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).

Helwa ya baladi (beautiful, my country)

In 1979, Dalida gave Egypt a fabulous tribute in what is probably the most captivating and memorable national song ever performed. Note: the meaning of Helwa in Arabic is much more than just beautiful in English, it is something more like sweetness, like honey.

Freedom Bus

Get on the bus!





The freedom bus is an initiative started by a friend of mine who was concerned about Egypt's upcoming elections and wanted to do something to improve education about rights. Manned by groups if volunteers, the bus travels around Egypt and delivers educational presentations, videos, role playing, and engages the citizens in the street in informed dialogue about the election process and democratic citizenship.





To learn more or support this incredible initiative, visit the group's Facebook Page for Freedom Bus

Egyptian Pizza

Egyptian pizza can be found at virtually all small local bakeries. It is like a mini-sized pizza (about the size of a hand), a bit drier than the North American version (less tomato sauce and less greasy cheese) and more bready than the thin Italian version. Has some mix of Egyptian spices added to it, which along with the Egyptian Romy cheese and the thin slices of green pepper and Egyptian black olives gives it a distinct taste as remote from the Italian original as "Hawaiian pizza" - but every bit as good. Inexpensive, yummy and a relatively healthy version of fast food, it's a fabulous snack/meal any time of day!

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Geroland

Geroland is one of those fabulous locations in Egypt that does not receive the attention it really deserves. Tucked away behind the GolfCity mall in El Obour City just outside of Cairo, Geroland makes for a great afternoon with little kids. For anyone who has ever been to Toronto - it sort of reminds me of Toronto's Centerville Island. The rides are classics: the requisite carousel, along with bumper cars and a haunted house (which was too spooky for my little one to enter yet). There are flying dinosaurs, whirring boots, gentle rocket rides, and small spinning teacups, and a nice swan ride too. Lots of ice cream stands, fresh juice, cotton candy - typical amusement park fare with some Egyptian specialties thrown in like hummus (chick peas).

Makes for a great day, and another very welcoming place with small kids.

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