A few of us here at Scene & Heard were talking the other day about whether it's better to grow up here or abroad.

Many of us have had the privilege of living abroad, which has shaped us in ways we can't deny. We feel that it has provided us with foundations that can't be altered in our chaotic day to day lives in this great city.

While growing up abroad provides so much, it also lacks some vital points...so let's break it down and look at the pros and cons.

Day to day life...there's no comparison here. It's so much easier and smoother abroad! Running errands in this country is a day's worth of energy, if not more. You find yourself finishing 2/10 things because you're stuck in traffic. While abroad, you can grocery shop, run to the post office, get your license, etc all in a few hours with very little obstacles in your way.

The only good thing about your day to day errands in Egypt is that you can send someone to do it all for you, but what fun is that? It is really a pro?? Is that how you want to raise your kids, to never have to run their own errands and gain independence and responsibility? So maybe it's not just such a good thing while growing up, but more when you're older and have worked your ass off and deserve it.

Speaking of responsibility, living abroad teaches you that just because your daddy is a "basha" or whatever, that you can't get out of everything. You got a ticket? You pay for your ticket and learn the consequences of your mistakes. You want to get your license? You get your ass down to the DMV and stand in line with everyone else. It sets the foundation that you can't buy your way out of or into everything.

Education...now this is a tricky one. Schooling abroad really teaches discipline and activities that aren't just about memorizing...but here's where we think Egypt gets a few more points. Most of us that grew up here went to great schools like CAC, BISC, AIS, etc...schools that teach us great English and provide us with the same academic environment. However, here you also get the exposure to cultures. You meet different people from around the world, speak different languages (yes, other places have that too but wait...) and most imporantly, travel. From MUN to sports, many of us who grew up here got the chance to travel with the school and learn through seeing and experience. Many kids in the US for example have never left the country and think the UAE is a made up country.

Growing up here definitely does have the advantage of learning the language and experiencing the culture better, that's a point we can't deny.

Ambition...most of you can argue that it comes from the person, but we feel that growing up abroad provides you with ambition to grow as a person and not just depend on daddy to loan you money or give you a job when you graduate college. Or for many of the girls, to just get married after college and be taken care of, not that there's anything wrong with that but that's a much more accepted ambition here than in most countries.

There's one thing that we can't deny though...Egypt provides friendships that are deep. We're generous, loyal, loving people and treat our good friends like brothers and sisters (well most of us, some people just suck). It's not just each person's out for his own, nope, we're a family here and that's something that you'll find with our culture all over the world. Any group of Egyptians grow stronger bonds with one another than most foreigners do.

It's hard to decide because each one has it's pros and cons...if you can teach your kids and provide the pros of the Egyptian life to your family while living abroad (or vice versa) that's even better! but who can have the best of both worlds?? ;)

We want your input Cairo, what do you think??

We hear from very reliable sources, that one fellow Egyptian will be attending the MTV Movie Awards...

An L.A. resident and UCLA student, makes this Egyptian one to look out for, especially when they come back home ;)

We all love the awards, and a couple of us have attended before...we say enjoy and good luck...we hope you have a blast!

Last night, all of Cairo's party people headed out to Tamarai for their all White party!

With the launch Tamarai's outdoor bar and the terrace, and the Awadi's mixing...there is no better way to stare out onto the Nile...

Tamarai's ability to mix things up a bit, might be what will help with it's longevity...we'll have to wait and see..

Are you guys getting bored of the place or not yet?!

Last night one of Cairo's fabulous couples tied the knot in front of their friends and family...

We would like to congratulate Aly El Mofty and Lobna Helal..and wish them a long and prosperous marriage!

Everyone is looking for an outlet and we all love to follow our passion...well one Cairo Socialite has taken to blogging about one of her favorite past times and interests; Fashion...

No she's not a fashion designer, and no she hasn't studied fashion, from at least what we know...and we know everything ;) But she has taken it upon herself to inform Cairo on whats in and what's not, and how we should dress?!?!

Ever wanted to know where you can get a great summer dress for the ladies, or what stores or local designers are up to, she may be the source for all of that...after us that is!

Though it's lacking on the male fashion side (and hey we like to get metrosexual every once in awhile) it sure seems like a good idea...

Check it out Cairo and let us know what you think...

http://fashionthreads.wordpress.com/