas ma
sio nti
n+ cL
Int ove
im
acy
Intimacy
ve
Lo nt
ate itme
ion m
an Com
mp +
Co imacy
Psychologist John Lee proposed the
idea of love in connection with the
color wheel. He came up with six
styles of love described using Greek
terms. Using the color wheel which
has primary and secondary colors,
Lee suggested that there are three
primary styles of love: Eros, Ludos,
and Storge, and three secondary
styles of love: Pragma, Mania, and
Agape. Eros is that strong emotional
and/or physical attraction you
instantly feel towards a person and
is based on romance. Ludos is that
love style that most resembles a game
where the focus is simply on having
fun and is based on conquest. Storge
is the love that grows out of friendship
where the building blocks are based
on similar interests and commitment.
Pragma is made of a combination of
Ludos and Storge and is a realistic and
practical love style. It is said that the
relationships built through this love
style are very business-like where people
tend to choose partners that share
common goals. Mania is a combination
of Eros and Ludos; it is obsessive love
where jealousy and possessiveness are
common traits. Agape is a combination
of Eros and Storge; it is selfless love
where someone is willing to sacrifice
for the person they love because they
are whole heartedly committed and
love unconditionally.
always equal and depend largely on the
amount of the components present
within a relationship. Eight types of
love can then be formulated out of
these three components:
1. Non-Love is more like an
acquaintanceship where you know
someone but don’t share things with
them, have any emotion towards them,
or are obligated to be with them.
2. Liking is where you are close and
share a lot with someone and have a
connection but you haven’t developed
intense emotions towards them and
are not committed.
3. Infatuation is where you are engulfed
with intense emotions for someone but
don’t share so much about yourself or
are yet committed to them.
4. Empty Love is when you have
commitment but nothing else. You are
not close with the person nor have any
desire to be with them.
5. Romantic Love is what forms
before a relationship grows into a longterm commitment. It is characterized
by intimate and passionate bonds.
6. Companionate Love is where you
are with a person and share closeness
to them but have no strong desire
towards them. This can happen, for
example, when you’ve been with
someone for very long and lose that
intense passion you once had.
Consummate
Love
Intimacy + Passion
+ Commitment
Infatuation
Passion
Fatuous Love
Empty Love
7. Fatuous Love is where you have
strong emotions for someone and
dedicate yourself to them but don’t
necessarily share intimacy.
8. Consummate Love is the ideal
love where you are close to someone,
are devoted to them, and have strong
emotions and desire for them.
Passion + Commitment Commitment
February 16 CSA 79
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.
Jobs in Egypt
If you have been living in Egypt for a while you’ll have noticed that there
are some jobs here that probably don’t exist in your home country. And
since tips are fairly standard practice here, you should expect to have to
tip them all for giving you a hand.
Bawab: A bawab is a little like a doorman in the fancier apartments
you’ll find back home. The job of the bawab is to watch the gate/front
door and maintain the building and adjacent grounds. He can also help
you personally by washing your vehicle every morning or by helping you
carry your bags.
Elevator Operator: To prevent some Egyptians from playing with
the elevator buttons (or sneaking a kiss in a private place!), some
establishments employ elevator operators whose sole job is to push the
elevator button for you.
Supermarket Bagger: Something probably rarely seen in your home
country these days, in Egypt there is still a person whose job it is to bag
your groceries and help transport them to your vehicle.
Airport Luggage Porter: After you’ve picked up your luggage you’ll
often find someone who has appeared with the intent on helping you
carry your bags to your car.
Parking Attendant: When you park your car on the street, you might be
surprised when someone shows up as you’re leaving your vehicle. They
will watch your car while you are away. Expect to pay ~5LE for this.
For more information about Arabic (or other) Language Classes at
the CSA Language School please contact our front desk or email
[email protected]
Vocabulary
Engineer
Lawyer
Teacher
Doctor
Accountant
Nurse
Waiter
Housekeeper
Cook
Driver
Pharmacist
Carpenter
Manager
Landlord
Salesman
Employee
Singer
Journalist
Writer
Politician
Marketer
Officer
Security Man
Pilot
Hostess
Mechanic
Poet
Actor
mohandis
mohamee
modares
doktoor
mohaseb
momareda
garsoon
shaghaala
Tabaak
Sawa’
saidalee
nagaar
modeer
sahib il beyt
bayaa3
mowazaf
moghanee
seHafee
kateb
seyasee
Tasweek
zabet
ragil il amn
tayaar
modeefa
mekaneeki
sha3er
momasel
When you see a ‘3’ written, this symbolizes the a strong “A”
sound, where you compress your throat and exhale strongly.
February 16 CSA 81
Family
February Trivia
Test your knowledge with this month’s trivia…
1. Jamaica celebrates a holiday on February 6 in honor of
this famous reggae singer/songwriter.
6. Cupid was the son of what female Roman God?
7. On February 9, 1964 this iconic band made its
American debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.
2. Valentine’s Day is the largest card giving holiday - True
or False?
8. On Valentine’s Day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell
applied for a patent on what invention of his?
3. The month of February is named after the latin word
februum, which means what?
9. Considered by many to be the greatest basketball
player of all-time, this former high-flying Chicago Bull
celebrates his birthday on February 17.
4. On Groundhog Day (February 2) what does it mean if
the groundhog sees its shadow?
5. According to legend, it’s acceptable for women to
propose to men on Leap Day (February 29) - True or
False?
10.Carnaval, a celebration in which major South American
city, begins this year on February 5.
Place numbers from 1-9 in each empty box so each column, row, and bold box contain numbers 1-9
Intermediate
Challenging
5
7
1
4
3
8
6
9
2
8
9
4
2
3
7
6
5
1
2
4
9
1
6
7
5
8
3
7
2
6
1
4
5
8
9
3
4
6
5
8
8
2
1
2
7
5
4
3
2
3
4
9
9
4
7
5
7
1
6
3
8
5
8
2
1
6
2
6
9
2
7
1
7
5
4
5
5
1
4
6
3
6
8
Answers from December
1
2
3
6
7
9
5
8
9
5
7
4
2
8
3
6
1
5
7
6
8
9
2
3
4
1
3
4
8
6
7
1
9
5
2
8
9
1
2
6
7
8
3
2
6
5
9
4
9
4
5
7
8
3
1
4
2
7
5
9
1
6
5
1
3
4
7
8
2
82 February 16 CSA
1
9
6
8
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
4
5
8
7
6
8
9
1
2
3
2
5
4
3
6
7
9
1
7
2
6
5
8
4
2
9
1
8
6
7
3
6
5
3
4
2
9
1
1
8
9
7
2
5
9
3
4
6
8
5
7
8
9
5
7
2
6
1
6
8
1
2
4
9
3
7
4
2
3
5
1
9
2
7
6
1
3
8
4
4
5
9
8
6
7
2
Answer to Trivia
4
3
3
9
8
5
7
3
1
2
3
4
6
1
8
5
9
5
3
9
2
7
4
6
8
2
4
5
1
6
7
4
1
7
3
9
2
8
7
6
8
9
4
3
5
5. True (and men are
obliged to accept!)
9
9
3
3
1
1. Bob Marley
3
4
8
9
4
6. Venus
3
7
4
7
2. False (Christmas is the
largest)
1
5
1
1
7. The Beatles
6
6
9
8. The Telephone
9
8
5
9. Michael Jordan
2
2
3. Purification (after the
festival of purification
celebrated by the
ancient Romans)
7
3
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
8
4. There will be 6 more
weeks of winter
6
Family
Mum &
Baby
5 Simple Ways to Show your Child Love
As busy parents we often find ourselves so caught up in our daily routines that
we sometimes forget to show our children just how much we love them. It takes
a conscious daily effort to make sure that the little people in our lives know just
how important they are to us. Here are five ways to do it:
Tracey has been living and
working in Cairo for two
years. She recently gave
birth to her first child and is
currently helping to run the
Maadi Mum and Baby Group
at the CSA.
1. Say ‘I Love You’
This sounds obvious, but you can never tell your child that you love them too
often. All kids love to hear that they are important, and that they are doing
things that make you happy. Think about the last time you praised your child
for doing something right instead of scolded him or her for doing something
wrong. That praise reinforces to your child that they are loved.
2. Talk
Children, whatever their age, love to feel part of the conversation. Whether it
be baby babble to your 4 month old or that ‘how was your day’ conversation
with your 10 year old that you know can only result in one answer. Talking
with your kids helps them to learn that what they have to say matters.
3. Listen
When you’re having a conversation, make eye contact and listen to what your
child has to say. You will make them feel loved by focusing on them completely
while they are telling you a story or asking for advice.
4. Have Fun
We all live in a ‘go, go, go’ world and sometimes forget to take time to have fun
with our kids. Remember that your children are only young once so put away your
cell phones and make time to create memories with your family. Whether it be a
swim in the pool or a trip to the Cairo museum, when your kids are remembering
a fun time you had together it reinforces the idea that you adore them.
5. Encourage Their Dreams
It is sometimes easy to get caught up in our own ideas of how our kids should
live their lives. We are all guilty of it. Rather than pushing your children to do
what you want them to do, give them the opportunity to explore their own
passions and dreams. With your support you will help them to build the selfconfidence to follow their dreams.
Finally remember that life is short so live it. Love is rare so grab it. Anger is bad
so dump it. Memories are forever so cherish them.
The Mum & Baby Group meets on Mondays at 10.30am at CSA. Please check
their Facebook group for updates and information: maadimumandbaby.
February 16 CSA 83
84 February 16 CSA
Lifestyle
The Things We Do For
Love
By Carol El
Hawary
We sat in the
café in Aberdeen
Airport and had
the usual family
conversations about the
lack of basil in the tomato
and basil soup, the absence of
gluten free items on the
menu, and the
merits
(or
otherwise) of
airport coffee.
We didn’t talk
about the reason
we were there, but it
sat on the table like a
huge, inappropriate
floral display that
we each had to peer
through to talk to one
another. I knew they
didn’t understand my
decision. I mean, seriously.
WHAT was I doing? I
was giving everything up
and moving to a scary foreign
country... for love. I knew no one
there except my husband and his
son. I had no friends there. No job.
No car. I did have an apartment though,
so at least I wasn’t homeless. But as I sat
there in the airport surrounded by my
loved ones, I had no doubts. It’s a cliché,
but I didn’t want to be saying “what
if….?” in twenty years’ time. Two hours
later I boarded the plane and twelve
hours after that I landed in Cairo, my
new home. The first time in my life I had
lived outside Britain.
In a way, I feel like I was destined to
live in Egypt. My grandmother had six
watercolour paintings of Egyptian scenes
that had been hanging in her house since
before I was born. These were brought
back by my great-great-great Aunt Evie
who went to Egypt around 1910 to
teach British army children.
As a child I loved those paintings and
longed to visit Egypt. Many years later I
went to Luxor. I watched
the sunset over Karnak
Temple, the stones taking
on a rosy glow that seemed
to light them up from
within. I fell in love with
Egypt. And then, eighteen
years and several trips later, I fell
in love with an Egyptian.
In the six months preceding my
move to Egypt, I slowly
dismantled
my life. People
questioned
if I was also
dismantling
myself, and
speculated
that I must
be having a
midlife crisis.
Suddenly I became
interesting. For a short while I was
the most popular person in the office.
People who would normally give me
the most cursory of greetings were
stopping me in the corridor or by
the coffee machine to ask about my
“adventures”. So many of my friends,
family, acquaintances and colleagues
commented on how brave I was to
even think about it. I was told many
times that Egypt is dangerous! But
what are you supposed to do when
the person you long to be with is
Egyptian? I don’t feel brave, I just did
what I had to do.
So, four months down the line,
how is it going? I won’t lie. I
have found many things
challenging and frustrating
(especially getting a decent
internet connection!) I
often wondered before I
moved if love would be
enough to see us through
this enormous change,
never mind the cultural
differences. If the sensitive
and supportive way my
husband has dealt with my
traumas is anything to go by,
then yes, love is enough. I love
Cairo. The longer I live here, the
more I become aware of the subtle
complexity of Egyptian culture.
Every day brings something new. This
city is an assault on the senses
- noisy, dirty, chaotic - but
also vibrant, colourful and
just plain crazy. It’s the city
where my beloved husband
was born and bred, and now
it’s my home too.
Carol was born and bred in Scotland
and worked for many years in England
in the financial sector. In August she
moved to Cairo permanently. She writes
a blog about her experiences in Cairo
at www.carolelhawary.blogspot.com
February 16 CSA 85
86 February 16 CSA
Lifestyle
in the Soccer Field
By Riju Shrimali
“Andrea is just not meant for soccer.
He is too gentle. He doesn’t hustle
and feels sad when the other team
loses. He is the happiest when a game
ends in a draw”, lamented a mother
on grounds of Victoria College after
one match. Her voice was laden with
extreme disappointment and I could
discern, that behind her apparent
disappointment lay fear; fear about
her son’s future, not in soccer per
se, but in the real world. It is ironic
that within the cuddly 4-walls of our
homes, through bed time stories, we
tell tales of gentleness and kindness
to our children, but when a child
practices it in the real world, we are
scared. Scared that he may not be
able to defend himself, that he may be
trampled upon, that he may lose.
The Youth Soccer League, a
commendable initiative by parents,
brought children and parents of various
age groups and nationalities, twice a
week, to the soccer fields. A watchful
bystander on the field would unearth
several unintended hypocrisies among
these well-meaning and well-educated
parents. After all, sport does bring out
raw emotions, natural instincts, and
those politically and socially incorrect
88 February 16 CSA
facets of personalities that we try hard,
all our lives, to eliminate or at least
suppress. Four quarters of 8 minutes
each and no re-takes! That’s how life
too decides its course - 120 minutes,
one examination; 30 minutes, 1
interview; 1 whistle, 1 lap…the fate of
all hard work, all ability, all hope, all
dreams is decided in a few ticks
of hands. So, it is not abnormal
for adults, to subconsciously
extrapolate the outcome of
soccer matches to the future of
their kids. On a lighter note,
I would group parents into three
broad groups:
Active Assistants
These are parents who cannot officially
volunteer because of time constraints.
They stand on the side-lines and offer
live instruction to the kids during
matches. They are of great help for 5
year olds, who often get focused on
a rusty lawnmower (a fixture in the
field) and temporarily forget all about
balls and goal posts. I have read that
young children cannot differentiate
between effort and success. For them
effort is success and this explains glee
of a young player, screaming with joy
at a self-goal, leaving his coach and
parents gritting their teeth.
Self-Proclaimed
Cheerleaders
I completely qualify for this
category. I graduated from
being an embarrassment
to my son, to a
sniggering-stock
for
others in the crowd and
finally such a nuisance
that the coach had to
muster all his politeness
to request me, “please
reign your emotions,
a bit”. Well, I was not
alone. One of the
players blamed his mother’s passionate
shriek of ‘Goooo Jaaaack’ for missing
a free kick.
Pretenders
And then there are these parents who
claim “it is all for fun”, “it is just a
game”, but who bite their nails, throw
water bottles at lost games, purse their
lips at chances-lost, pout and hang
their heads. Sorry guys, there is sneaky,
wannabe writer, recording your every
micro-movement!
Then there were heroes. A typical
phrase used for these kids (by coaches
and audience), describing ‘a natural at
the sport’, which denotes that the
kid is born with capability for
the sport. I have never heard
anyone compliment a hero
by the adjective ‘hardworking’.
This phenomenon, as researchers
point out, is typical bias of our
society for ability rather than hardwork. Natural ability has a sort of
romance to it. Some sociologists
observe that as a child grows up,
they want to be seen by their peers as
someone who has talent rather than as
someone who works hard to achieve
something. This perspective often
dissuades an adolescent from working
hard, lest they should be scoffed at as
a ‘donkey’ or a ‘loser’. My son was
awe struck by some such players, who
exuded soccer-attitude, although I
never saw them perform stupendously
different from some other players. But
these ‘Heroes’ had an aura about them
which ensured that they were the most
applauded, most valued players of the
team.
“He scratched me, pushed me down to
score that last goal and the referee didn’t
even notice,” I heard a child complain
after a match. Well, the world is not
always fair, dude. And isn’t it a famous
adage, ‘all is fair in love and war’. We
try to raise our children on virtues of
impeccable work ethics. But he or she
is bound to witness numerous episodes
where victory goes to rule breakers or
to those with abysmal work ethics. We
may be absent when Karma catches
up with these miscreants but it’s true
that not all believers in discipline are
rewarded. To each his own.
Whatever be the on-field drama,
everyone felt sad when the season
was over. Everyone had moments of
pride. One of the players, the natural
category I spoke about, scored a goal
in his own net in the finals. After a
split second of utter frustration, he
carried on playing, helping his team to
win the Gold. His mother was proud,
of both, the gold and the resilience.
Because I happen to be the mother,
I say that had he not won the gold,
I probably wouldn’t write about his
resilience. Hypocrisy touches us all.
Sports is a microcosm of life. That is
why, it is cathartic. Those nail biting
moments expose us completely - all
our biases, selfishness and price we
are ready to pay for success. That is
why I feel sport is pure and forgiving.
Because all of us are part of this
exposure, we understand, we forgive
and move on. Then there are some
beautiful, unadulterated seconds
which unite even arch enemies - the
serve of Roger Federer or the swing of
Sachin Tendulkar. Here’s to a happy,
sporty year ahead.
Riju was a consumer research director in
Indian Market Research Bureau, Delhi.
After moving to Egypt, she has been a
homemaker and devotes her spare time
to freelance writing and learning about
cognitive sciences and child development.
February 16 CSA 89
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
children’s playground as well as food and beverages available. Games are in the
evenings and on Fridays. For more information please contact: Ways and Means
Mgr Suzy Werner at [email protected] or Chairmen Monte Davis at
[email protected] or Rodney Stephens at [email protected].
HELIOPOLIS WOMEN’S COFFEE MORNING
Meets every Wednesday. Contact Ans ‘Noordermeer’ langeans@hotmail.
com or call 01025506344.
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
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.
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 music
making. 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 Lucy Fletcher-Jones
[email protected] or Kerri Zeelau-Guerin [email protected].
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.
MBA INTERNATIONAL LADIES
We usually meet every second Tuesday of the month for Coffee and
Refreshments. Please join us to learn more about our activities which include
book club, bridge, golf, knit and natter, mah-jong and scrabble. We also enjoy
mornings out with coffee, lunch and visits to places of interest in and around
Cairo. For more information please email us at [email protected]
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 early Friday mornings in front of the CAC
main gate. Runners of all abilities are welcome. For more 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 Anne Harden 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: caireaccueil@
hotmail.com 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]
FINNS IN EGYPT ASSOCIATION (SEFE)
Open to all Finnish-speaking expatriates in Egypt. For more information,
please go to www.finnsinegypt.org
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 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
90 February 16 CSA
MUM & BABY GROUP
Mondays 10:30am-12:30pm (0-11 months). Cost 30LE at the door. Mum
& Baby Group is a great way to meet other mothers who are going through,
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’.
NVICINEMA
NVICinema screens mostly Egyptian, Belgian and Dutch 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/
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 visit www.oa.org.
SOUTH AFRICANS IN EGYPT
email: [email protected], tel: Tania: 01277701756
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
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 [email protected] or call our President
Urvashi Mehta at 01225413434 or our treasurer Renuka at 01003309229
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]
TOASTMASTERS
Toastmasters can help you improve your public speaking and leadership skills.
There you practice delivering speeches, receiving and giving constructive
feedback, time management and leading meetings. For more information
about Cairo Professional Toastmasters Club, visit http://cairotoastmasters.org
or contact Ahmed Samir on 01019586501/ [email protected] or
Mohamed Zamzam on 01005249195/ [email protected].
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]
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]
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
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
We are a diverse group of women with one thing in common - a strong
interest in new people and unique experiences! Our activities include:
coffee morning meetings, out-to-lunch day trips and holiday parties, special
interest groups (Canasta, Bunko, crafts...), travel opportunities and evening
social events. Join the fun! Expand YOUR world with WOW! For more
information email us at [email protected].
CHARITIES, VOLUNTEERING AND SUPPORT GROUPS
AA IN CAIRO
AA meetings schedule - Women’s meeting: Sunday, 5:45-6:45, 8A;Road 10
Maadi, Monday 7:30-8:30 pm, Tuesday 6-7 pm, Wednesday 7:30-8:30 pm,
Thursday 7:45-8:45pm Kasr El Maadi Hospital Corniche. Friday 2-3 pm, St.
Joseph’s Church Zamalek. For more information check www.aaegypt.org on
meetings in other parts of Egypt, Al-Anon contacts and AA contacts.
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 [email protected]. More information is available
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.caritas-egypt.org or email us at [email protected].
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
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]
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.
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]
S.P.A.R.E
Society for the Protection of Animal Rights in Egypt (S.P.A.R.E.) is a
charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in
Egypt through education and awareness. While we no longer operate
an animal shelter, we are happy to offer advice to fellow animal lovers
as well as provide medical care to strays and owned animals. For more
information contact Amina Abaza (0122 316 2913) www.sparelives.org
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
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.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
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
An International and Interdenominational English language church where
people from over 25 countries meet to worship. Located at St Michael’s
Anglican Church, 10 Seti St, our weekly worship service starts at 9am
(including children’s classes). Seti ST (City St) is just off Baghdad St in
Korba, Heliopolis. For more information, please call +02 2414-2409, email
to [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]
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
(LDS) holds services on Fridays at 9:00AM in Maadi #21 Road 17. For
more information please call 01000767392
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
THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, MAADI
We are “A Spiritual home away from home” -- a welcoming international
Church with three congregations in the Anglican tradition. Come to an
English–speaking service at 10 AM Fridays with Nursery and Church
School; or, our Contemplative Prayer service with beautiful Taizé music
on Thursdays at 6.30 PM (Sept. to May). We offer Home Groups, youth
groups, and courses on exploring the Christian faith. Call Rev. Michael
Dobson on +20 127 0220993 or email [email protected]. We
are at the corner of Road 17 and Port Said Rd in Maadi. Website: www.
maadichurch.org and Facebook.
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 01228602602.
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 16 CSA 91
February 16 CSA 95

REPS Fitness Center - Community Services Association

Transcription

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