September 10, 2009
It's about time!!
For all of us living in Dubai and for our constant visitors...the metro is finally open!
So far, only 10 out of the 29 stations will be functioning in the beginning and tit will be able to carry up to 27,000 passengers each direction every hour.
According to reports, "It is the world's largest automated driverless train system - with just under 75km of magnetic track that took four years to build....The carriages boast air conditioning, wi-fi and mobile phone reception while a gold class cabin with leather seats and plush pile carpets offers panoramic views at the front of the train"
and if that's not enough...the fare is one of the cheapest world wide!
We're definitely excited to try it out ;)
September 9, 2009
It's 09-09-09!
You gotta admit it's pretty cool that for almost a decade now, we have had the chance to live through all these anomalies that won't happen again in our lifetime!
Check out this link about it:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090908/sc_livescience/why090909issospecial
September 9, 2009
Now this is news we've been wanting to hear...although we heard rumblings about it awhile back...this is the confirmation we've been awaiting!
We all love downtown Cairo, with its beautiful architecture and old school feel...but unfortunately we hate going there all together because of how crowded it is!
"Recently an initiative of the Egyptian Beltone Financial bank was confirmed, in which the problem is solved by transforming the congested centre of Cairo into a pedestrian area. The bank's idea is based on the recognition of the beauty of Cairòs historic centre, with its buildings from the '20s and '30s designed by Italian and French architects. These buildings will be bought and turned into luxury apartments, hotels and high-level commercial areas. The Egyptian State-controlled insurance company, the construction company Orascom Hotel & Development and a Saudi finance company will participate in the plan, which is expected to cost around USD 5 billion."
It definitely will not be an overnight process, as all the buildings still need to be bought from their original owners then refurbished...
Downtown Cairo was initiated by "Viceroy Ismail, Khedive of Egypt from 1863 to 1879, (who)wanted to bring the splendour of Paris and of other European capitals to exactly that part of Cairo, hiring French, Italian, Austrian, German and Swiss architects. The project was born in the wake of the investments in the Suez Canal and the cotton sales boom. Ismail's successors continued the project, despite criticism on its extravagance. "
We hope the government approves the project, this is definitely the light at the end of the tunnel.
September 9, 2009
We watch this show and laugh our asses off, the things that come out of the presenters mouth are so random, we never see them coming...see Egypt does have original ideas and great comedic timing, instead of imitating abroad.
Check out the clip for La Sosta Cultrale...the show revolves around an Italian presenter who wants to get to know our culture better, and interviews different Egyptians from all walks of life...
So far we're impressed with what we've seen!
September 8, 2009
It's probably one of the most underrated tents this year but truly one of the best!
Se Omar is located at the grand Hyatt, right by the pool...the multi-leveled seating area and black, hot pink, and silver arabesque theme gives the place this vibe that we haven't found anywhere in Cairo yet...
You can order yourself some Starbuck's while you smoke your flavored shisha, and down your shawerma (ummm doesn't sound that appetizing now that we say it out loud...but it is!)
Like most other Kheima's the live Arabic band switches with the DJ every few songs, the service is quick, alert and courteous, unlike a majority of the tents this Ramadan.
The place obviously seems to be a winner with sponsors as well...the likes of Coca Cola, Samsung, iddesign, Port Ghaleb, Nogoom FM, Mini Cooper, and others all are present there.
The whole venue is powered by Promo Vision Advertising...we don't know who they are but good on them for doing an excellent job!
Have you guys been?
September 8, 2009
Dear S&H,
So yesterday while at fitar with my family, I noticed some tension between my brother and his wife. Of course I kept my mouth shut but later in the evening, my sister-in-law confided in me and told me they're having really bad problems and she hasn't told him yet but she's thinking of separating from him for awhile so they can figure things out. Me and her are really close so I understood why she came to vent to me since she usually does. But this is pretty serious and he's my brother at the end of the day! I feel so awkward because she asked me to stay quiet about it and not tell the family until she talks to him and her and my brother figure things out.
I know its not my place to talk to him but he's my brother and by his wife telling me, she obviously included me in their private matter...right? Plus my brother and I are also really close. I don't know what to do...I'm really in a bad position here, help!
Our recommendation? Stay out of it! Yeah she talked to you so if you want to talk to anyone you talk to her again and be upfront about what you just told us, like how she put you in a bad position. Good luck to you and your brother and his wife!
Cairo...help!
September 7, 2009
You Egyptians out there impress us..we're a smart bunch, we really really are...
Meet the RA, a car Wael Rizk built out of his sweat, tears, and imagination...realizing his dream and building his fantasy car, came after unimaginable hours in the garage, $750,000 later, and relocating to the states...
Rizk will be building no more than 40 of his vintage models, priced at $180,000 U.S. or 128,000 euros. The price doesn't change no matter which engine you choose...so if you want to get your hands on the one of a kind Egyptian hand made car you better get in line quickly!
"The cars modern mechanics are draped in timeless '50s style. Loosely based on the Aston Martin DBR2, there is one crucial difference between it and that other car: this one is built for people who aren't racing drivers.
That is, it can comfortably seat people who are taller – a lot taller – than 5'7" or so."
We soo want one it's ridiculous, keep your eyes open while cruising around the streets of Cairo ;)
September 7, 2009
We love it when people take random chances and do things no one saw coming...
We just received word that a fellow Egyptian has auditioned for an MTV reality show in the states. According to their last update, they've submitted the application and been called in for a video audition/interview.
We'll see what happens! But hey - if you make it, please don't be that overdramatic person that cries every two min...make us look good and represent!