I LOVE my job

I really do. On friday my friend asked me 'are you working tomorrow' and most people would reply yes in a resigned manner- not me- I was like 'YES' with a big smile on my face (actually I said 'AYWA'! )

So far I have been working one trip a night on the boat- one show upstairs (2x 15min sets) and then the same downstairs. I have the luxury of not having to do a mega quick costume change since there is a tannoura (a whirling dervish) on between my 2 sets on each deck. But I do have a wonderful girl to help me with my costume change, sort my costumes, wipe the sweat off me and even give me a wee massage if needed.It really is a little piece of heaven!

I am totally loving the excitment of working with a live band too. It's still early days so we are still getting to know each other- but hugely enjoying the experience- esp the accordian solo in the baladi number and the drum solos!

Other than that I guess its similar to dancing in Morocco restaurarnt in Edinburgh......... entertaining the guests- getting photos taken with everyone- encouraging people up to dance and generally having a lot of fun. I have to say though that there is something deeply satisfying about dancing to an all Egyptian audience (as I had on the top deck last night) and seeing them appreciate what you are doing. Especially since they 'know' if you are good or not! I even had one Egyptian woman kiss my cheek as I danced past last night because she thought I was wonderful!!!!!

My friends came on friday night and that was a huge buzz for me. My friend Waleed used to dance in the Cairo Opera house and of course knows how to do the Asaya (stick) dance and I managed to persuade him to get up and join me on stage- it was as though we had choreographed it all- wonderful! Unfortunatly, although they took plenty video footage (which will give me good feedback when i sit down to watch it), they didn't take any stills................. so still no photos of my doing my thing to add here yet!!! Next time..........