Sufi Dancers

The Sufi Dancers in Egypt offer a colourful spinning alternative to their Turkish dervish counterparts. In Egypt, the whirling dancers have developed a full entertainment out of their dance which can include everything from nursing a pretend cloth baby (truly, was interesting to see how feminine a form the dance - which is only done by men - takes) to balancing objects. Fabulously impressive.

Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park was a project by the Aga Khan foundation, a fabulous undertaking, a gorgeous reclaimed green space in Cairo. Beautiful proximity to the Citadel, Khan el Khalili and the heart of Cairo - from Al Azhar park you have a stunning view of Cairo, and on a clear day you can even see the pyramids. Great restaurants and cafes, children's playgrounds, beautiful gardens filled with fresh herbs, summer plays and music concerts, and even statues made of out of the recycled waste from the previous dump that was in the location. Fa-bu-lous.

El Sawy Culture Wheel

El Sawy Culture Wheel is at the heart of Egyptian arts and music. It's melody rings not just of guitars but of the pulse of the people (the name of the center comes from a novel "El Sakia" the water wheel. Indeed, the place is like a reflection in water of the Egyptian soul). Concerts, yoga lessons, drumming sessions, dance classes, children's art classes, science fairs, are a few of the events held in the location. Previously an abandoned disused area that was literally a dump, the organization's founder cleaned up the area and transformed the urban landscape into a thriving cultural hotspot and hub. Love you culturewheel.

http://culturewheel.com/

http://www.soundofsakia.com/radio/AudioPlayer.php

Nahdet el Mahrousa (The Renaissance of Egypt)

Nahdet el Mahrousa is a truly fabulous NGO that is making a huge difference here in Egypt. Nahdet el Mahrousa serves the Egyptian community through incubating projects and helping Egyptian youth to think creatively and build their civic society. The organization provides capacity building, institutional and management support and loans to help grow projects that serve the society, as well as launches salons and lecture series to stimulate ideas, discussions and partnerships. The organization additionally has a green arm that works on sustainability issues linked to development.

Check them out here:http://www.nahdetmasr.org

TEDxCairo

TED is now in Egypt. The stirrings of a new life and a renaissance of ideas in the middle east were already afoot well ahead of the Arab Spring. TEDxCairo was launched last year by a group of students from Ain Shams University. This year, TEDxAlexandria is going to also be launched. Check out the website here for info and the talks:
http://www.tedxcairo.com/

Going Vegan

It is really easy to eat vegan in Egypt. There are so many fresh baked goods made without dairy. Delicious falafel and foul sandwiches. And delicious tasting sun-kissed vegetables and fruit all year round.

Check out this great blog for Vegans in Egypt with tons of great recipes...
http://alfhana.wordpress.com/
And this nice article with info on veganism in the Coptic Church
Or join the facebook group of the Vegetarian/Vegan Society in Egypt
or another FB groups Vegetarians in Egypt

my favourite: Alexandrian fool sandwich

Beaches that need to be inhabited

Egypt has some gorrrrrgeous fabulous beaches that don't get the recognition they deserve. This summer, the beaches are too empty - tourism has been hit not only from the revolution but also due to Ramadan being in the summer this year.

These beaches are in need of some love. Come visit Egypt people.

(the beaches pictured above are in Marsa Matrouh, a hidden gem).