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		<title>Photography Experts To Offer New Photography Workshops</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2012/02/02/photography-experts-to-offer-new-photography-workshops/</link>
		<comments>http://sinaiweekly.com/2012/02/02/photography-experts-to-offer-new-photography-workshops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:23:29 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[OONAS DIVE CLUB TEAMS UP TWO PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERTS TO OFFER NEW PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Oonas Dive Club is pleased to host two new Photography Workshops in 2012. World renowned photography experts, Paul (Duxy) Duxfield and Rico Besserdich are presenting two workshops, each one aimed at different levels of ability from beginners all the way to those [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[OONAS DIVE CLUB TEAMS UP TWO PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERTS TO OFFER NEW PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Oonas Dive Club is pleased to host two new Photography Workshops in 2012.  World renowned photography experts, Paul (Duxy) Duxfield and Rico Besserdich are presenting two workshops, each one aimed at different levels of ability from beginners all the way to those who are interested in taking their photography skills to competition level.

The Photography Weeks take place in Sharm El Sheikh where guests will stay at Oonas Dive Club and hotel which is situated on the beach at the quieter end of Na’ama Bay.  Participants will spend their days on our dive boats visiting a variety of specially selected Red Sea dive sites which are ideally suited for great photo opportunities.
 
This year for the first time two types of workshop are on offer, one aimed at those who wish simply to build on their experience and learn more about techniques for improving their pictures including post production and the other for those who already have significant experience that they wish to take to the next level.

Our experts are both world renowned underwater photographers, who write regularly for dive magazines, give presentations and work around the world, themselves producing stunning images for publications and commissions.

Photography expert, Paul Duxfield has a passion for photography in all its shapes and forms, but reserves a special place for Underwater Photography and Video, as it allows him to indulge another love of his life, diving.  For the second year running Paul is returning to Oonas Dive Club, (where he originally started his diving career), to run his popular Red Sea Photo Workshop week.

Rico Besserdich is running his workshop in association with underwaterphotography.com with whom he works as a contest judge.  The workshop is all about Creative Underwater Photography for Contests and Competitions.  Rico is the head of the photo critics, a team of photo PROs who help newcomers with constructive critics to their first contest submissions. A gold medal winner in 2010, Rico has just been awarded the title of World Champion Underwater Photographer for 2011/12!

Below are outline details for each workshop.  Packages include: 7 nights hotel accommodation (2 sharing a twin room), 5 days diving, photography workshops and expert support and airport transfers.

If you would like to spend a week diving some of the most photogenic dive sites in the world whilst absorbing the knowledge and advice of our dedicated experts please go to our website (http://www.oonasdiveclub.com/en/component/content/article/159) for further information and booking.


Workshop: Creative Underwater Photography for Contests and Competitions
Expert: Rico Besserdich
In association with Underwaterphotography.com
Dates: 18 - 25 May 2012 and 10 - 17 November
Level: Experienced photographers
Package price: 749 Euros
 
Workshop: Red Sea Photography Workshop
Expert: Paul Duxfield
Dates: 9 - 16 June 2012
Level: Beginner to experienced
Package price: 550 Euros

Packages include, 7 nights hotel accommodation (2 sharing a twin room), 5 days diving, photography workshops and expert support and airport transfers.

If you would like to spend a week diving some of the most photogenic dive sites in the world whilst absorbing the knowledge and advice of our dedicated experts  please go to our website for further information and booking.

EDITORIAL NOTES:

1. 	For further information please contact Nick Browne or Corri Clarke at info@oonasdiveclub.com or by telephone 0020 (0)69 3600 581 0R 01000348663 (mobile).

2.	Further photographs and details of Oonas Dive Club activities can be provided on request.

3.	For further details about our Hotel and Dive Centre please see our website at www.oonasdiveclub.com        <h3>Use Facebook to Comment on this Post</h3>
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		<title>What&#8217;s Going On In Sharm?</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2012/01/29/whats-going-on-in-sharm/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:59:48 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Wowww what a heavy night Sharm went through on Jan 28th. There was an armed robbery in the Old Market, which unfortunately resulted in 1 tourist dead, and 3 others injured. After a long chase, it is said that the Egyptian police forced managed to catch the robbers, and it is said that they are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Wowww what a heavy night Sharm went through on Jan 28th.
There was an armed robbery in the Old Market, which unfortunately resulted in 1 tourist dead, and 3 others injured. After a long chase, it is said that the Egyptian police forced managed to catch the robbers, and it is said that they are Bedouins.

This article is not about who did it, why they did it, how they did etc... but this is an article that is asking you to zoom out a little, and look at Sharm in general.

There are several questions, comments and concerns that I would like to point out, because somehow I feel that if they are answered, a) my levels of insanity will drop, and b) the picture will no longer be blurry, and a clear vision can be set.

The money exchange office robbed was also robbed 2 months ago. Prior to that, the Thomas Cook office was also stolen. That means 3 robberies in 3 months, in the same area. Were security cameras in the Old Market put up after the previous 2 incidents to secure the area, since obviously it is a high profile theft area? Needless to add to that, that place was also bombed back in 2005.

The old market is 100 meters away from the state security office, or whatever their new name is, do they have cameras around their building that could perhaps lead to understanding of what happened, with a clear recording of all the cars that drove passed the building? Perhaps if it is known that there are security cameras in the area, such brutal crimes of armed robbery may not happen at such ease. I can digest it if it occured once, but twice, 3 times? In the same place? Is this an indicator that the robbers could very well be aware that there is a slight security glitch in Sharm at the moment, in that specific area?  If they do know that, where does that leave us?

After the bombing in 2005 there was a project set up to place security cameras all over Sharm. I heard it took place in Naama Bay and along Peace Road. Well, did this project also include the Old Market to be secured, since it too was bombed. Was this project implemented? If yes, who is in the control room?

With the amount of illegal construction taking place all over Sharm, with very high presence in Ruwaysat, why is the government not clearly stopping it from happening?  It happens every day in front of my house, and not once have I seen a government car in the area. Several reports have been sent from various members of the Sharm community to the various departments in the government, but till today, the illegal construction continues. If people are getting away with very obviously breaking the law and building illegally, doesn't it become inevitable that only more illegal actions will happen? In other words, if the government knows that there is plenty of illegal construction taking place, by not stopping it, does that mean they are contributing to it? Why don’t they just legalize the lands, provide sewerage facilities, water, electricity and garbage collection to those areas?

Sexual harassment in Naama Bay. It is no longer fair nor correct to turn a blind eye to this issue. If happens every day in Naama Bay, and reported cases are increasing. Yes, I know it happens everywhere in the world but does that make it ok? If we go back to the cameras project that was launched in 2005, and assuming it was implemented in Naama Bay, does that men that the person in the control room has footage of the Naama Bay walkway? If yes, can those that sexual harass other be called in for an intensive educational program called, how sexual harassment affects the area you live in, and therefore affects you? Are there any programs in fact set up and launched to educate people on various social issues that arise from living and working in a tourism destination? Whose responsibility is this?

Why is the garbage all over Sharm not collected in most of the residential areas? It must be for a reason. Surely the garbage company and the city council didn't disintegrate into thin air once the revolution started. What is the reason? Why is it the garbage is intentionally not collected, leaving residents to either burn it, leave it or deal with it alone. Is there a message being delivered to us residents, or is it a sign of incompetence? Why hasn't the Ministry of Environment expressed their deep concern in this issue, since it is no secret that uncollected garbage is detrimental to the environment? How is it in plan to increase the number of tourist arrivals into South Sinai, without collecting their garbage?

Every time a friend comes back from a travel show abroad, they are always so full of positive hope. I love it. The response and feedback we are getting from abroad is overwhelming. We are hearing, we love Egypt, it's great, and we will send you tourists as soon as there is an elected president. Well, if this is true, I would like to ask if the Minister of Tourism is using this down time to arrange for several solutions to boost the tourism economy as soon as the new president is sworn in. Examples of these solutions are plenty. Here are the just a few in a very brief summary:

The launch of independent charter flights allowing for tourists to independently reach Sharm. This would open a new market into South Sinai, that is independent from the tour operator. At the moment for an independent traveller to reach Sharm they are forced to pay a bomb. With independent tourism comes a new enormous market. 

Is the current business model within the tourism industry going to change, develop or expand? Will it remain locked down to the all inclusive business model, therefore remaining to hurt the rest of the economy in the area because all inclusive tourists do very little outside the hotel. Usually it is an excursion which is through a tour operator - again.

Are we planning on introducing new types of travel into South Sinai, such as rock climbing, sand boarding, rally driving, spirituality, health travel, medical travel, fat farms, dolphin therapy centers in Nuweiba etc.. or will be remain to be promoted as the sun, sea and sand destination, and oppps forgot to mention we have some of the worlds best dive sites you can explore too! 

Has the Minister of Tourism set an agenda to how to tackle social issues that affect tourism such as, good service, consistent service, the effects of sexual harassment, and training courses for the taxi drivers on how to serve guests professionally. What plans have been set to raise the service standards all over the area? 

South Sinai is a jewel with so much to be done in tune to the environment that it cradles; majestic, peaceful and life altering. Whose job is it to do the thinking, the planning, the securing, and so on?

You see, when you look at the bigger picture, you realize that there is so much not being done at the moment for the good sake of Sharm, and the questions remain - why is this happening, who is responsible for this, and what will the passiveness taking place now result it?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Email them to: editor@sinaiweekly.com        <h3>Use Facebook to Comment on this Post</h3>
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		<title>The 21st Century Marriage</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2012/01/18/the-21st-century-marriage/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[One of my favorite things to do is sit at Il Mercato in the evening with my lap-top, observe around me and write. I mean hey - I am an Anthropologist, and participant observation is just what we enjoy most. While doing this favorite thing, I found myself writing about the 21st Century Marriage. What [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[One of my favorite things to do is sit at Il Mercato in the evening with my lap-top, observe around me and write. I mean hey - I am an Anthropologist, and participant observation is just what we enjoy most. While doing this favorite thing, I found myself writing about the 21st Century Marriage. What is the 21st Century Marriage? I have been doing research on this for the last month, as the 21st Century Marriage is a chapter in my book. So here, I share some of what I have found, so far…

Who isn’t familiar with the continually escalating statistics about marriages going sour? They seem to last less and less time, and families appear destined to suffer the trauma and pain of break ups and divorce. Children in this instance are affected, but the original partners of the relationship clearly bear many painful consequences as well. And as we see the numbers rise, and watch friends and family go through the depressingly familiar process of splitting in two, the question whether anything can be done about it makes itself heard more and more loudly. 

History, Religion, Sex and Money

Historically, and particularly in the 1960’s, as society moved gradually from a patriarchal position to one that we might call slightly more egalitarian, divorce figures began to creep up as more and more women found themselves being able to get an education and have careers, or even just “jobs” outside of the home. 

Along with patriarchy, organized religion suffered a blow as well, particularly in the western world, as growing numbers of people began rejecting the norms that had once held them safely within the confines of holy matrimony. 

In addition, as the women’s movement gained momentum, biologically, and hence, sexually, women were further freed up from remaining with only one man with the advent of the pill during approximately the same timeframe. The double standard began declining in power, and with it, women took off on a run, intent on proving to the world that they could live as freely as men. 

In the mid- to late 1970’s women also slowly began earning salaries that made it feasible for them to care for themselves and their children if need be without necessarily requiring the help of a male. (Before you send me indignant emails, please bear in mind that I am merely sketching in the broad outlines of a painting here…clearly, many women are still not in such a position, because salaries are still not balanced on the scale that lies between the genders, but for the purpose of this article, let us say that for some women it has become possible.) 

Mass Media

Mass media played along as well in the two decades spanning the 70’s and 80’s, by showing us Sex and the City, rather than the home-spun down to earth sitcoms of the 50’s. In cinema Kramer vs. Kramer moved us to tears, quite removed from familiar, old standards such as High Society. Glossy magazines such as Cosmopolitan advised young women how to have orgasms in one night stands rather than how to organize a wedding reception, and books were published by the dozen with the central theme of women free from the constraints of a male-dominated society. And later, in the film When a Man Loves a Woman Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia showed us co-dependence, and the recent film Closer with Julia Roberts and Nathalie Portman made us look more closely at relationship triangles. 

Finally, we were shown on a large scale that among prominent people, whether politicians, or celebrities from the world of cinema, art and high finance, women could marry and re-marry, or not marry at all and have children on their own, with one or several men, or even adopt children without the benefit of marriage. 

Old Marriage – New Marriage

In a word: the old idea of marriage clearly no longer works, mainly because it no longer fits into the manner in which the world has changed and evolved, but no new ideas for marriage have emerged, at least, not any that show any real signs of working. 

Gary Zukav ( The Seat of the Soul ), a proponent of spiritual psychology, suggests that one of the main reasons relationships, partnerships, and marriages are no longer working, is that although we try to put our new-found ideas into them, in the hopes that with these ideas, relationships will once again work, the minute we actually marry again, we fall back into our old patriarchal patterns in an almost undermining fashion, as though these patterns were inherent to the very institution of marriage. How many couples have not expressed the sentiment that their relationship was fine while they were living together, and only went down the hill when they decided to get married? 


Partnership for the Purpose of Growth

Partnership for the purpose of survival in which the two parties do not necessarily see themselves as equals is a way of describing the old pattern. Partnership for the purpose of getting love and being happy is another way of describing the old pattern. The great mythologist Joseph Campbell ( An Open Life ) said that people think that relationships are about happiness. But they're not. They're about transformation. “It’s through the relationship that the development of each is taking place”. ( The Hero’s Journey ). 

Gary Zukav suggests that the new pattern be partnership between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth. What this really means is that you start realizing that what is important to the well-being of your relationship is exactly the same as what is needed for your own spiritual growth. Each partner holds the pieces that the other is missing. If you are angry, suspicious, or jealous, for example, then these feelings bring up something in your partner that needs to be healed, and it is precisely that which is being mirrored in you. So you begin to see the importance of your partner’s interaction with you for your development (and vice versa). 

So spiritual growth does not mean going to church or praying (although you can certainly do that, if you wish), nor does it mean that the importance of physical togetherness and contact is minimized. Quite the contrary. It enhances it. Spiritual growth does mean, however, that the common denominator of the relationship becomes the idea that both partners are in the relationship to grow (and love, and trust, and enjoy, etc., but with a continuous eye towards growth). 

Eckhard Tolle ( The Power of Now ) puts it in slightly different terms. He says that when a relationship is not working, what was not conscious in each of the partners is being brought out into the light. He essentially means that by knowing (being consciously aware of) what is when things are difficult, the relationship becomes your “spiritual” practice, and through your knowing, you begin to react differently (i.e., consciously), and therein lies growth. 

Inner Life in Constant Flux

If you are in a marriage that is floundering, you might want to consider the ideas pointed out in this article. Don’t forget that your inner life is continually in flux, including the way you think about relationships. People don’t mature once, and then remain that way the rest of their lives. Likewise, they do not get married or get into a committed relationship and then maintain it exactly the way it was the day of the wedding or the commitment. Therefore, there is no reason why you can’t evolve your ideas of partnerships and look in new directions within the parameters of your current relationship along with your partner. Imagine getting a new set of stronger contact lenses or glasses. Imagine how they help you see the world more sharply, more clearly. So too, can you get another perspective on the real purpose of your marriage by considering the material in this article. The deep intrinsic satisfaction and happiness that come from psychological, emotional, and spiritual growth have few parallels.

Got something to say, email (editor@sinaiweekly.com)
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		<title>Dining Out With Muriel: Christmas Eve Was A Delight Of Culinary Physics</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2012/01/09/dining-out-with-muriel-christmas-eve-was-a-delight-of-culinary-physics/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:26:09 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Going out for dinner on Christmas Eve is something quite extraordinary for me unless of course I was staying in a hotel. I walked once again the slippery slope of vendor abuse, the burning trail of abhorrence that is Naamah Bay ending up at the front door of Little Buddha with only twenty three flyers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Going out for dinner on Christmas Eve is something quite extraordinary for me unless of course I was staying in a hotel.
I walked once again the slippery slope of vendor abuse, the burning trail of abhorrence that is Naamah Bay ending up at the front door of Little Buddha with only twenty three flyers and the promise of swearing an affidavit to purchase a Time Share on the way back.
I have to give myself full marks for attitude as I did all of this with a benign smile on my face.

Superior restaurants open their doors with the promise of above average, or better than another in quality and grade, few fulfil this obligation consistently.
Little Buddha transcends anyone’s concept of superior food and service. A temple to Fusion cooking and the art of presentation.
Christmas Eve was a delight of culinary physics.

Nader was our seriously academic waiter, a man of few words, thank God, last thing I felt like after my walk, was being accosted by a serious conversation, or, a lecture on the dimensions of the huge Buddha which presides over the restaurant.
He served us with Sunrise Mochtails which as usual were moreish, much moreish in my case.

I’ve never classified myself as food-obsessed but every time I go to LB I develop another personality, an alter ego which screams ‘give me more give me m-o-r-e.’
Roasted Scallop on a bed of Julienne Vegetables with Spicy Cream Butter Sauce, ‘mmmm to die for,’ however I managed to resurrect myself  for the Double pigeon Consommé with Chicken Dumpling and after that Champagne Sorbet and Strawberry Coulis. (Eat your heart out).
A choice of Roasted Turkey Breast and Chestnut with Traditional Cranberry and gravy won out of the Oven Roasted Salmon with Grilled Fresh Mushroom and Gomodore Dressing.
Christmas pudding was not of the heavy variety, it was as light and fluffy as a sponge cake infused with all the beautiful and traditional fruit, peel and nuts, creating a wildly flavourful and delicate balance.
Five delicious courses including Coffee or Tea and Petit Four for LE360.

Okay unfortunately you all missed your chance to have a luxurious Christmas Eve dinner like myself.
However you still have time to book for Saturday the 31st, New Years Eve and another extensive five course feast of culinary delight which will move even the laziest taste buds.
The bonus being a cabaret including an Asian Dance Show and DJ Cheetos and DJ Oscar.

Surprise, Surprise……I thought Little Buddha was a male bastion of Testosterone, a citadel dedicated to the male species of staff (except of course for the beautiful Rebecca).
One exotic beauty has managed to slip past the after shave brigade in the guise of ultra feminism. When Lorraine of the long black silky hair and flashing, unpainted natural teeth appeared at our table I thought I was experiencing a mirage. Nice to see at last, well done Little Buddha you are well and truly surpassing your five star consistency rating.
Reservations are recommended
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		<title>MAKING a DECISION not to MAKE A DECISION</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/29/making-a-decision-not-to-make-a-decision/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:10:04 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sinaiweekly.com/?p=174</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[E.MOON Build your life brick upon brick.  Live a life of truth,  And you will look back on a life of truth.  Live a life of fantasy, And you will look back on delusion. I always used to think of New Years Eve as a time for drunks. New Years Day has to have a massive [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[E.MOON

Build your life brick upon brick. 
Live a life of truth,  And you will look back on a life of truth. 
Live a life of fantasy, And you will look back on delusion.

I always used to think of New Years Eve as a time for drunks.
New Years Day has to have a massive turn out at any branch of Alcoholics Anonymous. Those who have fallen off the ladder or those which want to climb it.

To me New Years Eve was of no use to anyone, except those who thought it of maximum importance to buy a new dress, or adorn themselves in glitter. In other words it was simply used as a scapegoat for promiscuous perverts and loose-lipped-eejits

I hated going out on NYE. It didn’t matter if I was in Leicester Square, Times Square or in the shadow of Sydney Opera House. People got sloppy, strangers accosted, and my neck was broken trying to avoid slushy and carelessly aimed kisses.
When I reached the age of ten it was decreed I was allowed to stay up late. Now I am forced to stay up late or considered a spoilsport.
The only reason I want to make sure I am awake on New Years Eve is to make sure the old year has gone.

New Years Resolutions are a total waste of time unless you promise yourself
‘not to suffer fools gladly.’
A new statistic has come forth from the American Medical Association which proves that Americans are now officially considered more overweight than average people. So all of us now who are thinking of going on a diet, don’t bother because we are considered average and not overweight at all.

The best resolution you can make is not to make a resolution until 2013. Personally I’m am looking forward to the New Year to start making some new bad habits.
I have no intention to sanctioning my life any more than it has been sanctioned by other people.
Making a New Year’s resolution is forcing yourself into a state of despair and deprivation. You know you are going to fail and ask yourself if you are a masochist?

It might be worth making it a real ‘New Year.’
New eyes lazered or lifted, new nose, bicycle pump to blow up the lips and bum, a syringe full of Botox? 
No thanks I’ll pass on that one, easier to be jet propelled from a rocket than go through that, just to look a mirror image of a mummy in the Egyptian Museum. I consider the facial scars of experience minute and enhancing, I have no desire to rise above the little things.

Benjamin Franklin said “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”

Well I achieved one of those this year and the toilet seat is always up in my home once again.

I actually don’t understand why we use a blare of trumpets and a clanging of bells each time a New Year comes. What do we expect different from the previous year?
Why don’t we trumpet in a new week or a new month?
Every year has its up and downs, its losses and gains, its blessings and curses.
When we look through the pages of 2011, surely we can see growth. Surely we can see our reactions to circumstance, situations and people have changed. It is age which weathers the storms of life, because with age comes more patience, more hope and more charity.
Our values change, we don’t have to pretend who and what we are any more, we have found the friends who we accept for their failings as they accept us for ours.
 The friends who are with us year after year, who support us through the bad times and celebrate with us during the good times.
Only I am responsible for my life, and so far I am proud I have the courage to make the right decisions for myself.

I don’t crave to change anyone else’s habits or life; I keep my wisdom to myself and recognize I am no better or worse than anyone else. I have to lose the habit, well not lose but perhaps temper it a bit with humor, the urge I have to complain about aches and pains because when I listen to someone else doing it, it bores the pants off me.
My memory is going, thank God. The bonus with that is the bad memories are dimmed. I don’t care any more about the ageing process as I have a fountain of youth in my mind which is the forerunner to any talent I have. I hope my creativity brings life and love into the hearts of those who are near to me.

“I wish all of you a Healthy, Happy, New Year.
May all your dreams come true.
Most of all may you be at peace with yourself and the life you live.”

As the wise man once told me:

Last year’s words were spoken in last year’s language,
To make a new beginning you have to make an end.
Perhaps 2012 will give us the opportunity to get it right. 
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		<title>South Sinai Travel 2012</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/22/south-sinai-travel-2012/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:39:48 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sinaiweekly.com/?p=171</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am in an Egyptian resident living in Sharm El Sheikh, since 2002. When i moved here, Sharm was a very different place - it was a haven on nature travel that cradled a laid back spirit, running uniform to the peaceful energy found in Sinai. By 2005, everything had changed, and there was an [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I am in an Egyptian resident living in Sharm El Sheikh, since 2002. When i moved here, Sharm was a very different place - it was a haven on nature travel that cradled a laid back spirit, running uniform to the peaceful energy found in Sinai. By 2005, everything had changed, and there was an explosion of concrete and marble, that resulted in over 200 marble resorts with approximately 400 rooms each, all owned by prominent business players that found it possible to grow and nourish their business under the old regime, and all of it’s corruption.

A revolution has happened in Egypt, during which the call was for, Bread, Freedom, and Social Equality for all Egyptian citizens, regardless of where in Egypt they reside. Now, with this in mind I would like to raise a few thoughts that have been buzzing through my head:

What strategies have been put in place to boost tourism in the short term and long term? I heard on TV this morning, that Mr. Abdel Nour issued a statement saying that by the year 2017 Egypt hopes to receive 30 million tourists. Well, I would like to know what the target for South Sinai is, and not for 2017. What is your target for 2012, 2013, 2014 and how do you plan to achieve it? Is there going to be a sealing on prices that are offered as packages? Are we increasing our rates, or are we going to continue decreasing our prices  just to fill up the rooms. The cheap packages bring in tourists that do not spend extra money outside of their package - well maybe 1 excursion. What happens to the rest of the economy? Is it only the hotel and the tour operator that make a profit at times like these? 

With an increase in tourism, comes an increase in services needed to cater to all these tourists. With this in mind, how do you see it feasible to cater to this growth, when basic services are still unavailable today in South Sinai, such as:
* Staff housing solutions for non-hotel staff. 
* Resident work force.
* Sufficient high quality medical and educational services.
* Garbage collection
* Water provided by the government. Today, before the expected growth, there are many places in Sharm where the government does not supply fresh water, and residents are forced to pay approximately 15 l.e. per cubic meter of fresh water.  Where will be get water from for all the extra guests?

What strategy has been implemented by the government to assist small to medium enterprises that support the tourism industry? What do I mean by this. Ok, I’ll explain - tourists come to South Sinai. They eat, drink, sleep, dive, sunbathe etc.... To do all that, there is 5 hierarchy chain of demand. So the hotel needs vegetables, hotel purchasing finds supplier. Supplier distributes the vegetables. Before the vegetables are distributed, a packaging company is used. A mechanic is also used to service the truck that transports the vegetables. The chain of demand is all based on small to medium enterprises, that cater to the larger business of the hotel. What has the government done, to assist all of these small to medium enterprises when the tourism industry is working at 30%. That means that at least 5 levels of work force have not made any money this year. How do they survive? The hotel owner gets benefits from the government and the banks to make up for their losses. What do the people who are not actually part of the hotel, but cater to the hotel get?

You see the deeper I look, the uglier it gets. You suddenly realize that all the policies and actions cater to the large business owners in the tourism industry. Well - what about the millions that work in it? What happens to them?

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		<title>Dining Out With Muriel: Little Buddha Goes Indian</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/16/dining-out-with-muriel-little-buddha-goes-indian/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:38:46 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://sinaiweekly.com/?p=167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Saturday night I took a walk on the wild side, or perhaps a giant leap into a mild depression. I have to honestly say (and being a resident I am allowed a voice), I don’t like the main street leading down to Naama Bay, there now I’ve said it. The street has become the playground [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saturday night I took a walk on the wild side, or perhaps a giant leap into a mild depression.
I have to honestly say (and being a resident I am allowed a voice), I don’t like the main street leading down to Naama Bay, there now I’ve said it.
The street has become the playground for street vendors all vying to become the king of Naama, that and pushy taxi drivers zig zagging across you and blatantly confronting you in an effort of persuasion. Mind you I find the dancing waiters outside various cafes quite amusing, I wonder who their choreographer is, maybe he should consider another career.
There is only one restaurant which can tempt and entice me to make that arduous walk, Little Buddha.
LB has just that extra something which makes it ‘The Special Occasion Place for People with Good Taste.’
I’ve been to a few places lately, which are well below any mentionable standard; in fact the healthiest thing about them is the Exit door. 
Wednesday and Saturday night at Little Buddha are Indian Nights.
Of course you can have the extensive and insatiable A La Carte menu if you wish, but an Indian option makes a pleasant change. You can even go a bit more oriental if you are a couple or more; you can choose from the Sushi and combine your overflowing taste buds with a definitive fusion.
Don’t expect  your Naan (I don’t mean your granny), Raita, Cardamom, Cumin, Poppadom,  Chapatti or Kaali Daal, and lets face it no one does a review on Chicken Masala these days, it is just not credible since they started selling it at Tescos.
You are not going to Goa, you are going to Little Buddha, so forget the Vindaloo.
What you will get are three dishes.

Tandoori Chicken
Beef Masala
Basmati Rice.

Now only Little Buddha can serve three dishes and make them look and taste exotic, sensual and sexy.
Ok so that might be a little tongue in cheek, however I will endeavour to be more descriptive.
The Beef Masala is made from the finest cut of beef; it is melt in the mouth gorgeous. I have tasted some Garam Masalas in my life but the LB chef who concocted this one excelled himself.
When Little Buddha say they serve fusion food they are telling the truth, the sauce was delicate with hints of oriental flavours.
Tempting Tandoori Chicken is an understatement. It must have been marinated for more than twenty four hours; I would have loved to have asked more about the spices but feared they might think I was into industrial espionage.
The Basmati Rice was the whitest and fluffiest I have ever seen.
We were persuaded to have the Chocolate Liquid Centre, I always over do it and this desert is overdoing it big time. You know the way you know you have had enough, but you keep going on…just one more spoonful. You try to stand up and that’s when you get the sensation that your stomach has been brainwashed! 
This desert does it to me every time and I will never learn, it is just too desirable, they should delete it from the menu or change the name to Death by Chocolate, it should come with a government warning label  ‘Addictive Substance.’

Our waiter for the evening was the undoubtable and renowned  FACALDO (he admitted it was his nickname), but how he came by it is a secret and just between him and I. FACALDO is charmingly competent and well informed.
He explained to me about the Bar Academy, I think it is a certified course in signature mochtails and cocktails. He offered us a Virgin Buddhist mochtail and my husband’s eyes lit up, I remarked it was the first and last time he had one of those!
‘Him’ with the flashing teeth and enigmatic smile Monsieur Bianco is still waiting and probably delighting the young ladies with his amazing charisma. He managed to slip in another mochtail to us when the over attentive FACALDO disappeared for 30 seconds.

The beautiful Rebecca still resides in her lofty position of authority and can manage a brilliant conversation all the time keeping her eyes on the ultra smooth running of the establishment.

If you don’t want to risk a walk on the wild side, or slide into mild depression, why not book for 6 or more and LB will deliver you up the street? If you have 10 friends or co-workers you are really in luck as LB will do collect and return.

You might not be able to judge a book by its cover but you will always find the standard of cuisine at Little Buddha first class.
The Indian Nights is extremely good value at 150 LE per person inclusive of all charges and a glass of wine or beer.
The helpings are large, the ambience and music is as tasteful as the food.
A well deserved 5 star rating.
I have only one question Rebecca “when are you going to invite me to review your Xmas Menu?”

For reservations please call 0106 - 3506077
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		<title>The weather is lovely. The perfect temperature to catch the common cold!</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/12/the-weather-is-lovely-the-perfect-temperature-to-catch-the-common-cold/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:01:41 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[E.MOON The weather is lovely. The perfect temperature to catch the common cold! My cold is certainly not common I would never catch anything so low class. No my colds are always different, sort of superior, definitely a cold with a difference. I know we women all laugh and call the men wooshies when they [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[E.MOON
The weather is lovely. The perfect temperature to catch the common cold!

My cold is certainly not common I would never catch anything so low class.
No my colds are always different, sort of superior, definitely a cold with a difference.
I know we women all laugh and call the men wooshies when they catch a cold but are they really any different from us?

From the moment I feel the first symptom I go on a downer.
Yes, like the rest of you when I was younger, I would drag my infected body all around the place, transmitting it to all and sundry via my typhoon type sneezes. Like laughter my colds are always contagious, just not pleasantly contagious. They are usually donated to me by my best friend and I swear transmittable via the telephone between Sharm and London.

I don’t have to haul my body out of bed these days because I don’t have any child which needs breast feeding or beans on toast, therefore I can go for the full Monty.
I have noticed this time my sniffles have been superseded by loud moaning and plentiful pleadings to my higher power to give me a miracle cure.

If I had a bendy nose I could hang a bucket from it, however I have quite a nice nose there fore no space for decoration, I thought about using a couple of raw plugs but it was too uncomfortable.
I have changed from a box of tissues to toilet rolls, they are easier to carry around and I think more economical. Okay I admit they look a little peculiar placed randomly all around the villa, but I don’t care, I simply do not care.

Apart from a dripping doze (nose) which resembles a tap in dire need of a new washer. I feel as though my throat has been cut, therefore my voice has changed dramatically, My vocal cords have a new resonance, deeply husky and actually quite sexy, it’s just my verbal skills which cause extensive pain and shoots through to my ears.
I’m just not used to pain and discomfort, the last time I had a sore throat was when I was sixteen, I deserved that one after standing in the cold, shouting, screaming and singing bawdy rugby songs, but I have done nothing to deserve this one.

I had to take antibiotics when this infection sneakily crawled to my chest, have you noticed this always happens at night when you can’t protect yourself? You’ll know when you have it, the rattle wakes you up.
The thought has just occurred to me that we women never call our chest, a chest, unless we have a chest infection, I wonder why that is? I always think of a chest as something I have, lined with camphor wood in which I store my cashmere sweaters. Either that or a big, flat, hairy thing belonging to a man.
Odd the things you think about when you are feeling “REALLY UNWELL” isn’t it?

I know I sound extremely neurotic, especially as I have couple of friends who are extremely incapacitated at the moment, but I am not comparing pain on the Richter Scale.
I am simply trying to explain how debilitating the superior cold can be.
We need to consider physical discomfort can create mental discomfort and go with the flow of that.
Demanding with an ultra feeble voice works quite well, deep sighs and groans have everyone running into the bedroom shouting “What, What? Watery eyes is an attention getter, loud sneezes work better than soft ones. Say ‘yes’ to everything because you really don’t have the strength to say ‘no.’ Accept all the home remedies offered (I have recently become addicted to honey and lemon). Repeat in a very quiet voice, “please don’t worry about me, I am sure I will be much better tomorrow,” and, “I am so sorry to be soooo much trouble.” Those words will earn you lots of sweet kisses on your forehead.

Remember if you have finished rearing your children then you have paid your dues and you are entitled to time out. You actually do not have to drag yourself dripping and coughing all around the place.

However also remember that men are not much good at working out non-verbal cues, you will have to use facial emotions and a quiet semi-pleading voice, words which elicit empathy and loving care.
I have to say that I was given so much genuine loving care that I was actually tempted to pretend and get an extra day out of it!!!! 
Then I realised I didn’t have to resort to dishonest tactics as my husband is a genuinely loving and caring human being.
As indeed am I, should he be suffering with the superior cold.

As the wise man once told me:

In a family of five all you have to do is stand quietly
and wait your turn for the common cold.
It doesn’t really matter whether you are first or last.        <h3>Use Facebook to Comment on this Post</h3>
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		<title>A Glimpse Of Hope For South Sinai</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/07/a-glimpse-of-hope-for-south-sinai/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:26:22 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[I hope for love, joy and laughter I hope we'll have more than we'll ever need I hope we'll have more happy ever afters I hope we can all live more fearlessly and we can lose all the pain and misery I hope, I hope Dixie Chicks Indeed, so true are their words, as hope is the belief in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I hope for love, joy and laughter I hope we'll have more than we'll ever need I hope we'll have more happy ever afters I hope we can all live more fearlessly and we can lose all the pain and misery I hope, I hope
Dixie Chicks

Indeed, so true are their words, as hope is the belief in a positive outcome, related to events and circumstances in one's life. There seems to be a state of panic within the Sharm community these days, so I felt it might be appropriate to write a piece on hope. 

Hope is the inner feeling of the possibility of having what you want, or that events will turn out for the best. Hope is a general belief in a better future. Definitions vary, but the truth remains the same: to hope means to wish for something with the expectation of the wish being fulfilled, a key condition in unrequited love. 

Though it is perceived right now as a positive aspect, the notion of hope has been known for its negativity throughout the centuries. Having originated from the Greek mythology, it was depicted as Elpis. According to the legend, when Pandora opened Pandora's Box, she let out all the evils except one: hope. Apparently, the Greeks considered hope to be as dangerous as all the world's evils. But without hope to accompany all their troubles, humanity was filled with despair. It was a great relief when Pandora revisited her box and let out hope as well. It may be worthy to note that in the story, hope is represented as weakly leaving the box, but is in effect far more potent than any of the major evils. 
However, throughout the centuries, philosophers have contradicted this theory, as seen in the work of Friedrich Nietzsche “Human, All Too Human” who argued that "Zeus did not want man to throw his life away, no matter how much other evils might torment him, but rather to go on tormenting himself anew.”

The concept of hope is not only a myth or a philosophical idea, but is a belief in some religions and cultures. In some, hope plays a very important role. It can be passive in the sense of a wish or active as a plan or idea, often against popular belief, with persistent, personal action to execute the plan or prove the idea. 

So, what is hope to ordinary Sharmers? “Sinai Weekly” decided to find out what the residents of Sharm were thinking on hope. Therefore, we went on the streets to interview random passers-by and this is what we found: 

“Hope is really important. I’ll give you an example, if I may. One person hopes that one day their children will succeed in life; the other has lost hope. What will happen next? The one who has lost hope will achieve nothing.” – Commented Brigitte Helger, a local resident. “As far as my hope is concerned, I hope that Sharm will never change, as this is the perfect place to live in, and if it is to change after the revolution, I hope that all Egyptians are given their freedom as they have been fighting for.” – She added. 

Other residents agreed, saying that “we have a lot of hopes when it comes to Sharm after the revolution and the 1st round of elections: hope for better education for our kids, hope to see less corruption and hope to have less harassment.” – Said Mariam Abu-Zein, a mother of two.  

“To be honest, I cannot see the difference between hope and optimism other than hope is an emotional state; whereas optimism is a conclusion reached through a deliberate thought pattern leading to positivity and encouragement.” – Said Lara, 26 year old Sharmer. “But no matter what you call it, be it hope or optimism – it plays a vital role in life. At the moment I feel that Sharm needs more optimists, more people full of hope, that are not spreading panic and fear to others around them. So many people have tried with me, but I have faith in Egypt and the Egyptian after the revolution. It might take some time, but it will happen.” – She continued.  

“I don’t have hopes, I have plans,” – a determined resident told “Sinai Weekly”. “When you hope, you depend on circumstances, illusions and sometimes people. When you have a plan, you are independent, knowing exactly what to do and how to do it.” – He concluded. 

Hope has many faces, it is the truth with many angles. It all depends on which aspect or side you choose. And though our hopes differ, we all have them, as what is life without hope and a strong belief in a better future? Don’t ever loose faith while you live in the City of Peace.

The “Sinai Weekly” team wishes every Sharm resident to find hope deep within their souls for a brighter tomorrow. 
In love and light.
Got anything to say on this, please email editor@sinaiweekly.com 
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		<title>Thoughts On Friendship In The South Sinai</title>
		<link>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/01/thoughts-on-friendship-in-the-south-sinai/</link>
		<comments>http://sinaiweekly.com/2011/12/01/thoughts-on-friendship-in-the-south-sinai/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:05:32 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[People are divided into two groups: those who can make friends easily and those who consider it as a mission impossible. Courses and clever how-to-get-rid-of-my-complex books usually bring only to two things: no improvement and frustration. But that’s until such people come to Sharm - a place which strangely enough is capable of transforming anyone [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[People are divided into two groups: those who can make friends easily and those who consider it as a mission impossible. Courses and clever how-to-get-rid-of-my-complex books usually bring only to two things: no improvement and frustration. But that’s until such people come to Sharm - a place which strangely enough is capable of transforming anyone from one person into another. 

How does it work? Well, imagine, you are far away from your country and the chances that you are going to meet somebody who is not a tourist, yet coming from your country, are few, so every time you do meet such a person, you automatically make him/her your (a) friend, (b)relative, (c)soul-mate. Under other circumstances (in your country, for example) you would probably not even notice this person, but here it’s all different.  Add to it the atmosphere of the place which simply radiates warmth, peace and friendship and what you get is a lot of sunshine and friends.

And the most interesting thing is that friendship in Sharm is like a snowball. You get to know one person, then this person introduces you to another, another and one more and the result is a huge group of people (oh, that’s how Facebook works, now we got the trick!!!). Alright! Perfect! It is cool to have friends who came from the same country you did: after all you have the same interests, maybe you know the same people, you have probably attended the same university and used to go to library together (or the local pub - you choose). It’s understandable. But what is not understandable and not acceptable is being judgmental towards other people who came from other countries. And, unfortunately, you can’t deny it: there are a lot of such examples in Sharm. People who act that way make me feel that either these groups of people comprise of Louis 14s (The Sun) or these are people with a blossoming bunch of complexes. 

The uniqueness of Sharm is in its being a multinational place, a place which ruins your stereotypes, not cherishes them. A place which manages to combine uncombined things, so why do we ruin this place? Don’t get me wrong (because I am sure there WILL be people like that): I am not against groups of people who came from the same part of the world, but I am against judging! Don’t allow Sharm to turn into a puzzle board, where each piece of it is Italian, Russian, British, German, Dutch or Egyptian. A fusion sounds much more exciting and inspiring. 

We are all the same here, we are all one, and if you look deep enough you will discover that we are all here for the same reason, whatever it may be. So that should mean making friends in Sharm should be an easy and a very interesting thing. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime where you can share your life experiences with many others, broadening your horizons, and making you someone that is much more exposed than anyone in your home town. Integrate, make friends, make more friends - friends coming from different backgrounds, places, cultures and worlds. 

Don’t you think Sharm will be a better place to live in then? 

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