Sven's travels

Tamarai Cairo

2011-03-05T23:00:00.002+02:00

It is not easy to go out at night when there is a curfew from midnight to six a clock in the morning. If you are planing to go out these days in Cairo you have to go early. Usually nightlife in Cairo starts after midnight. But in revolutionary times there is no normality in the nightlife.

My Egyptian friends and I met at 7:00 PM to go out, which is so early in Egypt.

As I said, we came very early

This was my second time at Tamarai. First visit was October last year.

Located in Nile City Towers’ North Tower, Tamarai brings a splash of elegance to the city. In summertime there is a festive outdoor patio, with an elaborate bar and ample room for dancing. The balcony shows off a captivating view of the Nile, and although the restaurant is only on the third floor, it gives the impression of being elevated high above the city lights below. The winter lounge proved that for all the glitz and glamour that precede its reputation, Tamarai can be equally satisfying as a low-key place to mingle.

The staff is friendly and efficient, yet by no means overly attentive. As one would expect, prices are on the high end, reservations are generally a must, and a substantial minimum charge of 250LE applies on weekends.

Interview for youm7 - 18/02/2011

2011-02-28T20:20:00.000+02:00

I am sorry, but only have this in Arabic for you. Do not try the google translator, it translates very badly.

أبرز مشاهد جمعة شهداء التحرير.. مشاركة السياح وأصحاب المطالب الفئوية.. تغير الشعارات الثورية من إسقاط النظام إلى الاحتفال بتحقيق الكرامة المصرية.. وضحايا التعذيب يعرضون أجسادهم للمارة

الجمعة، 18 فبراير 2011 - 17:57

كتب علام عبد الغفار و إسلام النحراوى تصوير عمرو دياب وياسر عبد الله ومحمود حفناوي ومحمد نبيل

انضمام السياح وأصحاب المطالب الفئوية، تغيير شعارات الثوار، عرض بعض السجناء آثار التعذيب للمتظاهرين، المرور بعلم مصر طوله 100 متر، هى أبرز الملامح التى شهدها ميدان التحرير فى جمعة الشهداء اليوم، حيث انضم عدد كبير من السياح الألمان وعدد من العاملين بقطاعات السياحة وطلاب الجامعات الأمريكية والألمانية، رافعين شعار "اللى يحب مصر يأتى ويزور مصر"، وذلك لتشجيع السياحة وعودتها مرة أخرى بعد تضررهم من الأحداث الماضية.

ارتدى السياح والعاملون بالسياحة والطلاب زياً موحداً ذا لون أبيض، رافعين لافتات بمختلف اللغات الأجنبية تنادى بمساندة الحرية وزيارة مصر.

وقال سفن بونقوس أحد السياح الألمان، إن أجمل ما شاهده اليوم والأيام الماضية عدم استسلام المصريين رغم سقوط عشرات الشهداء، كما أنهم أعطوا درساً للعالم فى فن الحماية الشعبية، خاصة أنه فى ألمانيا والدول الأوروبية المواطن لا يحمى سوى نفسه.

كما انضم العاملون بقطاع الكهرباء بشمال القاهرة المطالبين بتحسين أوضاعهم المالية، رافعين لافتة كبيرة تؤيد الثورة وتؤكد انضمامهم لها لتحقيق مطالبهم الفئوية، وهو نفس الأمر الذى فعله عمال وسائقو النقل العام، كما شارك العشرات من معتقلى الثورة والذين خرجوا من السجون ليقوموا بعرض آثار التعذيب على أجسادهم على المتظاهرين بالتحرير.

وشهد التحرير أيضاً تغيير الشعارات الثورية التى كان ينادى بها خلال الأيام الماضية وكان أبرزها "ارفع رأسك فوق.. أنت مصرى"، "شيخ الأزهر فين.. القرضاوى أهوه"، "يا شهيد نام وارتاح.. وإحنا نكمل الكفاح"، "لا مصالحة مع الداخلية إلا بعد دفع الدية"، وذلك بعد شعارات "الشعب يريد إسقاط النظام".

وبالتزامن مع الاحتفالات بالميدان عن طريق الطبل البلدى والمزمار والأغانى الوطنية احتفالاً وتكريماً للشهداء أقام الثوار مسرحاً كبيراً للشهداء والفنانين تمهيداً للاحتفال بالشهداء وأسرهم.

Historic Moments in Egypt

2011-02-18T11:38:00.002+02:00

10th of February - Evening
In the evening, it was announced that Mubarak will speak one more time to the people of Egypt. I went to down town with a couple of friends, as we all thought he step down now.

Watching Mubarak's speech in a Café near to Tahrir square

After a long time of waiting, he finally gave his speech. Although I could not understand what he was saying, I knew that he will not step down. Moments after his speech, people went out of the Café were we were and shouted "Yaskut yaskut yaskut... yaskut Hosni Mubarak" (Down with Mubarak). People were not angry, but very sad. Some of them were almost crying. But some said: "Let's go home and get some sleep, tomorrow we will be back again at Tahrir square".

11th of February
The march of 20 million people. This is what the organizers of the protests hoped to reach today. I met a couple of friends in the afternoon to go on the streets again. Approaching Tahrir square for the first time since the demonstrations on the 28th of January I saw how good organized the people are.
Small businesses were emerging, selling flags, painting flags on faces, selling food and drinks and much more. At the entrance our ID cards were checked and our bodies were searched if we have any weapons. It was the first time I saw Egyptian people waiting in the line.

Getting checked

Selling flags

It was amazing walking around Tahrir square. Mubarak had not resigned at this moment, but people were somehow in a happy mood, protesting peacefully. Maybe they knew what would happen later that day. Tahrir square was an own city. People from every part of the society were gathering here, helping each other. I saw two clinics with medicine and doctors who volunteer.

"People demand the removal of the regime"

Camping at Tahrir square

A clinic at Tahrir square

With the start of the evening we planed to go home. While walking to the next functioning Metro station at Ramses street people started dancing on the street, shouting, hugging each other. And there it was. It was 6:05 PM, 2 minutes after the speech of Suleiman. Mubarak resigned. He was gone. In this moment we could not believe what was happening around us. Especially our Egyptian friends were astonished. We decided to go back to Tahrir square. This was the historic moment we were waiting for, a moment you will tell your children and grandchildren in the future.

Celebrations on the way to Tahrir square

Celebrating with the army

25th of January Revolution (the day everything started and my birthday)

I was so happy to be in Egypt at this historic moment and even to be at Tahrir square, the center of the demonstrations. I was telling the people Mabrouk, which means congratulations in Arabic.

Later at night, we sat down on the floor and sang some Egyptian songs.

Singing and celebrating

The next day, people started to clean the square and even their own neighborhood. It was surprising for me, because usually you see a lot of trash on Egyptian streets.

Helping to clean Tahrir square

This revolution has changed the people inside. After 30 years of depression, people stood up against the regime to change the country they love. People are helping each other, care about politics, free media, human rights, justice, environmental issues and much more. Now, Egyptians know that they can change anything.

To help building up a better Egypt, the foundation were I work started the Better Egypt initiative.
I am working with this Organization since October 2010. I have a great time working there. It is a very good experience and improved my life and working skills in many ways.

For more information about this Organization please visit the website http://www.bwngo.org/ or contact us under the E-mail: info@bwngo.org

Change will come to Egypt - But time and good organization is needed

2011-02-05T20:36:00.004+02:00

In 1989 millions of people went out on the streets every Monday to protest for more rights in the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany). On the 9th of November 1989 the Berlin Wall was opened. It took 11 months till Germany was reunified on the 3rd of October 1990.

I know that the situation in Egypt is not the same, but there are similarities. Everyone in Egypt knows that there have been crimes done by the ruling regime. A few people got very rich through corruption and favors by friends. There was no freedom of speech, freedom of press or free and fair elections. Human rights were treated very badly. Before Mubarak came to power 1/5 of the population were poor now its 1/3 of the population.

Even on the days of violence (2nd of Feb. - 3rd of Feb.) the people who a feared to loose power stroke back. Why were only the pro Mubarak crowd at Tahir square so violent but not those in the other parts of the city? Why was there secret police in the pro Mubarak crowd? Why did they came with buses? Why did all of them had weapons? Why did the military let them through even tho a day before everyone else was checked if he/she has weapons? Why did the police left the streets? Why did police released prisoners and weapons were given to them? Why were so many journalists, and human right activist arrested and beaten up?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/weekinreview/06held.html?_r=2&ref=souadmekhennet

Has Mubarak still the power? Are his followers so scared to loose power after he will leave? Many became rich under him, mainly because of corruption and criminal intrigues. Are those people behind all these crimes happened a few days ago? Gamal Mubarak has influence to all big companies in Egypt, is this a coincident?

There has to be a fair investigation by independent people. But who knows if the truth ever come out.

Now is the time to change the political landscape to a free and democratic country, which respects the universal declaration of human rights from the UN. But change needs it time. As my German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today to the Egyptian people: "If you're in this kind of process of upheaval, things just can't go fast enough," Merkel said. But, she added, it doesn't make sense to hold elections very quickly "as the beginning of a process of democratization — you have to give people a chance to create structures."

A transformation from an dictatorship to a democratic state needs its time. I am happy that the European Union said, that it is on the Egyptian people to change their country and that we don't want to interfere. But we can help to build up a Better Egypt as an equal partner.

Tahir square 2nd of February - by an Eyewitness

2011-02-03T16:49:00.001+02:00

This is from an E-Mail Forwarded to Cairo Scholars. What you read here has been witnessed also by a friend of mine and many journalist who had been out there.
------

Although I have heard others locally expressing the same views as stated in Lena's post, I would like to remind everyone that the demonstrations started peacefully, and remained so at all times. I was there. If negotiating was a priority of the Govt, then violence would have been a last resort.

However, truth is that the violence is one sided, organized and deliberate:
since Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the hands of the riot police,
then the police and their paid thugs creating chaos starting Day 4 Friday 29 after curfew at 6pm,
and also yesterday Tuesday 4 Feb, where massive gangs of thugs were mobilized by the govt and have been terrorizing regular citizens all over the city.

Here is another thing from Facebook I would like to share.

by Mona Fetouh on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 3:57am

The real protesters:
Are men, women, children of all ages, religions and social classes
Carry homemade signs
Have been peaceful for 8 days
Do not carry weapons
Come on foot, by car or public transport
Do not ride horses or camels in urban squares
Do not attack journalists
Do not harm or harass women
Do not carry police IDs

The fake protesters:
Are all men between the ages of 20-50
Carry professionally printed, pre-made signs resembling those during the fake elections
Show up on day 9, violent and aggressive
Carry knives, machetes, clubs, whips, Molotov cocktails
Come on organized minibuses and trucks
Attack all press and media present
Grope and harass women
Carry police IDs one example of many:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24271114@N08/sets/72157625838724811/with/5411316547/

It is not the anti-regime protesters who are causing instability. It is the "stable" regime who made this become violent, and who have crippled the economy and communications. They have also waged a successful propaganda campaign so that now people are starting to believe their lies. They cannot be trusted to lead a peaceful transition--they have proven they will do whatever it takes to preserve their power.

Egyptian Revolution - Continued

2011-02-02T16:42:00.004+02:00

26^th of January 2011

After the big demonstration day yesterday, it was a normal working day for me. Observing the Facebook groups, it was announced that there will be a big demonstration on the 28^th of January.

27^th of January 2011

After work on Thursday evening, my roommate and I went to our friends nearby apartment. We were talking about what might happen tomorrow. Will the demonstration be strong enough to kick Mubarak out of the country? Will the military start shooting?

I actually decided earlier not going to the demonstrations, but as we were discussing about what is happening in Egypt right now I had to go. This could be a historical moment, what only happens once in a life time.

Just moments after we left the apartment, the internet was shut off. A friend of mine told me, that nearly every mosque and church was calling for demonstrations. I thought that this could be a huge day, as millions of people go to the Friday prayers. Film stars, Music stars, El Baradei, everyone will be at this demonstration.

28^th of January 2011

At 10:30 AM my roommate and I left our apartment to meet with our friends a few blocks away from us. We had a map enrolled on the table to organize where we should go to watch the event. But you never know where you will end up at the end of the day.

Like on Tuesday we were taking the local tram to Ramses square. As we approached there, we saw hundreds of police men getting ready for today’s protests. Walking down to Ramses street, we witnessed a small demonstration.

Getting ready

As we were coming near to the Ramses Hilton Hotel at the Nile River, we saw two security cars set on fire. A few hundred people were demonstration next to the hotel. The police responded with a lot of tear gas. People were trying to get into the hotel as the tear gas clouds were coming close to us, but the hotel security denied. Only families with their children were allowed to enter.

Tear gas

After the horrible experience of getting a lot of tear gas into your eyes and lungs we managed to go to the Nile River, the street where the National TV Station is located. We watched the ongoing battle on the bridges left and right to us. We thought that the demonstrations have failed as there were only small groups gathering around. It seemed that the police were successfully separating the groups.

On our way back home to Heliopolis some of our friends got a Taxi. My roommate and a friend of us and I searched for a Taxi too, to get out of Downtown, but we couldn`t find any. The only choice was continuing walking till we find one. We thought that we have to go home soon as possible, as the curfew would start soon.

A few minutes later, as we were walking in a poor area near to Downtown, we saw a few hundred people moving to the direction of Tahir square. There was no police anywhere, so we decided to follow them. And then we witnessed a symbolic moment.

Back on Ramses street we saw more than hundred thousand people gathering on the street. No police was in that area. Security trucks were burning. And then it happened. Next to the National Newspaper building was a gigantic poster of Hosni Mubarak. It was tired down by the people. People where happy, and shouted yaskut yaskut Hosni Mubarak (Down with Hosni Mubarak).

Standing in the middle of the demonstration at Ramses street, we realized that we were save. No police was around. Walking down with the crowed to Tahir square, we saw again a few security trucks on fire. We got into contact with some Egyptian people asking them what they think. Most of them were in a very happy mood. Some were happy, but at the same time worried about the violence of the police against them and the responds of the people. They were asking us, what we are doing in Egypt and why we are at the demonstration. Most of the people told me to tell their story and what is happening in Egypt to outside world.

Approaching Tahir square, we heard rumors that the army has arrived, so we went to our friend’s apartment near to Tahir square.

Watching the news

NDP building on fire

Tear gas

That night we were watching the battles between the police and the demonstrators from the roof of the apartment building. The women who live on the roof were providing us with drinks and a TV to watch the news. We witnessed how the NDP headquarter was set on fire as well as how the police stole food and drinks from a nearby supermarket.

As the military moved in, they called the police back and protected the demonstrators. At that time we went bed, to get some rest.

29^th of January 2011

The next day we went back on the streets early in the morning. We saw the leftovers of the fight between the police and the demonstrators. Hundreds of stones, empty teargas bottles and some smashed bottles, which were used as Molotov cocktails. Walking down to Tahir square we saw the tanks and military securing the area. People were friendly and happy that the military arrived as there is a strong connection between them. At the square some Egyptians offer us some cans of Stella, the famous local Beer.

NDP building

Military securing the National TV station

"Yaskut Mubarak" (Down with Mubarak)

After checking out the area we went back to Heliopolis, to get some rest after this very long and historic day. Our Landlord told us that the police got the order only protect their police station. In whole Cairo no police was on the street. A reason for the people to set up neighborhood watches as thousands of prisoners escaped. It seemed to be a tactic by the regime to scare the people and give them the only choice to choose between chaos and the regime. But people were not scared by this tactic and continued to protest at Tahir square.

30^th of January 2011

My roommate and I had no food at home anymore. Our Landlord came to us to take the rent of our apartment. He offered us to take us to a supermarket, which still had open as most of them were already closed. We had to wait in line to get into the supermarket. Inside we got as much as we can carry to have food for the next 2 weeks, as you do not know what will happen next.

Later at night I was outside with my neighbors, who set up a neighborhood watch. This shows the real character of the Egyptian people. People are helping each other. Although Cairo is a very big city, the people in their neighborhood know each other. If this kind of situation would happen in a big city in Germany, there would be anarchy. People were doing the job of the police. That night many criminals were captured or killed. In our area the situation was very calm, as there is a military checkpoint at Roxy square, the place where I live in Heliopolis.

31^st of January 2011

Watching the news all day long, the military announced, that it will not use any force against the great people of Egypt.

At night I was again outside with my new friends to protect our area against Plunderers. I have not witnessed any violence in our area so far. Same like last night, the situation was very calm, so we smoked Shisha inside of a traffic police house.

1^st of February 2011

Continuing watching TV instead of going out on the streets, I saw how the crowd on Tahir square got bigger and bigger. I would not go to Tahir square, because I promised it to my family and my closest Egyptian friends.

Yesterday it was announced that there will be a million man march to the presidential palace in Heliopolis. As this place is near to my home, I do not have the need to go to Tahir square. Watching Al Jazeera all day long again, I saw that the people will stay in Tahir square. For some time reporters said that there are two million people on Tahir square.

At around 11:15 PM local time, President Mubarak announced that he will not run for another term. Just before going to bed I saw 30 people on the street demonstrating in favor of Mubarak.

2^nd of February 2011

Early in the morning at around 3:30 AM my roommate and I went to Cornish Al Nile, near Tahir square as my roommate was giving an interview for CNN.

We ask our friends from the neighborhood watch to get us a Taxi. After we knew that the Taxi we had stopped early will not come, our friends asked the military to help us. They stopped a random car for us and asked them to give us a ride.

At the CNN studio we met Anderson Cooper. My roommate was giving his interview for his show Anderson Cooper 360. Later, they told us to stay in their apartment at the Ramses Hotel, till the curfew would end.

At 1:00 PM the internet was back.

25th of January 2011 - Police day demonstrations

2011-01-26T03:08:00.001+02:00

What a day! I went with my roommate and a couple of friends to the demonstrations, which were announced on Facebook by the group "We are all Khalid Saeed" http://www.facebook.com/ElShaheeed

The 25th of January is a National Holiday in Egypt. On this day 58 years ago, the police fighted against the British occupation. Today the Egyptian police are oppressors.

Egypt is facing similar problems Tunisia has. There is a high unemployment rate under young people, prices are rising, the emergency law from 1982 is still in place...

We began watching a small demonstration by the supreme court. It was only a small group of protesters surrounded by a big group of police men.

After a stop of half an hour we went on to Tahir street, where the Cairo Museum is located. The whole area was locked down by the police, even tho as a person you were allowed to pass. Cars were stopped.
Impressions from Tahir street:

Here was a critical point. We were a group of about 10 people. But tensions got higher and we got separated. The police was starting to hit the demonstrators and the situation began to escalate. Some of us found a save place in a gateway to a shop. After the situation got clearer we went out and went behind the police.

The situation seemed to be clear, but as I was taking this video the police started to throw with tear gas grenades.

I actually wanted to celebrate my birthday that evening in Downtown, but as the protests are still going on in the night I decided just to go to a restaurant in my safe neighborhood in Heliopolis.

First 22 Days of 2011

2011-01-22T23:03:00.004+02:00

Hello 2011!

I can't believe that you are already 22 days old. Here we are........ and now? What happened so far in those days? For me the new year started very good at a nice house party with some of my friends. We had a good time that night. And then in the morning, bad news.

I read in the news about the bombing in front of an Church in Alexandria. 24 people died, many more were injured. Will this have any effect on the stability of the country?

As I talked to my friends about this tragedy I found out that the bombing had the opposite effect of what the terrorist may wanted: Split the society. To show solidarity, Muslims went to church. But even before this bombing happened, Muslims and Christians are living in peace side by side. My Muslim friends have Christian friends, vise versa.

People in the Western World get sometimes the impression that Christians in Egypt are repressed. This is just not true. A simple example: In Egypt the Catholic Church is allowed build churches, but not in Turkey.

Few days later, another time, bad news.

On the 4th of January my parents, and one day later my sister and her boyfriend where supposed to visit me in Egypt. But life is not that easy. On the 3rd of January my grandpa died. I knew that he was sick and already 84 years old, but still you hope that he may survive till you come back. Of course my parents and my sister cancelled the flight to Egypt. The next day I decided to fly back to Germany to go to the funeral of my grandpa. My boss at work was very sympathetic and gave me a week off.

Back in Germany I was very happy to see my family again. Given the circumstances I was still enjoying the time with my family. A few days later I was back in Cairo.

Second day back in Cairo, it rained. Not just a bit, it actually rained heavily. The air was fresh again.

Lets see what the rest of the year brings...

Good luck everyone!

"Never take life too seriously, nobody gets out alive anyway."
This quote is from a bathroom wall at King Street Station, Seattle, WA

Christmas in Cairo

2010-12-24T19:07:00.001+02:00

Same like last year, I can't be home for Christmas, but I do not feel bad about it. Here in Cairo you do not feel that it is Christmas as 75% of the people are Muslims. Even tho Jesus is a Prophet in Islam, they do not believe that he his the son of god as the Christians do. But when I listen to my favorite radio station via web stream and they start playing Christmas songs I get the feeling.

I do celebrate Christmas from a cultural perspective, as I am not religious. But still I am going to church every year on the 24th of December as it is a tradition for me and my family. So how do I celebrate Christmas in Cairo? Well the first party was a Glühweinabend. Glühwein (Eng. mulled wine) is a popular wine punch in the German speaking areas and the Alsace. It was the first time I cooked it by my self. My friends loved it. This evening gave a feeling of being home at the Christmas market drinking Glühwein. The exception was that is was not -10°C but 20°C outside.

Yammy Glühwein

Next stop was a visit with my friend to a Catholic church near to my place where I live. Unfortunately it was the 23rd of December and not the 24th. They showed the walk of Maria and Joseph to the place where Jesus was born and sang some songs. Everything was in Arabic so I just understood a few words.

Catholic church

Later that evening we went to a Birthday/Christmas party of a friend. The family are Christians, so I had the chance to see how they decorate their apartment. It was decorated in a very nice way. I had finally the feeling that it is Christmas soon.

Me at the Christmas Party

So today is Christmas eve and in Germany the family gathers around, have a nice meal and then open the gifts. This year there is a white Christmas in my hometown, which is very unusual.The last time we had snow was about 10 years ago. I am a bit jealous not to be home when there is white Christmas. Later I will Skype with my family and then go to Downtown Cairo and celebrate the evening with my friends. For tomorrow I am invited to another Christmas party...

geseënde Kersfees, gëzuar Krishtlindja, ميلاد مجيد, Shnorhavor Surb tsnund, Noel bayraminiz mubarak, Eguberri on, З Божым нараджэннем, subho baradin, sretan Božić, Nedeleg laouen, весела коледа, 圣诞快乐, Nadelek lowen, bon Natale, sretan Božić, veselé Vánoce, glædelig jul, vrolijk Kerstfeest, merry Christmas, gojan Kristnaskon, häid jõule, gleðilig jól, joyeux Noël, noflike Krystdagen, bon nadâl, bo Nadal, Gilotsavt Shobas, fröhliche Weihnachten, חג מולד שמח, boldog karácsonyt, Nollaig shona, gioioso Natale, un Crăciun fericit, Рождеством Хрисовым, Wesołych Świąt, Срећан Божић, eliz Navidad, สุขสันนคริมาต์วัสตร์ส

Next stop: Luxor (2) - My first bribe

2010-12-21T15:55:00.005+02:00

Thebes

In the west of Luxor lies Thebes, with the valley of the kings, valley of the nobles and various temples. Fist stop was the valley of the kings. The signs where everywhere, "NO CAMERAS", "NO PHOTOS", "NO PICTURES". Well, I read them in Abu Simbel too and took pictures, but this time i got caught. My advice, do not take pictures when it is not allowed! The guy who caught me wanted to take me to the police, but I asked him if we could handle this issue between him and me. Officially I should pay up to 200 EGP for each picture taken, and I took 4. Thats more than a 100€ fine. After a long talk and bargaining I paid the guy 100 EGP which is much for him. In the end I was okay with paying 10€ to the guy, rather than 100€ to the police. I avoid some troubles with the police by paying this bribe.

The valley of the kings is one of the most visited sights in Egypt. With the ticket you can visit three tombs. All of them have very beautiful paintings and if you want some memories visit this site (http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/).

Hatshepsut Temple

Near to the valley of the kings is the Hatshepsut temple.

Hot Air Balloon flight

A wonderful experience is a flight with a hot air balloon over Thebes. Costs are with 350 EGP reasonable. You will fly early in the morning at around 5:00pm, just after sunrise. Up in the air you have a beautiful view over Luxor and Thebes, with all its temples. An amazing picture is the line between the green area around the Nile river and the desert.

Next stop: Luxor (1)

2010-12-20T23:46:00.000+02:00

The last stop of my 10 days trip was Luxor. Starting with the most beautiful Hostel I have ever seen, the Bob Marley House Hostel. Prices are very cheap, the room is good, bathrooms are clean and the staff is friendly and always stoned.

Entrance to the Hostel

Reception

"Lobby"

Luxor is surrounded by several ancient sights. You need some days if you want to see most of them without getting into stressing situations.

Karnak Temple

This temple is one of the largest of its kind in the World. The complex contains a group of temples, such as the great temple of Amon Ra, the temple of Khonso, the Ipt temple, the temple of Ptah, the temple of Montho and the temple of the God Osiris. In ancient times, Karnak was known as Ipet-isut, "The most select of places". The temples are built along two axes with the original Middle Kingdom shrines built on a mound in the center of what is now called the Temple of Amun.The Notre Dame in Paris was planned after the temple of Karnak.

This temple was never finished as you can see it on the unfinished pylons

"Election campaign"

Walking on the streets I noticed advertisement for the parliamentary elections, which were in November. I do not want to go into detail, but elections here are not free and the ruling NDP has a "monopoly" in some areas. Votes are purchased by the NDP and people are terrified to vote for the opposition as they may come into prison.

Luxor Temple
When it is dark outside you should visit this temple. Only at night you will see all its beauty. Founded in 1400 BC, the Luxor Temple was a site of ancient rites to the gods Amun, Chons and Mut.

In the next Post I will write about my visit to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and my balloon flight.

Kom Ombo and Edfu

2010-12-12T19:19:00.002+02:00

On the way from Aswan to Luxor lies Kom Ombo and Edfu. Combine your bus ride with a visit of those two sights. Do not sleep during the ride, you might miss the beautiful few.

Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo stands by the Nile just south of Gebel el-Silsila, between Aswan and Edfu. The Temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder is an unconventional temple in that it is dedicated to two triads of deities; Sobek, Hathor and their child Khonsu, and Horus the Elder (Heru-ur or Haroeris), Tasenetnofret ("the good sister") and their child Panebtawy (the Lord of the Two Lands). Sobek and Horus the Elderare the two primary gods, and so the temple was also known as "House of the Crocodile" (Sobek) and "Castle of the Falcon" (Horus).

Kom Ombo Temple

Edfu
The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple and is the second largest in the entire country. The temple was dedicated to the falcon god Horus and built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty. The construction length was estimated to be between 237 and 57 BC. Today the Edfu Temple is still intact and definitely one of the best-preserved sites in all of Egypt.

Edfu Temple

Kalabsha and Philae Temple

2010-12-10T20:45:00.002+02:00

Kalabsha
Near to Aswan on the banks of Lake Nasser lies Kalabsha Temple. The best way to get there, is to take a taxi and then a boat as it is located on an island. Do not try to bargain with the guy who has the boat, I tried it and gave up after half an hour. He has one price for everyone. Even Egyptians have to pay the same price like tourists. Enjoy your ride with the boat and observe the lake, sometimes you are lucky and see a Nile monitor.

Nile monitor

In 1961 Kalabsha Temple was dismantled and moved block by block to its current location. It was just one of 18 temples and monuments moved, in order to preserve them from the rising Nile waters created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temple is dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus and the Nubian god Manduluis. It was built in 30 BC.

Kalabsha Temple

Philae
Philae Temple was also dismantled and reassembled in the wake of the High Dam. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is in a beautiful setting which has been landscaped to match its original site. It's various shrines and sanctuaries, which include the Vestibule of Nectanebos I, the Temple of the Emperor Hadrian, a Temple of Hathor, Trajan's Kiosk (Pharaohs Bed), a birth house and two pylons celebrate all the deities involved in the Isis and Osiris myth.

If you want to visit this temple, combine it with the trip to Abu Simbel.

Philae Temple

Aswan

2010-12-06T10:48:00.000+02:00

During Eid Al Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice) I went to Upper Egypt. My first stop was Aswan, a beautiful city at the Nile river in the south of Egypt.

After a short flight I arrived in the night at the Memnon Hotel, a cheap and good place to stay. Early in the morning I started my exploration of the city at the Corniche El Nile, the promenade of Aswan. You have a perfect few at the islands in the Nile, the western dessert at the other side and at all the Falukas and cruise liners.

Nile cruiser

One of the must see in Aswan is the Elephantine Island. On it you have two romantic Nubian villages and the ruins of an ancient town. Right next to Elephantine you have the botanical garden of the Kitchener Island. Kitchener was the former British Governor of this region.

View over the ruins of the ancient town on Elephantine Island

My V.I.P. boat to Kitchener Island

Kitchener Island

Arriving on the other side of the Nile river I took a Camel to the ruins of Saint Simeon Monastery.

Me on the Camel

Saint Simeon Monastery

The next day I visited the Nubian Museum. You should not miss it. The museum shows the change within the Nubian culture over the past 5000 years. An eye catcher is the tall statue of Ramses II.

Ramses II

A new tourist magnet is the Aswan high dam and the artificial lake Nasr.

Lake Nasr

Aswan High Dam

Getting around Cairo

2010-11-10T18:12:00.021+02:00

Cairo traffic is known to be overwhelming and overcrowded. In order to get around Cairo in an efficient way it is important to know the different kinds of transportation systems.

Cairo Metro

The Metro is one of Cairo's delights. It is the first and fully-fledged Metro System in Africa. Operating between 6:00am and 12:00pm it is the fastest way of moving around Cairo. There are two lines. One runs from Helwan in the north to El Marg in the south, the other from Shurba in the north to Giza in the west. More extensions are planned. Cairo Metro is based on the French Subway in Paris. Ticket price for each journey is 1 EGP (0.12€).

Once you enter a station, there are employees behind a plexiglass window. Do not push anyone, but do not just stand back and wait. Be assertive, pass your coin to the employee and say "shukran" when he or she gives you your yellow ticket. Do not try to pay for a ticket with a bill larger than 5 EGP. You will have to wait for a long while if you try to get small change.

Once you get your ticket, you will need to put it through a turnstile machine. It will pop out on the other side. Take your ticket as you need it to exit. As I mentioned before, the system works like the one in Paris.

When the train pulls up, you will need to look for the "entry" cars and the "exit" cars. In theory, you are supposed to follow the directions. But in reality it does not work. Be cautious if you are running to catch the train. The doors will not react if they hit something solid. Better you wait for the next train, as they come every 2 minutes.

Bus system

I have not tried the buses yet, but I know that Cairo has many Bus lines. The reason I have not taken the Bus is very simple, signs are in Arabic, I do not know where they will take me and a taxi is very cheap.

There are three types of bus lines, the standard bus service, the air-conditioned service (CTA) and the Mini Buses. The main difference is the price.

Micro Buses

From my experience in Syria I know that Micro Buses are the cheapest way of travelling but at the same time the most unreliable and dangerous one. All of them are privately run by individuals.

Taxis

Taxis are a very convenient mean of transportation in and around Cairo. They are practically everywhere, just walk out on the street for a few minutes and you can be sure to find one. There are several types, the most common one is the old black and white taxi. Those usually do not have a meter, so be sure to bargain about the price before you get in!

The newer ones are either white or yellow. Those have an operating meter. I advice you to take this one if you have no clue about what to pay.

Tram

Cairo's Tam was constructed in the early 20th Century. The Tram network has been largely dismantled in recent years and few lines now remain operational outside the northern suburbs around Heliopolis. Even though a stop is 1 minute away I have never taken the tram.

How I get around Cairo

During working days (Sunday-Thursday) I take the Metro to work and back home. If I meet with my friends, they usually pick me up or I take a cab. The best way of getting around is when your friends drive you.

Future of the transport system

Cairo has a working transportation system, even though some parts are very old. The government has plans to modernise the whole Cairo transport system. This modernisation process started already:

1) There are plans to modernise and expand the Tram system

2) A third line for the Metro is under construction 12 more are planed

3) Black cabs are replaced by modern white cabs

4) Old Micro buses are replaced by new ones

Friday: Delicious lunch, barber shop and Coffee House

2010-11-05T22:50:00.012+02:00

On Friday I was invited to a family lunch at my friends grandmother's house. The family was very obliging and the food extremely delicious. I do not remember how much I ate, but all I know is that it was much and good. It was my third time that I was invited to a friends family and enjoyed the food with them. Three different families, but all have two things in common, good food and perfect hospitality.

After having a perfect lunch, my friend took me to a barber shop called Magic Fingers. You will find it at Mohamed Hussein Hekal Street in Nasr City, Cairo. The service is very good, but you should go with a native as the people do not speak English. Prices are cheap, my cut was for 25 EGP (3€).

Later that day me and my room mate went to the Coffee House, a nice café nearby. The place is small but cosy and serves together with Sequoia the best shisha in town. You should not miss playing backgammon there.

Le Pacha 1901 - Johnny's Pub

2010-11-04T23:45:00.003+02:00

Yesterday I was invited to a birthday party. We went to a Pub called Johnny's, which is located in Zamalek on the Nile river, on the Le Pacha 1901 boat.

The Pub has a very nice atmosphere and is a good place to go, if you want to celebrate something. They serve good finger food and drinks for reasonable prices. The handsome wood-panelled room has a small bar tucked away in the corner. Tall chairs cluster around wooden tables tended by prompt and courteous staff. It has open from 1:00pm to 2:00am. At 8:00pm a DJ starts to play music.

False Money

2010-11-03T04:32:00.003+02:00

Today at the ATM something strange happened.

In the morning I went to an ATM near to my apartment to get money. I received it and put it into my wallet. At home then the surprise. Something was different with those 200 EGP bank notes. As I looked to them in more detail, I saw that they differ in size. What the f...?

So I checked all the security signs, but they were fine. Maybe the Egyptian government is trying to safe paper and money, or they figured out that the bigger bank note is just to big for my wallet. Thanks!!

Sequoia Cairo

2010-11-01T18:03:00.002+02:00

A few days ago me and my friends went to Sequoia in Zamalek (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamalek). It is one of the nicest Restaurants I have been so far in Cairo. The restaurant is one of the most popular places for the young elite and resident foreigners.

Sequoia does not only offer a variety of good mezze's, grills and other main courses, but is also one of the best (if not THE best) places in town to smoke Shisha.

Sequoia has a Shisha menu with 15-20 flavors of tobacco, which you can smell before making your choice. The interior is modern and all white, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Last but not least, you have an amazing view over the Nile river while enjoying your meal or Shisha. I definitely recommend this place!

http://www.sequoiaonline.net/home.php

Update

2010-10-25T23:40:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone!

Has been a long time since my last post. So what happened in the last couple of weeks?

First I can tell you, that I moved from Dokki to Heliopolis into a nice cheap flat. I lived alone for 2 weeks, but then I found an American room mate. So I just pay 150€ a month, including water, electricity, gas and Internet. When I go to work I just walk 20 minutes to the metro station, take a ride to the next stop and walk 5 minutes.

And now that I live close to my friends it is much easier to meet and go out. It does not take me an hour or more to meet them.

Three weeks ago I started my internship as an HR Coordinator at the Better World Foundation. I like my work and I learn much about the administration of an NGO and how to deal with HR questions. The working atmosphere is very good. I recommend to anyone who reads this Blog and will stay in Cairo for longer, should apply for volunteer work at the Better World Foundation. When you do your work, you feel that you are doing something good, what can make the world better.

Two weeks ago 2 of our Erasmus friends from Ireland and Spain came to visit my Egyptian friends and me. It was a very good time we had together. Unfortunately I had to work during that period on some days. But when work allowed it, I spent time with my friends.

The first thing we visited together were the great Pyramids, and they are really great. I have been at the Pyramids a few weeks before, but only at night at a concert. What shall I say about the Pyramids? They a very beautiful, impressing and big. I was so impressed that I can give the highest respect to the people who built them thousands of years ago.

During the days we were in Cairo, we were invited to the home of three of my Egyptian friends. The food is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! And the guest-friendliness is the best in the world!!! You can not imagine how nice it was.

Of course I did not go to every place with my friends, cause I had to work.

We also went on a Nile cruse, which was very nice and very funny. I had a lot of fun, and I danced the Arabic style.

The last 4 days of the visit of our friends we went to Sharm El Sheikh. A very nice place to rest from the crowded Cairo (Although I love Cairo!!) In Sharm you will meet only tourists, what makes this place totally different from Cairo. So what did we do? We chilled at the beach, ride a banana boat, ride on quads through the dessert and went snorkelling. If you ever go to Sharm El Sheikh you have to do a dessert tour and go snorkelling!!!

So thats it for the moment.

Thanks for reading!!

First 2 weeks

2010-09-20T12:48:00.000+03:00

The first two weeks in Cairo past very quickly...

On the 3rd of September my journey began. My parents drove me to Frankfurt Airport, from where I took my Lufthansa flight to Cairo Airport. (What a surprise...). After a good flight my friends in Cairo picked me up from the airport and showed me a part of the city (the city is very very big!!!).

Later on they took me to my apartment. And what shall I say, I pay to much for this, lets say, I can get a nicer flat for this price and near to my friends and working place. But all my friends and the parents of my friends are searching for one. So I hope, that I can move into my new room in October.

To meet my friends in the area called Helipoplis I have to take the Metro, which is clean, fast and cheap(13 cents a ride). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Metro It takes me about 30min from my flat in Dokki to Heliopolis, which is much faster than by car. With a taxi it would take 30min up to 2 hours, depending on the traffic situation. A Taxi in Cairo costs about 16 cents per kilometre.

In the first weeks I went out with my friends to different locations in Cairo, mostly in Heliopolis. The Metropolitan area of Cairo has about 20 million inhabitants. Nobody knows the exact number. If you see Cairo from the air plain, you will notice that the metropolitan area is actually one big city.

The city does never sleep, even at 3am there is traffic and people are on the streets. It is not like a German city, where the city is "dead" after 8pm. *lol*

And what I know from my study year in Damascus, Arabs are very guest friendly! All the people I met here are very nice and are helping you where ever they can.

I can say: I Love Cairo!!!

So far to my first 2 weeks. For more details just write me a message on Facebook or Skype.

What am I doing in Cairo?

2010-09-20T12:39:00.000+03:00

Hello everyone!

Finally I found the time to write my first post...(after 17 days in Cairo)

On the 26th of September I will start my internship at the Better World Foundation - NGO in the HR and Volunteer Management department.

Description of the BWF:

The Better World Foundation was established to help the Egyptian youth advance in the
critical areas of academia and technology. Through experienced volunteers, high-quality
equipment, and established methods, Better World is changing the professional outlook
for hundreds of Egyptians every year by teaching world-languages, international skills,
and proactive attitudes. We currently offer services to thousands of public university
students and recent graduates.
With our balanced organizational membership (50% Egyptian and 50% foreign), we
offer youth a multi-national and interdisciplinary experience that provides opportunities
for fruitful inter-cultural relations.