A view on marriage

We are always in search of new writers and articles written by Egyptians which leads us to come across some old and new talent. There's a lot of talent out there...don't make us chase you guys, send us your stuff or recommend your friends!

Anyway, while researching Egyptian written articles we came across this one in AUC which we really liked and asked the author's permission to post...check it out.

"Every girl dreams of that day where she walks down the aisle, or walkway of the Intercontinental Semiramis’ ballroom, with her prince charming. The day that everyone can see her on the gigantic screens hanging on each wall through the smoke and laser lights while Orbit’s cameras and Flash’s photographers stalk her guests --- that truly magical and romantic day.

The problem is that marriage in Egypt has become more of a statement than a passage of life. It has come to represent the pinnacle of every woman’s life; a true symbol of her success. It also symbolizes the power and wealth of families, as you hear the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ after two wealthy families merge their empires in the name of marriage.

I was once discussing with a friend that I’m considering moving back to the U.S. for graduate school or work. Instead of asking what kind of career I was looking for, I was asked, “If you go to the states, how are you going to get married? You won’t find anyone there; all the good families are here.” My jaw literally dropped. Is that what determines my position in society? If that’s the case, then what was the point of my parents spending thousands of dollars on my education if in the end, marriage is what is going to measure my success in life.

To some, it is unthinkable that I, at the extremely old age of 21, am still considering doing my masters and starting a career. When I explain that I would like to establish myself before I commit to a marriage and raising a family, it somehow translates into, “I never want to get married.”

As unfortunate as it is to say, the majority of girls who marry at such an early age end up divorced within the first two years. A friend of mine dropped out of college, got married, got pregnant, and divorced in the span of a year. Is that success?

No wait, success is getting engaged three times in college, because that is so much better than having a career until you find the right one.

The way I see it, you can marry a wealthy and respectable man, but if, God-forbid, he passes away, you’re going to need to be able to support your children and educate them. Your parents’ money shouldn’t put your kids through college; your hard work should.

Just because a woman wants to succeed in academics or in her career, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to get married; it just means she wants to achieve more things in life than picking the right husband. Plus, in our culture, we believe in naseeb, or destiny, which means that wherever you go or however old you are, you will find what is meant for you.

I admit that I, like every woman, would like to some day get married and pop out a baby or two with the man I love – but that’s exactly it – the man I love, not the man whose last name looks great on a wedding invitation.

Marriage is something everyone should experience, but at their own pace and without pressure. Most importantly, it should not determine your status in society or success in life.

I want my child to be able to ask me to explain World War I or Freud’s psychological theories without having to go to his father. Plus, I would honestly rather buy myself a nice pair of Jimmy Choo’s with my own money, not with my daddy’s or my hubby’s."

Let's Go to The Theater

For all you parents out there, we all know how obsessive our kids are over High School Musical...

Well we recommend you take your children to check out High School Musical 2 on stage...

The event is running up until the 18th of July at the Dubai Community Theater, in the Mall of the Emirates..

For a change something for the little one's to enjoy!

Weekend Round Up

This weekend in sahel was a relaxed yet still full of events...

On Thursday, many attended the opening of Delano lounge in Hacienda White hosted by Hassan Abaza, and although the place is quite small, it's set up very nicely and looks like a great place for dinner and drinks.

While most people started the night at Delanos, they moved from the lounge to Marassi to spice up the evening...We're not too sure what was wrong with the crowd that night but nothing about the place resembles last year...we're not sure if that's a good or bad thing..

Friday night brought out the competition among the big three, Andrea...Marassi...and Sky Lounge...

Marassi we hear was better...good crowd..good vibe..and an amazing vocalist Rebecca Brown ...

A lot of people though went to check out the opening of Sky Lounge in Hacienda Bay which had a great crowd...excellent music selection..the Lebanese staff definitely beats out Marassi's trashy eastern European prostitutes..we all personally think they have a winner on their hands

But as per usual many went to Andrea before all the above festivities started..it's always good to be loyal ;)

So far so good guys...see you next weekend!

Competition at the Haciendas

We all have grown to love and turn to munchies as one of our go to places for all our "munchy" needs!

When in Hacienda, and you need ice, or wanna snack while on the beach or chilling at home, the mini market, makes you life easier and delivers right to your door.

But there is new competition in town....Day Break has opened at Hacienda White, offering everything from Cigarettes, to drinks, coffee, snacks, etc...

They also "offer you for the first time in Egypt…...The World’s favorite Ice Cream, Häagen Dazs." As well as "VOILA Luxury gourmet foods, which offers a vast variety & assortments of cheese,truffles, seafood specials and many other tasty luxuries."

We think there are enough hungry and thirsty people to make both these places thrive!

Everywhere

Don't get us wrong...it's in a good way...

Ms. Amy Mowafi, not only gets to all of Cairo through Enigma magazine and her posse, OTV and her TV show...as well as her book...but now she'll be infiltrating the airwaves with her brothers gf Yara el Gendy...

In the funny words of Ms. Mowafi "I will be discussing and debating such hard-hitting topics as lifestyle and fashion and beauty and pretty things and not-so- pretty things and boys and stuff. It sounds vague I know, but that’s because every time I ask Yara of ‘Nogoom FM morning show’ fame, what it is exactly she needs me to talk about, she brushes me off in the manner of a seasoned radio superstar who is dealing with an unnecessarily over-excited radio rookie. “It will be fine,” she says. “Ya3ni, don’t worry.” Clearly she has never watched me on OTV. "

We think it'll be worth listening to every Wednesday, since the Brit/Egyptian is actually quite cheeky!

Sale Sale Sale

The BEYMEN SALE IS ON !!!

All those of you looking for a great summer bargain run to Beymen before it's too late and everything is sold out!

There is up to a 50% SALE on Spring summer 2009 collection, we all know you guys want to look good when lounging by the beach!

It must be summer!

It's hot outside, you've got the AC on until you get to sahel where you roll down the windows to breath in the fresh air of the North Coast...the wind breezes into your window as you feel the cool wind...take in a deep breath...relax...then hear... "WAYAAAAAAH"

....and that's when you realize, it must be summer because Amr Diab is EVERYWHERE!

It really is weird how Amr Diab's music is a direct association with summer which is when he usually releases his album. It becomes the Egyptian man or woman's summer soundtrack - for the whooooole summer. They blast his music in their cars, in cafes, and everywhere else that has a speaker.

And has anyone noticed that he's miraculousy looking younger every year? It's the curious case of Amr Diab!

This weekend

Wayyyy too much competition going on in sahel this year...


So Thursday (today) sees the opening of Delano lounge in Hacienda White with what is supposed to be an intimate chilled gathering at the new lounges location...

Marassi is also opening its doors on Thursday to the crowds, with their resident DJ's spinning for those who will be heading out!

Friday, brings the competition between two of Egypt's Real Estate giants...Emaar and Palm Hills Developments...Marassi seems to have gone all out this weekend flying in sensational vocalist Superstar Rebeka Brown with the sensational DJ Anemmick with DJ Ahmed Fahmi...

Hacienda Bay's Sky Lounge will also be launching on Friday, with the full on Lebanese management hailing from Lebanon...

We wonder how all these will match up against one another...especially since we can't forget one of our favorite old spots...Andrea!

Sexy or Vulgar?

A lot more things are accepted these days by our generation that our parents probably can't imagine...one of the things we've noticed is the increase in girl's cursing.

Now we've already noted the difference between English cursing and Arabic cursing...but in this case, does it make a difference? If you're going to curse in Arabic you're probably cursing in English too, right?

Now we can't deny that girls curse, especially with one another. But our topic at hand isn't what you think of girl's cursing in general - but in front of guys.

Some guys find it attractive when their woman will engage with them in a conversation with curse words (some have a limit and some don't care) because at the same time, it gives the guy the freedom to curse as well.

At the same time, there are a lot of guys that think it's just vulgar. Those are the same guys that won't curse in front of a lady.

Now there are some words that are used on TV so often we can't even consider them curse words, but you still get the gist.

So what do you think?? Is it sexy? Is it vulgar? and ladies...feel free to speak up as well

Lets just avoid curse words in the posts guys - we wont publish them!

Tribute to the King

It would be a tribute fit for a King...or at least we'd like to think that Tamarai's jumping on the bandwagon of MJ related parties will be fantastic..

After last nights heart wrenching memorial in L.A.'s staple center, which was by the way attended by few of our fellow Egyptians out there...

Tonight Tamarai claims to have an all star line up for all you MJ lovers out there...just one problem guest list only...so if you were invited have fun remembering the king...

We're sure everyone will love the live act!

Scene

Which young up and coming designer who staged a fantastic fashion show in Heliopolis recently..has been SCENE running around Paris Fashion Week?


We think it's an excellent idea that our young designers go and attend, even if they aren't showing their work, so they can learn from the pros...


We hope the rest pick up from this young lady's excellent example!

S&H Helps Readers

Another Cairiene in need of your help!!

Dear S&H

I really need your help guys, i know this probably sounds desperate but here it goes..i'm an Egyptian living in London, i have my friends in London and my friends in Egypt,the ones in Egypt are more my level *nafs el mostawa* i guess..but i haven't found any guy thats right for me yet..they always say it happens when your not looking,and it comes along, but i feel like I've been single forever,im not talking bout a a silly relationship but something serious..how am i meant to find my future love/life/husband when i don't really know much people that i could associate with. i'm really friendly but it doesn't necessarily mean i'm ready for anyone..i just want ideas, like its normally through family or friends..but what else, i would never go on a dating website or through Facebook,its kinda lame!

please help me!!:(

Our advice: We personally think over here that you should widen your social circle and horizons, and we are true believers of when your not looking for it Mr or Mrs right comes along. Meet new people, be open to going and hang out in new places, and don't fall into the typical trap that every Egyptian does when they travel, only hanging out with fellow Egyptians, there is a much bigger world out there and we're sure you'll find that right person soon ;)

Good luck to you!!

Now Boston Represents

One of our Boston-based readers just notified us that they have recently opened a new 68,000 square foot Islamic Cultural Center in the city.

“I’m so proud to stand with all of you,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to the hundreds attending the opening, including the first Muslim in the US Congress, Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison.

The Mosque and center can accommodate up to 3,000 people and has plans to include a library and an interfaith center, gift shops, halls for cultural and educational activities, conference and office spaces, an underground parking, a 135-ft minaret, a computer lab, and facilities for washing and burial of the dead and eventually a school with over 15 classrooms.

We have a lot of Egyptian Muslims studying and living in Boston, so this is a great place for you guys for Friday prayer and especially with Ramadan coming up, a place to pray tarawee7, get enlightened, or even just feel at home.

One step closer

Last night, our team whooped Rwanda during a catch up game for the World Cup qualifications
that took place due to the fact that Egypt were unable to play on the weekend of 20/21 June, when they were participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Our team won comfortably with a final score of 3-0...and we must give Abu Treka props for the 3rd goal in the last few minutes.

Nicely done boys, keep making us proud and good luck in the coming games! :)

What do YOU like?

Let's face it, with the swimsuit season in full swing we all check each other out. This got us guys here at S&H wondering...physically, what do YOU look for?

Some guys label themselves as an "ass man" or "legs man" and so forth, and you girls do the same thing. You check out the booty, don't deny it.

To all our loving cynics - don't get your panties in a bunch about us being shallow - this post is for FUN. Yes, this is completely superficial and physical...we all want someone who loooves us and understands us etc etc etc...but we're talking bodily features that we check out the most - which we all do.

If you're with a blonde, it's okay to like a brunette, so don't hold back, we all have our physical preferences - share them here!!