Facial Harmony

Facial Harmony

A Holistic Beauty Solution

By Shorouk Abbas & Hilary Diack

 

When you consider the amount that is spent annually on creams, lotions, Botox, plastic surgery and other bids by people to reclaim a youth-like appearance and healthy complexion, it can be rather scary. But it is a serious business, our faces are there for all to see, and they show the accumulative effect of the stress we are under, the pollution we deal with on a daily basis, and any imbalances we have in our system. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wake up from a dream and miraculously find yourself with a serene and relaxed expression and a fresh, line free, glowingly translucent complexion?

When we heard about Facial Harmony it sounded intriguing, so we visited Mrs Dagmar Bock, a long-time practitioner to have a trial session. Although Bock does not normally have time for consultations in view of her busy schedule as wife of the German Ambassador to Egypt she kindly agreed to give a one- hour treatment.

We asked a few questions before the treatment started, to have an understanding of the process.

CEM: What is Facial Harmony?

DB:  In a Facial Harmony session, the meridian energy lines on the face, head and neck are stimulated with a tender touch so that a natural facelift occurs without the use of any cosmetic or medical product. The soft touch invites a state of deep meditative relaxation during which the daily grind is forgotten for one hour. In the meantime blocked energy is released and allowed to flow again and burdens that had been stored in the tissue melt away. The result is a relaxed face with a clear beautiful expression.

How often does it need to be done?

You can see a noticeable improvement after even one session, so it can be a great pick-me-up for a special occasion, but for a more enduring result a course of seven treatments spread over seven weeks would be advised.

What is the usual fee?

In Egypt you would normally expect to pay around EGP 400 a session, which is very reasonable for a treatment where you have the undivided care and energy of a trained Facial Harmony practitioner for a full hour.

Is this something that appeals mainly to women, or can men have treatments as well?

Although most people who use Facial Harmony are women, there are more and more men seeing the benefits and using it themselves. The ratio in Egypt would still be around 90 % women to 10% men though.

Are there many practitioners in Cairo?

Yes, there are several, based in various locations, all well qualified, so it should be easy to arrange an appointment.

Before the session started the lights were dimmed and some calming music put on to play gently in the background. Even I, as an observer, felt an immense sense of relaxation and had no difficulty sitting quietly for the hour, so I was interested to hear Shorouk’s feedback regarding her experience.

How long did it take to start feeling relaxed?

I felt a kind of peace and serenity the minute the session started. As the session proceeded, a sense of calm deepened and I felt totally relaxed.

Were you physically aware of being connected with?

As I became calm and quite I did get a taste of stillness that is unlike any other relaxing experience such as normal massage of facial. I felt connected to my inner self and I realized how noisy my mental chatter was!

How long did the feeling last for?

Actually when I was done with the session I thought it would not take long before I lose this feeling of serenity. Traffic and my busy schedule were enough to do the job. Surprisingly, this feeling of inner calm stayed with me the rest of the day. In the following days, whenever I felt stressed, I could recall this feeling and it would automatically help me regain my inner peace.

Did you see any change in your facial expressions after one treatment?

Half way through the session, the practitioner showed me my face in mirror so I could see the difference. It was very funny, half of my face looked relaxed and bright with soft features and the other half looked as if it belonged to a very tense person with tense muscles and stressed features! Finally when the session was over I could tell that my face definitely looked more relaxed and brighter.

Did you feel calmer and less stressed?

I felt as if I had been to retreat or a spa on vacation. So relaxed and pampered.

What was your overall reaction to the session?

Grateful. It felt like I treated myself to something of great value as it enhanced my sense of well- being. I immediately started asking about the contact info of a practitioner near where I live so I can call and get an appointment for a session. I intend to make this a regular treat!

Readers interested in arranging for Facial Harmony sessions with practitioners in their area can contact Cairo East Magazine at editor@cairowestmag.com and we will happily put them in contact.

‘Excuse my French,’ Says a Man on a Mission

 

Jumpstarting 2014 with La Moakhza, film producer Mohamed Hefzy reveals his tastes and secret proclivities.

By Lydia Schoonderbeek

It would not be too far-fetched to call Mohamed Hefzy a modern-day Renaissance man, a man of many talents. Some label him a scriptwriter, a producer, an engineer, others see him as a film visionary, but more than anything else, Mohamed Hefzy is Egypt’s answer to reenergizing the film industry. For more than a decade, he has created and produced films for an audience ready to embrace and explore contemporary culture. Sitting in a glass-walled meeting room overlooking the Nile, surrounded by postmodern furniture is where I get a chance to meet with this soft-spoken man of film as he explains his credo, “I prefer working with passion,” he proclaims in a gentle voice.

Hefzy’s Film Clinic has, over the past eight years, developed a wealth of scriptwriters and more importantly produced award-winning films such as Asma, and Tahrir 2011. The film mogul has also released films such as La Moakhza, Villa 69, Rags & Tatters, Microphone, and Sameer & Shaheer & Baheer to name but a few.

A passion for writing as a young boy is what first ignited Hefzy’s love for film, a love that was further cultivated by the encouragement of Mr. Bob Marshall, Hefzy’s high school drama teacher. As a student, Hefzy lived in London where he attended Brunel University, which is where he decided to pursue studying film along with his Engineering degree. An entirely self-taught script-writer, Hefzy developed his writing technique by reading and watching classic films from around the world, and the rest is history.

CEM:  Tell us a little about how Film Clinic came to be

MH: It all began in 2006, I was very much in demand as a scriptwriter and I didn’t have the time to write. At the time, actors and producers didn’t take risks with unknown writers, as there wasn’t much room for experimenting in terms of financing and executing a film. So I developed a solid network of scriptwriters through workshops and created a solution that was lacking in the industry. Scriptwriting is not taught; it is not a craft. It’s being able to express what you want, and you have to be good at psychoanalysis, as you need to breakdown each character that you are creating. Most times, you’re assuming five different characters all at once, you need to research and look into the backgrounds of these characters, and that’s where the Film Clinic’s workshops come in to help scriptwriters.

You have boosted the careers of many actors through your successful films, are connections with actors maintained after the camera stops rolling?

Yes of course through friendship, I have remained friends with a lot of the actors. For example I am now great friends with  Asser Yassin, Ahmed Fahmi, Hesham Maged, and Sheko, we have worked on numerous films together. So what essentially started as work eventually continued as a great friendship.

Have you dealt with any drama queens in the industry?

Drama queens!  I’ve dealt with a lot of hormones in this industry. I’ve gone into actresses’ trailers expected to be greeted with love, instead I get screamed at because the makeup isn’t making her look right, or there have been tears, just a lot of tears.  That’s why I like working with passionate talents, such as Khaled Aboul Naga, he isn’t scared to try new things. If you look at Villa 69, he plays a character that is much older than his actual age, you don’t find talent like that who is willing to take risks and extend his range.

What genre do you feel most drawn to at the moment?

Comedy, in the time of crisis people need comedy in their lives.

You have worked successfully with many well-known directors, are there any that you have a special rapport with?

I tend to work with upcoming directors such as Amr Salama or Ahmed Abdallah, whom have now become international hits because of Microphone and Rags and Tatters.

Although your films have been acclaimed both locally and abroad, and have been the recipients of many industry awards, is there a single film that you are particularly proud of?

I can never just mention one, I don’t have a clear favorite but if I have to mention the top five they would be: Sameer & Shaheer & Baheer, La Moakhza, Microphone, Asma, and Tahrir 2011.

Your latest film, La Moakhza, was only released on the 22nd of January this year, but is already breaking box office records. Did you anticipate such a response?

No, I didn’t it. It over exceeded our expectations, as we haven’t had a big hit for a couple of years.

What are the best and worst decisions you’ve ever made?

I decided subconsciously to put all my time and effort into making my dream come true professionally. It was the best decision in terms of becoming a producer, which in turn has taken a toll on my personal life.

What rules do you live by?

I try not to kill or steal! No seriously, I’m considered to be a very normal person in this industry, I do like to escape every so often by travelling abroad and my weekends are sacred to spending it by the Red Sea, where I get to read and catch up on at least three scripts that have been given to me. On every new production I always work with people who are passionate about their art. And the rule that I should abide by but don’t is being able to see my family a lot more, I don’t see them very often.

What was your dream job as a kid?

I didn’t have one, I’m living it now.

What things / people / roles have contributed most to your success?

My assistant, Ola and in general my team that I work with, especially my head of development, we are such a close-knit team which is the main reason we are doing so well, that includes The Film Clinic family, we are all such a good and close unit.

As Mother’s Day is coming soon, what women are you inspired by and why?

I’m inspired by leading females in our society who have managed to make their way in men lead environments or industries.  Any woman who can carve her way and have a strong character in this society is a woman that would be aspired to.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on a production of a new film called A to B, which is a road trip from Abu Dhabi to Beirut. This film has a lot of heart, and hopefully has a wider appeal to audiences in the MENA region.

Quick Fire Round

First music album you bought? Bros

Recurring dream? It’s usually a nightmare, to do with vertigo stuck up high, I’ve had this dream since I was a child.

Guilty pleasure? Collecting single malt whisky, which is becoming an obsession.

Who would play you in a film? Nobody in particular, I’m an average Joe.

What makes you laugh? People when they’re most serious, or obvious stupidity. I enjoy black and eccentric humor such as, Eddie Izzard and the movie I produced La Moakhza.

Favorite destination? The Greek Islands.

Dream lunch date? Rose Al-Yusuf.

Brains or beauty? Both, I’m greedy.

Optimist or pessimist? Realist.

Best piece of advice? My dad once told me, if you’re able to assess your capabilities you can always work to exceed them and essentially not get yourself into trouble.

Last movie you’ve watched? American Hustle

Building you would like to live in? I would love to live somewhere remote, in a suburb. Ideally, it would be my friend’s house, Ahmed Kassem’s, its fantastic.

Last book you’ve read? The Shock Doctrine Book by Naomi Klein and I’m never going to read 50 Shades of Grey.

Success is….

Being able to come close to the goals you set for yourself.

Happiness is…..

To appreciate little moments, as happiness is not consistent.

The Buzz on Coffee

 

By Marcus O’Neill


The alarm goes off.  You stumble out of the bed and make your way to the kitchen. You turn on the coffee maker. Minutes later you’re enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee. This morning ritual is one that many of us can’t imagine doing without.

In fact, coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages on the planet. Egyptians don’t drink quite as much as their counterparts in Europe or North America, but with the rise of trendy European-style cafés in Cairo, it is increasingly becoming a beverage of choice.

But it begs the question.  Is all this coffee good for us?

Health Benefits of Coffee

Most people drink coffee for a boost in energy and alertness. But did you know that coffee has been proven to have other health-related benefits as well?  Let’s take a look at just a few of the health benefits associated with drinking coffee.

1. Coffee is an excellent source of antioxidants: It was recently reported that for many people coffee provides the largest source of antioxidants in their diet. This is partly because we don’t eat nearly as many fruits and vegetables as we should, but it also means that coffee can play an important role in helping prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress, like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

2. Coffee could lower your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes: For every cup of coffee you drink per day, your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes decreases by 5-7%.  While it’s not fully understood why this occurs, the theory is that it’s probably related to coffee’s effect on hormones that impact insulin sensitivity.

3. Coffee may protect against neurodegenerative diseases: Studies have reported that coffee drinkers have a 40-65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and a 32-60% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Note that these benefits appear to be linked to coffee’s caffeine content, so decaf drinkers are out of luck.

Keep in Mind

Most health authorities suggest limiting your caffeine intake to 300-400 mg per day to minimize any of the negative side effects. This is equivalent to about 3-4 cups of coffee. Some negative side effects of too much caffeine include difficulty sleeping, irritability, nervousness, rapid heart rate and headaches.  Remember that other foods like chocolate, tea, cola or energy drinks also contain caffeine, so if you’re consuming these items don’t forget to take them into account.

It’s also important to be aware of the “extras” you add to your coffee.  As we’ve seen, coffee by itself is a pretty healthy beverage, but when you start to add things like sugar and milk (not to mention whipped cream and caramel!), the calories can add up very quickly.

Bottom Line

Coffee can be an extremely healthy beverage if consumed in moderation.  In addition to giving us our daily energy boost, it’s been shown to help prevent many diseases, including diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Does anyone want to join me for a cup?

Missing at the end, Marcus O’Neil’s bio

10 Tips for Bonding with Your Child From Day One!

“Positive early experiences lay a foundation for healthy development, but adverse experiences can weaken that foundation.” [Harvard University for the Developing Child]

Having a baby is quite possibly the most rewarding experience one can have. Antenatal visits, ultrasounds and medical tests all focusing on the physical aspect of the baby’s health are all well and good, but people often forget that one of the most essential components to parenting is bonding with your baby. Having a secure attachment bond with your child is vital, and as parents, readying the bond should start as early as during pregnancy.

Here are some parenting tips to help you create a strong Attachment relationship with your child, even before he/she is born! By way, the ideas, they apply to all ages.

Tip 1: Just snuggle!

As often as you feel like it, just pull your child to you and hug them. Snuggle, be affectionate; squeeze them tight. Always have some cuddle time; human touch is soothing for both of you. That kind of physical intimacy is important, and the day will come when they don’t want to snuggle with you anymore. Take advantage of it now.

Tip 2: Talk, laugh, and play

The importance of having fun, playing with, holding, and sharing happiness with your child cannot be overstated. Make sure to look into their eyes when talking and sing aloud to or with them. Talk from the start as if she understands and relates to your stories and you will really feel connected.  Don’t be afraid to be a kid. Smiles, laughter, touch, and interaction are as important to a baby’s development as food or sleep.

Tip 3: Disconnect to connect

Disconnect from all, and we mean ALL, your electronic devices to enjoy some quality time with your baby. No mobiles, no laptops, no TV, no beepers and pagers, just you and your baby. There is little more frustrating than a parent glued to the mobile.

Tip 4: Take care of yourself

Yes, you read it right, take care of yourself! Bonding with your child starts with taking care of yourself to be in a quiet and alert state. You also want to have a long life together. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise and do not shy away from asking for help around the house. You should also schedule some time away from all your errands to continue your own healthy personal life.

Tip 5: Understand the unique signals

From birth, each child has unique personality and unique preferences. A lot of the personality comes “built in” from the start. Some children might be calmed by noise and activity while others might favor quiet. The important thing is to learn what your child wants and act accordingly. As a parent, your job is to become a detective and find out what your child is trying to say to you to be able to better bond with him.

Tip 6: Schedule family times

Make sure that there are days when you do not have to work, finish housework, and don not need to run errands. When full days are not possible, joint family meals are perfect opportunities to nurture family life.

Tip 7: Let go of the “perfect”

Stop worrying too much about being the “perfect” parent! You don’t have to be a perfect parent all the time to bond with your child. Just do your best, and don’t worry if you don’t always know what your baby wants as long as you are learning and doing what it takes to understand and connect with your baby better.

Tip 8: Get crafty!

Bust out your craft box and get creative and crafty with your child. Crafting is a time of creativity that benefits both the parents and the children, and allows them to work together.

Tip 9: Bond over books

Reading with kids is one of the best ways to bond. Read with your kids every day for at least 10 minutes no matter what. Since reading with them means being present with them, which is the one gift all parents want to give their kids, taking the time to do this must be like brushing teeth, a necessity! Of course when they are younger, picture books will be a hit.

Tip 10: Swap stories

Share your favorite childhood memories with your son or daughter. It’s very simple, choose a topic, each of you take turns telling your story to the other or with older kids, set aside time to write your story, and then get together and swap what you have written.

 

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading pediatric group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services in the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics. For more information, you can call 167247 or 0111-5001-247, visit www.tabibi247.com or email info@tabibi247.com

Female Heroes and the Many Forms of Motherhood

Female Heroes and the Many Forms of Motherhood

By Francesca Sullivan

It’s come to that time of the year when families all over the world celebrate Mother’s Day, an important date on the calendar especially in Egypt, where the role of the mother is traditionally revered. But what of women who, voluntarily or not, don’t have children? There are many ways of being a mother, and not all of them involve giving birth. The skills and qualities that mothers utilize, whether through compassion for others, nurturing or simply good organization, can be used in numerous alternative ways. Cairo West Magazine talked to five childfree (not childless) women, about their lives without children.

Anne, Marketing Executive

I was raised in a country with limited societal pressure to marry and have kids, and since I never met anyone I wanted to settle down with, it never happened. But if I had the choice now I would still opt not to; I’d be too concerned about their chances of flourishing in an environment in which global systems are disintegrating in so many ways. I prefer to give my time and resources to helping improve conditions for kids that have already been born, rather than adding to the burden, and I strongly believe in adoption and fostering.

Some women will rush into marriage with someone they don’t love just because the biological clock is ticking down. There are so many positive ways in which one can use maternal feelings without having children: whether through charity, or through helping underprivileged people with children who are desperate for food, clothing and education. Or through practical means – I spent eight years teaching children English as a second language. Not to mention taking care of pets, and even bringing a nurturing aspect into the work environment.

Roweda, Fashion Designer and Business Woman.

When I was a child I always assumed I’d have a family of my own when I grew up. But when I became pregnant with my first husband I was abroad and he was Syrian, so I knew that the child would not be able to take the Egyptian nationality. I was already realizing that the marriage wouldn’t last, so I decided to terminate. Life then took me in another direction, and when I returned to Egypt I had to work and build a new career for myself. So it never worked out for me to have children of my own, but nevertheless I am surrounded by children whom I love.

I have a very close relationship with my sisters and their children; they’ve grown up around me and I also help to support them financially. They see me as a confidante and often tell me things they cannot tell their own mothers. I actually feel lucky because I see myself as having the best of both worlds: having kids but not having to suffer for them!

I’m the kind of person who finds it difficult not to take on too much responsibility, so probably if I’d had my own children I would have been so preoccupied with them I wouldn’t have had the time and energy to build my own business. As it is, my employees see me as a maternal figure – especially the younger ones – and often come to me with their problems. I am happy to be in a position to have time for them. I really abhor the fact that women here in Egypt keep on having more children when their lives are already difficult enough, even though they know very well they will never be able to give their children all that they need.

Dina, Designer and Business Woman

I probably thought that by the time I was thirty I’d be married with two kids, but it never happened. It crosses my mind from time to time even now, and with the biological clock ticking hard I sometimes panic, thinking I should do it before it’s too late. But then I think equally that I shouldn’t.

To be honest I never met someone I thought worth having kids with, and although there have been moments when it’s crossed my mind to go through it alone, I don’t really believe in that. My parents divorced when I was young and coming from that background, not having felt protected as a child, I wouldn’t want to be a single parent.

I also look at the world and see so many wrong things that I don’t like, that I would never be able to protect a child from. On the other hand, there are positive things about being without children: less responsibility. I’ve always spent a lot of time travelling for my business and it would certainly have been much harder to have that kind of freedom. There’s no doubt it’s been easier to build a career this way.

Sophia, Company Director

I’m 48 years old and unmarried. I am from the kind of culture where there is no stigma attached to not having children, and I never found a man I wanted to marry. In Egyptian society a woman feels she needs to get married to be accepted, even if the marriage ends in divorce – and they often do! Sometimes it’s just a way to get out of the parents’ home and have a more independent life. I have lived here for fifteen years and Egyptian men are not for me, so that’s that. I never had a ticking clock.

As for substituting pets for children I have a Rottweiler and two horses and they’re all male, so for me I think it’s more about obedience and control than wanting to nurture something. The relationship I have with my animals is a working one. I’m not into cutesy stuff and even when I was a child I hated the idea of being pregnant.

I see the need to reproduce as being a selfish one. The world is overpopulated enough as it is, and in a country like Egypt there are so many needy children already out there. But it’s also not possible to adopt here, and I don’t believe in the idea of raising a child on my own. Some people seem to want to produce children to show off their superior genes, comparing their children’s achievements with others. And if you are married and don’t have children it’s always assumed there’s something wrong with you.

I’m an aunt and I enjoy that, having the fun of being with my nieces without the responsibility for them. I haven’t regretted for one minute not being a mother myself.

Julia, Educational Consultant

I didn’t have an unhappy childhood, though having an adopted brother created a sense of awareness in me that there are too many unwanted children in the world. I was married but my husband never pressured me into having children, and the marriage ended. I threw myself into work and then began travelling, realizing my skills from bringing up younger siblings and also teaching at Sunday School by applying for a job in Egypt as a nanny. Later I took a TEFAL course and began working in education in Egypt; in effect I fell in love with Egyptian children! I taught in a language school, ran a nursery for twenty years, and looking back I realize that if I’d had my own children I would never have had the energy to put into practice all that I’ve done.

Each and every child’s future has been important to me, and I’ve formed many deep bonds with the children that have been in my care – I’m like a grandmother to their children now. You can definitely have an important maternal role without having children of your own.

7 Steps in the Quest for Happiness and Not Messing Up

By Hilary Diack

  1. Be Mindful

Self-awareness can make such a big difference. Mind Body Green delivers a great article: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9985/25-habits-of-people-who-are-happy-healthy-successful.html

2. Positive Communication

Negative words promote negative thoughts, and equally, negative thoughts promote negative words. Take a look at this to-the-point article: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12488/5-words-you-should-remove-from-your-vocabulary.html

3. Life Coach Yourself!

By asking yourself these questions you will be taking a step in the right direction.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12505/im-a-life-coach-these-are-the-questions-people-always-ask.html

4. Denial and Fear

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. This quiz may give you some surprising results, give it a try: http://www.salon.com/2014/01/27/are_you_afraid_of_happiness_take_the_quiz_partner/

5. Lose ‘Em

Some handy tips for getting toxic timewasters out of your life, in the nicest possible way.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12438/5-ways-to-deal-gracefully-with-any-jerks-in-your-life.html

6. Togetherness Works

Some really straightforward and practical advice from Alternet  for keeping your relationship well tuned.

http://www.alternet.org/sex-amp-relationships/10-habits-happy-couples

7. Enhance your Life

It’s not just about dieting and appearance, wellbeing comes from good habits as well.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12198/10-awesome-life-changes-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-losing-weight.html

 

Time for a Little Bit of Love

Wellbeing Links –Time for a Little Bit of Love

It can’t be avoided, ‘tis the season of love and everything that goes with it. We have to admit, our emotions and relationships do play a monumental role in our general state of health. So at Cairo West Magazine we have compiled a great list of links to spice up the amour in your life.

 

Young Love

We recommend this piece from Mind Body Green, it is packed with common sense and a must read for young people.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12077/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-relationship.html

 

Open Your Heart

More perceptive tips from Mind Body Green on opening up your emotions in a positive way.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12066/3-ways-to-bring-unconditional-love-into-your-life.html

and

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12065/14-ways-to-create-the-best-relationship-of-your-life.html

 

Feed Your Love

These three articles from Elephant Journal should give you plenty of food for thought, there is some good advice to be found.

15 Ways to Refuel the Relationship Tank. ~ Tawny Sanabria.

Top 10 Foods for Better Sex.

and

How to Deal with Fiery, Passionate Relationships. ~ Shelly Bullard

On The Radio with Mark & Sally

The Ghosts in the Machine

Interviewed by Lydia Schoonderbeek and Hilary Diack

Except of course, there is nothing other-wordly about the duo that pumps out high adrenalin non-stop music from Nile FM to thousands of listeners around Cairo every day. Sally Sampson and Mark Somers have become fixtures in our lives, inadvertently sharing our daily road-rage, occasional meltdowns, and yes, even our more inspired philosophical moments. They have become friends whose incessant lively chat gets us through a typical Cairo morning.

Cairo West Magazine decided to track them down to get to know what makes this dynamic pair tick. When we sat down to chat with them as they wound up a morning session we found that both Sampson and Somers are charismatic and quirky, with a sharp-edged sense of humor. Sampson, a petite, self-confessed motor-mouth, has a distinctive laugh and non-stop energy that sweeps you away, Somers exudes a more laid back attitude, but as we found, is a master of lightning-quick repartee.

CWM: How did you both come to join Nile FM?

Sally: A friend had seen a Nile FM recruitment advertisement on Facebook so I decided to respond. I sent in a demo tape and my C.V. It took a while for them to get back to me, but I finally had an interview, it went well and I started in September 2012.

Mark: I saw the job advertised in 2011 on a media website when I was still in the UK. I applied, and like Sally, waited for them to get back to me. I had a Skype interview, then six months later was on my way to Cairo.

Sally, what were you doing before joining Nile FM?

I had just come back from completing my M.A. in Dramatic Arts in London after moving there in 2009. I was doing temporary work in a call centre while trying to pick up acting parts, but was less than thrilled with that, so took the decision to move back to Cairo in 2011 to be part of our society at such a vital time.

What are the challenges of being on air?

Sally:  I am naturally talkative so took to it like a duck to water.

Mark: In my early days on radio I had developed an “on air” persona, until someone told me that I was much better being my natural self, with my own brand of humor and perceptions, so I stuck with that.

Mark, tell us how you feel about living in Cairo.

I love Cairo, the pace of life, the culture, the energy, the constant sunshine, and being in a totally different setting from my previous norm in the U.K.

It seems that you have both travelled a fair bit, where have you lived?

Sally: I am proudly Egyptian, but also hold the Canadian nationality. I have lived in Canada, Bahrain, Oman and Egypt, as well as time spent studying in London.

Mark: I was born in Hull in the U.K., but had part of my education in New Zealand. I returned to the U.K. and had spent 15 years working in the world of media when I felt like a change and joined Nile FM. That’s it; U.K., New Zealand and Egypt.

What is it like working together?

Mark: You need to ‘gel’ and have a good rapport and chemistry. With some co-hosts it can be all-uphill, but within 10 minutes of Sally and I working together we knew it would work.

Have you had any embarrassing moments on air?

Mark: I had a recent incident when I had a brain freeze and blurted out the wrong word, but our quality assurance department ensures that there are no brand names used or profanities so things are pretty safe. Mind you, Sally sometimes seems to forget that she is on air and comes out with some really personal stuff.

Sally: So true, I am a hoarder, so will reveal what I found in my closet, or read old stuff from my diary, which reveals my long-term obsession with Orlando Bloom. I am always embarrassing myself.

Is working for Nile FM as you expected?

Mark: To be honest, I initially had concerns about how we would connect with a broad audience by broadcasting in English, but it has been amazing to see the level of response and interaction we have with the community.

Sally: We get a lot of positive feedback, people really become part of the program. It feels great to help people start their day on a good note.

Moving on, who is the most inspiring person you have met?

Mark: For me it was my drama teacher, Jane Beazer. She managed to cope with a class of 14-15 year olds who lacked a sense of direction, took us under her wing, gave us a chance and really turned things around for us.

Sally: Eve Ensler, playwright, writer and founder of V.Day. She is a female rights activist whom I met last year. She really gave me fire for the cause.

What lessons have you learned in 2013?

Sally: Every year I gain more self-confidence, and potential to contribute. I also became less concerned about meeting other people’s expectations.

Mark: I learned more about handling cultural dynamics and how to handle situations with more sensitivity.

How would you describe yourself in 10 words or less?

Mark: Rapidly gaining weight, it’s all Egypt’s fault.

Sally: Talkative, passionate, ambitious, drama queen, opinionated, short but larger than life.

Quick Questions:

Your worst habit?

Mark: Lethargy.

Sally: Procrastination.

Your best quality?

Mark: I like people. All kinds of people.

Sally: Qualities. Perseverance and optimism.

Pet Peeve?

Sally: Complacency, people who are happy in their ignorance.

Mark: People who are unreasonable and don’t want to see my point of view.

What can’t you live without?

Mark: Facebook and Twitter. Oh yes, and a MacBook charger which is currently vital for me to watch Downtown Abbey.

Sally: My notebook, I am always jotting things down.

Best advice you have ever been given?

Mark: Do be good- don’t be crap.

Sally: Go for it!

Reading at the moment?

Sally: Why I Write, by George Orwell.

Mark: Umm… Cairo West Magazine.

Best holiday ever?

Mark: Inter-railing around Europe – Vienna, Prague, Venice, Florence and small villages.

Sally: I go to France a lot and fall in love with it all over again every time.

Favorite cuisine?

Sally: Sushi, lots of it. I can win any sushi eating challenge hands-down.

Mark: Comfort food in Egyptian-sized portions. My current favorite is Brussels sprouts mashed with potato and loads of butter.

Building you would like to live in?

Mark: An amazing villa I saw in Maadi on road 213, it looks like a haunted palace.

Sally: I used to live in a basement flat in Notting Hill and I would dream of living in one of those town houses with large windows every time I walked past one.

Any music stuck in your head at the moment?

Sally: Timber, by Pitbull, featuring Kesha.

Mark: It changes, we listen to so much.

Earliest memory of Cairo?

Sally: Being driven through the streets of Heliopolis by my parents.

Mark: Leaving Cairo Airport, seeing smog and crazy traffic, but thinking it was all beautiful.

You have an early start, what time do you have to get up in the morning?

Mark: I’m up at 5.30 am.

Sally: And I’m up by 4.am.

Not much time for breakfast, what did you have this morning?

Sally: A shot of strong coffee.

Mark: A cigarette.

True Love

True Love

By Ahmed Salah

 

Once I knew a girl, she was part of a large clique at college, we were in the same college but in different faculties and I was four years older than her. I spent my entire graduation year keeping my eye on her, watching the way she smiled, the way she moved, even when she was talking to someone else, I came to realize that she was rather special. I couldn’t spend a day without looking for her, trying to steal a word in conversation, or receive a smile for one of my jokes.

 

Graduation year passed so quickly and there were only a couple of weeks left for me in college, so I decided to go straight to her and tell her how I felt. She brushed me off and told me that she was from a conservative family that didn’t believe in relationships before marriage, and that she only cared about her studies. I wasn’t put off and respected what she said, I told her that I had no intention of fooling around or any teenage stuff, but to no avail.

 

I couldn’t take no for an answer and I felt a hidden message in what she had told me. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, I couldn’t sleep, and I decided to make one last move. The next day I went to a florist, I asked for a single red flower, I wasn’t an expert in flowers but I guessed the color red had a meaning.

 

I took the flower, and drove my car along the ring road to wait for the college bus that was supposed to pass by. I didn’t know what to do, I wasn’t sure when the bus might come, I waited and waited, and sure enough after a while I saw the bus pass by. I jumped into my car and started to chase the bus until I was able to make the driver stop. I leapt out of the car and saw that she was by the window looking at me with a shocked expression. I grasped the window with the flower in my hand, she kept calling me crazy, I held the window in one hand and the flower in the other and with the bus supervisor on my back, I said, “If you accept this flower, I promise you I will do everything I can to make you the happiest girl in the world.”

 

She blushed, and was hesitant, but eventually she took it, and went back to her seat

without a word, but with a smile on her face. Thank God the supervisor was smiling too.

This girl became my wife, and we have been married for seven years now with two lovely children. I will do anything to keep my promise to them.

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