Enjoy Liz’s photo updates as she hikes, flies, and swims her way through Europe, the Middle East, and currently New Zealand.

@youngadventuress

Always on the move, Alex’s Instagram photos will take you to South America, Central America, and Asia as she embarks on new experiences.

@alexinwanderland

You’ll never get bored browsing JD’s images of landscapes and animals as he explores the planet. His feed is updated often too.

@earthxplorer

The writer behind A Restless Transplant lives, travels and surfs from the comfort of his camper van. With his Instagram you’ll feel like you do too.

@fosterhunting

Carin moved to Paris in 2012 for four months, but fell so in love with the city that she has been there ever since. Her feed will make you feel nothing but amour for the City of Lights too.

@parisinfourmonths

Kate gives you a peek into her travel lifestyle with photos of beaches, sunsets, food, and culture from the many countries she visits.

@adventurouskate

Ryan & Liz spend a lot of time in tropical places, sharing images of their exercise routines and daily life in the countries they move to.

@pausethemoment

Sert’s stunning images, predominently of Turkey, never fail to cheer us up. He makes the already beautiful breathtaking.

@sertmehmet

How to Ease the Process

By Francesca Sullivan

For most people who go through a marriage break-up, finding themselves single again is difficult and painful. Yet there is life after divorce, not to mention the possibility of starting over with a new partner. Divorced women in Egypt may face challenges when dating and trying to form new relationships, not least of which are feeling stigmatized and seen as a threat by those still married – or worse, as an easy target by men. However beyond this, the most important aspect of discovering a new partner might actually be learning more about yourself.

Cairo West Magazine talked to individual and couples counsellor Maryam Maafa about the positive steps you can take to this end, as well as how to avoid making the same mistakes the second time around.

CWM: How do you work on yourself to clear the negative emotional effects that result from a break up?

MM: Be kind to yourself. After divorce it is natural to go through a mix of negative feelings: anger, confusion, pain, frustration and fear. Even though sometimes one may feel a sense of relief that the arguments and disagreements are finally over, it is natural to go into a grieving period in which you are mourning the loss of the person you once loved, the loss of the hopes and dreams you once had together, and the failure of the marriage itself. Getting divorced may lead to fears about the future, wondering whether you will be able to cope on your own, or ever find anyone else. You may suffer from the loss of support: perhaps financially, socially or emotionally, and find it hard to build a new sense of identity.

Recognize that it’s alright to have these emotions, allow yourself time to feel them; don’t suppress or ignore them. It is part of a healing process, which will eventually allow you, at some point, to move on and start a new phase in your life. Take it easy on yourself and try to reduce any other stress that you may encounter.

Understand what went wrong. Try to analyse and understand what lead to the divorce from both sides, and to learn more about your part within the relationship. How did you react to stress? Were you in denial?

Get support. Other family members will be affected, but be encouraged to reach out to family and friends when you need to talk to someone. If that is not comforting perhaps try counselling or therapy as another option for support.

Look after yourself. Eat well, exercise regularly to generate endorphins and improve your mood. Learn a new hobby, train yourself to think positively, meditate, stick to a routine and get enough sleep. Learn to appreciate yourself by doing these simple exercises; make a list of your positive traits, if you are struggling ask the close people around you what they see as your positive traits. Make a list of the good things you have accomplished so far, and also a list of the things you are grateful for.

Give yourself time. Make sure you don’t jump straight into another relationship in order to avoid confronting your feelings or being alone. You will be ‘on the rebound’ and not emotionally ready to build strong foundations in a new relationship. There is no ‘right time’ to start looking for a new partner, but be aware of your emotions and feelings and if you seem to be stuck for more than a couple of years unable to move on, you might find counselling or therapy helpful to learn more about yourself and how you can go forward.

What are the warning signs you should look out for when choosing a new partner, and how can you avoid making the same mistake twice? Should you be looking for someone different from your ex?

Divorce is not a ‘mistake’, but rather the outcome of an unhealthy marriage. There is still a lot of stigma attached to the idea of divorce, and sadly many couples continue together for years after their relationship has broken down, without seeking help or trying to change the situation. I sometimes end up counselling the grown-up children of such couples, who have witnessed their parents living together without meaningful communication for years on end.

When choosing a partner the second time around, it is not about choosing someone different from your ex, because every situation is different and that is a personal choice. I believe what is more important is being honest about your needs and how you want to be treated. Be fully aware of his habits and the way he operates before you commit to him. Don’t marry a chain smoker thinking you can change him; what you tolerate now for the sake of your attraction will later become a source of conflict.

Relationships shouldn’t be about ticking off a check list, they should be about love, understanding, fun, tolerance, giving, compassion – the list is endless. But a few warning signs to look out for might include the following:

You may have an insecure-attachment style. A lot of research has been done on this subject, and it makes for fascinating reading. John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist (1969). He found that children’s development in bonding with their primary caregiver or parents had a great impact throughout their life. Psychologist Mary Ainsworth further developed his work in 1978 in her ‘Strange Situation’ study that involved testing babies’ reactions to being placed in a room with a stranger replacing the primary caregiver. More recently psychologists have further refined this idea to argue that early childhood attachment patterns predict adult attachment styles in romantic relationships later in life. If you are continually choosing the wrong kind of partner, it might be worth identifying which ‘attachment style’ you have, and which you are attracted to.

For example if you have ‘insecure avoidant attachment’ style, characterized by the fear of being hurt, avoid a partner who themselves have any insecure attachment style. Of course the optimum partner to choose would be a partner with ‘secure attachment’ style, for whom close attachments are easy and natural. You can work on yourself to develop secure attachment and this could also be done with the help of a counsellor.

Not being your true self around him. I have observed that a lot of women tend to put the idea of attracting a man before really knowing themselves. They will give a lot to satisfy a new partner, even supress their true selves in order to please him. But this is eventually unsustainable, so when they become more assertive and their real feelings come out, they don’t realize what they’ve been doing and will complain that the man has ‘changed’. Be yourself around the person you want to share your life with. Know what your values are and your expectations for a happy relationship. Make sure you are honest with yourself and comfortable in every aspect of the relationship.

Basing your choice only on chemistry. New relationships are always fun and exciting in the beginning but basing one on chemistry alone is not a good idea, because in time reality will set in. So always remember to follow your heart and mind at the same time.

Ignoring unacceptable behaviour or actions. If the person doesn’t fully respect you, if he is critical and judgmental of others (you may be next!); similarly if he talks down to people and treats employees, subordinates or family without respect, if you are the one always accommodating his needs, if he expects you to change, if he tends to blame others rather than take responsibility himself, if he is dishonest, or his words don’t match his actions, walk away.

Expecting that he will change. A person’s tastes, desires and interests may change overtime, but their personality and the way they deal with the world usually will not. So it is best to choose someone according to their personality, making sure you know what type of personality you want in your significant other before starting a new relationship.

Listening to others opinions only. When friends and family give advice regarding your new significant other, listen and be objective but don’t settle for anyone just because your friends and family think that he is a perfect fit for you. Always follow your gut feeling.

Maryam Maafa, MA

Individual and Couples Counsellor

Mobile: 0127504914

Email:maryammaafa@gmail.com

References:

Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Bowlby J. (1969). Attachment. Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Loss. New York: Basic Books.

Permission to Come on Board?

Owning a Yacht in Egypt

The Red Sea marinas has witnessed a flourishing interest in yachting. Having access to the protected azure waters along the Egyptian coastline is an appealing way to escape the crowds. Cairo West Magazine sought out Harry Kourmousis, Managing Director of Marine Centre International to get an overview of boating life on the Red Sea.

CWM: What is the current status of yacht ownership in Egypt?

HK: Yacht sales in Egypt are on the rise again and the 2014 growth trend is expected to continue in 2015, with a further 15% estimated increase. As such, marinas such as Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna are increasing their level of services and facilities and international yacht brokers like Marine Centre International continue to invest in the market with luxury yachts that meet country-specific needs. They also offer after sales services that includes on-site technical support and 24/7 customer service. Three market trends are worth mentioning:

1. It is the largest yachts that are in high demand in Egypt, similar to more mature markets, such as Middle East, compared to a demand for smaller boats a few years ago.
2. There is a shift in the market mentality. As the market becomes more mature, yacht owners look for minimal design and modern style.
3. 24/7 customer service and after sales support is also becoming a make or break yacht sales selection point. Buyers are looking for a yacht sales company with the technical know-how and on-site service that will guarantee their piece of mind.

How many marinas are there at present? And how many more in the pipeline?There are approximately 10 marinas in Egypt, however only a handful have facilities of international standards that can compete with marinas in Europe and UAE for example.

How many people moor their yachts in El Gouna, and what are the benefits?

There are approximately 220 yachts in El Gouna today. The marina infrastructure is built   around international standards and offers all modern amenities, 24-hour security and a close proximity to all amenities. Its’ easy access across the Red Sea makes it an ideal location for yacht owners from across the world. Abu Tig Marina also accommodates different size boats and yachts and offers a range of berths depending on the owner’s needs. For example, some berths offer privacy, ideal for well-known Egyptian yacht owners who don’t want to be in the spotlight.

What size range in yachts is the most popular?

In Egypt, it is the size of 40-60 feet yachts that are on high demand at the moment, compared to demand for smaller 30-40 feet boats that were popular two years ago. For example, for Marine Centre International, Cranchi 54 was the best seller in 2014 and most requests in 2015 are for similar or larger sized yachts. In El Gouna in particular, because of its  infrastructure, smaller sized boats are still on demand, as they offer convenient access   around the lagoons.

Which size is best suited to the conditions in the Red Sea?

45-70 feet yachts are ideal for yacht owners who wish to explore the Red Sea and its’ islands. Smaller sized boats are also popular for yacht owners who wish to explore the nearby areas, lagoons and swallow waters. So it all depends on what the yacht owner’s needs are.

Do people also go for sailing yachts as well as the more common motor-yachts?

Demand for sailing yachts is minimal, due to the Red Sea conditions, with the rifts and shallow waters. Small scale sailing schools have started to operate in El Gouna, but it will be a while before sailing boats become popular and certainly not to the extent of the power boats, which are the ideal boats in terms of safety and lifestyle needs of the region.

Which are the most popular brands selling into the Egyptian market?

The global trend of modern design, minimal style and finesse is also a trend in Egypt, therefore Italian brands such as Cranchi, which combines a unique Italian style and design with innovative technical specifications, is increasingly popular. For Marine Centre International, Cranchi Yachts was the number 1 seller in 2014 and we see its popularity continue in 2015. Obviously, there is always a selective group of yacht buyers looking for luxury fishing boats like the Tiara yachts, which are so high in demand on a global scale, there is a five-month waiting list!

What are the most important points for a prospective boat owner to consider, i.e. in terms of upkeep, maintenance etc.?

Prospective boat owners need to have one point in mind. A good sales pitch is not enough. They need to find a dealer with the technical infrastructure and know–how to support and advice them at any time. The level of investment in this know–how is what differentiates between the yacht companies in the region and this is why it is vital to continuously invest in after sales services. This may include technical support, customization and regular maintenance.

Is it easy to find crew/ cleaning and maintenance for a yacht in Egypt?

Crew should combine technical and maintenance know-how with strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Being able to communicate with people of different cultures and at all levels is just as crucial as is experience in handling any technical or maintenance checks. This type of crew is not easy to find therefore we heavily invest in our people to ensure they meet our various customer needs. Boat owners need to look for a marine centre who will offer them this level of day-to-day support.

What would be the average cost of mooring/ insurance and upkeep of a yacht in Egypt per month?

Mooring costs depend on the size of a yacht as fees are calculated according to its length. Insurance fees also vary, depending on the value of each yacht. Upkeep of a yacht in Egypt is relatively cheaper than in European marinas and varies depending on the level of services the owner needs.

What are common mistakes that inexperienced buyers make?

Inexperienced buyers may fall for what seems to be the lowest price, without considering the extras they may need on their boat and more importantly, without calculating the resale value of the boat. This often leads inexperienced buyers to buy boats that may sound like good value for money initially but they end up paying a lot more.

How is the second hand boat market?

Demand for second hand boats is still strong. Many first time buyers prefer a second hand boat, while some existing boat owners look to upgrade to a larger boat and choose a second hand one that is within their budget.

Contact info for Address Book

Contact: Sandy Koukoura, Marine Centre International, Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna, Egypt, 00201 272379794

By Sherine Shaker

From the minute you walk into Bloom Women and Children Wellness Center at Swan Lake, Sheikh Zayed, you are immersed in serenity and calm. The lush greenery and palm trees blending with the relaxing sound of a gentle breeze is almost sedative. Cairo West Magazine met with the inspirational owner of Bloom, Sondos Bahgat, to learn more.

“It all started when I used to come to my children’s tennis practice in Swan Lake. I would come and sit alone in the clubhouse. I would just sit there in silence listening to the sound of the breeze amongst the palm trees,” says Bahgat. “I had taken previous courses on “energy” and I always sensed that this place generated positive vibes. I wondered to myself why I was the only one benefitting from the positive energy here, and decided to do something that would make more people enjoy the same feeling I got here.” Bahgat then contacted the owners of the compound, Allam Properties, who were more than supportive in initiating the project.

Bahgat, who is a graduate of the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a major in Economics, a minor in Psychology and holds a Masters Degree in International Business, continued to explain that her own qualities as a person who loves to learn and invests her time in self-improvement workshops and courses, helped her reach the idea of the wellness center. “I always engage myself in something. Even when I travel, it’s not about shopping. I have to try something new every time, skiing, baking, detoxing, horse-riding, center-park activities etc. I try to expose myself to everything.”

She decided she wanted to start a concept that achieved a holistic approach of personal wellness including informing and empowering. “I wanted to create a place which would provide food for the soul for everyone who walked in,” she says, “everyone who comes to Bloom must leave with an added value. At Bloom, you must rediscover yourself,” says Bahgat passionately. This concept is what inspired the name: Bloom, and the motto: Growing From Within.

Bahgat held the first workshop in Bloom last January, a course titled “The Five Languages of Love”. Although it was the opening workshop, it was a hit, “It was fully booked in advance. I was shocked,” says Bahgat, “it surpassed my expectations.” She also added that some of the other most popular courses also included the cooking, parenting (teens and tweens) and anger management courses.

To achieve the overall approach to wellness, Bloom also provides detox, health, fitness, and life-coaching classes in addition to its wide array of courses, classes and workshops on different topics and subjects from understanding your husband to de-cluttering your home. Selections of courses are also available for children including chess, drama, photography, beading, sewing and fashion design.

“This is not a money-driven project. We are not commercial. Our main aim is to try to change people’s lives; to work on their passions, talents and skills,” Bahgat affirmed. “We refund anyone who feels unhappy or unsatisfied at Bloom.” Bahgat believes that we were all created with a talent or skill that we must discover and spread, and she wants Bloom to be a place where people discover and explore their full capacities. “It’s worth more than millions when someone tells you that you have changed their life. Its very gratifying,” says Bahgat.

Bahgat promised that Bloom still has many surprises to come. “We aren’t limiting ourselves to instructors from Egypt only. We search for trustful mentors from all over the world who have the ability to affect others and hope to have them here at Bloom very soon.” She added that hopefully some prominent authors and counselors would provide workshops at Bloom in the near future.

As a mother of three, (an 11 year-old boy, and 10 year-old twins, a boy and girl), Bahgat was a stay at home mom for 13 years, she admits that Bloom changed her before changing anyone else. “I learned that it was never too late to achieve your dreams. I thought I didn’t have the energy to start any new endeavors after all this time, but Bloom proved me wrong.”

Bahgat added that like many women, her husband and children were a priority she wasn’t willing to compromise. Despite that, she managed to fulfill her dream of opening Bloom while still managing her family. “This is mainly due to my husband’s support and assistance,” explains Bahgat. “He is extremely motivating and is very proud of what I do.”

Egyptian Soul with a Modern Twist

By Hilary Diack

Back in September 2012, Peter Matta started on the journey that now brings the time-honored craftsmanship of Egyptian artisans to life through a reinvented perspective. After his return from New York, Matta put his creativity and interest in traditional Egyptian design to work on his new home in El Gouna. This propelled him on a course to becoming one of the most innovative designers in town.

Soon besieged by friends to recreate the distinctive furniture and signature pieces that had captured their hearts when visiting his home, he pulled away from his successful family business to dedicate time to something more personal that he could pursue with a passion.

So Beit Matta came about.

More than two years on, his eye-catching designs, created to exacting standards by local craftsmen under his supervision, are springing up not only in Egypt, but in homes as far flung as California, London, New York and Kuwait.

Beit Matta’s range encompasses furniture, often using unique textiles sourced on Matta’s trips around Egypt and the world, distinctive copper hand beaten trays and ice-buckets, ceramic trays and coasters, and simple but dramatic jewelry. With summer now under way Beit Matta has added a collection of outdoor furniture, each item a unique statement created with solid wood and reclaimed metal. The exciting products have also caught the eye of major names in town, leading to Matta undertaking the A-Z design and execution of venues for large events.

Currently orders can be placed by contacting Matta directly via his Facebook page, or through two outlets in El Gouna that stock Beit Matta products. To meet growing demand there are also plans under way to have products available from outlets in Cairo, good news for Beit Matta’s rapidly growing fan base.

Contact Details (To be placed in the Address Book at the end of the magazine)

https://www.facebook.com/beitmatta

Tel: 0109 999 1541

Set in the heart of our city is the Azza Fahmy Design School, located in the Pottery Village off Corniche El Maadi, Cairo’s contemporary cultural center. The area was chosen for its inspirational energy by Azza Fahmy herself. The school was established to further empower potential artists in jewelry making so as to reinvigorate competition in the Egyptian market.

The Design Studio by Azza Fahmy (DSAF) offers students and upcoming entrepreneurs of all ages and nationalities specialized jewelry design and making program in association with Alchimia, Contemporary Design School in Florence, Italy.

The Design Studio by Azza Fahmy focuses on jewelry, metal-smithing techniques and design skills that are necessary to succeed as a jewelry artist. In jewelry making you learn all aspects of sawing, filing, soldering, casting, and forging. While in decorative metal techniques you learn about inlaying, filigreeing and chasing, as well as the particulars of working with silver, gold and stones.

The school offers its’ students ongoing exhibitions to display their work and participate in renowned international exhibitions across Europe. DSAF students are offered the opportunity to attend courses in Alchimia Design School, in Florence, Italy, with special grants.

The current classes on offer:

Morning & Evening programs in May & June

Morning programs:

Makume-gane workshop: From the 27th of April to 7th of May from 10am to 4pm

Instructor: Ferran Iglasias

Description:

Mokume-gane is a Japanese ancestral metal work technique that focuses on the mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns. The translation of Mokume-gane is “wood eye metal” because the visual effect achieved after the process enables the metal to take on the appearance of natural wood grain.

Metal sheets are stacked and carefully heated; and after accomplishing a solid block of stripes of silver and copper, the solids can be forged or carved to increase the pattern’s complexity.

Successful lamination using the traditional process requires highly skilled guidance. After the diffusion of layers, the surface of the billet is cut and this process will be repeated over and over again to develop different patterns. To increase the contrast between the laminate layers many Mokume-gane different patinas can (a controlled corrosion layer) accentuate or change the colors of the metal’s surface.

The result of this metal technique brings new looks, and new approaches in jewelry design; earrings, rings, pendants… any kind of design can be performed adding this ancestral technique.

Box Ring workshop: 4 days starting 10th to 13th of May from 10 am to 5 pm.

Instructor: Guilia Savino

This program is advanced.

Description:

During this workshop the participants will be learning the basics in order to produce box rings. The box ring is a 3d ring that is hollow from the inside. Participants will learn how to make different shapes and solder it together to keep the ring hollow and light.

For this workshop, candidates need to have basic knowledge of filing, sawing and soldering. First 3 days will be about the technical information, and after students will be making their own designs.

Enamel Technique: Starting 17th to 19th of May from 10 to 5 pm

Instructor: Guilia Savino

Description:

This workshop will cover the basics of enameling. The students will focus on making test tiles and sample pieces and will learn about the properties of fusing glass to copper.

In doing this, students will explore simple and effective ways to create unique results with enamel, they will learn about the properties of opaque enamels, and get into the basics of applying enamel onto metal and firing.

By the end of the course, students will have created several sample tiles demonstrating a variety of enamel colors, firing methods, and they will have made jewelry pieces without the use of complex techniques but while still attaining results: enameled rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants…etc

Hammering workshop: Starting 24th to 28th of May from 10 to 4 pm.

Instructor: Ferran Iglisias

Description:

This course will explore the wide possibility of making jewelry through  hammering techniques. Hammers are the heart of the work of the metal-smith, they are used to harden, form and bend the metal to create both simple and intricate designs.

Under the careful guidance of our technical teachers, students will experiment with wire and different kind of metals. They will learn the basic convex and concave forming techniques, how to transform a sheet of metal into a 3D shape and how to create texture on the metal surfaces.

Evening Programs:

Technical Jewelry for Beginners I

Technical Jewelry for Beginners II

Starting the 3rd of May to the 10th of June, every Sunday and Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 9. A total of 18 sessions over the duration of 6 weeks.