Anglo-Chinese Bloopers

This is not really a blogging comeback, it is just something that I promised myself to do as a "comeback," no pun intended, to people making fun of Anglo-Egyptian bloopers circulating under "Only in Egypt"
Well the upcoming shots are original taken by yours truly, so sit back, enjoy and have a good laugh :)

There was only grass there, so I don't know what did they mean and about what!!

L-squared!

Looks Russian to me!

Part 1- Chinese dude making himself busy with something else when I busted him taking a photo for me without permission! (yes, I was very popular there)

Part 2- He decided to take that photo anyway, but I took his too! (pretty "smart" those Chinese)

Dressed for prayers, very pious!

Inverted Swastikas on all Buddhas in that temple! 

Relativity: what's exotic for you is quite local for me, and vice versa!

Love notes on Bamboo stems rather than on trees! (they climb them like monkeys too)

A very "appetizing" item from our buffet!

Success..

This goes to people with self-esteem issues and insecurities :D

*From http://www.chalkboardmanifesto.com/

Desert Road Open for the Summer: Happy Vacationing!

The summer has arrived; I know that because since the 1st of June it's finally an open road with no detours: YIPEEEE!!!
OK seriously now, that's great news and all but I have few tips for the road that would make our journeys less stressful and safer, so I really wish at that moment that really bad drivers I meet on the road would get to read this post and learn a thing or two:

• The left lane should harbor only people who are driving at least to the road's maximum speed or more! Slow drivers should resort to the lanes more to the right!
• The car should really be driven within a lane! Definition of a lane: it is the dark area that should easily contain the width of your vehicle between the white striped lines as its borders. (It really is not driving right through one of those striped line as if balancing the car on a suspended wire!)
• I promise you bad drivers, it is not a strategic secret to tell the rest of the unfortunate drivers right behind you where are you going next. Signals in your newly purchased vehicle are put there for a reason, it's your turn and obligation to put those into good use and to make sure you really got some value for your money on all the perks your car can offer..yaaaayy!
• You can use more efficient ways at signaling where you're going than using your hands; really sometimes I don't know if it is a sign for me to take some kind of action, or you are just arguing or you are overexcited in some conversation with the person in the passenger seat!
• For non-Alexians coming over to have some good time over, please don't start picnicking on the road just yet, wait until you get to the Corniche so at least you would get a good excuse for your overly slow, zigzagging on the road. It is not attractive the way you drive, and that's why you get a lot of hate stares, and probably hate mail as well if we had your address, from us!
• It is true many parts of the freeway are completed, but a word of advice the speed limit is still 100 km/hr not 120 yet; and yes radars are working at night too, smarty pants! True, there won't be any "lagna" though to confiscate the license or issue an instant ticket! (For those who have their tickets crossed off for them, please ignore this tip!)
• This one is not really a tip on driving, I'm just tipping you off to keep a close watch for funny signs on the side of the road, there is one that I really want to take a picture for but I'm usually driving alone so it's so hard to make a stop and take a snapshot. Anyway, you'll find it over at Madinet Sadat it simply reads:
  "المجموعة الفرنسية خٌش يمين"

That's all I can think of for now, if I get more tips for you I'll let you know:D
Happy vacationing, and drive safe :)

Random Act of Kindness

Today, some random stranger in a black car offered me a 2.5 hours worth of a random act of kindness.
It all started out near iKingi Maryout when he clearly couldn't maneuver between a couple of trucks, so me with my typical impatient attitude to driving simply took the lead and got away. It seems this move has injured his dignity somehow so he raced me until Alex toll gates.
When it was pretty obvious I was traveling to Cairo on my own, his attitude changed completely and he started literally watching my back keeping an eye on me throughout the whole journey. It turned out we also have the same techniques in fooling speed radars as well.  So we were driving to the same speed most of the way without bothering each other or obstructing the lane visibility.
He slowed down when I was kept behind traffic and sped up when I got some distance advantage; actually he kept my company until we reached the Mehwer and then we went our separate ways.
Weirdly enough I didn't feel violated or obnoxiously followed,  I felt perfectly safe knowing that this guy will come to my rescue if anything happens on the open road.
Since I didn't get the chance to thank him, and even if I did knowing me I wouldn't have pulled over and talked to him, I would like to send him a couple of things through the infinite world of cyberspace:

1. Thank you for your kindness on the road today, I appreciate it more than you would ever know
2. I take my hat off to you and your superb driving, it is quite rare to find someone in Egypt driving so well

Have a great day everyone out there! Ta Ta...

One Day with My Pink Glasses On..

Yes, it's true today I wore my pink glasses all day long!
I experienced the genuine interest and concern of an acquaintance that may develop into real friendship.
I experienced the joy of going out with friends in the daylight.
I experienced the sweet feeling of an outdoor seating with all four seasons present: hot & sunny, then shade with a touch of warmth, cloudy with a nice breeze, and finally penetrating cold drafts.
I experienced the first time at trying out a new restaurant, and enjoyed ending it with sharing our old time favorite dessert at our old hangout.
I experienced an absolute boring mindless activity that made way to a much needed bonding time with a great friend.
I experienced exploring our new favorite cultural venue, yes I'm officially in love with Darb 1718.
I experienced the joy of brass instruments, brought me all the way back to my high school concerts and long rehearsals at home, nostalgic to the deafening tunes :)
I experienced the calm streets of Cairo in the late evening with a collection of the best songs on the radio.
Today, I experienced the perfect day in Cairo.

Fact of Life...

..that made absolute sense to me (c:

Feeling Very Cozy on the Road!

I just came back from a drive to and from the other side of town, where I was entertaining myself with the randomness and blabbering of Cairo's FM.  The weather is absolutely too hot for that time of year, and the traffic was jammed as ever.  Anyway, the FM was advertising one of it's early evening shows, the big ride home, and the presenter, Safi blurted out the word that really described my exact situation at the time: "the big drive home, will accompany you through Cairo's cozy traffic."  Well it is cozy indeed, Egyptians are known as very warm people worldwide, and it is duly manifested on the road where even during the hottest days they still like to hug each other and spread the warmth:

• You see cars hugging you, whether you're in your car or crossing the road, from your left and right
• You finally see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, finally the road is open and just as you step on the accelerator, an obstacle jumps up in front of you out of no where and you're forced to slow down again (if you accelerate all alone you'll catch a draft, stay warm with the rest of us muahahahahahaha)
• You park leisurely into a proper parking spot, you go do your business and come back to find that some other car came and hugged your very car to the extent of making it impossible for either drivers and/or passengers to get in or out.  If that's not love, I really don't know what is!   

I lately get in some sort of a trans state when I'm driving where it is getting so surreal and I don't really know whether I'm actually driving or am I playing a 3D video game or is it that I'm on the bumper cars ride in some sleazy amusement park!
So as the wise man once said "If life gives you lemon, make lemonade," I would like to make the announcement that Cairo has converted me into such a lousy driver, that I started to notice that cab and micro-bus drivers start following me because I get around the maze so efficiently as they do!
Such a happy thought ain't it so? (c:

You ARE Missed!

It has been exactly two years since you've gone but it feels like eternity.  I missed you every single minute and it is not getting any easier as time passes.  Feeling like picking up the phone just to talk like we used to didn't go away and it is surprising me.  I crave hearing your voice, and every single time I ring your doorbell I stand waiting facing the door still having hope that you will be on the other side of it.
You are survived by your wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  On the second anniversary of your last breath I present to you the present that I haven't stopped one day from giving it to you:

I love you Granpa and pray everyday that you are happier where you are now.

Jaz Swings: Driver & 7-Iron

I previously showed how my coach swings, well this will show you the difference between a pro and an amateur.  No matter what I think I did well during that practice and it is more than enough for me that I enjoy the game.  Enjoy the Videos (c:
Driver:


7-Iron:

Julie & Julia: The Right Movie at the Right Time (c:

Saving the best for last really, actually my reviews were actually in the order of viewing.  Unfortunately the plane had to land 20 minutes before the movie's completion but what I saw only made me literally "hungry" for more.
Meryl Streep and Amy Adams had played their roles fabulously and appropriately.  It was as if the two main characters where living in parallel universes or rather parallel times.  The food was yummy, yes I can tell, eyes eat before the mouth!
The best thing about this movie is that it had really hit a spot, and watching it at that timing was considered by me as another strong signal that I made the right choice, abandoning my established career for starting my very own business!  Putting it in Meyo's words "مناسب جداً للمرحلة" :D
Well it further stresses on the idea of "if you are not happy with whatever you are doing, change it for something you actually like to do, life is too short not to enjoy!"
I plan to watch the movie again the first chance I get in order to watch it complete, and with no interruptions from the cabin crew, urrrrggghhh!!!
That's it for the after-vacation spill, bed is calling, I hope you'll find the reviews helpful and enjoy the three movies, if you ever get to watch them, as much as I did.
Ta Ta...

The Hangover

Now the second movie: this is a pure comedy movie, three guys dealing with the aftermath of a stag night where they lost the groom-to-be!!!
The combination of the loser, the geek, and the know-it-all-hot-dude along with a hooker, a baby, a tiger, a "queen" and Mike Tyson is explosive.
The movie was following those three dudes through their detective-like approach to find their lost friend, retracing the steps based on evidence they find out about the night they had the most fun in their lives where unfortunately they had all memories of it all wiped out!
The movie is great fun if you're looking for laughs leaving the brain to rest a little after a hard day at work, or after two days of intensive shopping :$
I find it a little funny that this movie was out in cinemas when I was in the UK in the summer, and on my following visit I watch it on the plane!
Enjoy it if you get to watch it, I recommend it for a movie night with friends, the company will positively add to the watching experience.

Ice Age 3: Can't Get Enough of Their Brilliance

On the plane I got the chance to watch three great movies, therefore bear with me since I'm jotting down all three at the same time.
I first started with Ice Age 3, to start up with I'm a big fan of the franchise, though I'm not really a big fan of trilogies in general, they usually tend to decline in quality of the story and plot by the third part.  Well in my opinion, this definitely hasn't happened to Ice Age 3.
It was absolutely hilarious, with multiple witty remarks-my absolute favorite was: Buck the weasel,as he sees a huge butterfly, "I knew that guy when he was a caterpillar! You know, before he came out."- as well as the all-time favorite characters keeping to their true selves and entertaining as ever.
The new comers to the story were very good and funny too, namely buck and the three baby dinos.  Sloth was slow, dumb and as usual the herd's class clown;  Scratt was so cute and so "sahlool" as well falling in love with Scratte, though his heart could only have room for his one big love!
I recommend this one for cartoon lovers, and those who would appreciate a good laugh.
P.S. I'm still holding a huge grin on my face and it's about 10 days already since I watched it :D

He's So Vain!!!

It's an iPod

Credit goes to Nadine for introducing this audio jewel to us :D

Nafsoon & Asfoon

Bakery Business

If you like what you are seeing, then please take the time to fill out this business survery I promise it won't take time (c:

Watch "Cat"

So the vegetables lady went somewhere, God knows where, and the cat looked like she was watching out for the "farsha" until the lady comes back to her portable shop.  Pretty neat, watchcat (c;

Being on One Kid's Good Side

So I finally got on A's good side, earning myself a shower of kisses and a big welcoming hug on arrival and upon leaving too, as well as a "I Love You" Painting.  H thinks her daughter finally made friends with me because of a humongous lollipop three weeks ago, but I say it's keeping a promise even if it is a one year old promise.
Kiddo, you just made my day (c:

Couples Retreat

I don't really know how to categorize this one, it was not really a chick flick, nor romantic, not all the way that funny either.  The movie didn't offer much in the eye treats department either, Vince Vaughn was alright though.
I don't know why do I feel this movie was such a disappointment, even though I was not expecting really much out of it, except maybe a few more laughs probably.
Anyway I find a warning is due here, since the movie will pour all the characters' problems and deficiencies all over the audience throughout the entire movie, and miraculously everything will be sorted out in the last 10 minutes.  Too Arabic or Indian movie for my taste to be honest!!!
The only thing I was sure of though, is that Bora Bora is "THE" place when coming to think of a honeymoon, if I bump into "THE" one to take with that is, since I already burnt the Hawaii card for myself (c:

What Caught My Eyes Today...

A few things caught my attention today:

• They changed the flow in Al-Thawra street in Mohandessin making it one way flowing from Shooting Club off to Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz.  Back in the day when the flow was two ways, people used to go wrong just for the fun of cutting in line to the car right in front of them.  Today, when it is only one way, people are lining up in one lane even when the other lane is practically empty!!! Do people love to break the law or did they use the other lane previously out of spite of the people rightfully using it as well as the car they are trying to get in front?!?!  Beats me!  Actually I still think people here act like a cattle herd, they don't like to venture into taking the less traveled path!
• Have you seen the movie trailer for some Egyptian movie called "Feelings" or "أحاسيس"?  Well this is simply something I noted not that I'm surprised, not have we become so explicit in our movies, but also we are getting explicit and rude in the titles, and the way we write them on the posters in order to accentuate a partial word to complete the insinuation of what the movie promises its viewers.
• When Algerians allegedly attacked Egyptians in Sudan, all the 80 million ,spare a few, literally made a big fuss about how valuable the Egyptian dignity is and that won't pass lightly.  Well it didn't only pass lightly, but we didn't see a similar reaction when our boarders where attacked a couple of days ago, I rather found an unexplained sympathy with the attackers!  I really prefer not to elaborate or comment on this anymore, it's enough that people who know me pretty well know what I REALLY want to say!
• Today I realized I have met masses of people, made stacks of friends, lost plenty of them, and only a few stay my little self-made wealth who keep enriching my life everyday, for that I'm thankful, and I pray every night that you stay in my life forever.  I also noted that I don't thank you enough for the support you give me every step of the way, for remembering me at moments when I feel forgotten, for lifting me up when I reach rock bottom, and for always being my solace! I love you for that and much more...

I'm out, good night!

Still Too Angry..

I wish we could learn how to protect our boarders more like cartoon characters do!!!

The Universe Conspires to Keep Me Awake!

Today was just one of those days, it seems nature wanted to keep me up for some weird reason, that I still haven't found out about yet!

• 05:20-Peacefully sleeping and I hear the Fajr azan, so I feel too guilty not to wake up and pray
• 05:27-I prayed but my eyes are wide open now and unable to get back to sleep
• 07:30-Precious sleep finally comes back
• 08:00-My Golf alarm goes off, and I snooze for 15 minutes, I fall asleep right after
• 08:15-Alarm goes off again, I call coach to tell I won't be coming today, he doesn't pick up, I fall right back to sleep
• 08:20-Coach calls, tells me I'm lazy and better go back to sleep :(  Sleep has left the building (wwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaa333)
• 08:45-Sleep finally decided to come back after desperate pleading from my side
• 09:00-The mother opens my room door and wakes me up, oh you're not Golfing today, breakfast time it is; I say I didn't sleep well, so she leaves me in peace
• 09:20-Someone called insisting it is some Zeinab's number, and finally is convinced he dialed the wrong number!  That's when I finally get the hint and get up

Now it's is late afternoon, and I don't know how on Earth will I carry on with my day when I'm in such a miserable state of lacking my 8-hour beauty sleep!  It's a conspiracy I insist!!!!

Happy New Year

Starting with a clean slate in 2010, I cannot help but again borrow from the www.chalkboardmanifesto.com (c: