Blog Translation

Ever since we met each other, my beloved husband filled my life with love, light, joy and happiness, with music and special moments!



Friday, 17 June 2011

Egypt and his people

I remember that when I was little, like 9 - 10 years old, mama bought me the Bible for kids :). I was so fascinated with this book and I was reading it with all pleasure imagining all the stories that were written there, helped by the images from the Bible.

Because it was as I said to you - Bible for kids, all the stories were written in the most easy and understandable way, with simple, common words and the stories were short, maximum 1 page and on the other page was the image... the image that was presenting the most important part from the story.

In the beginning of the Bible, there was a previous page with comments and 1 special comment remain in my heart until today: "A picture worth 1000 words". That time too, I was little to understand the meaning of this line, but I kept it in my mind and with every year I grew up, I started to discover more and more the meaning of this: "A picture worth 1000 words".

By the way... I still have the Bible for kids today too :) after 20 years I still have it and it waits for me all the time I want to remember about the moments when I was a child... well, according to my beloved husband, I am still a child today too... his child ^__^.

So today I want to tell you a story of thousands of words... but in images. Today you will see the people of Egypt as I see them, as I feel them, as others see and feel them too. Today you will "read" the stories of the Egyptians... Egyptians from the cities, Egyptians from the country, young Egyptians, old Egyptians, Egyptians kids, Egyptian Women, Egyptian men, Egyptian workers, Egyptian wives, Egyptians daughters and mothers... Egyptians all over Egypt.

Ready my Reader for your new journey? 


Shopkeeper in the Aswan Bazaar


 Wedding Party Circa 1930















 Bedouin Lunch with Tourists


Bedouin Woman in the Sinai

Donkey's Just Don't Care About Time

Camel Police of Giza

Girl on a Bench (Aswan)

Snooze

Snake Charmer

Young Lady of the Khan

Entertainer at Festival

Bedouin Wash Day

Teens, Old and New

Towheed Ramy, Founder of Egyptian Multimedia

Alabaster Worker at Luxor

Boy and Donkey in the Bahariya Oasis

Band at the Sheraton

Making Bread at the Gezirah Sheraton

Bread Maker

Good day for boys

Boys and their transportation

Whirling Dervish

Fishing on the Nile

Relaxing in Kom Ombo

Girl and her transportation

Egyptian Folk Dance

Belly dancer

A very Young Gamal Nasser
Egyptiand teen


Night fishing (that's what I call a "catch")

Egyptian eyes

Mummy of Henttawy

A very friendly coffee owner

Old times Egyptian coffee shop

Umm Kalthum & Sphinx

Young fisherman

3 Bedouin girls

Sugar Cane Farmer

Street vendor

Egyptian cafeteria

Shaded Guide

Women Students at Cairo University

Luxor

Luxor market

Siwan Men Gather Together

Norman de Garis Davies

Camel Trader

The Ritual of Shai

Tea Break Siwa Style

Bishops Celebrate Coptic Christmas

Courtyard Color

Woman on a Felucca

Bedouin Hospitality

Fishing in the Nile

Bedouin Shepherdess

Bartender in Downtown Cairo

Heading to the Field

Quiet Contemplation

We had a jeep here somewhere

Old times Whirling Dervish

Playing the Rababa

Antiquities Guard Abdul Maugoud

How Big is the Oasis?

Tea Break

Joyous Schoolgirls

Street Scene

Stone cutter

Little girl from Sinai

Players at Dendera Temple

Wash Day

Young Girl and her Goat

Copper Artisan

Girl in bazaar

Date Harvest

Young Goat Herder

Shoeshine Man

Benha Schoolgirl

Camel Diving













Making a Living on the Nile

Asleep on the Job

Sheik Hussein Abd el Rassuhl

1910 - 1997
Notation: The last survivor of the Howard Carter Party,
cursed by the mummy to live 87 years!

Time Out Along the Nile

T. E. Lawrence Rides Again

Waiting for the President

Yam Vendor in Cairo

Monday, 13 June 2011

Turkey in images

Geography

Turkey is at the northeast end of the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Europe and southwest Asia. To the north is the Black Sea and to the west is the Aegean Sea. Its neighbors are Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania to the north and northwest (through the Black Sea), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Syria and Iraq to the south. The Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus divide the country. Turkey in Europe comprises an area about equal to the state of Massachusetts. Turkey in Asia is about the size of Texas. Its center is a treeless plateau rimmed by mountains. 

History

Anatolia (Turkey in Asia) was occupied in about 1900 B.C. by the Indo-European Hittites and, after the Hittite empire's collapse in 1200 B.C. , by Phrygians and Lydians. The Persian Empire occupied the area in the 6th century B.C. , giving way to the Roman Empire, then later the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Turks first appeared in the early 13th century, subjugating Turkish and Mongol bands pressing against the eastern borders of Byzantium and making the Christian Balkan states their vassals. They gradually spread through the Near East and Balkans, capturing Constantinople in 1453 and storming the gates of Vienna two centuries later. At its height, the Ottoman Empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to western Algeria. Lasting for 600 years, the Ottoman Empire was not only one of the most powerful empires in the history of the Mediterranean region, but it generated a great cultural outpouring of Islamic art, architecture, and literature.
After the reign of Sultan Süleyman I the Magnificent (1494–1566), the Ottoman Empire began to decline politically, administratively, and economically. By the 18th century, Russia was seeking to establish itself as the protector of Christians in Turkey's Balkan territories. Russian ambitions were checked by Britain and France in the Crimean War (1854–1856), but the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) gave Bulgaria virtual independence and Romania and Serbia liberation from their nominal allegiance to the sultan. Turkish weakness stimulated a revolt of young liberals known as the Young Turks in 1909. They forced Sultan Abdul Hamid to grant a constitution and install a liberal government. However, reforms were no barrier to further defeats in a war with Italy (1911–1912) and the Balkan Wars (1912–1913). Turkey sided with Germany in World War I, and, as a result, lost territory at the conclusion of the war.

Cities of Turkey

ISTANBUL

Istanbul historically Byzantium and Constantinople; is the largest city in Turkey, largest city proper and second largest metropolitan area in Europe, and fourth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million. Istanbul is also a mega city, as well as the cultural and financial center of turkey. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosporus strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the golden horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) sides of the Bosporus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.

In its long history, Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the (Byzantine) East Roman Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985.
Istanbul is an old city; you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture in harmony with Turkish culture. The old versus the new, the traditional versus the modern is a conflict a visitor often observes. The city is full of contrasts, and colorful views.

ANKARA

Very familiar to most people as the capital of Turkey, Ankara is actually only the country's second-biggest city, being considerably smaller than Istanbul. However, Ankara is actually a very large and presentable Turkish city, constantly expanding and offering a rather sophisticated and modern character. Many wide streets are now lined with coffee shops and eateries, particularly around the energetic Kizilay area.
Various tourist hotspots present themselves around the city of Ankara and in particular, along the Ataturk Bulvari, which serves as a prominent artery. The Ulus Meydani, known simply as 'Ulus', is another important tourism hub in the city and this central square is close to a number of leading museums, while also offering a choice of accommodation and inexpensive restaurants. Nearby, the Ankara Tourist Information Office is easy to find and stands directly opposite the Maltepe Akaray Train Station, on the Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvari.

Although Ankara is somewhat overshadowed by the enormous Turkish city of Istanbul, but really does compete well in the way of quality tourist attractions. The city's Citadel walls are positively ancient and comprise a mixture of different architectural styles through the ages. Also of a great age and much visited are the Roman Baths of Ankara, which remain is a good state of repair, considering that they are more than 1,700 years old. The Ataturk Mausoleum is yet another major sight, while for families, the attractions within the Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo and Aquapark Club Watercity comes highly recommended.

 ANTALYA

Antalya (formerly known as Adalia; from Pamphylian Greek: Αττ?λεια Attália) is a large town and tourist destination, situated on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey. It is the capital city of Antalya Province. The population of the city is 603,190 (2000 census) but reaches up to two million in summers at the height of tourism season.
Situated on a steep cliff over the Mediterranean, Antalya is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains. Developments in tourism, starting in the 1970s, have transformed the city into an international resort. With its airport and central location, Antalya is "the capital of Turkish tourism", a gateway for the Turkish riviera and many historical sites. Furthermore, with its palm-lined boulevards, its prize-winning marina, the unspoilt historical neighbourhood of Kaleiçi, and the modern developments along the coast, the city of Antalya is a major attraction in its own right. Antalya and its surroundings are a very important part of Turkish tourism.


Antalya city corresponds to the lands of ancient Pamphylia to the east and Lycia to the west. Antalya has plenty of accommodation, a very hot climate and many places to visit both in and around the city, including traces of Lycian,Pamphylian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and cultures.
 
The city as a whole has grown huge now and the infrastructure such as roads and drains are struggling to catch up, but there are still areas that are very attractive indeed: Kaleiçi, with its narrow cobbled streets of historic Turkish and Greek houses is the old center of Antalya, now mainly hotels, gift shops, and many, many bars. The big new hotels such as the Sheraton are along the coast above the Konyaalti and Lara beaches, and indeed spread along the coast in both directions far beyond the city of Antalya itself.
  
KUSADASI

Early settlements in Kusadasi were by the Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central Anatolia around the year 3000BC. They established of a colony on the outskirts of Pilav Mountain in Kusadasi, and founded the cities Ania and Melia. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to grow essential products such as olive, grape and figs for extracting oil or making wine and sweets on the fertile lands around the city.
In the 10th century BC "12 Ionian Cities "-Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos, Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established and were known for the most developed cities of the age. The annual meeting place of the Ionian League, Panionian, was founded around Kusadasi; and the cities of Phygale, Marathesion and Neopolis were established within the borders of the city. 

Kusadasi was ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of Sultan Mehmet Celebi in the year 1413. During the reign of Ottomans, glorious new structures were built in Kusadasi Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal legacy of the Ottoman architecture in the city, and was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress is gates and walls and many mosques in the centre of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era. "Kusadasi " that means "bird island" and took its name from Pigeon Island.
Today, Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centres; it is a perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and glassy water. The contrast between the lively holiday life and the quietness of the ancient ruins create the special atmosphere of the city.

"Habibi boy" type or "My Granny habebty" :)))))))))))))

When a man is old enough to do something wrong, he is old enough to do something right.

In the last years I heard about a lot of new cases of intimate destruction between old foreign women from USA, Europe, Asia, Australia and Arabian men. 
The number of women attempting to form, what they believe as a long term relationship, with men young enough to be their son or even grandson is increasing. 

The majority of these women are quite intelligent which makes their behavior more baffling, statistically more than 75% of these cross cultural relationships or pseudo marriages end in divorce or abandonment,
When a dark eyed 22 year old man holds you in his arms and whispers he wants to grow old with you, try to remember you are already approaching 45, 55, 65,  and that you are biologically, organically and every other ally one could describe, you are already old. Doesn’t take a genius to work out when you are 80 this guy will still be so young, you’ll be using him as a Zimmer frame.

It seems middle to old age foreign women are acquiring the label ‘sex tourist". Unlike most European or American and Asian holiday destinations, sex outside of marriage is not accepted in Arabic countries.
However in the side alleys and back rooms of certain Lawyers in the Arabian countries you will find the ‘live in sin license.’ The ‘Urfi’ is a piece of paper, a formal contract of intent to marry. It is being used by growing numbers of young Egyptian gigolos simply as a way of getting around religious strictures against having pre-marital sex.

For the older post menopausal, sexually active blinkered woman the Urfi is simply a piece of paper which allows her to bring her young gigolo into her home.

Most Arabian guys have a high sense of honour and behave in an appropriate way towards members of the opposite sex.

However tourist areas attract a certain type of predator, the ‘Habibi Boy’
The ‘Habibi Boy’ is only in love with money or the determination to get a visa to a destination where he is simple enough to believe the streets are paved with foreign gold.
Any elderly lady who is conned into thinking the ‘Habibi Boy’ is really in love with her needs her head tested.
Remove your clothes lady, stand in front of a full length mirror and tell me, does your body compare in any shape or form to a 25 year old woman?
Then ask yourself this question: “What normal young man would actually want to sleep with his Granny?

You might have gone to great lengths to explain to this ignorant juvenile the meaning of the female reproductive system, you no longer have the ability to provide him with offspring. You might even take the softly, softly approach because you are too embarrassed to say ‘my reproductive organs have shriveled up to the size of raisins.’
‘Habibi Boy’ will swear he doesn’t care, he doesn’t want children he only wants you. You are his life, his soul and two thousand other descriptions he can fabricate from the romantic songs of Amr Diab.

So an year down the road, why is it he disappears to his hometown or in the village he came out from after convincing you to invest in a little business, one which his brother can run for you both? The little business  usually involves Shaorma.

Your financial investment is used for a big slap-up village wedding with a young bride his family have chosen for him; nine months later he becomes a ‘daddy Habibi Boy.’ You are crushed, your whole world has fallen apart, you remind him of all the beautiful lies he has told you. He insists everything he said was true. He swears he didn’t want to marry the young, beautiful bride but his father insisted and he must obey his father.
He also tells you nothing will change and in his head he believes this. The only difficulty in this equation now is your funds are getting less and you will have two more members of a family you didn’t subscribe too.

Of course you do have a choice, accept the situation where your little love nest becomes the little half way house, or kick him out.
Unfortunately many women are accepting this situation for some unknown psychological reason known only to them.

Their lives are miserable, confused, always checking ‘Habibi Boy’s texts and Facebook page.
These women are under the illusion that the power exerted over them by these juvenile delinquents is because he loves them so much!
This isn’t love, this is ‘control’ you are his meal ticket or maybe his future status of emigrant relies solely upon you.

“I love you, I love you, I want to grow old with you, you are my sun, moon and stars!”  Think of how the two you would look walking arm in arm down the high street in Wigan? Think of the derision you would suffer from friends, family and strangers and get a grip.
Don’t anyone tell me ‘MMD.’ (My Mohammed is different)! If he is so different why do you carry your purse in a holster strapped under your arm?

He might look like Captain Charisma, but believe me under that handsome exterior is a Neo Fascist.
Once he has your money, bye bye love, once he has sped off with the car you just happened to put in his name because he conned you into believing it would be much easier to register. Once his name is on the deeds of your apartment he will disappear, you might even be lucky enough to get a text from him which says “Good bye you old bag,”

Delusions are sometimes romantically linked with adolescence, after that we stop trusting like a child and think like an adult.
Love and friendship is not painted in broad strokes.
Relationships are not time-shares, functioning is not enough, your happiness comes from within you, you don’t need anyone else to complete it.
There are many cross cultural marriages that work, however these unions did not meet in the artificial holiday environment of exotic Arabian resorts.

Before you dive into the murky waters of a relationship with a young ‘Habibi Boy’ look on the internet and see if his name has been put on one of the many Blacklists.

REMEMBER THESE WORDS:

The man who asks  a woman for money is not a man.