In co-operation with Danube Wings airline, the airport will launch new regular flights as of March 29, when the summer flight schedule will come into effect, meaning there will be five flights from Poprad-Tatry to Bratislava per week, says Herkelova.

In addition to Bratislava, a direct air connection with Bologna - the capital of northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna – will be introduced. Bologna, one of the significant industrial and cultural centres of the country, is an important connector to such cities as Milan, Venice and Rome and is close to summer seaside destinations.

Besides the direct lines, travellers can make use of the Poprad-Basel connection by changing in Bratislava. Basel is an industrial centre, but it also offers a number of attractions such as the Basel carnival - Basler Fasnacht; Art Basel, a fair of temporary art; and the BaselWorld fair of clocks and goldsmithery. Basle Mulhouse Freiburg airport is the only binational airport in the world. Operated by France and Switzerland without any customs or border-related restrictions, the airport is situated in France.

In the summer flight schedule the regular flights of SkyEurope from Poprad to London will continue three times a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Direct connections with other holiday destinations, including Hurghada (Egypt) and Split (Croatia) will be added to traditional charter flights from Poprad to Burgas (Bulgaria). Danube Wings’ planes will fly to Split from June-September directly from Poprad.

Poprad-Tatry airport went through some revamping in 2008, including the construction of a new arrival terminal. The new premises increased the capacity from the original 150 passengers to 250, and they improved the quality of processing passengers.

via tasr

Following a decree from H.E. Eng. Magdy El Qubaisy, Governor of the Red Sea, it is now prohibited to sell or use any kind of paint materials containing the chemical compound Tributyltin (TBT).

This chemical has been commonly used in anti-fouling paints that protect ship’s hulls from unwanted marine growths. However, it has been strongly linked to damage and death of marine life, as well causing harmful effects to the environment and wider public health. This decree follows similar legislation throughout the world.

Please ensure that you now purchase TBT-free paints only. This decree also enforces the marking of all such paint containers with the TBT-free sign.

RESOURCES:
HEPCA website
HEPCA fans page on facebook

Want to access the internet while you are not at home? Worried about not having you PC on you? Tired of having to stay in your hotel room to get what you want out of the internet. From now on, you don’t have to worry any more! Now with Mobile Internet, you have a 24/7 access of the internet whenever and wherever you need it. You can check your mail, surf the net, stay up and alert with all the breaking news, sports reports and stock market rates. Also, now you can stay hand in hand with your friends with a full-time access to Facebook. That’s not all! You can also check the weather forecasts, cinema guides, as well as world time zone with just one click…

Surf the web now with the best browsing experience!

Mobile internet in Egypt (covered perfectly in Hurghada and all around red sea) is available for low rates from the three major mobile networks; Vodafone, Mobinil and Etisalat.
You may need to check the coverage in your current stay.

For prices, specifications and latest offers check these websites:
Vodafone Egypt
Etisalat
Mobinil

for more information:
Call +2 018 433 2222

For more informaion, Please call +2 018 433 2222

Mobinil has been hard at work revamping its network in preparartion for the launch 3G earlier this month

Since agreeing to purchase the 3G licence, Mobinil has since increased the number of installed base stations to more than 6,500, out of which 700 3G base stations and more than 2,100 EDGE-enabled base stations are in place.

Nokia Siemens Networks, along with Huawei has developed Mobinil’s 3G network, while Alcatel-Lucent and Motorola cooperated with Mobinil to establish the 2G portion of the network. This is in addition to the cooperation with Cisco Systems and Ericsson to develop and enhance the network infrastructure.

In April this year Mobinil did say it would delay the introduction of 3G services and payment of an EGP750 million (US$138 million) instalment on the licence fee by about two and a half months. At the time, the operator said the delay was necessitated because the regulatory authorities were late in handing over the frequency band needed for Mobinil to conduct the necessary tests before commercial service began.

Mobinil had been meant to receive the frequency band on January 17 but the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) did not say it was available until March 27, according to Mobinil.

Mobinil is the last of Egypt’s three mobile operators to launch 3G services, having initially refused to pay the licence fee asked by the NTRA.

“The licence condition set the value of a 3G licence (for the incumbents Mobinil and Vodafone Egypt) at 20 per cent of the price of the 2G/3G licence awarded to the third operator,” explained Alex Shalaby, CEO of Mobinil at the beginning of last year. “We thought this was high and elected not to bid for 3G at this time.” Etisalat bid US$2.9 billion to win Egypt’s third mobile licence, valuing the amount required to be paid by the incumbents for 3G licences at US$580 million each.

However, it should be noted that officially, monuments and other tourist sites are open until 3:00 PM, while in reality, some of the less frequented sites may close earlier (2:00 PM). While there are many restaurant (though not all) open to tourists, many may not serve alcoholic beverages during Ramadan. However, almost all larger hotels, as well as smaller hotels that cater to tourists will be completely operational, including their bars, and they will serve alcoholic drinks as usual.

Spending the holy month of Ramdan in Egypt is different than elsewhere. Other than the rituals practiced during that month, certain social habits of Egyptian Muslims are much different than A street in Egypt during Ramadan with a display of Fanous, the Ramadan lanterns. Photo by Diaa Khalil anywhere else.

Ramadan is a month that follows the lunar calendar, the basis of the Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. With an eleven-day offset from the Gregorian (western) calendar, the exact timing of Ramadan during the year is variable, sometimes falling in summer and sometimes in winter. The first day of Ramadan too is variable, since “Sha’aban”, the preceding month, sometimes has 29 days and sometimes 30 days. Astronomical calculations are utilized to detect the birth of the new moon, yet the cornerstone remains to be its visualization after sunset. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, as do most lunar months.

The holiness of this month comes from the fact that it marks the day when the Holy Spirit, Gabriel, started the transmission of God’s message to the prophet Mohammad, fourteen centuries ago. The exact date has never been identified, but it is believed to be on one of the last ten days of this month, which Muslims call “Lailat el-Qadr”. According to Islam, the month is dedicated to prayers, as it is believed that it is an occasion to wash one’s sins away and enjoy God’s unlimited mercy.

People eating al fresco during Ramadan (after sun set)The principal ritual during Ramadan is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking or sinning, even if minor, throughout the whole day, from dawn to sunset. Though the usual daily practice is in most ways normal, Muslims prefer to spend more time praying or reading the Qora’an, particularly at night.

The daily meals become limited to two, the first of which is the “iftar” when fasting is broken just after sunset. The iftar can be a real bonus to tourists, as many of the hotels offer highly competitive specials for ifar.

The timing of the second meal, “sohour”, is variable according to personal preference, but usually delayed as much as possible until just before dawn. In between “iftar” and “sohour”, people are allowed to eat as they wish.

What makes this month different in Egypt? A long time ago, Egyptians adopted certain social habits during this month that are not directly related to religion. Officially, the working hours are diminished to allow more time for prayers. People usually sleep very late and spend considerable time in the mosques. The traditional practice starts immediately after sunset, which is announced to people through all mosques by the ritual “azan”, or the call for prayers. Once, beginning in the 16th Century, it was the habit of the Egyptian government to fire a canon which could be heard throughout Cairo to announce end of the daily fast. This loud shot was fired from the Citadel over the “el-Moqattam” mountains. Modern technology has replaced this habit so that now announcements are made on radio and TV.

“Iftar” is considered the main meal of the day during Ramadan and is often very rich. Any type of food might be served, but traditionally the desert almost always includes “konafa” or “qatayef”. The former is a cake-like food made of wheat with considerable sugar, honey, raisins and different types of nuts. The later is almost the same, but takes the shape of a small circular cake, which is folded to include nuts and raisins.

A modern Ramadan fanoosSince Ramadan is considered to be the most joyful month of the whole year, children also have their share of fun. The “fanoos” or lantern is a must for every kid. These are traditionally made of tin and colored glass, with a candle inside. More modern examples are battery operated, but really lack the spirit (though each year there seems to be a trend to see who can produce the most snazzy fanoos). All mosques and streets during the whole month are full of colored lights in a festival fashion, and in the past, children played in the streets with their lanterns, singing “wahawy ya wahawy”. This tradition is still practiced, though rarely now in the streets, except in middle class or poor neighborhoods, and in the countryside.

With the introduction of TV in the 1960’s, traditions changed. TV transmissions lasts 24 hours a day, and the programs include too many new serials and movies. More than half of the serials produced by the Egyptian TV are broadcast during Ramadan for the first time. another traditional program is the “fawazeer”, which is a daily riddle usually broadcast during a comedy or musical show. The family is usually gathered around the TV for long hours, if they do not go for prayers. Nuts are consumed as a snack, together with a traditional drink “qamar el-deen1″ which is made of apricot. Most people prefer to spend at least the first day in an extended family reunion, gathering in the home of the grand parents’.

Setting up tables in the street for iftar.After the first few days, people start to go out after “iftar”. Hence, many gatherings between families, friends or colleagues take place for the main meal, and for socializing afterwards. since many people prefer to spend their time in the old fashioned atmosphere of cafes, many hotels now actively market their facilities for this festive occasion. Today, it has become a tradition for all 5-star hotels to erect a large tent, furnished in the old Arabian decoration, where people enjoy their time listening to old traditional songs and music. It all recalls memories of the old classical days. “Sheesha” or water-pipes are smoked almost continuously.

Sports are also popular during Ramadan. Most clubs arrange minor tournaments, especially for football (soccer). Many people of all ages participate in games, including the elders who compete with their peers. It is not unusual to find many professional football players among these teams of amateurs. The issue is not to win, but to share. In poor districts where no clubs are available, the youth and children can utilize a side street or alley as a football field. During Ramadan, people become very tolerant of such activities, though they are not encouraged during other times of the year.

The show continues until late at night, and sometimes right up until the dawn prayers, after which people finally sleep. Of course, not everyone follows this routine. Many somewhat older people find it difficult to keep pace with these celebrations, and of course some must continue to work (for example, those in the tourism business). In the old days, the tradition was for man called a “mesaharaty” to walk down the streets before dawn with a drum. He would wake up the people by singing and calling their names. The mesaharaty was not paid a fixed salary but received donations, and though this profession is now extinct, amateurs continue to practice the tradition.

The worst experience a student might experience is if Ramadan coincides with exams. If possible, the exam timing is shifted by the school or university. But if this is impossible, then the fun may be lost. The majority of people fast during Ramadan, though according to Islam, the sick, travelers, elders and children are not required to follow this requirement. Since the days are longer in summer and the weather is hot, fasting sometimes become difficult. Children usually start demanding that their parents allow them to fast at an early age, though they are usually not allowed to do so before the age of ten, and then only for a short duration. The sick also try to fast, though of course this may be very difficult for them.  In fact, no one would ever wish to miss a single day of fasting during this month, although it is possible to compensate later. It is not just the religious obligation, but also the atmosphere.

It is not considered good manners to outwardly make a display of not fasting. Though not illegal, those who do not fast would usually hide to eat, drink or smoke. Egyptian Christians also share also participate in most of these practices with their fellow Muslims. Some would also fast as a sign of national unity, but even those who do not would never eat or drink in public, as a sign of respect to Islamic traditions. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited throughout the month, and all bars are closed (with the exception of many tourist facilities)

On the last day of Ramadan, observatories again check for the new moon. The month ends after the 29th or 30th day, when the “eid” or feast begins.

————–

1. This drink is usually made from from dried apricot sheets, or past, which is placed in boiling water. Qamar el-deem sheets, as they are called, can be found in many specialty Middle East markets. It is also used to make an apricot pudding.

However, we recommend learning Arabic as it’s easy, fun and useful.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS

Yes: aywa
No: la
Perhaps: yemken
Possibly: mumken
Impossible: mesh mumken
Necessary: daruri
Please: men fadlak (m.) men fadlik (f.)
Thank you: shukran
You are Welcome: Ahlan beek
Sorry/Excuse me: assef
Good Morning: sabah el-kheir
Good Evening: masa el-kheir
Good Night: tesbah ala kheir
Welcome: Marhaba
Goodbye: salam (peace)
My name is: esmi
My name is Jena: Ana esmi Jena
What Is Your Name?: esmak eh?
How Are You?: ez zayyak? (m.) ez zayyek? (f.)
Nice to Meet You: Saadot belkak
Today: en-nahar da
Tomorrow: bukra
Yesterday: imbarih
I Speak English: ana batkallem englizi
I Don’t Speak Arabic: ma-batkallamsh `arabi
I Don’t Understand: ana mish fahem
Do You Speak English?: int betetkalem inglizi?
Can You Help Me?: mumken tsaa’dni?
Information: istiilaamaat
What Time Is It?: el-saa kam?

ENDEARMENT

I Love You: Ana ohebak

MEETING PEOPLE

Do you have children? Hal ladyek atfal?
Do you have a wife? Hal anta motazaweg?
Do you have a husband? Hal anty motazawega?
What is your address: Ma enwanak?
What is your Phone Number Please? Momken an toateny raqam telefonak?
Where did you go to School? Ayn zahabt ela almadrasa?
How old are you? Kam Omrak?
Where do you work? Ayn Taamal?
Where does your family live? Ayn Taskon Aelatak?

DAYS OF THE WEEK

Monday: el-etnein
Tuesday: el-talat
Wednesday: el-arbaa
Thursday: el-khamees
Friday: el-gumaa
Saturday: el-sabt
Sunday: el-had

MONTHS OF THE YEAR

January: yanayer
February: febrayer
March: mares
April: abryl
May: mayu
June: yunya
July: yulyo
August: aghustus
September: september
October: octeber
November: november
December: december

SEASONS

Winter: sheta
Fall: kharif
Spring: rabiea
Summer: sseif

NUMBERS

One: wahed
Two: etnein
Three: talata
Four: arbaa
Five: khamsa
Six: sitta
Seven: sabaa
Eight: tamania
Nine: tesaa
Ten: ashaara
Fifty: khamsin
One Hundred: mia
Five Hundred: khams mia
One Thousand: alf

TRAVEL

Airplane: tayara
Airport: mattar
Bus: auto beas
Ticket: tazkara
Change: sarf or taghieer
Customs: gumruk
Station: mahatta
Porter: shaial or hammal
Train: atre or kittar
Suitcase: shanta
Departure: zehab
Arrival: wussul
Delay: taakhear
Travel Agent: wikalat safar
Bus Station: mehatet el-outobees
When Does The….Arrive?: emta wussul
When Does The…Leave?: emta qiyam…
I Want To Go To…: Ayez arrouh ella…
Stop Here Please: wakeff hena men fadlak
Can I take your picture? Hal yomken an akhoz lak sora?
Would you take my picture? Hal toheb an takhoz soraty?
Can You Wait For Me?: mumkin tantazirni?
Can you get me a taxi? Hal yomken an tohder lee taxi
Wait: intazir
I need a tourist policeman Oreed ragol shorted al seyaha
I need a ticket please Menfadlak aoreed tazkara
Where is a photo shop? Ayn yogad studio el tasweer?
Where Can I buy Film? Men ayen yomken le an ashtary film?
Can I smoke here? Hal youmken le an odakhen hona?
I must leave tomorrow La bod an arhal ghadan

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND

Where are your restrooms (WC)? Ayn dawret al meyah?
Where Is…?: fein….?
Is It Near?: hal qarieb?
Is It Far?: hal baied?
(On The)Left: shmal
(On The)Right: yamin
Above: fuq
Below: taht
In Front Of/Outside: uddam
Behind: wara
Here: hena
Over There: henak
Before: abl
After: baa’d
South: janub
North: shamal
East: sharq
West: gharb
Street: shari’
Village: qaria
Town: medina
Sea: bahr

GETTING AROUND

Can you take me to this address? Hal yomken an takhozny ela haza alaonwan?
Please Take me to the Cairo Marriott Hotel Oreed an azhab ela fondoq Marriott al kahera
I will get my own taxi. Sawf astaqel taxi
I will get out here. Sawf akhrog men hona (to taxi driver)
Meet me at the Nile Hilton Abelny end el nil hilton
Please slow down (to Taxi or other driver) Men fadlak abte’ al soraa
Go straight please Etageh lel amam
Turn left please Etageh yamenan
Turn right please Etageh yasaran
Can you wait for me here? Hal youmken an tantazerony hona?
Car: sayara
Driver: sawaq
Petrol/Gas Station: mahattet benzine
Petrol/Gas: benzine
Pump Up: nafkh
Oil: zeit
Hire: ajar/ejar
Bridge: kubri
Gate: bab
Wheel: agall
Road: tariq
Taxi: taxi

AT THE HOTEL

Hotel: fundoq
Room: ghorfa
Key: meftah
Bathroom: hammam
Towel: futa, manchafa
Sheet: melaya
Blanket: Ghata
I Have Reserved A Room: Ana hagazt oda
The air conditioner is not working Al takeef la yaamal
How Much Does A Room Cost?: bi kam el-oda?
When does the swimming pool open? Mata yaamal hmam el sebaha
Do you have an Internet Cafe? Hal ugad internet café?
I need room service Ahtag lekhedmet el ghoraf
I need a wake up call. Oreed an youkezny ahad
Can someone get my luggage Hal youmken leahad an usaedny fe ehdar haqaeby?
Do I have any messages? Hal laday ay rasael?
I need maid service Oreed amelat nazafa

AT THE RESTAURANT

Restaurant: mataam
Breakfast: fetar
Lunch: ghada
Dinner: asha
Water: mayya
Mineral Water: mayya maadania
Wine: nebite
Juice: assir
Glass: kas
Plate: tabaq
Bread: aish
Butter: zebda
Olives: zeitun
Cheese: jibna
Salad: salata
Vegetables: khodar
Meat: lahma
Chicken: dajaj
Fish: samak
Dessert: helu
Fruit: fakiha
Ice-Cream: ice cream
Coffee: ahua
Coffee Without Sugar: ahua sada
Fairly Sweet: mazbut
Very Sweet: ziada
Tea: shay
Sugar: sokkar
Milk: halib
Hot: sokhn
Cold: bared
Can you recommend a restaurant? Hal youmken an torasheh mataam?
Do you have beer? Hal ugad ladaykom beera?
May I Have The Tab, Please?: momken el-he-ssab men fadlak?
I need a table for four. Oreed trabeza Larbaat ashkhas
May I have more ice, please? Hal le mazeed min al thalg?

VISITS

Visit: ziara
Open: maftuh
Closed: maqfoul
Ticket Office: shubbak
Ticket: tazkara
Town: medina
Quarter: hhay
House: beit
Garden: hadiqa
Theater: masrah
Cinema: cinema
Museum: mat-hhaf
Mosque: gamea
May I Visit The Mosque?: mumken azur el-gamea?

THE POST OFFICE

Where Can I Telephone?: fein mumken atalfein?
Post Office: maktab el-barid
Postage Stamp: tabea bareed
Telephone: teliphune
Telegram: barqiya

EMERGENCIES

Police: bolice
Fire Brigade: matafy/shurtat el-matafy
Infirmary: mashfa
Hospital: mustashfa
Pharmacy: ssaydaliya
Doctor: doctur
I’m too hot Ashaor bhar shaded
I’m feeling sick. Ahsaor bel taab
Please Call The Doctor: etlob el-tabib men fadlak

SHOPPING

I want to pay for this. Oreed an adfaa lehaza
Can I pay in Euros? Hal yomkenny an adfaa bel Euro?
Can I Speak to your Manager? Hal yomkeny al tahadoth maa moderak?
Who is in charge? Man al Masoul?
Do you take Master Card? Hal taqbaloun al taamol bel master card?
Leave me alone Etrokny wahdy
May I have a Bottle of Water Please Hal yomken an aakhoz zogaget meyah?
Bureau De Change: maktab el-sarf
Money: fuluss
I Would Like To Change Some Money: ayez asarraf fuluss
Change (Coins): fakka
Have You Any Change?: andokom fakka?
Price: el-taman
Where Can I Buy…?: fein mumken ashtari…?
How Much?: bekam?
How much does this cost? Bekam haza?
How Much Is This?: bi kam da
It’s Too Expensive: ghali awi
A Little: shuaya
A Lot: keteer
That’s Fine/Perfect: tamam
Baker: khabbaz
Grocer: baqqal
Butcher: gazzar
Butcher’s house: Gezzara
Shop: mahal
Photographer’s: mesauaraty
Bookshop: maktaba
Newspaper: journaal
Book: kitab
Jeweler: sayegh

MATERIALS

Gold: dahab
Silver: fadda
Iron: hadid
Bronze: bronz
Copper: nehas
Terracotta: fokhar
Silk: harir
Cotton: qotn
Synthetic: synthetic/polyester
Wool: souf
Glass: ezaz
Imitation: taqlead/taa-leed
Original: assli
Paper: waraq

COLORS

White: abiad
Black: asuad
Red: ahmar
Green: akhdar
Blue: azrak
Yellow: asfar
Orange: burtuqali
Pink: wardi
Purple: banafsegy

Have fun!