tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53320897025065719502011-12-05T12:48:49.278+02:00I've been based in Cairo since November 2007 and this blog records some of my experiences either about practicalities of living here, trips I have made or other matters, plus positive aspects of women's lives here. This blog does NOT discuss politics or religion.Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-33190519862569674592011-12-05T10:37:00.001+02:002011-12-05T12:48:49.287+02:00

What is it like in Luxor right now?  Is it safe to come? I've got a week off at Christmas and I see some cheap flights to Luxor - should I come? Questions you may be asking yourself after seeing scenes from Tahrir on your televisions lately. I decided to ask two British women living in Luxor for their thoughts. Oldbag (OBC):  Jane and Ayisha, you are two British women living in Luxor.  Can I

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-51133107945296021222011-11-24T20:44:00.001+02:002011-11-24T21:46:43.654+02:00

Everyone's aware of the situation in Tahrir and other cities around Egypt right now.  The protests are geographically confined to quite small areas at present, and life is pretty normal in most other areas, albeit somewhat economically depressed. Elections are due to start on Monday and over the next 3 Mondays.  The powers that be are pretty adamant they are going ahead.  In any case, there

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-57900437265528821142011-11-16T18:29:00.001+02:002011-11-16T18:33:41.830+02:00

Taking pets FROM Egypt TO the UK Regulations are changing from 1st January 2012 Egypt is a non-approved country and so until that date, pets are required to spend 6 months in quarantine on entering the UK. From 1st January 2012, this is changing, but you must make sure you follow all the rules exactly. http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2011/06/30/pb13582-bringing-pets-into-uk/ If your pet

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-55449057671681462252011-11-15T19:15:00.001+02:002011-11-15T21:57:09.717+02:00

We gathered outside Bahgat Stores area in the carpark just before Dreampark. First, we were shown the dramatic improvements made over the past 12 months to the formal beds in the area by Monsieur C's team. Techniques such as mulching and using small pebbles or gravel to help retain water and reduce the demand for watering have been introduced which can only be of benefit in this

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-12647514802942025942011-11-01T10:09:00.000+02:002011-11-01T16:11:48.312+02:00

I recently spent 5 days in Siwa and recorded some notes and observations and musical interludes. I'm not intending to cover in any detail information you can get yourself from guidebooks or the internet, mainly just personal impressions. Siwa is an oasis in the Western Desert, around 550km as the crow flies from Cairo, 50km from the Libyan border.  It is a lovely place for a restful quiet

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-29379535805747638742011-10-28T23:50:00.000+02:002011-10-28T23:54:28.349+02:00

An inspiring article about some different digital projects created post-revolution. http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/509558 Following a gathering called ArabNet Cairo 2011 last week, it reports on : a project linking Egyptian expats willing to donate funds to Egypt and those who need it,  a citizens' crime-reporting and mapping website, http://zabatak.com/?l=en_US, and  an online news

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-4258631060218297222011-10-25T23:15:00.000+02:002011-10-25T23:15:36.313+02:00

This is the list of dates in 2012 to the best of my knowledge gleaned from the internet. Sometimes there are mistakes, if you spot one let me know! I also suspect that there may be one or two additional days yet to be agreed upon. Please note I do not accept any responsibility for errors.  Information can sometimes be hard to find in Egypt and sometimes decisions are made late eg the decision to

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-64214653957242718632011-10-23T19:32:00.000+02:002011-10-23T19:32:20.213+02:00

Urban nature activities organized by Real Life Farmville and Dreamland eco-station for kids and their parents!!!!Activities• Tour of the eco-station (let’s understand how Dreamland recycles its green wastes!)• Insect & other small animal- safari (survey on biodiversity in the eco-station)• Bird-watching initiation (bring your camera & binoculars, books on birds)• Compost distribution (every

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-24841249367623108942011-10-12T10:36:00.002+02:002011-10-12T10:36:52.686+02:00

Just enjoy it!

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-84079992021212058332011-10-12T09:38:00.002+02:002011-10-12T10:10:09.383+02:00

Sometimes sensory input other than through the 10.1" screen and the headphones is necessary. I had a great day of sensory input yesterday riding the big old Egyptian buses and the metro and mooching around the ancient market streets full of traditional spices, oils, fruits and modern Chinese cheapo rubbish! All the mosque azzans going of at slightly different times! Cacophony! Such contrasts! I

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-16320709147482872132011-10-10T00:05:00.002+02:002011-10-10T00:27:22.308+02:00

Following today's incidents where at least 19 people have been killed and 150 injured in clashes between protestors and  authorities in the Maspero/Tahrir area, a curfew has been announced tonight from 2am to 7am. I am not clear of the extent of it, but it's probably safest to assume that it applies generally until it becomes more clear. Apparently the curfew will apply to Tahrir up to Abbasiya.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-7616477750555796502011-10-07T09:33:00.000+02:002011-10-07T09:34:07.136+02:00

If you are calling or texting someone from an Egyptian phone, they will receive the call or message for now, BUT contact information is lost so they will not know who is calling or who is texting (unless they have edited all their contacts). PLEASE SIGN TEXTS WITH YOUR NAME SO THEY KNOW WHO IT IS FROM! The tools for changes that I have seen mentioned so far all expect you to have some kind of

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-40639077040895011082011-10-05T21:54:00.003+02:002011-10-05T23:50:55.179+02:00

5th-6th October 2011: Don't forget, Egyptian mobile phone numbers are changing overnight, expect some blips in service! "Egypt's 76 million mobile phone users can expect a temporary blip in services Thursday morning when caller numbers are revised in a drive to meet surging demand. The changes, due to take place in the early hours of 6 October, will make every Egyptian mobile phone number 11

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-46119630817932152972011-10-02T17:40:00.001+02:002011-10-02T17:40:50.642+02:00

Way back in the mists of time, I blogged about Clipp cream which I found useful as a mosquito repellent!  It's also a really good moisturizer for feet and hands in my humble opinion.  It is silicon-based and lemon scented just so you know in case either of those are not good news for you. Since then, I have had a small but steady stream of inquiries about where to obtain this fabelled product -

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-47185959784414717622011-09-27T19:46:00.000+02:002011-10-07T10:14:53.698+02:00

Update 7th October 2011: If you are calling or texting someone from an Egyptian phone, they will receive the call or message for now, BUT contact information is lost so they will not know who is calling or who is texting (unless they have edited all their contacts).PLEASE SIGN TEXTS WITH YOUR NAME SO THEY KNOW WHO IT IS FROM! New mobile phone numbers will be 11 digits long, up from 10 at present

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-714407317844559582011-09-08T21:38:00.001+02:002011-09-12T07:47:24.245+02:00

11TH SEPTEMBER 2011:  STOP PRESS - EGYPTIAN CABINET REVERSES THIS DECISION! Changes to Tourism Visa Suspended Changes to visa regulations suspended Changes to tourist visa revoked So let me see, yesterday I received an email from the British Embassy saying: " We have spoken to the Immigration Ministry today, who tell us that it is not correct that you can no longer buy visas on entry. 

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-43675573228379576542011-07-12T15:31:00.004+02:002011-07-12T16:32:10.063+02:00

I have a visitor in my home from another area who wants to pray and I wasn't sure which way he should face and there was noone around to ask. Anyway, I found this handy on-line Mecca finder.  It uses Google maps and you have to move the map so the place you are is under the red line. I found my building on there and the direction for Mecca is shown by the red line.  I had said to him the

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-17311070700685145122011-06-11T20:40:00.002+02:002011-06-30T19:02:25.586+02:00

Stop Press - El Korba Festival 2011 due to take place 1st July is POSTPONED source: AHRAM - El Korba Festival 2011 POSTPONED The news is that the El Korba Festival will be held on 1st July 2011 - Baghdad Street, El Korba, Heliopolis. I urge you to keep updated on this as the date has already moved once!

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-67988396484623214582011-04-20T19:35:00.000+02:002011-04-20T19:35:07.442+02:00

There will be NO daylight savings time in Egypt in 2011 (and possibly going forward). Clocks were due to go forward at the end of next week (night of April 28th/29th) but this is NOT HAPPENING. This means Egypt will continue to be just 1 hour ahead of the UK until late October when British Summer Time ends. While this means it will be getting dark around 730pm in Egypt through the summer (

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-31232091562055825282011-03-29T15:34:00.032+02:002011-03-29T16:05:49.307+02:00

Hello Cairo Pet Owners! It's a sunny day in Zamalek and I'm working on my pets website, www.cairopets.com I'm a journalist and (bad) playwright from New York living in Cairo.  I have one fabulous dog that I brought with me. She's lived in NYC, New Orleans, Dublin and now Cairo. Lulu is better traveled than many people I know? I also have two cats that my partner and I adopted from the mean

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-59406455870350414192011-03-29T14:32:00.001+02:002011-04-11T23:33:55.606+02:00

If you are in Cairo **right now** (29th March - 1st April inc), there's a free exhibition of photographs from the revolution - only open until (and including) Friday 1st April at the small gallery at the Opera House - just round the corner from the ticket office. Nearest metro "Opera" - walkable from Tahrir.  Opening times 10am - 2pm and 430pm - 830pm. Yesterday (March 28th), I was out and about

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-80470760308608865512011-02-14T21:19:00.006+02:002011-02-15T01:05:34.553+02:00

NOTE: This is a personal note based on my own observations. I am not a vet. This is not any kind of report - vets for different charities are writing these. PERSONAL SUMMARY: The situation is not as dire as you may believe from the internet (which is not to say there aren't problems, because there are - there have been ongoing concerns about the condition of many of the animals there which long

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-22800632268463435992011-02-11T09:41:00.002+02:002011-10-02T16:50:04.360+02:00

One of the issues we have had to contend with over the past couple of weeks is (a) shortage of cash (ATMs completely empty in many parts of the city) and (b) shortage of mobile phone topup scratch cards which were simply unavailable for a while and which are now being sold at a high mark up - 10LE vodafone costs 13.5LE and 10LE etisalat costs 13LE. I don't know about Mobinil since I don't use

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-896202157670430922011-02-09T00:07:00.000+02:002011-02-09T00:07:32.538+02:00

Please note that I am not discussing the political situation, others do that far better than me, just practicalities. I am using my Facebook Page as the place for ongoing updates relevant to expats here. OldbagofCairo Facebook page Not sure if you can read it if you are not on Facebook. Just for the record, I am still here on the outskirts of Cairo and have not experienced any personal danger

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-47656470390998178042010-10-28T07:17:00.001+02:002010-10-28T07:18:52.572+02:00

This event organized by the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt was held on 23rd October 2010. Yours truly, along with thousands of others, was a participant. It was a brilliant time, so glad we went! The atmosphere was fantastic. 5 of us met at Meridian Hotel and walked up to the Pyramids. When we got into the pyramids area, we were herded into buses and transported to the start line which was

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-7795472503891101882010-07-27T10:11:00.005+03:002010-08-02T23:47:29.369+03:00

Having just made this huge post on another place in answer to someone's questions, I have copied it over here! The original question related to some of the practicalities of actually being here for a year including the cost of living. Please note I have excluded accommodation discussions because my situation is a little different. The best advice is usually to get here and then look, not try to

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-68815033354948149912010-07-14T00:19:00.007+03:002010-08-12T00:10:53.679+02:00

I haven't posted for a while as I was away for a month and then since I got back, have been busy working on a project (which I hope to reveal soon!) Anyway, yesterday I was out and about on the metro and thought I should highlight a few changes which have happened over the past 3-4 months for those of you who may not have used the metro for a while. Women's Cars (carriages) First thing to

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-55906723653052888862010-05-10T11:12:00.002+03:002011-06-11T20:43:11.938+02:00

EL KORBA FESTIVAL 2011 - 1ST JULY 2011 http://oldbagofcairo.blogspot.com/2011/06/el-korba-festival-2011.html THE REST OF THIS POST RELATES TO THE 2010 FESTIVAL hi there is 2 things now about the carnival 1. it may be held next friday 14/5/2010 from 10 am to 10 pm 2. that there is no carnival and they replace it with soe sord of music festival its gonne be on 25/5/2010 we r not sure

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-26101456945572970792010-04-20T10:08:00.001+02:002010-04-20T10:09:41.664+02:00

Frequently updated list of European Airport Closures: Airline industry list I think they update it every time there's a change in the situation.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-88134762989435821722010-04-20T09:28:00.001+02:002010-04-20T10:08:48.016+02:00

This was sent out this morning by the British Embassy: 20 April 2010 To Whom It May Concern We know that there are large numbers of British citizens stranded across Egypt from Sharm to Luxor - over 20,000 we estimate. You will all be keen to return home to the UK as soon as is feasible, however pleasant it may be here in Egypt. The British Government is working hard on a plan to get you

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-12807275981933021872010-03-10T23:09:00.006+02:002011-06-13T19:10:56.399+02:00

EL KORBA FESTIVAL 2011 - 1ST JULY 2011 The rest of this post refers to the aborted 2010 festival. STOP PRESS - Latest news is that it's FRIDAY 14th MAY 2010 - will do my best to keep you updated See the Facebook Group now showing FRIDAY 14TH MAY ONLY The 2010 El Korba Festival Baghdad Street, Heliopolis, Cairo will be held on 15th May. This is a great fun street festival and here's a blog

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-89075215729288843102010-02-25T11:22:00.002+02:002010-02-25T11:47:49.196+02:00

One Fleeting Glimpse has just made an excellent detailed post on bringing her dog in from the US. Please note that experiences differ from country to country and it seems that the originating airport is the crucial difference, not the Cairo end. Bringing in from the US seems a relatively painless challenge: OFG - Moving your dog to Egypt from US Bringing in from the UK: OBC - Bringing cats

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-74415659776127549642010-02-19T03:01:00.007+02:002010-02-22T14:54:41.566+02:00

22/2/2010: STOP PRESS: THE BRITISH EMBASSY WEBSITE HAS NOW BEEN UPDATED: UPDATED BRITISH EMBASSY WEBSITE  And I quote: "The Cost If you apply for a British passport overseas you can expect to pay: ·          For your passport (the fee is the same worldwide). ·          The cost of sending your application to us (as you would in the UK) ·          For the secure return of your passport

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-20090304119128731152010-02-05T17:20:00.002+02:002010-02-05T17:33:47.135+02:00

If you want to get some good quality gifts here in Cairo, then I can highly recommend Souk El Fustat (Souq El-Fustat) which I visited for the first time last Saturday. Within around 10 minutes walk of Coptic Cairo (Mar Girgiz metro), it has space for about 40-50 small shops selling handicrafts, toiletries, lamps, glassware etc.. There is also a cafe there - we didn't try it this time round,

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-24172930695001562222010-01-25T20:31:00.010+02:002011-03-29T14:24:33.521+02:00

STOP PRESS 29th MARCH 2011 - THE RAILWAY MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED as Ramses Station is undergoing a lot of building work.  We were informed that it will probably reopen in a couple of months. I hope so, because it would be a shame to lose this treasure. I have been dying to visit this museum for many moons, and finally, at the start of an extended day out on Saturday, myself and two friends (

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-28635208085710370112010-01-19T19:44:00.005+02:002010-01-22T21:18:06.583+02:00

This dates back to retrieving my piano in December 2007 so may have altered since - I doubt it however!I was contacted on the Tuesday afternoon following my arrival to say the goods had arrived.I asked a couple of friends if they could come to the Airport with me so we went there on Thursday by car (you need to travel round the airport so a car makes it easier).You will need your passport, you

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-46338746179366835812010-01-19T12:01:00.024+02:002010-01-19T19:39:54.269+02:00

This post draws together lots of posts I made during the last month before actually moving myself from London to Cairo in November 2007.Companies I used: (a) to arrange for my cats:http://airpets.co.uk/ all you have to do is sort out the various injections and microchipping for the cats in advance. They handle ALL paperwork. They get the cats in 7 days before the flight, make sure they are well

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-12963053456932939182010-01-19T11:12:00.003+02:002010-01-19T11:39:09.437+02:00

BRITISH EMBASSY ADVICE ON BUYING PROPERTY IN EGYPT:AdvicePurchase of Property British nationals have purchased land and property in many parts of Egypt. Some have encountered problems. If you intend to purchase land or a property in Egypt we strongly advise you to engage a local lawyer in whom you have confidence. A list of English speaking lawyers is available on this website. You should deal

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-12241497890242520902010-01-16T23:13:00.008+02:002011-04-20T19:17:14.404+02:00

STOP PRESS: APRIL 20TH 2011: NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS IN 2011Al Masry Al Youm  Ahram  This is a list of the Public Holidays - straight copy from: World Travel Guide Please note that last year, there were some errors in their dates, so if you spot any please let me know! I will add the daylight savings days as soon as I find them out! As Ramadan will be falling in August

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-47851315089810330662010-01-07T23:03:00.032+02:002010-01-08T01:57:58.833+02:00

Imagine a multi-layered music – a Miles Davis base, with a large quantity of traditional Egyptian flute music, Sudanese drumming, a cup of Osibisa, just a pinch of Jan Garbarek and the tiniest hint of Led Zeppelin and you will have some idea of the wonderful music produced by Nass Makan.On Tuesday night I went to a concert at the Makan Center with friends. It was my 5th or 6th visit to this

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-43597092799150824362009-12-19T17:00:00.008+02:002011-10-05T08:23:09.978+02:00

UPDATE: 2nd October 2011 - Introduction of property tax being pushed back to January 2013. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/23190.aspx CAVEAT: This is my understanding of the situation. I am not a lawyer or tax adviser and it is for you, the individual, to check this out with your own advisers if you have any questions / issues on the subject. Everyone who owns property, registered or not, is

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-21731406109619398612009-11-28T23:44:00.002+02:002009-11-28T23:52:20.874+02:00

I have been upbraided for sitting on the fence on animal issues. And yes, I know, I'm just another soppy ex-pat who should worry more about people's woes than animals woes.Nonetheless, I continue:I just heard tonight about a friend of a friend living nearby whose wonderful pet dog - well-trained, well-behaved, was murdered in it's own garden with poisoned meat.I have also seen on a closed group

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-86304034168783211752009-11-06T19:43:00.003+02:002009-11-06T19:49:32.787+02:00

First in a series of Guest Posts by Egyptians.This is by Fatima from Cairo:Today the 4th of November is the Egyptian Love Day.Say Happy Love day to your mother, your father, sisters and brothers, your neighbor and don’t forget your colleagues at work…so it is not only for your lover or spouse…why don’t you tell it to people you meet in the street , and wrap it with a sincere smile. Don’t you

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-989205806043098992009-11-04T16:31:00.002+02:002009-11-04T16:42:20.003+02:00

Someone just linked me to this website:Women in Egypt at Worka photo exhibition by German photographer Doerthe Boxberg.Featured among them, doing what are traditionally thought of as men's jobs are:Basant Hegazy - Mechanical EngineerOm Walid - Taxi Driver (for over 30 years!)Dina Kamel - LawyerOn the site we also see Woman of the Month:Hanan, a car parking attendantOm Bassem - Plumber

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-14146089973137054922009-09-21T22:21:00.003+02:002009-09-21T22:52:22.020+02:00

I noticed tonight that my 'visitor counter' went over 11000 hits since I started it around January 2008 so I just want to thank everyone who stops by and do a brief retrospective.I hope you find the site useful (well I know from the emails that I receive that people do). Do feel free to email me if there's anything particular you would like to see on the blog - I may or may not follow up

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-67941784752556472192009-09-20T00:50:00.006+02:002009-09-20T01:48:09.806+02:00

This post is nothing whatsoever to do with Egypt!Anyone else who has trouble with Mozilla Firefox browser after installing MS Office 2007 (From a CD, not the 60-day trial that is on many computers these days).The trouble I was getting was that links were not clicking correctly particularly from Google. They were not opening and the URLs did not seem to be resolving correctly. On closing FF, the

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-73618479616832894372009-09-14T23:21:00.005+02:002009-09-14T23:31:15.011+02:00

I needed a blood test so this morning around midday I visited El Borg Lab in 6th October City. I paid for the test in advance (less than 200LE for the one I wanted - the price I was charged was the same as an Egyptian friend who had the same test done recently) and waited around 10 minutes to be seen.The phlebotomist (person who draws the blood) was exactly as professional as I am used to in the

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-56700385578038376772009-07-30T13:35:00.004+03:002009-07-30T13:41:22.335+03:00

The British Government Chevening Scholarships Applications for doing your Masters in the UK are open for online applications 1st August to 7th October 2009. (All applications MUST be made online). - this is for study Academic Year 2010/2011.Chevening ScholarshipsOPEN EVENING AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL, AGOUZA ON TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2009, 4-530 pm DON'T BE LATE!!!!Applications are invited for study

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-32815178985152105892009-07-24T14:18:00.001+03:002009-07-24T14:19:44.209+03:00

A fellow Cairo blogger has just posted a video link on getting from Cairo to Alexandria by train.Find it here:

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-20322357729368747872009-07-19T15:13:00.013+03:002010-04-10T12:06:39.048+02:00

Trip to Wadi Rayan - 18th July 2009 Yesterday, a friend, her son and I made a trip out to Wadi Rayan, in the Fayoum area, about 1.5 hours drive out from Cairo (Giza side). Wadi Rayan is one of Egypt’s ‘protectorates’. These are approximately the same as Britain’s National Parks – designed to preserve or encourage natural habitats. Further out along the same route is Wadi Hitan where the

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-68546781641689565942009-07-11T20:38:00.006+03:002009-07-11T20:43:57.657+03:00

Exhibition link: Edu Tech 5I have been notified of this exhibition to be held 12th-14th July at the Cairo International Exhibition Centre in Nasr City."Edu – Tech is considered one of the vital educational exhibitions which is held in the Middle-East and is one of the most important annual events which is all the students , university professors , private schools and the private universities and

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-70005979731688484172009-07-08T13:56:00.005+03:002009-07-08T14:17:32.259+03:00

It is the early hours of Friday morning. I have been out to dinner with friends in Heliopolis, the exact opposite side of Cairo from where I live, and have decided to trust to fate and see how near home I can get on Cairo public transport.I am in luck at the Roxy bus station where a number 200 bus awaits my arrival to transport me and my fellow passengers the many kilometres through the faded

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-42019876630175490922009-07-02T12:33:00.006+03:002009-07-02T12:52:49.810+03:00

Yesterday, someone posted this topic on my Facebook page for discussion. I posted a response and then decided to make it a blog post. If you have any handy tips, either comment here or on the FB page.If you want some facts and figures about temperatures etc, I have put those at the bottom of the post so as not to be too boring straight off.Firstly, the health warnings:SUN BURNIf you burn, you

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-29273961720634214802009-06-08T16:22:00.003+03:002009-06-08T16:23:53.851+03:00

A visit to the kitchen inspired me to write a little on the subject of Egypt and Ants (via a quick detour round You Tube – who else remembers Adam and The Ants as a punk band before they went all New Romantic?). As a special treat, those who make it to the bottom of the post get to see the video.One of the downsides of living in Egypt occurs every summer, and that is the frequency with which you

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-31728689341355160952009-05-13T14:00:00.009+03:002010-03-12T12:12:14.661+02:00

. . STOP PRESS: EL KORBA FESTIVAL 2010 DETAILS - CLICK HERE Just a quick note as people are looking for it!!! I have been informed that the El Korba Festival for 2009 will take place on FRIDAY 15th MAY - presumably in the usual place - El Korba area of Heliopolis - Baghdad Street. Nearest tram stop is Roxy (20 mins from Ramses Train Station for 25pst) and its about 10 mins walk from there.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-55920114706022458342009-05-07T13:00:00.011+03:002009-09-01T19:10:50.491+02:00

I AM NOT A LAWYER AND I OFFER THIS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. If you are planning on marrying an Egyptian (or believe you already are!!!) please check out inheritance, divorce etc laws as they are NOTHING LIKE the US or UK.This is the position as I believe it to be:There are 3 levels of marriage in Egypt - foreign women often don't realise this.Basic Orfi - done in a lawyers office. Allows you to be

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-17281278763767080502009-05-06T10:50:00.016+03:002009-05-20T20:26:56.367+03:00

I went to Sharm El Sheikh by bus for a few days, here are some notes about the journey. The journey took about 6.5 hours going and about 7 hours returning.From Cairo to Sharm El SheikhMy travelling companion and I met outside the Ramses Hilton where he had already ascertained that the next bus to Sharm from there was a couple of hours wait, so we taxied up to Turgoman (old name) Bus Station. It

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-1309810509206697982009-05-06T10:00:00.004+03:002009-05-06T10:05:48.670+03:00

As a service to my readers - having arrived back from a few days break and gone on to my Facebook to open up my friends' status updates to see what was cooking, its no longer possible and you are expected to comb through the 'stream' on the homepage or click on individual friends (totally timeconsuming!!!)Anyway, here is a link to the Facebook mobile phone website which allows you to see your

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-32981517088114851452009-04-23T01:34:00.006+02:002009-04-23T18:09:29.633+02:00

I just found out about this campaign. You can check out their webpage here and download the book itself (PDF file 9.5MB) in different languages. The Arabic translation is just 4.5MB because it is printed so 2 pages are on one page if you get my drift!The Big ReadThis press release explains the background behind the campaign.The Big Read’: 10 million expected to read stories from Nelson Mandela,

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-15638491312275308232009-04-15T18:37:00.003+02:002009-04-15T18:43:03.424+02:00

.. but its my blog and I'll sidetrack if I want to...came across this tail (sic) of a naughty catBowled OverA Rat in a Cat in a Hat to totally misquote the great doctor himself.Anyway, folks, I'm back again now. Had a lot of academic work to complete and a trip to the UK - half business half pleasure, so didn't have the energy for blogging, but here I am.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-68553487313492503852009-03-14T19:41:00.017+02:002010-01-16T23:28:18.297+02:00

CLICK HERE FOR 2010 AND 2011 INFORMATIONPlease note that the information below relates to 2009. Information for 2010 and 2011 see link at top of this post.RAMADAN HAS FINISHED IN EGYPT FOR 2009CLOCKS IN EGYPT HAVE NOW GONE BACK 1 HOUR - END OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS 2009. SOURCE OF INFO FOR ABOVE STATEMENTPLEASE NOTE THAT SOME WEBSITES ARE STILL SHOWING DIFFERENT DATES AND ALSO THAT YOUR COMPUTER

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-50418453597408572762009-02-02T01:06:00.007+02:002009-02-02T01:47:01.220+02:00

Apparently this lady has put on some weight and its BIG news (pun intended!)As she says "people focus on things that are completely pointless".check the story hereNow here's some photos of her and she looks completely stunning!For me, one of the great things about living here in Egypt is seeing how many very overweight women are in positions of relative authority (professors, doctors, etc) and no

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-36226875550524256602009-01-19T08:00:00.001+02:002009-01-19T08:05:35.768+02:00

I met up with someone yesterday and we popped in to the Palace of Arts (she was leaving Egypt today to go back to her country) and I just wanted to give her a taster.They have a new exhibition there and it is NOT pretty! Its art at its most disturbing.If you want art that's challenging its an absolute MUST! (Those who joined me in a visit in October - this is 100% totally different!)Its

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-3682079661487109882009-01-12T23:39:00.011+02:002009-01-20T11:25:29.502+02:00

The current war being raged on Gaza is affecting many of us here in Egypt. I have decided not to discuss the rights and wrongs of this war on this blog as there are many other blogs and forums around the net doing this - and indeed I have made some posts on some forums giving my opinions.Egypt is receiving civilian casualties from Palestine into a number of its hospitals and a lot of people are

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-53071127320074016832008-12-30T13:12:00.004+02:002008-12-30T13:16:24.437+02:00

Yesterday I spent a few hours with friends old and new.We met up outside Mogamma and took a taxi up to Al Azhar Park. (10LE due to our fantastic bargaining skills!). The entrance fee cost 28LE for the 4 of us.I have only been to Al Azhar Park once before, in the dark, so it was great to see it in the day time. 2 of the others had never been before at all. If you have never been it is a very

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-38533848938866712662008-12-27T11:09:00.005+02:002008-12-27T11:21:15.803+02:00

A group of us girlies went to the ballet last night - Nutcracker Suite at the Cairo Opera House.It was a great evening - the place was full. The foyer of the Opera House had a very wintery theme with some mannequins done up in fabulous costumes. There was a also an area set aside with some handicrafts - vey good quality - embroidered tunics, tableware, carved wooden bowls etc.I'm not too familiar

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-3804980513033010732008-12-25T13:35:00.018+02:002008-12-28T02:14:50.609+02:00

11pm Egypt Time (9pm GMT) today - St Pixels online Christmas ServiceWell its Christmas Day today. Not a big deal for me - I have avoided Christmas for the past 15 years or so for personal reasons (not sad ones just for info!). However, I know it is a time when many people, especially those far from home, miss family and friends, and also some of the Christmas traditions like going to Church.About

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-62270698771150340862008-11-29T22:03:00.005+02:002008-11-29T22:10:30.346+02:00

I left London exactly a year ago today to relocate to Cairo. Someone asked me if it was the right decision and if I have any regrets.Answers on a postcard:Absolutely the right decision.I have no regrets whatsoever.What has it been likeMy quality of life and health have improved immeasurably. 18 months ago, before quitting my job, I had a pulse rate typically 90+, with skipping heart beats, blood

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-13763652556340462452008-11-05T12:05:00.008+02:002008-11-05T12:33:34.021+02:00

Stop Press: apparently the Brit Clubs in Cairo (Mohandseen and Heliopolis) are having Bonfire Night parties Thursday night.Slightly off-topic for Egypt - but its my blog and I'll stray if I want to :D..Tonight is the night when the annual British custom of honouring the attempt by the Roman Catholic Guy Fawkes and co-conspiritors to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 - it never being quite

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-48896545422245941712008-10-30T16:59:00.010+02:002008-11-04T00:11:16.687+02:00

On Tuesday night, I had a very enjoyable evening at Cairo Opera House with a friend. We went to see the opera Turandot (that's the one with the Nessan Dorma in it). Written by Puccini and first performed in 1926, it is set in China and tells the story of a cold-hearted princess who sends her many suitors to their deaths when they fail to answer her riddles. Of course, 'our hero' solves the

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-87028863226675226472008-10-08T19:58:00.007+02:002009-06-23T18:53:39.631+03:00

A friend of mine, Amal, has started up a personal lifecoaching service, based here in Cairo, for Muslim women, and, as far as we know, it’s the first service of its kind here in Egypt.So what is lifecoaching? Basically it’s a process that helps clients to articulate their dreams and aspirations, to clarify their purposes and goals, and to then help them achieve outcomes in any area of their life:

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-14179908037052061242008-09-18T12:15:00.009+02:002009-01-19T22:40:32.028+02:00

UPDATE (15/1): Since just before Christmas, the picture seems to have changed again with several people successfully reporting getting renewals of one year touristic visas at the Mogamma. Hopefully this will all now go away!UPDATE (11/12): I am hearing more and more reports from friends who have witnessed people being turned away from the Mogamma when they go to renew annual touristic visas. I am

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-82862003322097079572008-09-09T12:05:00.000+02:002008-09-10T01:31:48.571+02:00

STOP PRESS (September 9th pm) - NO MORE FOOD REQUIRED AT THE MOMENT AS NO REFRIGERATION AVAILABLE - BIGGEST NEED IS FOR CLOTHES AND BLANKETSI have been sent an email with the details of how you can help with money, stuff or personal help.I have extracted it here:"Dear friends, I am touched by everyone's concern and offers to help survivors and families affected by the Manshiet Nasser rockslide.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-43622734656643375462008-09-09T10:46:00.000+02:002008-09-09T10:52:55.410+02:00

Dave Petley is a Wilson Professor of Geography at Durham University in the UK. He keeps a blog about landslides around the world.Dave's landslide blog: The Cairo rockslide foreseen?

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-79172207653904093402008-09-09T09:17:00.000+02:002008-09-10T01:30:01.076+02:00

How can I help?A few people have arrived on my blog from google searching for information about the landslide, so I have decided to make a post adding a few links to reports, photos etc which are now up on the web.This tragedy occurred on Saturday 6th Sept and is in one of the very poor areas of Cairo - mainly Coptic area - where the Zebaleen people who manage much of Cairo's rubbish and are

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-47473751833071108162008-09-05T22:29:00.000+02:002008-09-05T22:33:03.552+02:00

Came across this in my travels round the web - a posting on EgyptMad.com - a company called WheelieChix-Chic.com who make designer fashionwear for wheel-chair users is wanting to do a photoshoot in Cairo for their Spring Summer 2009 collection.They are looking for stunning-looking Egyptian women 18-37 years old who use wheelchairs.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-27218946476119644682008-08-30T00:23:00.001+02:002010-01-04T19:50:10.366+02:00

The Mogamma, located in the heart of Cairo, is the biggest public administrative building in the whole of the African continent and yes, this is where you go to get your residency visa etc.. But do not fear - despite the fact that my Egyptian Arabic teacher in London told me that they counted 1 million people a day entering the building but only 990,000 leaving - its not so scarey as you might

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-4842145963705100212008-08-28T22:38:00.000+03:002008-08-28T22:41:03.614+03:00

Just to let you know :DClocks in Egypt go BACK 1 hour at midnight - before Ramadan starts around Sunday/Monday depending on the moon sightings.For the temporally-challenged that means you get an extra hour in bed **FREE**So we will only be 1 hour ahead of the UK until the UK clocks change at the end of October.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-2723023930488878972008-08-17T21:15:00.001+03:002011-11-03T10:52:38.128+02:00

STOP - PRESS (3rd November 2011) - The building works at Ramses Train Station are still ongoing, but you can see the improvements.  A sit-down cafe WITH WC (toilet, loo) has reopened on the long-distance platform where you catch trains to Luxor. There's a fixed price - I think it's 25pst but I forgot to take a lot of notice! The pedestrian walkway has completely vanished!  I hope they rebuild it

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-21012118369645485902008-08-06T12:50:00.000+03:002008-08-06T12:52:35.824+03:00

Some will be surprised to find out that Egypt has any female athletes, let alone a number of female athletes who will be participating in the Olympic Games in sports which include pentathlon and wrestling.Here is an article reviewing the participation of Egyptian women in the Olympic Games and some of the challenges they face.Egyptian women in the Olympic Games

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-41812222698076715752008-08-05T13:52:00.001+03:002010-07-26T23:14:05.139+03:00

Here's an absolutely fascinating story about Omm Khaled who is female trucker working in Egypt. Egypt Today article - July 2008 Well worth a read.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-42388973942935833972008-08-02T22:29:00.010+03:002011-09-08T15:45:03.667+02:00

This post refreshed and revised: 25th February 2010 and minor amendments 11th April 2011 and further on 8th September 2011. 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE: Dr Ahmed Hesham, Mohandseen,  Tel: 0106344025 - 02 37 626 883 - See (D) below for further details.  (I have not used his services personally but two friends of mine have.). VETS I have listed a number of vets recommended to me by people in

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-66006436018270756932008-08-01T21:17:00.001+03:002010-07-26T23:12:39.470+03:00

This is just where to find some information about the main religions of modern Egypt, especially some links to information on Coptic practices for those marrying into the Coptic faith. Briefly abstracted from the following articles: Islam In Egypt The state religion of Egypt is Islam - mainly Sunni. Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadan (which is not a fixed time

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-8100112221943621422008-08-01T15:16:00.001+03:002010-07-26T23:12:05.042+03:00

As an occasional service to my readers, Ali El Oldbag's Papyrus and Graphs Institute offers updated graphs of historic daily interbank rates of £, US$ and Euro to Egyptian Pounds. Data is taken from www.oanda.com and represents the daily INTERBANK rates, not the rates available to individuals which will be poorer. Click on the graph to get a bigger version and use your back button on your

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-42684734286475906302008-07-19T09:12:00.002+03:002010-07-25T21:55:54.918+03:00

Absolutely nothing to do with Egypt, but I found this new map tool (to your right) which adds a dot according to where in the world visitors to the page appear to be from - it gets updated overnight, so your dot doesn't appear straight away.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-67279977080401002112008-07-02T12:36:00.004+03:002010-07-25T21:55:20.462+03:00

NOW UPDATED FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 2008 For those of you interested in how much it costs to live here in Cairo, I have now done my FULL YEAR REVIEW for 2008. I hope you find it useful! This is for me and my two cats. No rent or housing costs (other than utilities, maintenance etc are included). HEADLINE RESULTS TOP LEVEL SUMMARY: TOTAL ANNUAL BUDGET: 36000.00 LE TOTAL SPEND: 37995.95 LE ====

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-36834052401361327772008-06-11T11:55:00.002+03:002010-07-25T21:54:49.249+03:00

Well it's been a month since I lasted posted. This was partly a result of losing broadband connection for a week and not being able to get a good signal on my backup service, and secondly because one of my cats hurt herself very badly and spent 2 weeks in the vets so I spent 3 hours almost every evening for 2 weeks travelling into 6th October City to go and visit her so she knew mummy hadn't

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-46263606673876679232008-05-10T11:47:00.007+03:002011-06-11T20:48:00.825+02:00

EL KORBA FESTIVAL2011 - JULY 1ST 2011 http://oldbagofcairo.blogspot.com/2011/06/el-korba-festival-2011.html The rest of this post relates to 2008 carnival. The El Korba Festival was held on 9th May in an area of Heliopolis called 'El Korba'. It was a street festival with live music, various stalls selling different things including food from around the world, parade etc.. Apparently it

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-42181040685486956642008-04-23T22:05:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:53:39.888+03:00

I have started a database to record Egyptian women in positions of authority, artists, politicians, academics, sports to give a positive collection of information in one place. I have created the list so that anyone may ADD to it. Please try not to make a mistake as you cannot EDIT it. If you do muck it up, add a correct new entry and I will review the list now and then to try and pick up

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-87817291073143060672008-04-19T13:01:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:52:54.766+03:00

Yesterday, I had a Cairo sandwich. I had a lovely day out yesterday, experiencing two contrasting Cairos - a lovely, quiet, peaceful Cairo sandwiched between the big, brash, noisy Cairo. I set off after lunch, making my way via microbus - squashed into a tiny seat with my face pressed against the door, and metro to Tahrir where a friend and her children met me in her car. She drove me out to

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-57939481341388229002008-04-06T23:10:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:51:32.270+03:00

I just came across a great blog about Cairo: Guest of Cairo This young woman (23) is a Fulbright scholar here in Cairo and she is researching into "the role of women in political and civic leadership here in Egypt. Whether acting as judges, activists, NGO directors, MPs, or economic powerhouses, I am curious how Egyptian women influence their society." Something I am very keen to do - and

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-82427103602490957182008-04-05T19:29:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:50:56.369+03:00

A question concerning my friends out here is what to do with me in the event of my demise. On the assumption that I don't have an insurance policy that covers repatriation of my body to the UK, and on the assumption that my family in the UK won't want to fork out the necessary (cost to be entered when I find out what it is - something like $13000 - $20000 is what I have been able to gather),

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-66707159694349825732008-04-05T19:22:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:50:27.948+03:00

I just came across this blog about pets travelling to Cairo. Pet Relocation Here's the link back to my original blog on the subject.. Bringing Cats to Cairo

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-42245894408605647212008-04-01T23:54:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:50:04.033+03:00

I'm interested in positive images of women in Egypt, so I have decided to start a list of any that I come across. I'm starting today on 20th April but have backdated the post to 1st April so it doesn't 'butt in' to other stuff. Artists, Writers, Performers, Theatre Anna Boghiguian: Artist: article in Al Ahram about her and she's opening an exhibition at Safar Khan Gallery on Zamalek this week.

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-68144370587469551522008-03-14T22:12:00.001+02:002011-10-02T17:47:58.846+02:00

Mosquitoes are the bane of my existence here, and now the weather's warming up, they are coming out in force again. Mosquito nets don't suit my circumstances - my two cats wander at will through the night and one of them sleeps on my bed so any net would be disturbed. I have got mosquito-mesh screens at all my windows and at my patio doors but - ahem - I leave it a bit ajar there, and also the

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-37674907485143346292008-01-28T19:03:00.001+02:002010-07-25T21:49:03.102+03:00

This blog brings together my experience of bringing my two cats to Cairo which I had posted up elsewhere on the internet. Please bear in mind that this is bringing cats from UK – London Heathrow to Cairo, Egypt. Regulations may be different from other countries – in fact I have heard tell that you can bring them excess baggage from many countries. This is NOT the case from the UK! It was

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332089702506571950.post-42705124611578200152008-01-25T21:15:00.007+02:002010-07-25T21:46:58.004+03:00

Edited 9/10/2008 - if you are looking for info about the Mokkatam landslide then this is my blog about it: 6th September Mokkatam landslide info Edited 11/2/2008 to include map of walking route from Citadel to St Simon On 24th January I visited the Citadel, St Simon the Tanner Church (part of The Cave Churches), Zebuleen town, Museum of Modern Art with a friend from the olden days of Fortis

Oldbag of Cairohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939583160345267243noreply@blogger.com0