Inside and out

I am trying to be good.

One of the hardest things about the dance scene in Cairo is how perfect you are supposed to be. I guess thats why so many dancers get surgery of one sort or another. Botox is everywhere (and seemingly much cheaper than in the UK) not to mention boob jobs, tummy tucks etc etc........Cairo is the only place in the world where I have had straight men comment on a nice manicure!!!!!!!!!

so last night I decided that I should maybe be making a little more effort. I put hot oil in my hair overnight, lathered pints of moisturising cream all over my body- foot cream, hand cream, you name it, and about 4 coats of moisturiser on my face.....(so sexy- glad I was sleeping alone!!!!), then a dark green face pack when i woke up....(thank god the water wasn't cut today!!!) Now, all of this so far is a big deal to me, I am generally so lazy about such things, although I know maybe to some of you reading this that it is your normal nightly regime!

Then I went to get my nails done (manicure and pedicure) and of course to get the hairs ripped out my eyebrows with bits of thread- its amazing the way they do it- all they need is a long piece of thread, their teeth and nimble fingers...... oh and a bit of sadism thrown in. (Fingers, Toes and Face defuzz all cost 60le- ie less than £6!)

I wont even talk here about the practise of Helowa (pronounced like 'Hell ow a' quite appropriatly!) which involves having a lump of sticky suger substance , a bit like toffee, pressed firmly into your skin then ripped off, with a fraction of the hairs in it that you want removed from said area- so the process has to be repeated over and over again on the same place. ouch. Mind you- unlike wax at least its a cold something place on sore skin rather than hot stuff.... and also- when it gets on yours clothes or nails etc etc it just washes away with water- very easy. Oops- I said I wasn't going to talk about that and I just did. Anyway- a full body 'sweet' (haha nothing sweet about it I tell you) will cost about 90le- a heck of a lot cheaper than a leg wax at home!

All thats left is to get my roots done (dying dark blond to dark brown- the opposite of what I have tried to achieve most of my life until i came to Cairo!!!)But that will have to wait a couple of days!



Then for the inside- I bought tonight (went shopping at 11pm because I realised I had run out of oinions!!!) for 50le (ie for under £5 ) the following;

1kg onions
1kg bananas
1kg apples
1kg oranges
1kg brown rice
1kg couscous
yoghurt

I thought that was a pretty good price considering what you might pay for the same in UK....and all the fruit and veg are local, and in season.......... yummy.

and cooked up lots of good, healthy, veggie food. moroccan aubergine. curried peppers. broccoli and sweetcorn and the rice. Ate a good portion of it too. The rest is in the fridge for tomorrow. I Have still got another big bottle of water to drink before bed too.

So hopefully- assuming I washed all the veg well enough (gave myself horrible food poisening once before from not washing aubergine properly!) then I will feel, and look, the picture of health and vitality by morning............


so the question is this- does all this good behaviour make me any better looking as a bellydancer or indeed make up for the 2 bars of chocolate, the macdonalds and the bacardi that I have also consumed today? ( not to mention the fact that ALL I ate yesterday was cheese and tomato sandwiches and banana sandwiches, oh and chocolate...) ?!!!!!

london bellydancers

I was in Eman Zaki's costume shop tonight and I met 2 lovely girls who are dancers in London. This inspired me to go online and check out the London scene, and I found this fantastic site for london bellydancers.

www.Londonbellydance.com

I get asked about teachers and performers in london all the time and here is lots of info all together -nice and easy. I am sure there are a lot of names missing though..... I spotted for instance that shahla's name wasn't there yet (a fabulous dancer who performs Iraqi dance like you wouldn't believe!)

Oh and you lucky Londoners- Azzia (of Canada) is coming to do workshops in your town- she was in Edinburgh last weekend and from my friends and students there who went, and who are stil aching from it and raving about it, this is one event you CANNOT miss out on! She sounds like a fantastic teacher...... go!

at a flick of a switch....

see- everything here just changes at the drop of a hat (or flick of a switch) . I really do feel like I am on an emotional rollercoaster.....

yesterday, without having seen me dance, and for no reason, a manager cut my days on the boat to next to nothing (not enough to live) and since then I have been in tears and stressed about how to live and why they did that, what to do now, etc etc...................

Now, today all change again and now on this next schedule from tomorrow til end Jan (16th- 31st), I am working EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! so from nothing to everything, all from a phone call.

So if you want to see me dance over the next 2 weeks- come to the Nile Pharoah boat, Cairo!

Proving your worth

I know I shouldn't be worried but everyone has a right to get nervous...

My general manager has NEVER seen me dance- even though I have worked there for nearly a year. So he is coming to see me either tonight or tomorrow night and that will determine whether I get more or less nights per week performing! So- I know I can dance. But what if he doesn't take to me for some reason? Whats the worst that can happen?...........hmmm, they can end my contract I guess (thats already happened with one of the girls- naming no names untl it is official) ......... ok- that hasn't made me any less nervous.

Why is it, that no matter how good you become at something (and I KNOW i am a damn good dancer) that you always doubt yourself??? I am just too Scottish in some ways! (you know- 'who does she think she is... the queen mother?!' and 'dinnie get ahead of yersel' and all those lovely scottish phrases we have to bring people down)

Or maybe its just being in Cairo- where there are sooooo many other factors which seem to be given more weight than your dancing skill (eg chest size, age, who you 'know', etc etc)

Anyway - I am going to dance my socks off tonight (hopefully I will actually remember to remove said socks before I get on the stage though!!!!) and hope you all keep your fingers crossed for me!

oh- and thanks guys- blog subscription not even been available for 24 hours yet and I have 25 subscribers already! (which means you guys should be getting this straight into your email inbox- hope it works!!!)


ok- update.......... i am now home from work (where I DID dance my socks off- I was great! Really- people were up dance with me, audience were singing along with the songs, an all-round fantastic atmosphere!!) BUT of course no-one came to see me (well- the audience was there- but not the manager) so all that stress for nothing. As for coming tomorrow- No work tomorrow- boat is cancelled for the day. So where do I stand now? exactly where I was before. Oh- and the girl I was told wasn't working anymore is still on the rota, which is great for her I guess....

- so really I should just wipe this entire blog entry since it has been such a waste of time- and effort- but I'll leave it- so you can see how things change at the drop of a hat here in Cairo and nothing NOTHING ever goes to plan! since I have started to dance for a living I have NEVER wished for a 9-5pm job again as much as I do at this moment!

scrap that- It has to be dance. Nothing else is worth all this stress!

updating blog

I know a lot of readers out there are checking out my blog on a regular basis- so i have added something to make it easier for you guys. To get all my latest news- as soon as its posted- If you click on 'subscribe to my blog' you will receive all new entrys direct into your email inbox!

also- there is a search box at the top of the page now so you can find whatever it is you want to know about at an easy click of a button!

if anyone else has suggestions as to how to improve my blog I am open to them (assuming I can get past my technology phobia and actually apply them!!!)

Cooking curry in Cairo...

One of the wonderful things about food shopping for me in UK, was going to the reduced aisle and choosing my meal for the night from there- that way I would have the decision made for me what i was going to have and so add an element of surprise to my day! It also meant i bought expensive things which otherwise i wouldn't have allowed myself and tried new things!

Here in Cairo I do the same. Except that here it is- what do they have?, and is it in season? Not something we have to worry about in tesco's where everything is there almost all year round. I cannot here in Cairo decide 'i want '_____', today'- because often they wait and restock the shelves only once something has sold out completely!

Oh- and the other thing is that the veggies (and fruit) they sell by the kilo.....Also- no little vaccumed pack chopped and diced veggies in cling film........

I discovered today that a kilo of broccoli is a LOT of broccoli!!!!!

so what to do with it all ???? here is where I have to thank my good friend Surgah- she taught me how to cook curry.... ok, well not exactly, but she should me a simple one and lectured me on not being afraid to try. As my mum will vouch, and it hasn't improved much since then,- I normally lived on take aways and pasta, so for me- cooking a curry is a big deal! anyway- it was fabulous!!! (if I say so myself!!! I even check a receipe online AFTER i had eaten it to see what I 'should' have done and I had guessed it right!!!! ah the little life victories!!!) Anyway- its a wonderful change from egyptian food, pizza and pasta!

Now........ what to do with all that aubergine..............................?!

April in Cairo

The Nile Group Festival is being held this year 14th-21st April 2008. Its a fantastic event for dancers from all over the world to get a chance to learn from Egyptian teachers and is held at the Pyramisa hotel in Dokki. I really enjoy it and recommend it. for full details see their website. http://www.nilegroup.net/home.htm

I will be in Cairo before these dates- and up til the 24th april.... then for the rest of the summer too..........

so if anyone wants to come over for a week before (or few days before and after) the festival to stay with me I have 2 rooms to rent (one twin , one double)! It works out cheaper than staying in the hotel, although obviously the hotel means you just fall out of bed and into the classes, and I cant promise a breakfast comparable to that in the hotel.... but you dont necesarily get the 'full' cairo experience staying in a hotel. If you are staying with me I am more than happy to help organise tours of the Sights of Cairo too, as well as help set up appointments with the costume designers, etc etc........

I could also do some workshops and private classes with you to get you up to speed before the workshops............... just a thought, in case anyone is interested....

This is something I am happy to offer any dancer at any time of the year........ (no men though- sorry!)

Lorna returns to Scotland....

For all of you in Scotland who read to this find out what I am up to- I hope you have space in your diaries for the end of Feb and start of March. I'm coming back- ok- not for good... but for 10 days... and I'll be busy doing lots of dance stuff!


Fri 22nd Feb- Performing at Morocco restaurant

Sat 23rd Feb- Workshops EDINBURGH.
Venue: McDonald Road Library, 2 McDonald Road, Edinburgh.

Complete beginners FREE hour!!!! 10.30-11.30am- no booking required- just turn up. Open to all ages. Women only.

Mixed Level Workshop (no complete beginners please)- 12-3pm. Fancy footwork- making the most of your dance space, music and audience! £25.

To receive your booking form please email me on bellylorna@hotmail.com asap.


Sat 23rd Feb-Performing at Morocco restaurant


Sun 24th Feb- Workshops EDINBURGH.
Venue: Morocco restaurant, Dundas St, Edinburgh. Numbers strictly limited!

Learn a Lorna choreography- mixed level. 11-1pm

Alchemy of Dance. Exploring nature and make Gold! Mixed level. 1.30-3.30pm

To receive your booking form please email me on bellylorna@hotmail.com asap.

+ Bellydance Banquet show at night- tickets limited and available from Khalid at Morocco restaurant from 16th feb. Get yours quick- this WILL sell out! (part of Middle Eastern Peace and Spirituality Festival)

Mon 25th, Tues 26th, Thurs 28th + Fri 29th- Private classes taught from home- email asap to book day and time. evening slots available but limited.

Thurs 28th, Fri 29th Feb and Sat 1st March- Performing at Morocco restaurant

Sat 1st March- Workshop DUNDEE. Venue: Olympia Studio.
Intermediate/Advanced 1-2pm.
Improvers/Beginners (no complete beginners please) 2-4pm.
For full details and to book please contact Nova and Caroline on niladance@hotmail.com


Sun 2nd March- Workshop GLASGOW. Venue- TBA
Improvers/Beginners (no Complete beginners please) 2 hrs- Time TBA
Intermediate/Adavnced- 2hs- Time TBA
For full details and to Book please contact Joanie on bellydancerjoanie@hotmail.com or Suraya on suraya1@hotmail.co.uk

So hopefully see you at some point through this time!

Classes in Cairo for Bellydance

sorry to repeat this blog for those of you NOT in Cairo who wish they were..........

but for those of you who are and fancy having a class with me then;

Workshop with Lorna Sat 26th Jan 08.

Starting with basic beginners level and working up from there...something for everyone! I aim to make these workshops will be informative, fairly energetic and fun.
Open to all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Ladies only.
The studio is lovely with natural light and mirrors and views over Maadi. Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended.

Date: Saturday 26th Jan '08
Time: 12-3pm
Cost: 150le if booked in advance. 200le on the door.
Venue: Studio in the Sky, top floor, building 5, road 215, Maadi.

to book contact Anna Louise or Shams on asebborn@yahoo.com or 010 150 0902 or check out their new website http://www.egy-fdc.com/

please bring a scarf to tie round your hips. We dance barefoot. oh- and remember to bring your sense of humour with you!!!!! see you there!

Cinema in Cairo

All the films in all the cinemas have a showing at midnight.......

isn't that wonderful?!!!! ok- maybe not if you live in UK and have a 9-5pm job... but here- when you might not finish wirk til then, like me- it means I can still go to the cinema! I did a google and found this fab website too which has all the listings of whats on, in which cinema, all over the middle east!!!!!!!!

http://movies.theemiratesnetwork.com/showtimes.php?ct=CAI

Thats- me off to the cinema now- bye!

Passport Photos

Egyptian beaucracy LOVES passport photos....... EVERYTHING seems to have to have a photo attached...

here you dont just pop into your local train station and sit in a little box... no- here you go into kodak shop, or fugi or wherever and go upstairs where they have their own photo studio and a man bobs around you tilting your head this way and that to take the shot. It then goes on computer and you get your choice between 4 shots which are printed off then and there and you walk out within 15 mins with your 8 shots for 10 le (less than £1.)

Its a fantastic system. Had to laugh today though when I went- half way through the 'shoot' the photographer indicated to me that my hair was really a mess and i should brush it before he went any further........ can you imagine that happening at home???!!!

my only mistake was only getting the 8. thats not going to last long in this country!!!

and no- I am NOT going to show you the outcome !!!!

Suraya at the Sheraton

well- if rumours are right it might be one of the last times I see Suraya at the sheraton- seemingly they have shut down, or refurbishing , or something.... so not sure what will happen next- will keep you posted when i know.

The girls and I went to see her perform before new year- I thought you guys might appreciate the pics Michele took in order to see the cossies!!!!

City of the Dead

One of the many things I did with the girls when they were here to visit was to go to the cemetary to have a look around and to visit the family i have known there for many years now.....

those of you who have every been on an organised holiday with me will recognise the granny in the shots............. now she lives in the same place (her husband has moved away with the younger wife to set up home elsewhere and left her with her 2 sons and their wives and children)

Michele managed to capture some fabulous images which tell you a lot about their lives...

You should have seen our faces when the mother encourgaed the wee girl to dance, then opened the drawer and handed her this knife to dance with!!!!!!!!!!!!! talk about cultural differences!!!! can you imagine that happening in Uk???!!!

their kitchen consists of that one burner you see in the background of that last shot. They have nothing.... there are 4 adults and 2 children (and maybe more I dont know about) who stay in this one room, that has 2 double beds in it. And yet despite this... they have a great mobile phone- which has all the latest tunes on it, which held high as you dance makes do as a sound system...............

despite having nothing there is always room for dancing, a smile and love.....

2008 so far....

It's been a good year so far... which is why its already the 6th jan and this is my first entry in the blog this year!!!!

New Year was interesting...................... Michele, Clair and Cathrine came to the Nile Pharoah to see me dance. I preformed downstairs- then had 20 mins over the bells when I could sit with them and see in 08 together before changing to perform my next set. this was the order of events to brin in new year....

1- the bells- ( a recording of big ben- which rang for at least 18 times.....)

2- the music- faint sounds of the birthday song being played as the bells counted down..

3- 00:00- Happy Birthday song played at full blast?????!!!!

4- the manager gets me up to dance with him- and all the staff surround us and clap and sing... then one boy who danced really well joins us.

5- Another manager refuses to dance- so the entire staff grab him ( a large strong serious type of a man) and together they give him the 'dumps' throwing him up into the air over and over, with his nose just barely missing the ceiling!

and to top the lot- santa- yes santa in the full red suit and bizarre scary mask, on hogmany, doing a conga line (yes- a conga line) through the restaurant with all the staff members on tow..................

oh- and then cathrine had to leave the boat early to go catch her flight... so a speed boat collected her from the boat- very james bondish!!!!!

oh- and I danced a bit too.................

and a bit more.....

and then again..............

so, how did you see in 2008? was it as crazy as that???????????

Since then I have had a couple of days work, and spent some time with Michele before she too went back to Scotland, and now trying to catch up on the 'normal' stuff of seeing friends here, sorting photos and catching up with the blog!

oh- and Found a lovely Indian restaurant last night- just walking distance from my house- great food and reasonable prices.... just off Sharia Lebnan. very nice.

End of 2007, start of 2008

what can I say?????????

all of 2007 I have been working on a boat on the Nile as a bellydancer in Cairo. My dreams have come true!!!!

but then -no one is ever happy to stay where they are.... so of course I have yet more dreams and hopes for 2008- but they all involve me staying on here in Cairo-

so this '6 month' trip to Cairo- which will be 2 years after only 2 more months.. will extend yet again. Apologies to those of you in Scotland who miss me and were hoping to have me back soon- but thank you all for the support and encouragement you have given me which does really help!!!!!

Christmas was unusual! My first in Cairo and it was wonderful to have Clair, Cathrine and Michele here to stay and help me celebrate it! We had a long lie, and then opened pressies on the balcony in the sunshine. Then , after a quick stop in a the costume shop to order a couple of cossies, we had a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset with a couple of gin and tonics, a water edge cafe next for some sheesha and cuppa and then onto a friends house for the whole turkey dinner thing. A wonderful day.

The hardest thing about christmas here was missing my family. It was my 1st ever christmas away from them ever.... and I cried when my young cousin (5 years old) called me in tears to say she REALLY really missed me and wanted to dance with me!!!!!!!!!!!! and although I had her, and me, giggling by the end of the call, I would have prefered a cuddle! Ah well........ the price you pay for something you really want has got to be high I guess......

The weird thing about Christmas here was having to remind myself all day that it actually was christmas- I forced the girls to wear tinsel around their necks all afternoon to help remind me.... and we decorated the felucca beautifully! (photos to follow once Michele has downloaded them!!!!) Lovely having my friends here with me!!!

Talking about friends- I have one who moved to USA to follow his dreams too and now find he has even quoted me in his Blog!!!! check it out (esp if you are interested in writing and/or psychology!!!) http://www.todayiwrite.com/

So Hogmany tonight and I will be dancing on the Nile Pharoah from 10.30pm- 1.30am..... so seeing in the New Year the way I hope it continues- ie with lots of work and dancing on the Nile. Its been a long year with lots of ups and downs......... but I feel things are really beginning to work out now.... so I am happy with that.

I hope your dreams come true in 2008 too............ and if you dont really know what your dreams are- then THINK ABOUT IT- how can they come true otherwise!!!!!!!!!

Audience reactions....

well- I have been working a lot the last week or so... and the audiences have been vey mixed. Lots of tourists, esp Americans and Japanese for some reason, plus some Arabs and the rest Egyptians, more or less...

a crowd is a funny thing..........

1) sometimes they are behind you before you even start- they just want a party (I love those nights, they are such fun!!!!!!!!). Weddings are often like this.

2) Sometimes they need warmed up but are with you at the end (thats when you feel you have really made a difference and those nights I feel most proud of myself and my dancing!)

3) and sometimes they are determined to pretend you don't exist (those of course are the nights that make you question the whole point of living never mind questioning your own dancing ability!!!!!). These are usually nights with lots of Arabs in the audience and business men who are out to impress collegues from abroad etc etc so dont want to be seen as frivilous!

Thankfully these nights seem to be more and more the 1 and 2 rather than 3 type of nights!

In fact- one night (a number 1 night), a had 2 tables full of Egyptians actually chanting my name 'Lorna Lorna Lorna' while I was dancing!!!!!!!!!!! their idea- not mine! I tell you- I was so suprised and chuffed I nearly tripped over my feet!

tonight I had a number 2 type of night- but I got some kids up to dance with me and won over those who were refusing to be won by my dance alone......... those kids were amazing! I love it.... really love it. I felt however my dancing wasn't what it could be or should have been- but maybe I am getting used to things too much cos my dresser peeked out for part of my opening dance and said she was blown away- that that was the best she had seen me dance! I suspect I am just my own worst critic!!!

last night was a number 3. well- I thought it was.... there was just no reaction from the crowd at all....I thought I had really flopped, but then at the end I got so many complainments from staff and customers and my band that I figured maybe I had just guaged it wrongly and that it was my mood that was low rather than their response.

oh- and the night before that was another chanting my name night (except this time i was already in the changing room and they were hoping for me to come out to dance again- THAT was very rewarding!- for me- not for them , since the boat had docked so I couldn't give them what they wanted!)

So each night i perform on the boat there are so so soooooooo many factors involved, as to whether it will be a good night or not. My mood, my health, the band (in fact each individual member of the band) whether I have my fanoon or not (the dancing boys for the Saaidi number),my dresser, my boy, the mood of the staff and mangement of the place (all those play their own part) and most importantly - the guests............... and of them all- if the audience is responsive.... then it can lift any bad mood any of the rest of us have and really make for a good night.

the moral of the story- If you are in an audience...............for anything- not just bellydance, let the performers know you are enjoying the show- they will enjoy doing it more and you in turn as a member of the audience will enjoy it more too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be honest- I only dance for 2 things......... 'me' and for 'the applause'..........
(the money isn't worth talking about- so it sure as heck isn't for THAT!!!!!!!!)

Dancing through the festive season - Eid Mabrook!

well ... I am dancing through Eid (tomorrow) and through New Year, but have Christmas off (which is going to be nice since I have friends coming to stay!)

Nile Pharoah 18th, 29th, 30th and 31st Dec

Golden Pharoah 22nd and 23rd Dec.




Happy Eid everyone- Kollo sena wentu Tayyibeen.........

(its the Eid (festival) where they spill the blood of the largest animal they can afford to buy- I was woken by the sound of a cow mooing below my flat this morning- i am hoping to God I am not woken tomorrow morning by the sound of the same cow being killed!!!!)

Music in culture

I had a very interesting conversation with a friend last night.... he is Egyptian and loves music, (although he is a Lawyer by occupation- ie so not personally involved in the music industry).

However he hates the numerous music channels we have here in Egypt- saying that they fill them with rubbishy pop, that is totally commercial and talent free. The fact that these channels exist actively, in his opinion, prevent talented artists from gaining the recognition they deserve. I think its the channels themselves he has the problem with- the idea behind music being made just to fill all these spaces on a channel... rather than because it is worth making. I could have the same conversation with many music lovers in the UK and the rest of the world. Indeed many people feel the same about programs like pop idols etc etc.

What stood out though was a comment he made.

'That the channel did not follow the mood of the Nation'

when pressed to explain he said that when 'we, the people' were sad the music being playing was still faceless, expression-free pop and when 'we, the people' were happy then the music really wasn't capturing it to the same degree. The music wasn't reflecting everyday life.

Think about that for a moment.

Have you ever heard of music being that important as a reflection of a Nation's feelings before? It overwhelmed me. That someone much the same age as me, could come out with a comment like that too made me realise how socially aware people, even young people here can understand the concept of 'the people' and 'the people's feelings' in a way that I have never even considered before!

This is exactly why artists like Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Om Kaltsoum and Abdel Halim Hafiz amoung others were so crucial to the history of Egypt- not just musically- but historicaly too- because they did exactly that- they represented and shaped, the political and emotional sentiments of 'the people' at the same time they were feeling them. There is so much more I could say about these artists and their role in reflecting and shaping the world around them that it deserves another blog entry in its own right- so watch this space!

I guess an equivelant would be something like punk in the UK when it 1st appreared, although that was more of a rebellion rather than a representaion of 'the peoples' feelings!

There are other issues re the 'pop' music today, for instance, it losing its identity which again need more time to discuss!!!!!!

a huge topic... so I'll come back to it another time!

Art

wow. I just sat and looked through an entire website...... amazing. About a month ago I was interviewed by a freelance journalist (David Wroe) and photographed (Penny Bradfield) too. The pics of me are not yet on her website- but some truely beautiful and stunning photos of Cairo are! Worth a look!

http://www.digitalrailroad.net/pennybradfield

Holiday in Cairo

Last night I tagged along with Kay's group (who are here on a dance holiday from UK) to go and see Rhanda. I wonder if there will ever be a moment when she will stop inspiring me? She creates in me a double edged feeling- that I should give up now... and that I am desperate to improve learn and be like her!

I was so jealous of the girls in Kays trip- today they had 2 hr workshops- one with Aida Nour and one with Rhanda. Tomorrow they have the same but with Nour and Leila. I recommend Kay's dance based holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.faridaadventures.com

They are shattered- but happy. I think 3 hours sleep the night before last, and maybe 6 if they were lucky last night!

People have asked me if I will organise another holiday......... and I am happy to if there is demand... now I have been here for so long (it'll be 2 years in march!) I know a lot more people places etc etc and could happily organise private classes etc too.......... so who knows- if you are interested in coming over... and Kay's holiday's don't suit.... let me know.

I am currently staying in a lovely flat with 2 spare bedrooms so can sleep 3 guests at a time (4 if two people want to share a double bed!!!) and am happy to organise small scale holidays if just you and a friend or two want to come over. I have 3 girls coming over for xmas and new year and am already excited and looking fwd to it!

TV

I just caught the end of a bizarre program........ I can't ever imagine this happening in the UK. Its on the station Nile TV which is mostly in English, or Arabic programs with English subtitles which are very rarely a direct translation of the arabic- I am impressed with myself that I at least noticed that much!!!! .

anyway,..........A TV crew wanders the touristic places in Cairo and interviews tourists asking where they are from, why they chose to come to Cairo, how long they are here for and what they think of it!!!!! Then a message to their friends back home.

Thats it- that is the entire body of the program......

Pink and Orange Costume for sale!

Its second hand......... and not in totally perfect condition- but I love it and would still happily perform in it (and did during my last visit to UK and at the EED Halfa!) However... needs must and I now need to sell it on.

So if you are in Scotland and are interested- Khalid has in at Morocco restaurant for you to try on and the whole thing is only £175. For a full professional costume, with all the bits... its a fair price!

There are a few photos of me in it in the blog entry June 3rd 07. titled 'Lorna in Pink on the Pharoah'!!!

Sky

Here's a thought...........

In UK, a cloudless sky is a perfect day..............

In Cairo the opposite is true!

Electricity and Water cuts

Another downside of life in Cairo. Often (usually at 2/3am) my electric just goes down for no rhythm or reason. It only lasts 10-30mins max… but I hate it when I am up and in the house on my own!

Then, even more frustrating is when the water stops…. Unfortunately for between 1 and 3 hours at a time, and usually in the afternoon when I need to shower to get out to work! I have taken to filling a few water bottles from the tap when there is water to use in case of emergencies! It's no big deal in the greater scheme of things I know. And I know that there are many families, even in Cairo who don’t have a regular water supply so I really shouldn't complain, But it’s a matter of what you get used to isn't it!

There are 2 theories to these cuts. One is just inefficiency. Things break down all the time here, and often for no apparent reason. The other makes more sense (therefore it probably isn't true!)…. In order to same water, and save on electricity the government organise down time across certain areas for short periods of time in order to save on resources. I guess with the vast numbers of people living in each square meter of the city, it probably does save them quite a lot of money!

Video!

no- not yet a video of me- it will happen eventually - when I am less of a perfectionist and can bare to put something up of me here!!!! but in the meantime.... I decided the honour of the 1st video to be included on my blog should go to none other but ......... Rhanda Kamel !

As most of my students and blog followers know- this woman is one of my main inspirations when it come to power and style on stage and musical interpretation. A fantastic dancer- and a lovely person too! She is best live (as most dancers are!) but if you can't make it to Cairo and you are interested in seeing what all the fuss is about then you can check her out here………

St Andrews Day Ball

I am an idiot. I went to the St. Andrews Day Ball at the Nile Hilton here in Cairo last night.... the dance floor was carpet (???!!!!) and I kicked off my lovely, suede soled, orangey/gold salsa shoes to dance and then wandered home at the end of the night and just discovered I left them behind (yes I had other shoes with me- didn't wander off barefoot!) Really hope they turn up in lost property tomorrow- fingers crossed!!!!

The Ball itself was ok. The meal wasn't what I would have expected for the ticket price and I was really disappointed there wasn't either haggis, or a Burns recital of any kind. The speeches were not loud enough or interesting enough... and the ceilidh band was good- but the caller wasn't the best I have ever seen and a few people wandered off down to the salsa night downstairs in 'Jazz up' because they just weren't following the dances enough to enjoy them, because of him. It was a band all the way over from Edinburgh too.

However, there were liqueurs pre and post dinner and wine and whiskey on each of the tables (probably the reason I left my shoes behind!) and the atmosphere was nice- lots of very friendly people. I really miss the Scottish humour living here!

It was also great to see men in kilts again- it's been a while!!!

Only thing lacking was having a bellydancer from Scotland perform in a tartan bellydance costume- now THAT would have been memorable!!!! He he

Me and my beautiful friends all dressed up for the ball....................

work rota 1st-15th Dec

Am very disappointed to be dancing so little on the boat... but thats what happens when there are too many dancers working in the same place! Not enough to pay the rent!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you want to come see me dance in cairo over next 2 weeks- this is where I'll be........

Nile Pharoah- sat 8th, sun 9th, tues 11th and wed 12th

Golden Pharoah- mon 10th, thurs 13th, fri 14th and sat 15th.

Lets hope christmas brings more work!

photo request

If anyone reading this blog, was a the Nile Group festival last week and has any good photos of any of the performers or teachers I have mentioned here I'd really appreciate them to post...... feel free to email them to me bellylorna@hotmail.com

Thank you!

Bellydance for Christmas- workshop 8th dec.

It has come time for the Bellylorna 3 hour Cairo workshop again!...so if you want to dance- and happen to be in Cairo this on 8th Dec..... this blog entry is for you!

Special xmas theme at this one- 'how to wow everyone at your christmas party with your new dance moves!!!!'

Starting with basic beginners level and working up from there...something for everyone! I aim to make these workshops will be informative, fairly energetic and fun. Open to all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Ladies only.
The studio is lovely with natural light and mirrors and views over Maadi. Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended.

workshop Date: Saturday 8th Dec 07
Time: 12-3pm
Cost: 150le if booked in advance. 200le on the door.
Venue: Studio in the Sky, top floor, building 5, road 215, Maadi.
to book contact Anna Louise on asebborn@yahoo.com or 010 150 0902 or check out their new website http://www.egy-fdc.com/

please bring a scarf to tie round your hips. We dance barefoot. oh- and remember to bring your sense of humour with you!!!!! see you there!

Overall impressions of the Nile Group Festival, Nov 07.

I really am glad I went. I wish I hadn't missed the opening show (only found out that same day it had started!) and I wish I had been able to attend more of the workshops but since I was performing each night as well it just wasn't possible at all. The Saturday esp was a killer for me- 5 hours of workshops and then 2 sails at night (ie 4 shows). Wow. It really was no surprise that by the time Sunday night came I fell on the dancefloor cos my legs just gave up on me- they called a strike!

I personally enjoyed the social side of it. Unfortunately since I had to work each night I couldn't go to the party nights they put on, but in between workshops etc it was nice to see faces from previous festivals and chat with other dancers from all over. One girl, Katia, an events organiser from Moscow, even said you look familiar- and where was I from, I said Scotland- and she said 'oh YOUR Lorna- I read your blog all the time and have even translated some of it to add into my blog in Russia!' It was so lovely for me to find that these hours of sitting at the computer alone in Cairo actually bring dancers from all over the world together!!!!

The Pyramisa is the perfect location for it- nice and central so people are not stuck in the hotel in times they don’t want to do workshops etc and small enough to feel comfortable in it. There was a large bazaar, selling costumes, and Aida had a very large selection of nice ones for sale.

The whole team were on hand near the registration desk almost all the time, if you had questions or problems.. and there were forever wee surprises- like a tannoura waiting outside the room when Mahmoud Reda's class finished to entertain the girls as they came out of the workshop. Just little things like that made it a lovely vibe and I recommend it to anyone, whatever their dance level.

A great experience!