Performances Performances

Yesterdays blog was intended to be something completely different... about positive experiences i have had here in Cairo recently... I am not really sure where the 'men' issue came from ... well- thats a lie isnt' it (stopping herself writing!).... obviously it is all around me and constant therefore had to spill out somehow! This blog really is my therapy at times! So now I'll write the blog that was intended for yesterday.....

On Friday night I attended Linda Cleary's 'Up on the Roof' open mic night at Darb 1718. It's a monthly event and this was the second month i had been able to attend. Darb has been very impressively proactive and used the money they have made from donations from the event towards making the venue bigger and better- there is now more roof on on the roof.... and yet again was packed to overflowing!

The acts included some I had seen before, and some new artists. One of my favourites of the night was a young girl who had written a poem to her 'baby girl'. All about what this unborn baby's life would potentially hold in store for her. What that baby girl's brown eyes would see. It was very interesting and beautifully written. In fact, I'd love to read it.

It was interesting to watch artists develop their performance. There was one comedian who i had seen perform at the open mic night held at The Pharoahs and he performed the same set, but much improved. There is something special about witnessing that .. like watching a work in progress... seeing what was kept, what was cut... I liked. The next open mic at The Pharoahs is June 7th. 7-10pm. Their facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=188691417847114

A favourite of the open mics nights (and indeed the organiser of the one at Pharoahs) is Habib. His poetry and rapping is alway professional and entertaining.. but on friday he did some freestyling too and i loved it. It was like the performance volume and tempo had been turned up high. I hope he does more of that at future events. Improvisation for me is always so impressive whatever art form it takes.

The strangest thing throughout the night was trying to focus on acts... while the Adhan (call to prayer) was loudly calling from a nearby mosque. It's a performers and organisers nightmare i would imagine! When you hear the Adhan you are supposed to switch off all noise that could interfere with people hearing it... so usually people will mute the TV or radio when they hear it. Taxi drivers usually switch off their music or instantly change the radio station so you can hear yet another version of it being called at the same time. My heart went out to the girl reading her poem when it called... you could see her internal struggle- the show must go on... or do i stop and wait... or what, what should i do? It wouldn't have been as much of an issue if we'd been inside... but on the roof it was loud and clear. Mind you- the car horns and other city noises dont stop to make way for the art either. Hmmm, An interesting dilemma that events organisers in most countries in the world don't have to take into consideration! Indeed... Since the time of the sail of  The Pharoahs boats (where I work) is fixed... I guess there are often times while i will be performing through the Ahdan, but we can't hear it on the boat so I have never had to consider this issue before.

I enjoyed my performance on the Golden Pharoah last night. It was interesting for me to see the influence the Randa course i did last week, has had on my dancing already. I never want to dance like someone else, and although Randa has always been an inspiration for me i often get the comment- yes but you make her moves your own. Which is all i can hope to do really with any of the dance, since its all been learnt from someone! On stage,  I felt my sharp moves were sharper, stronger. Also there was more big use of space both in movement and in my own body shapes. I had more confidence facing the audience and saying - This is Me. I enjoyed it. (don't think my Tabal did... he had got 'used' to me and was having to work hard to keep up!). Glad i am working fro the next 3 nights to explore these changes more and looking forward to dancing for a group of friends who are coming to the show tonight!

And must give this a mention... My friend Ellie is going to be performing on tuesday night at Villa 55, Maadi! (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152981084772415&ref=ts)

So far, thankfully for her, it seems it is easier as a foreigner to break into the singing world here than it is to be a dancer. Although why i am surprised by that I don't know since i can't imagine anything that would be harder (I'll never forget that first year for me in Cairo!). I am really happy for her and fingers crossed this is that start of a fabulous career for her in Cairo.

I wonder if there are any other UK artists currently, regularly performing in Cairo...?  I think we might be the only 2 ?!

are there any MEN in Egypt?

Cairo nights have really changed since before the revolution. I used to always say i felt safer walking in the street here at night than I would have done in UK... but that, unfortunatly, is no longer the case.

I dont know what has caused it. The realisation that people can 'get want they want' if they go for it on mass? (often the abuse comes from groups of young boys). Maybe because there are far less police on the streets so people know they can get away with crimes? or perhaps its just down to boredom? since Cairo shuts down eary these days with restaurants and bars closing before midnight. Shops which used to be open til the last customers went home, now pull down their new post-revolution shutters around a time when Cairians used to start their shopping for an evening!

The comments have increased... and although i have become thick skinned towards the various phrases that get thrown at women (Egyptian girls too- not just foreigners...) , the number of boys trying to touch also seems increased. In the last week i have had a stone thrown at me, hundreds of comments, one grope ( a child under 10) and two attempted gropes (both teenagers who regreted it since my reactions seemed to have speeded up and will have a bruise to remind them of their actions for a day or two...)

Why walk about at night then you might ask...? fair question i guess... except that the latest attempted grope happened at 5.30pm whilst walking from my house to get a taxi! It makes no difference at all. I am so tired of it. I wish .... oh , so many violent things. I hate what this constant bombardment of abuse is turning me into.

So if any Egyptians are reading this...please
- women- educate your brothers, sons (rather than giggling when your habibi, who you are sittting on that bench on the corniche, throws a comment out at me and you giggle rather than berating him!)

 men- likewise educate yourselves and those around you.... It is NOT the way forward to make yourselves stronger by putting others down. Even if the most beautiful woman in the world walks by you- THERE IS NO NEED TO COMMENT. I'll repeat that- THERE IS NO NEED TO COMMENT! You may think its a compliment, that you are being 'nice' but any comment which is not asked for is UNWANTED. Oh and be careful welcoming woman walking alone to Egypt. The tone of your voice can turn a beautiful, caring sentiment into an intrusive, frightening attack. It is amazing how sleazy the phrase 'Welcome to Egypt' can be!  Bite your tongue. Say nothing. PLEASE!

Prove to me you can BE A MAN- that you know when silence is the biggest compliment- that it shows to me you can respect and care for my feelings.

Prove to me you can BE A MAN, and speak up, when others in the streets throw stones, words and hands out at women.

Dont prove it to me..... prove it to yourself!

I have spoken with many 'men' here about this... and their instant response is - 'but of course they comment- you are beautiful'. This is as insulting as the comments. It implies that men have a right to impose their thoughts/hands on me just because of my looks? These same 'men' who consider themselves educated, westernised, caring, above such things are the ones who completely ignore comments hurled at you by idiots when you walk with them in the street, ushering you quickly into 'somewhere safe' instead. Instead they should be defending you and defending the dignity of all Egyptians. BE A MAN.

Stand up men..... you dont want to live in a world of mice and men haters... yet this is what women turn into when suppressed and abused through generations.....

Speak out... to the abusers... not to the victims. BE A MAN.

I LOVE Egypt... I have lived here for over 5 years. i want to continue living here... The animalistic attitudes of the 'men' here towards women is the number one reason why I would ever consider leaving.

Randa Kamel of course...

This has been the longest break without updating my blog. I'd love to say because I have been so busy with work, but unfortunalty Cairo is still quiet- despite all the restriction on travel etc being lifted from abroad. seems people are still a little scared to venture back. I hope they come soon..... Cairo is calm now.... and has been for some time..........

no- The reason I've been away from my blog can be blamed on 2 other bellydancers; Eshta and Randa!

Eshta (of Saqarah fame)  arrived from London a couple of weeks ago to join me here in Cairo- living the dream! She's hoping to find her fame singing here (since the dancing world is so competitive and difficult for foreign dancers)

 Hotel Bellylorna should be renamed Hotel EllieLorna!!!

It's been fun helping Eshta settle in and lovely to be sharing my place with such a fabulous woman. I think staying in Cairo just got 10 times more crazy! (come stay with us and party!! There are still the 2 large rooms available for renting out to visiting dancers- email me to reserve yours now!  bellylorna@hotmail.com !)

Then, this last week Eshta and i both attended an amazing new dance festival here in Cairo called 'Randa kamel of Course'. It was a whole week of JUST Randa (apart from the hour warm up /balance/posture/ reda training every day taught by former member of the reda troupe). Randa was so giving and professional.. we really felt that she desperatly wanted people to really learn as much as possible and she shared many personal experiences as well as her music and technique. All her classes had a selection of her musicians playing live for us too. I loved it! I have always loved Randa's dancing... and now after my complete immersion in her style for a whole week i admire her strength and discipline even more! I feel drilled... and inspired! (and just a teeny bit exhausted too!!!) Looking forward to the next one!

Wonder what this week will bring.....

Imbaba's rage

I just got off the phone to a friend... she lives on the same street as the current fighting in Imbaba that have seen 6 killed and 94 injured today and 2 churches burned.

Seemingly a christian woman went to the church with her family... and the church held her there against her will. This woman had expressed interest in converting to Islam (she is married to a Muslim man) and this was how her family and church responded to it- to lock her up! Seemingly, the husband tried to rescue her..but wasn't able to.... and then it all got ugly with the 2 largest churches in the area being set ablaze and fighting between christians and muslims in the street. The police and army were called in... and my friend was telling me that the TV's all say the army are all there and its under control but she said that wasn't that case, that they had come and the people were fighting them and they left. Although right now there are reports of special army forces being in there and a massive gun battle going on with one particular building....

Imbaba is a relatively poor, local area (not so far from Mohandiseen - but there has been no troubles anywhere else in the city) where many Muslims and Christians normally live peacefully side by side. Even if you look at the story which started all this... the Christian woman was actually married to a Muslim man in the first place... and the problems only arose when she wanted to convert. My friend was most frightened for her brothers, in case they were tempted to go and see what was going on and got involved in anyway. She also felt that the official death toll doesn't even come close to the actual one, although i guess time will tell on that one.

Its a sad sad day in Egypt. The overwhelming ignorance needs to be educated. As one of my facebook friends here just wrote as his status;
 " Tear gas, black smoke and the smell of burning wood & construction material fill the sky of one of the blackest nights. What happened and continue to happen is further proof to one thing and one thing alone: Education is the solution, not Islam or a revolution..."


The majority of people i know happily socialise with others no matter what their religion... but those are mainly the educated ones... and these problems of course are more likely to get out of hand when no one really is in control... not the police or the army. At the moment, everywhere else in Cairo is safe and quiet- although sad and angry at these recent events... what the next few days will bring we dont yet know. 'God willing' inshallah- it will be calmed by tomorrow and remain in the one small area it has been in today... without more people being injured in the process.

As a foreigner... I can honestly say i have at times been picked on because of my job, beacuse of my gender, and because of my nationality(if they know i am 'British' that is - being Scottish has always bridged any divide!)... but ALWAYS the religion has been actually a point which has pulled me together with Muslims here. If you believe in the 'one God' then you're ok is kind of how it goes... (although that is not extending to jews unfortunately!).

As the fighting continues tonight, Lets hope people tonight can remember the 'love your neighbour' (literally) aspect of their religions rather than the 'eye for an eye' ......... too many people already have suffered....

praying for peace in imbaba tonight....

on the roof...

Last night I went to an open stage night run by my friend, a poet, Linda Cleary. It was held (as the name suggests, up ‘on the roof’ of the Darb 17/18 art centre which is a fabulous art gallery space in Fustat. It is situated in a very local area and the night was punctuated with zaghreets, gunshots and shaabi music- all celebrating a wedding nearby.


When we arrived to set up, it started to rain. RAIN... the reason events like this would rarely be held ‘on the roof’ in UK and indeed the reason why most buildings in UK do not even have a roof space that could be used! Anyway- thankfully the rain didn’t stick around, but the wind did (which created sound issues with feedback from the mic's, and blew peoples papers around when they were trying to recite from them!). It was still warm though!

The night had a range of performers from stand up comedians to ‘folk’ singers to poetry recitals and article readings to rapping.

A few really stood out for me, a comedian talking in Arabic, where I could understand only a fraction of the words but from his fabulous delivery had me in stitches. Another comedian , talking in English, who also brought tears to my eyes in a good way, joking about passing around the ‘unemployment’ (the Arabic word for a joint is ‘job’, which he pointed out was strange because if you smoke that stuff often you don’t have a job!) . What amazed me was the open talk about drugs, bodily functions etc which are common place on the comedy circuit in UK but I haven’t ever heard here. Most Egyptian humour I had previous heard was all about sex (mainly about people cheating on their wife/husband) or about stupidity- the ‘saaidi’ jokes in Egypt equate to the ‘Irish’ jokes at home. ( I wrote ‘at home’ there, then had an instant urge to delete it and write ‘in UK’ again, since Egypt is now my home... but left it to prove that you have take a girl out of Scotland but you can’t take Scotland out the girl!!!

There was one poet who read his word in Fus’ha, i.e. classical Arabic, and the sound of it was fabulously beautiful, but as admitted by the Egyptian man next to me, understood by very few. Even though most of the audience were highly educated with many of the performers being doctors in the ‘real’ world. This poet then read a translation of his work in English and it was still so deep that I couldn’t get a lot of it. Proving some minds have to be admired even when they can’t be understood in either language!

The acts I didn’t enjoy so much were rarely about content and more about delivery. The difference between those who had memorised their work and performed for the audience compared to those who were reading was massive. Even the best reader’s words get lost when the wind is blowing the paper about wildly and when they struggle to read everything in the dim lighting! And many were reading from their mobiles or laptops, which also had the effect of distancing me from what they had to say.

The highlights of the night for me were 2 Egyptian rap artists. One tried to perform something he had written as a rap but in poem form... and on forgetting the words had to go back and put it to a beat to bring back the words to his mind. Proving the power of music! The other, who performed twice, worked with a variety of backings. He had a guitar backing him, then a sound track he had obviously created for the piece played from his iPod, and then... on not having a backing track for his last piece, asked if there was anyone ‘in the house’ who could do beat box..... And there was- and it was amazing!!! The spontaneity of that and the professionalism of the result really impressed me.

Oh and I must mention the guy who’s poetry didn’t get me as much as his actions did. On his last poem, he turned to his mobile which was on a chair... and making a call, put the phone back on the chair and apologised on the mic saying that the next one was written for his ‘girl’ and he wanted her to hear it! His face went all soft as he almost whispered his last poem- about love. When he finished he grabbed the phone talking with his girl will a soppy grin all over his face as he walked but through the crowd. THAT is Egyptian!

It was an amazing event with about 100 people in attendance and it happens every month. I was nervous about going, knowing that at least half of the 20 the acts would be in Arabic, which I might not understand, and not being so into poetry... but I was entertained totally throughout. I recommend it as an educational and fun night out surrounded by talented and interesting young Egyptians, up on the roof!

blogging from work...

Thankfully work seems to be slowly picking up.... The tourists are steadily venturing back to Cairo, and most main streets and squares, especially downtown have stalls selling Egyptian flags, car stickers, pendants, sweat bands... you name it- it’s got a flag on it and is available to help you and the rest of the world celebrate the New Egypt!

In fact... you need to be careful to get the right flag... they also sell ‘new Libya’, Syria, Tunisia etc too! I bought myself a new handbag which IS the Egyptian Flag and its fabulous... I walk down the street, and as usual there is the various comments that the boys (let us not call them men, despite their often advanced years) cannot help themselves from uttering.... but then... as I walk past.. instead of the usual comments- which can be ruder and cruder when they get confidence at calling to your back.... instead of those i get ‘Allam Masr’ ‘The Egyptian flag!’ or even some nationalistic song sung to me... I cannot tell you what an improvement that is compared to the usual!!! My Flag bag saves me many frustrating angry moments!

Tonight in the taxi on the way to work, the taxi driver gave a group of youths some money... i couldn’t understand why these young fit boys were begging... so i asked.. and was told they were making Egypt more beautiful... they were painting the kerb stones and asking for help to buy more paint!

I’ve been attending the gym this past week or so... trying get rid of the ‘revolution’ belly as we in Cairo affectionately call the weight almost everyone in Cairo put on over those months.. with no work and imposed curfews.. all there was to do was sit at home, worry, and watch the news... and eat! Of course, i have the studio, so I could have been working out at home... but i am just not good at self motivation at all... In fact- that’s what’s been so great about the gym... I have a personal trainer who pushes me to work out harder and do the exercises i would for sure ignore, because they are hard, if he wasn’t there! Dance is usually enough for my fitness levels... and this is the 1st time ever since I started dancing 16 years ago that i have felt I really needed extra help... although if, sorry no WHEN, my work load increases (inshallah) then I wont be able to do both, and indeed wont have to! It amazes me how I can dance non stop for hours, literally... and be soaked with sweat, but not tired however 5 mins on a stepper machine in the gym has me fit to drop- I think the gym just aren’t playing the right music!!!

So today gym, work... and now.. i think I’ll go home, change and go out to salsa... maybe... although by the time the taxi gets me home there is the risk that the adrenaline created during my show may turn to tiredness, or hunger!!!

Summer is coming....... but before that the Randa course... so if i am not fit enough by the time that starts on the 21st May... then I am guessing I will be by the end of it!!!!!! Or dead! 

bird song....

so,the last of my April house guests left this morning...

 Julia is off back to Holland...after a bellydance exciting 2 weeks, filled with classes and going out and fun sparkly stuff! Last night she had a class with Marte (from Norway) and said it was one of the best classes she had ever had in Cairo! (Marte teaches private classes in my dance studio on request- bare in mind if you are planning a trip here!!!). This morning after packing Julia also took a private class with me.... which we both really enjoyed too... just wish the flight was later on so we could have had more time for more dance! I MUST remember to book in private classes at the beginning of people's stay- otherwsie the time just flys and it doesn't happen (does it Christina, Eshta, Simone etc etc !!!) too busy partying usually!!!!

 and now Hotel Bellylorna feels very empty.... all i can hear is bird song from outside my balcony!!

not for long though- I have 2 dancers from Northern Ireland coming over in 15 mins for a private class, which we'll do before heading along the street to Ameras to see her fabulous pharonics costumes!

April Madness...

It was been a crazy and wonderful month!

Hotel Bellylorna has been full and overflowing with dancers from all over the world... a fabulous atmosphere to be in!

I bought lovely red roses on sunday 2 masssive bunches for only 20le (from a lttle boy on a street corner in Zamalek) ! There are somethings, like that, about life in Egypt that make it easy to have a beautiful life!

Work has been picking up too...

...granted its been a holiday weekend here in Cairo- with the coptic Easter celebrations linking into the Egyptian celebrations of Shem al Nessim yesterday.

 My audiences these last 3 nights have been in full party spirit.. with a huge majority of Egyptians who seemed to enjoy my dancing as much as I enjoyed dancing for them! THESE are the nights that keep me in this country- whatever is going on, even through a revolution! Last night at the end of one show- i was taking my bows... and this old lady jumped out her seat- ran onto stage... and said she MUST book me for the daughters wedding!!! while I was still on stage! Lovely to be able to inspire that kind of reaction... Ya rabb (oh god) give me lots of those types of audiences please!!!! oh and held a really cute baby for a photo and she was wearing a tartan dress.... wonder if i can somehow get a copy of that pic... hmmm....

Had a lovely relaxed day at the pool yesterday too- the Atlas Zamalek Hotel in Mohandiseen has a pool on the roof and they charge 60le- but that is a minumum charge so the 60 is deducted from your food/drinks bill at the end of the day, asssuming you spend over 60le! The pool isn't great- but if you want sunshine... then its a good place to be! Julia (guest who's a dancer in Holland) and i had a few lovely peaceful hours there.

Also last week i went back to Salsa for the 1st time in ages and ages- i had such a good time at Bian Cafe (mohandiseen), I maybe sat out about one song in 3 hours?! That s what i call exercise!

talking exercise-






... i am also now attending golds gym in mohandiseen.... its small , but they have everything you need, plus the 5 star changing rooms and fabulous- sauna, jacuzzi, steam room.... I think i died and went to heaven! The personal trainer pushes me enough to make me feel like I have earned the spa treatment after too- perfect!!!

oh- and I have a new spa/beauty salon- on my street. Its a bit 'baladi'... but affordable and the girls are very entertaining!!!! in fact- off there now.... 50le for manicure + pedicure... can't really complain can you?

what will May bring.... oh- Eshta is moving here from London to live (and work as a singer isa!). Maybe i should rename my place Hotel EllieLorna?!!! 

....... and Randa Kamel week long course from 21st May... yes- i think this is going to be a good month!!!

Rainy days and sundays....

Thunder and lightening and rain all day yesterday!

It's amazing how Egyptians react to this weather, a bit like Brits do to snow, no one goes out! Mind you- when it rains here, because it doesn't very often, the air is so filthy that the rain pulls the dirt out of it as it falls and lands black on the ground (or on you- not the day to be wearing white!!!). I love Cairo - but I hate the pollution. It's even more obvious when you feel the difference in air quality after the rain!

I however, being hardened to such weather from a life in Scotland, went out with 2 friends last night, Laura from N. Ireland and Johara from London . Johara is the creater of http://www.londonbellydance.com/ - it has among other things, a fabulous long listing of restaurants in London where you can go to see bellydance performances!!!

We went to a fabulous Egyptian Cafe called Khamseena, which is in Mohandiseen, near the Zamalek Atlas Hotel. The food is good Egyptian fare and tasty, big portions ( The sheesh Tawook - ie chicken kebab is to die for!) and there is sheesha and Amazing live music there too. They have 3 different singers who work through the night (starting around 8pm ish and going on til the place shuts). i love the female singer best. She started last night at 10pm has a voice to die for- with a wicked sense of humour to go along with it, which makes her a fabulous entertainer! It was a great night!

This is going to be a busy week... Eshta ( London dancer/ teacher and organiser of http://www.saqarah.co.uk/ arrives tonight), Then Athena and Elena of Greece arrive on Friday (http://www.athenanajat.com/ ) and then 2 dancers from Estonia arrive on the 10th! Hotel Bellylorna will be busy this month, and a lot of fun!!!

All i can hear writing this is the sound of boys on my street playing football , and birds singing... Life is good.

Moving and shaking

well- the earth moved for me yesterday. In many ways!

In the afternoon I was in my dance studio doing some stretching since tonight would be the 1st night back to work in a week and I was feeling a bit stiff and sore from lack of activity!!! Trying to reach that hard to stretch bit in my back... and then i could feel a gentle rocking motion helping me reaching it... the rocking got stronger and then i realised that the chandilers were swinging too... an Earthquake! A friend called  in panic, 'Lorna, we're having an earthtremor' I replied' I know - it's lovely isn't it?' Have to say it was not the response she expected!!! However it really was a lovely moment in my life feeling as if the earth was with me trying to help me stretch... and esp lovely since it measured 5.9 seemingly and no damage occurred. Made me think more how it must have felt to be in Japan recently- but i still can't imagine it. My heart goes out to them!

More moving and shaking went on last night when i went to work. I was so excited because BOTH boats (Nile and Golden Pharaoh ) sailed last night- and the golden had a late sail too- business is picking up!!! I was especially excited to see that my boat had 2 decks on it... not had that since january! Then it got even better because it was Nadi Zamalek, and the Tunisian football team had fully booked out one deck- We had a LOT of fun! I dont think i have danced so well, and so della'a (cute/flirty) maybe ever. It was so nice to hear so much appreciation.. without any sleezy comments at all which often accompany an almost all male audience. They were commenting and joining in- but in a fun, respectful way. There were lots of the teams pro-photographers there too- wonder where those pics will end up- maybe some team magazine or something.. wish i could see that! I'll be dancing on the Golden Pharaoh 8th- 11th April and really looking forward to more work (not many people can say that can they?!!!)

Then- the night was still young... so my friends and i moved onto Mandarin, at the Armada boat on the Maadi corniche for a friends birthday party- that was an all night event! Well- you could of course leave before 2am which is when the curfew is from these days- but if you chose to stay after 2- then you were chosing to stay til 5am when curfew was lifted! An enforced party! I loved it! A good crowd, mix of music ( although more house music than i could fully enjoy) and if it got too much at any point they have a sheesha cafe just outside the club area which is right on the Nile.

A complete day, and night, of moving and shaking! 

 I feel alive! 

 I LOVE CAIRO.

Politics and my continued Tourism ad !!!

I should be writing everyday...

It's not like I am dancing everyday. Unfortunatly.

Do I sound down about it? Thats because I am! I have never done so little dancing since I started 16 years ago- I miss it- and my body misses it too! Never mind the financial element... I need to move my body. I have become addicted to the hormones that are released when you dance!



I still only have 2 shows per week on the Pharoah... there just aren't enough Tourists in town.

The Arab tourists haven't made it back yet either. Although that might be more to do with what is going on in their own countries than not wanting to be in Egypt! This entire Arab/North African world shake up is amazing to witness... Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yeman... everywhere..... I pray for quick resolutions for everyone and safety for those who are trying to make their country a better place for them and their children.

Meanwhile in Egypt, post revolution... Things are happening... but the majority of people I speak to are very depressed with it all. There will be elections... but for now there are still no political parties formed which really voice and support the original demands of the people who started the revolution. Without being able to form political groups in the last 30 years... its become difficult for people to even imagine how to, especially when it is needed to be done now and quickly in order to educate people about issues and how to vote. Also the idea that the army was the peoples friend is being serverly questioned due to accusations of tortue and abuse. 'Friends' don't treat each other this way! so politically the country is still in a mess. Not helped when i speak to people who didn't go and vote in the recent referendum.... i asked my dresser why she didn't vote- her sad response... 'because the queues were too long at the polling station... and anyway- do you really think MY opinion counts, that i would make a difference? I don't matter - no one would listen to me'. I tried to explain that this was EXACTLY what democracy meant- that her opinion does count- and would matter... but i could tell she thought i was deluded.

So, the way forward for the country... for people to educate each other! I saw a fabulous article about exactly this on a protesters blog... http://www.sandmonkey.org/2011/03/20/playing-politics/

So what else is happening in Cairo...? well- everything!

 Ok, so the Nile Group Festival unfortunately had to cancel their April festival, but there are still dancers performing ( at the Nile Pharoah there's me, Outi, Mona and Magda, at Nile Maxim there Randa, Leila and Joana.... not sure who else is on where, but will be sure to find out over next few weeks when my 'Hotel Bellylorna' fills with dancers from all over the world who want to go and see shows!!!). And of course- since we have limited performing oppertunities.. it means us dancers are, more than ever, available and interested in giving private classes!

Also the costume shops are empty of customers....  and they are still making those fabulous costumes.......all those shiny, beautiful, silky costumes just waiting for you to come along and try them on....... !!!

So if it's a dance holiday you are after...

I wouldn't let the politics stop you!

Come visit! 

(Hotel Bellylorna- http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60715&id=113086788706897&saved )

to come or not to come to Egypt...?

I'm biased... I live here... and I am trying earn a living within the tourism industry. But I'd like to argue why my answer is come...!!!

Yes- there is still a curfew (midnight at time of writing), yes there are still some tanks on the streets, yes occasionally there are still protests and sometimes buildings get set on fire (very specific ones- like ministry of interior yesterday)

BUT......

-) there are police back on the streets and traffic and businesses are all running normallly during daytime.

-) the army and police are both there for tourist protection and although there are still reports of horrific human rights abuses... these are only directed at the protesters... not at visitors. In fact never have tourists been more welcome... every taxi i get into these days is so happy to see foreigners here- they know the country stuggles without them

-) curfew can't calm Cario! The parties all happen early in the evening- band play from 7 or 7.30pm instead of from 10.30, 11pm....  so actually if you want to party- and do sights ( or dance related stuff) during the daytime NOW is the time where you can do both and still get sleep!!!!! There are even cabarets open from 8pm!!!

-) the sights are open- and never before has there been a better time to view them... with no other tourists in your photos!!!

-)the weather is lovely and sunny, but not too hot!

-) dancers are still dancing... there are still shows to be seen- and also since there is less overall work for us dancers- if you are looking for private classes- then there are many of us here and eager to teach!

-) Hotels are empty- so look out for great price deals both on accomaodation here and also on flights! (don't forget my Hotlel Bellylorna for visiting dancers! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60715&id=113086788706897&fbid=208905759124999 !!)

-) Still not sure? think about it as killing 2 birds with one stone.... YOU get the holiday of a lifetime... and experience our new egypt while people are still eager to talk about what happened and is happening in the revolution and YOU also get the benefit of know you have helped Egypt get back onto its feet economically and make the locals smile!

come over and Enjoy Cairo!!! It's a great place to be.... !!!!

Reasons for being....

Seemingly it was 30degrees here in Cairo today... maybe thats why i just felt urged to do something i really dont do enough of... i got my bikini on, shut the balcony curtains off to one side (to block out the flats opposite) and sunbathed all afternoon! It was BLISS. I feel relaxed and alive again. With all the recent going ons in Cairo, and the massively reduced work load (and therefore income) i have been having to question whether Cairo is really the place for me or not. A day in the sun, in mid March, reconfirmed one of the many things i love about this city!!!!

My guests, 3 dancers from UK, left this afternoon. It's been lovely having them here. Fun moments have included going to a cabaret club that was open from 8pm so we could go and still be home before curfew and was owned by an ex dancer nicknamed Tuna who is quite frankly NUTS.

Also having the girls come to see my show and for a rare change me actually feeling like I had performed well- I tend to beat myself up a lot about my dancing, so that was a really nice change and afterwards 2 of us went on to the Cairo Jazz Club where they had a boogie night (also starting and finishing before curfew) and dancing crazily to everything from michael jackson to duran duran to will smith to cameo! It was relive the 80's night (wasn't billed as that- but totally was that and was amazing fun!).

The girls had some private classes too while they were here. They went over one morning to Yasmina's and had a class with her. Then the Next day Sara Farouk came over and gave them a couple of hours, and then a class with me the next day. I love having a studio in the house to be able to dance and teach when ever the mood takes and also to be able to host other teachers...The class was fun too- talented girls made it a joy!

We went to watch the beautiful Sabriya perform too. She was just lovely! I didn't know what style to expect since she has learned mostly in the USA, is turkish/swedish and has worked mainly throughout the middle east, Tunisia to Dubai to Syria etc etc . It wasn't particularly Egyptian style- but it was a VERY good show with 4 costume changes, lots of lovely moves and best thing was her very relaxed and comfortable way of interacting with her audience. We all liked it a lot!!!

They did even more than that in their 4 days with me... but i had to rest up one evening with a bad cold and tummy... but thats when i managed to get my apartments pics online- so the time wasn't wasted!

Oh, and then there was the costume fitting at midnight!!!! So much for curfew... since they were flying this morning the costume maker came to my house and spent 2 hours here doing final fittings and alterations to them in my dance studio! With a vanilla cola afterwards it was a much more relaxed way of doing the costume fitting than going to the shop to do it!!!

YES- there are LOTS of reason why I love this city and all the things you can do in it- even with a curfew.

I think I'll be staying..........!!! (Inshallah!)

If you'd like to come to Cairo and enjoy it the way I do, why not stay with me at the 'Hotel BellyLorna' !!! I've uploaded a lot of photos of the place onto facebook ... have a look and book soon for a memorable holiday!!!

http://www.facebook.com/bellylorna/posts/10150424218020635#!/album.php?aid=60715&id=113086788706897&fbid=208905759124999

Feedback for Hotel BellyLorna, aka Fundoq el Fananeen, aka, my guest house in Cairo!

Here's some of the feedback i have had from some of my previous guests who decided to make my home their base for their Cairo adventures.... Dancers and non-dancers; they all enjoyed it... and i am looking forward to welcoming you here too!

When it came to choosing somewhere to stay for my very first visit to Cairo, it was the natural choice to take the opportunity to stay with Lorna herself and experience first hand the way of life I have been reading about for so long. The end result was a holiday that lived up to every expectation. With Lorna’s help we had one of the best introductions to Cairo that anyone can have.


-Susanna, Habiba Dance [www.habibadance.com] UK



I was just remembering the last time Rose and I stayed with you in your lovely flat in Mohandiseen. You really have a prime situation for visitors - so convenient for everything especially for the 'shop 'til you drop' brigade! We were glad you were able to guide us around the restaurants and clubs too and help us choose costumes from the dance dress designers. I do love dressing up and a trip to Cairo always inspires me. Rose is in Canada just now but when she returns in April it would be good to make a trip to the capital and visit with you again. If you have space of course. Then we can get all dressed up and sail down the Nile again on the Golden/Nile Pharaoh while you entrance us with some beautiful dancing.
-Sarannah UK+Egypt



We stayed with Lorna for a week in October and have such happy memories of a wonderful holiday due to Lorna's kindness and knowledge of Cairo. She couldn't have been a kinder or more thoughtful hostess and her love of the city and enthusiasm for the culture of Egypt certainly had a huge influence on our own experience. Nothing was too much trouble and she made it effortless for us to visit the obvious attractions as well as showing us what her life in Cairo was like. We had such fun at the beauty parlour and in a shisha cafe. Her flat was calm and tranquil after the bustle of the city, with views across the rooftops of Cairo from the balcony. The greatest generosity was to give us a dance lesson!! Not the most naturally gifted belly dancers, Lorna showed such patience and was so encouraging as we struggled with camels, figure of eights and hip drops and then [the really hard part] putting all the moves together. We loved going on the evening cruise boat on the Nile and felt so proud of Lorna as she danced. Everything about our holiday still seems very vivid and I know that due to Lorna's friendship, generosity, advice, kindness and willingness to share her knowledge and experience of a fascinating city we had a holiday of a lifetime.

-Gilly and Cathy UK



Lorna Gow's flat in Cairo is beautifully decorated, has a lovely balcony, and is so near to everything a tourist new to Cairo would want. As an established British bellydancer in Cairo, she is obviously a mine of information about things to do and people to meet. She can do private or small group lessons in her flat, which has large mirrors for observing each other whilst improving. She can therefore advise on cheap, mid range and luxury or unusual bellydance items available to purchase there. She pretty much speaks fluent Arabic, and understands the Egyptian way and Muslim faith. If she doesn't know something, then she'll find out for you. Staying at her flat is therefore a bargain, as you can kill a few birds with one stone there.

-Dr Penny Walters, www.everythingegyptian.co.uk, 17.02.11 UK



As soon as Lorna opened the door, I felt at home - the Edinburgh accent, the beautiful, spacious flat with parquet floors throughout, the warm and friendly atmosphere... Soon I found myself drink in hand chatting to the other house guests in the living room, and later that night we hit the town and stayed out until the early morning hours. Lorna introduced me to Cairo - and I ended up living one year in this magic and romantic city.

-Christine Sweden



This was my fourth trip to Cairo and I loved staying in the fundoq el fananeen! The Mena House & Pyramisa hotels were beautiful but nothing beats living with the people. The apartment was spacious and comfortable and incredibly affordable. I loved waking up in the morning and having a glass of tea on the balcony overlooking life on the street, below. I look forward to staying there again!

-Tahma USA



Staying with Lorna is the best experience any traveller can have, especially a female one! Lorna's apartment is large, well lit and welcoming. The hostess herself will explain everything you need to know to have a local experience in this vibrant exotic city. It does not feel like being tourist but rather a resident with all sights and attractions a short, inexpensive taxi ride away.

-Anna Skibinsky USA



I stayed a week at Lorna's gorgeous apartment, which is a haven of peace in the hustle and bustle of Cairo. I particularly enjoyed sitting on the balcony, reading and writing, and letting my legs get some sunshine! The apartment itself is big and beautiful, stylish and comfortable. Lorna is a great hostess and provides lovely big cosy towels, which I thought was a nice touch. I'd definitely stay there again as it's a great way to experience Cairo and get some insight into the dance scene in the city, through Lorna. If you’re lucky you can also get a lesson with her in her studio as well!
-Nadia UK



A couple of years ago I spent an amazing Christmas holidaying in Cairo. Together with a dear girl-friend, we stayed at the fundoq el fananeen and enjoyed Lorna’s great hospitality. Seeing Cairo with all its treasures was truly amazing, but what made the holiday even more special was the opportunity to live in the middle of the city, in a lovely flat and experiencing Cairo from the inside, as Lorna shared her life with us whilst we were there.


Unlike other tourists, my friend and I got the inside experience of Cairo; meeting Egyptians from different parts of the society as well as other internationals living in Cairo. Learning about the way of life, the culture, the good and part parts from individual points of view as we simply got to know new people living there. My friend and I got to see the city and their way of life there in a way only made possible through Lorna. She showed us sights and places both on and off the beaten track. A boat trip along the Nile, up-market and not-so-up-market market belly dancing shows, meeting a family so poor that they lived in the cemetery, long walks in different parts of the city, the market, great parties in Lorna’s and some of her friends’ homes, are just few of the treasured memories I have. Lorna was also helpful in getting us guides and drivers to also see the most famous sights such as the pyramids and even a trip to Alexandria.


My trip to Egypt was simply the best holiday and I can truly recommend a trip to Cairo and the hospitality of Lorna at the fundoq el fananeen.

– Catherine Mula Norway

from UK to Cairo

Sitting at the gate, waiting to board the plane back to Cairo.
Mixed feelings.
Usually when I am in UK, although I really enjoy my time and love meeting up with friends and family, I also have a contentment at the idea that I will go back to my ‘normal’ life in Cairo shortly.
This time I am actually concerned as to how I will find my beloved adopted city and in particular the work situation. If there are no tourists then the boats run on a very restricted schedule, so I will be lucky to be performing 2 shows a week. Not enough to live off, and if that’s bad for me, then I feel for the people who work for me, the musicians and others too.
I had been feeling positive about everything that Egypt has been going through. The people had proved themselves to be strong and brave and commendable. Many died for the right to speak their mind, to choose how they wanted to be governed. Then last night I read an article written by a good friend about the disgraceful way in which a large number of men yesterday greeted women’s protests for equality in the country. I know of course that this is not from all men... but unfortunately these attitudes belong to the majority.
How can a country develop and grow when half its population are insulted, attacked and ridiculed by the other half when they ask for their voice to be heard?
As I say.. usually going back home to Cairo is a return to normality for me. Right this moment I feel happy to be going to see my friends there and to return to work, but nervous about what we will face in the country politically over the next months especially and how tourism, and therefore all of us who work in it, will continue to struggle.
That said......boarding now...... Cairo here I come, ready or not....!

Lorna performing and teaching in Edinburgh March 2011

I have my passport now... thankfully the Mogamma (goverment offices) opened in time to retrieve it before I fly bada bokra (day after tomorrow).

so my time in Edinburgh will be sorting out my flat... seeing family and friends... and dancing (of course!).

Private classes- contact me on emial to book yours asap! Evening and weekend slots available at the moment but not for long! (bellylorna @hotmail.com)

Performance night- Thursday 3rd March, Eh15 (Jewel & Esk College) 3 course dinner plus 3 wonderful dancers (myself included hehe) and a fabulous tabla player. will be a great night. to book contact; swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk

Workshops- Saturday 5th March,

The Club, Jewel & Esk College, Edinburgh.
Both workshops open level - there will be something for everyone, but please, no complete beginners.
12.00 - 2.15: Multiple Moves to one piece of music
Always feel like you do the same moves over and over? Never again after this workshop!

2.45 - 5.00: Lorna Style - get that Egyptian feeling

 Each workshop costs £25, or book both for £45.
To book, please send cheques made payable to LORNA GOW DANCE to Elspeth Alexandra at 32 Claremont Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NH. For enquiries and questions, please contact swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk
 
So- thats my 'holiday' plans...... hope to see you and dance with you over the coming weeks!!!

Back to work...

I was so excited yesterday when i got a call to say I would be working tonight. Yippee- Life is switched back on!

So I danced my entrance piece.. and then Enta Omri (for me the ultimate romantic song) wearing the pink heart costume from Pharonics. Then i wore my egyptian flag costume and danced on to a collection of we love Egypt songs... The audience went nuts- in a good way. The staff were all singing along and clapping... and guests ALL wanted their photo taken with me .. it was a really nice vibe. Finally i felt I was in my place in this country. I have been feeling a little strange the last few weeks. Supporting the protesters... and never wanting to, but always aware that if things got really bad i was the lucky one who could fly out, whereas the Egyptian people would have to stay no matter what. Tonight, singing the song, dancing the song and giving my love of dance and Egypt to my audience, i felt my feet on the ground ( OK we were on the boat- but you know what i mean!!!) I even got my technician to film it... but he didn't know you couldn't turn the camera on its side- so not sure if I'll be able to use the film at all...

Then the bubble was burst. After i finished the sail, all the while guests asking where i was from and congratulating me etc.. i was told that someone had complained and that i wasn't allowed to wear that costume or dance those songs again. I was gutted. Seemed that one man in the audience, his brother had been injured in the revolution and he found it offensive that someone should bellydance on that music (ya helwa baladi). I feel for him, and all the families of people who were injured or killed in the revolution- that goes without saying. I am in awe of them actually for being prepared to fight so hard for their country. However, i think this is wrong and i intend to put my point across to the management, because i feel that one mans opinion should not determine my set. If he doesn't like bellydance (and lets face it if he's saying that then he probably doesn't approve of bellydance full stop) then why on a cruise with dancing? If he is so upset about his brother, why out for a cruise instead of being with him? and the biggest question... if this really is a new Democratic Egypt- does not then the Majority rule??? The majoirty LOVED it.

anyway- thats tomorrows battle. I'll keep you posted.

The best bit about the whole thing- I danced tonight, on the Nile... Lorna is BACK and Egypt is recovering!!!

Thank god.

Recent newspaper clippings...

So I have been interviewed by Scottish Sun and Sunday Post. So far only Sunday post and Scottish
Herald have published ( and the Herald didn't even speak to me??!)

Herald- http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/egypt-is-battleground-as-mubarak-regime-on-edge-1.1082501

Sunday Post- (click on photo to make it readable!)



Sunday post did say they were doing another feature on me yesterday- but it didn't go in... ah well.... I was A-list for a little while !!! (Come on Sun... where's your article or is Egypt 'old' news now?  )

Egypts revolution from my balcony... but not in my words...

... as written up by Dominique, a house guest (Canadian but lives in Holland) who stayed with  me throughout the majority of the 18 days. I am only sad she wasn't here with me to see the end and party with me! Since she has written up out joint experiences through these days so well... please please read her blog... since through her eyes you'll see what both she and I, and many others went through during this time!

 here's an extract;


Inside , the smell of ordinary Egyptian cooking fills the air, a fragrant symbol of Egypt’s simple people and extraordinary hospitality.


Outside the smoke rising on the eve of an extraordinary Egyptian revolution reminding us of Egypt’s complicated politics and ordinary people’s frustrations.



There is never smoke without a fire .

 “ Mafeesh mushkilla “ “ No problem “


You will not hear on the streets today from the mouths of the normally extremely polite cairenes .

 There is a problem and people want to be heard .



CNN announces that the police has been asked to withdraw from the streets .. From our vantage point on the balcony of our building on a quiet street in Mohandiseen street we still hear the sound of the crowd. Gunshots have subsided.



Mubarak has now appeared on TV and as his speech finishes we hear the crowd almost instantly roaring its disapproval. The volume is up again.



To read on- and Dominique did a wonderful job writing every day as things progressed to you get a good sense of the progression of it all... plus many photos.... some of which got us into some trouble!!!.... check her blog...

http://www.ladybellyd.com/

party...

the party will go on all night no doubt here in Egypt... its an amazing sight. I've been speaking with friends who went down to tahrir and are just full of the love there. This photo is from Egypts Daily News. sums it up really.....

all round Egypt now people who are not out celebrating the 1st time the country is to have democracy in 8000 years... are at home wondering how it will actually work. It's so hard for people to imagine how it could and might and will (inshallah) be... they have never experienced this before! Many are worried about the army. They have never had to govern and guide people before and the fear of some is that they may be heavy handed.

however, most people are leaving tomorrow, til tomorrow. When asked about what next they just answer- now the people will decide...

Even the news reporter on local Nile TV just now can't keep the big grin off her face as she announces what is going on around Egypt now...

party on Egypt- you've earned it!

The sounds of gunfire...

I was on msn to a friend and writing an email (to a journalist in UK actually) when all the gunshot started...

at 1st i wrote 'I can hear gunfire... the people are not happy'...

 then my computer started going crazy with incoming emails....
checking facebook- he's gone.... no surely? running to the computer.... he's resigned..... its real!!!
Mubarak has left. The people won.

The streets of Mohandiseen (the area I live) is resounding with gunfire... from shotguns to machine guns!!!. But thank god they are celebrating... not out to harm! So much for this being a 'pro-mubarak area' thats not what the street sounds i am hearing say at all!!!!

Everyone keeps calling or writing and saying 'go party'.... i wish I could... i already cried when i hear the speech saying he resigned.... but I am home alone.... and not brave enough to risk the streets alone. It would just be horrific to have this much love and pride in the Egyptian people and be groped in the street or something.... or worse to feel so overwhelmed that the people had finally been heard... and then get shot in celebratory fire.... nope- i am a coward- i'm staying in.....

I can't believe it has finally happened... and i have no idea what this will mean for the future of Egypt- but surely it cant be worse... ?!! I can only imagine how proud people in Tahrir now must feel... they took a huge risk, they gambled their lives , maybe unfortunaly lost theirs... but that risk has paid off for the majority, they were listened too, their demands were met. God be with those who died in this 2 week revolution......... if they hadn't stood their ground none of this would have happened..... RIP.

I only pray that this newly found voice of Egypt can now be wise and continue to be strong in what are going to be interesting and trying times ahead......

Mabrook ya Masr!

Coming home from home...

soon....

Edinburgh is my home... and Cairo is my home. I love them both and have many things and people that i love in both places.

Very soon I'l be returning to UK for a holiday... it was planned a long time ago and was only intended to be a couple of weeks... but considering the current Cairo climate workwise (ie cufew every night means my work is closed indefinatly) I will be extending my stay. Not because i dont want to be in Cairo- but becuase I do...!! The main reason is that i need to earn some money! Somehow I have to be able to continue to pay rent in Cairo, mortgage in Edinburgh and eat (not to mention pay for the latest Eman Zaki creations!!!).

This is where you guys come in-

-calling all UK dancers.... I am home from 23rd feb (maybe earlier passport depending- ie i need to get one- mine is stuck in Cairos goverment offices!!) and as yet haven't booked my return flight.... but guessing around 15th march....maybe later Cairo politics depending....

 So i am planning a big Edinburgh show on the 3rd March (details below) and also workshops on 5th and 6th of March in Edinburgh and in Fife.

However, if you would like me to teach a workshop in your area end feb/ beginning of march please do get in touch!!!


I also plan to be teaching private classes over those weeks form my home in Portobello, Edinburgh... will send out a message re dates times to anyone who emials interest to me (bellylorna @hotmail.com).

Hope to see you all on the 3rd! Very excited to have 2 fabulous dancers also performing alongside, Dawn (of Scottish and Australian fame) and Eshta from London (of Saqarah fame!). Also the fantastic Rhythmic Ginger is warming up his rolls to keep up with my shimmys!!!! I will also be talking about my life in Cairo here over the years and specifically now over the last few weeks- living the revolution! I recommend booking your tickets NOW!!!

From Edinburgh to Cairo and back again:
An Evening of Bellydance featuring Lorna of Cairo


Location- EH15, Edinburgh ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=113086788706897&sk=permissions#!/pages/Eh15-Restaurant-Bar/118547788218604 )

19.30-22.30pm
As part of the Middle Eastern Peace and Spirituality Festival 2011, an evening of food, drink, bellydance and cultural understanding.
Lorna has been working as a Bellydancer in Cairo since 1996. Join us for beautiful performances, and over dinner we'll be discussing Lorna's experiences of life in Egypt and how dance reflects the culture and traditions there.

Tickets £32 includes 3-course meal. Please send cheques, payable to E Alexandra, to 32 Claremont Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NH.
Contact Elspeth SwishandHips on 07748 183171 or swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk
 
facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=113086788706897&sk=permissions#!/event.php?eid=185487681474401

Photos by the amazing Michèle Dillon

Mubarak to hand over power?

I just got a call from my singer to turn on the news...because he knows i am really worried about Egypt current economic situation and he wanted to tell me that all is going to be well and we will be working soon....

what inspired this hope from my band that we will be back working the Nile before too long?

... it seems there will be an announcement tonight to the people by Mubarak, to announce his handing over power to his vice president. His is in a meeting with Omar Soliman seemingly as I type this according to Nile TV.

I can barely dare to hope. I am so excited for the people if Egypt. So downtrodden for so long. All their lives in fact. The idea that if you want something enough and stand up for your rights then you will actually be listened to is a new idea to the people and can only mean progress. It is something I have always taken for granted in my own life. In UK we are in the envious position politically that it is rarely a matter of life or death which party is in power, just a matter of quality of life. Here in Egypt those my political eyes have really been opened... and I feel lucky i have never had to personally fight for basic human rights the way some have been fighting over the past few weeks. In faact, on a personal note... just to be able to type the Current (but maybe not for long) presidents name on my blog shows how Egypt has changed already. Before now i have always been too scared to write anything polical knowing that bloggers have been imprisoned wihtin recent years just for writing their views. Now i write without that fear. Too many people are proving in Tahrir Square that they also share them.

On the local news now they talk of the people in Port Said protesting and burning things by the police station there, because no one can afford to buy a flat... and 2500 apartments have just been made available to the people. Their demands are being met.

Currently also many new laws are being drawn up including laws that will mean that the parliment will be able to oust future presidents if the people demand or if they don't stick to their job remit, so that the current situation will never recurr.

It's an exciting night............

I wonder what will be the response from the people in Tahrir square when the announcement is made.....

and

I wonder what will happen to Mubaraks $70 billion?

Tourists please come.... The sun is out...

the sky is blue,

and there are only a few clouds, and there are also still protesters in Tahrir square.

Some people are saying ' but its only the muslim brotherhood that are there now'... others, people i know, who have been there in the last couple of days say 'no... its everyone, doctors, lawyers, you name it'. i wouldn't know- i promised the people who worry about me that I would stay out of danger... so that means I am still avoiding tahrir......

although I did go to Khan el Khalili yesterday. The traffic there and back, with so many roads blocked off, was horrific, but once there it was so quiet.. and the vast majority of the shops were open. The really sad bit for me was seeing all the gold shops, open, but with not one gram of gold in the windows. It was all stolen that 1st friday.... and no customers.....

The only other foreigners we saw in the Khan, were a turkish film crew who interviewed me. Unfortunatly, non PR efficient Lorna managed to mourn the loss of the tourists without plugging the fact that i was a bellydancer here!!!

As we walked through the market, all i could hear was
 'Zaboon, Zaboon, fe Zaboon!'
customers, customers- there are customers!....

...you could taste the hope in their voices. While the recent events have no doubt made a very important, and neccesary impact on Egyptian politics, they have unfortunatly also made a massive negative impact on tourism. Most hotels now are completely empty. I spoke to a manager of the el hussain hotel in the khan who was telling me how his guests were saying 'no no, we'll stay...' but when the khan was raided and they heard gunshots, they packed and left the next day. Understandable... but probably more upsetting to local businesses than the looting in the first place. The police are back protecting the streets and things have really quietened down. 80% of Egypts income is from Tourism. Sharm and Luxor have been totally unaffected by the 'revolution' and are praying for visitors.... Now is probably the best time to go to Luxor if you want to see the temples without hoards of people in front of them, getting into your photos!!!

If you love Egypt and like me are impressed by the peoples strength in expressing their need  and right for a voice.... then please do what you can for those same people now... and book your holiday for this year..... i admit i wouldn't recommend this week,.... since we still have a curfew in place and Cairo really is a fabulous place to be at night.... but as soon as that becomes all clear again... come! Please.

Our jobs depend on you....

......and I have 3 spare rooms to rent out to any dancers wanting to come!!! even through the worst of the last 2 weeks, i have had dancers, from all over the world, staying with me in my house and we have managed to do a lot of private classes here in my studio... and I have had 4 other teachers come to the house to teach my guests too. For anyone want to do intensive dance training... there is nothing better than an imposed curfew that means your teacher can't leave the house!!!!

Funnily enough- with my last house guest leaving today...despite everything,  everyone of them said what a memorable, and enjoyable holiday they had had.....and that they would be back.... despite being indoors the majority of the time through a revolution! The friendships made through these events are friendships which will last.....Cairo still charms even in its most volitile moments...

Egyptian flag

facebook profile pages these days...... 

peaceful protests

Very pleased to be watching the images on TV of tahrir square today- what a massive difference from wednesday! I am with the rest of the world praying for a continued peaceful day.............

many people are asking me if I am coming home? NO.... not yet... I am due to return to UK on 23rd Feb anyway on holiday.... and since i have not felt my personal safety threatened, I am staying home for now. I currently have a house full of guests too- so we are keeping each other entertained and well fed. Thank you to all the lovely messages i have been getting since the internet came back up 2 days ago...please don't worry if you wrote and i haven't sent a personal reply yet... we have limited computers in the house and everyone wants online... i have to take my turn!

I'm looking forward to performing in Edinburgh on the 3rd March too. I also be talking a little there about my expereinces here, ( including ones i can't write about online) during this monumental political time in Egypt. To buy tickets or for more information contact Elspeth on swishandhips@hotmail.co.uk. and you can chekc out the facebook events page on http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=496110965924#!/event.php?eid=185487681474401


I am safe, well, staying home almost all the time and very far from Tahrir Square, where the majority of the violence has been. Occasionally I have even been able to dance... although often i have been too concerned for the fate of those protesting to be able to be in the right frame of mind for dance.

Heres hoping for more dance days in the near future!

news from the ground... well... from the balcony....

i still haven't written up the last days........

and from my balcony you can hear the sounds of cheers and chants in support of Mubarak. It's loud. However, I am not near Tahrir....

.....and currently Egypt is more under stress than it has been all week.

Right now as I type, there are two seperate groups of people in medan tahrir... for and against mubarak... and they are fighting each other. The military have pulled back rather than fight their own people (ie both sides!).

I am very scared for the people fighting for their rights and their lives, right now, and over the next few days....

many people who originally protested for a govermental change last friday are now happy with Mubarak's speech last night... saying we've made our mark, change will come.... but others, especially families and friends of those who died in the protests... feel its not enough. There is also a massive fear that the people who have spoken out against Mubarak and who's faces have been captured by TV cameras, who's names have been lifted from facebook etc... the fear is that they will be punished somehow...... as they always have over the past 28years...

I hope the internet will stay up... and I will try to tell my experiences of it all as and when I can.

Tonight... we will be staying home, the curfew has been relax a little today- yesterday we had to be home by 2pm... today it is 5pm. And I have a couple of friends staying over, in addition to my four house guests, in order to celebrate the Chinese New Year... which is tonight... (since we have 3 chinese dancers in the house!)...

..... lets hope and pray that the fighting breaking out now, calms quickly..... with as few casualties as possible.

Internet access resumes in Cairo.

I have a house full of people ... and we just found up the internet is back up... and instead of chatting we are all sitting typing!!! Internet access was cut from friday 28th until today 2nd while Egypt has been exploring new grounds politically.

I will write up more stories of the last few days soon..... and photos to follow soon too....

In the meantime thank you for the support- i know I have been in the thoughts of many friends and readers around the world this last week.... and what a week!

Revolution in Cairo. My previously unpublished blog from friday 28th jan...

By the time I can publish this I am sure it will all be old news, but basically I need to write as a form of therapy for myself!

I have stayed at home most of today, ‘Friday of wrath’ as they are naming it on CNN.

I thought I would spend a lovely day dancing with my house guests here from Holland and China... keeping myself and them far from the riots and protests and potential dangers.

But the Chinese decided they wanted to risk and have a wander round the area, since it was their 1st day in Egypt. I warned them the areas to avoid and they left. From then on, Dominique (Holland) and I sat wondering what was happening and eventually decided to go for a look too.

We just walked to Medan Mustapha Mahmud and saw very little (this was about 1.30pm), then up Syria street. Walking into Berts Cafe we discovered they had al Aljazeera on and we sat to see the news. Then we realised the sounds of protests were coming from outside, not form the TV. It was a very small group of about 10 young men- shouting for freedom for Egypt. Obviously marching towards the town centre and trying to gather a crowd with them as they went.

When we got home (all safe and sound) we switched on CNN and began to realised the full extent of what was going on downtown. Then I discovered that I was still able to make landline calls, although unfortunately I know now only one landline number in Cairo. It’s shown me how much I rely on internet and mobile phone to contact everyone I know!

So, via a friend in Sharm I was able to pass on messages to my family that I was safe and avoiding the volatile areas.

Just now from my balcony I can smell and see smoke- I don’t know what is on fire, but I suspect it is something in the main street of gameat al-dowal al-arabiya.

I can also hear many gunshots.

I don’t know from who and if they are live shots or not, and since the internet is down then there is no news coverage from my area at all... and my bowab quite rightly refused to let me go to the main street to see. That makes it sound like I intended to- I didn’t! I went downstairs to ask him if he had heard what was happening two streets down from us. He said there were demonstrators and police and shots fired and that is was very dangerous, but that even he hadn’t gone there to look... and he thought this might last up to a week.

Watching CNN is my only link to the outside world just now... I will post this as soon as internet comes up again..... whenever that will be.

On a dance note- I have NO IDEA if the Nile group dance festival will go ahead from Monday as was planned. I have 4 house guests will me who were planning on attending and we have no idea what will happen.... so we might be dancing at home for a few days! I also have no idea if my boat, the Pharaohs will be working or not. From the TV footage today they were NOT working today- since the whole of the Nile seemed to have been covered by tear gas for most of the day. I guess tomorrow is another day... and we will just have to sit and wait and see. We did buy in enough food to survive a few days if need be!

How do I feel now? Well- my nails are bitten to the quick. I feel extreme sympathy for the protesters. I really hope it does somehow end in a fairer society. But from hour to hour things seem to change so it is so hard to guess. Especially when Mubarak hasn’t spoken to the press or people yet.

The people of Egypt just want basic human rights. I hope they get them....... without too many casualties in the process!