Recently, I've heard a couple of complaints from my friends about rats entering their houses. Its not a seasonal problem, but seems to have ocurred due to construction nearby or major movement of goods in the surroundings.
My first recommendation would be to get a cat to do the job for you. I find the rat problem here in Cairo much less than most metropolitan cities and my guess is that it is the feral cat population that keeps the rat (and also cockroach) population to a minimum. In most Indian cities, the stray dog population is high and hence the feral cat population is low and the rat population is high. In cities like Bombay, I have seen rats bigger than the average cat in size and have actually seen 2 rats chasing a cat. (The cat did not even have a chance)
A friend of mine recommended this poison in case you have a rat problem. She said to ask for "sim li firan" at the pharmacy. Its a grey powder that you need to sprinkle over a piece of food/fruit that the rat may like to nibble on. If you put it on too thick, it may alert the rat to the presence of poison, so just a sprinkle. You may need to do this a couple of nights in a row, till the rat dies or stops coming back inside. She also says that this is quite a toxic product so to be very careful with how you handle it and to keep it out of the way from children and household pets. This supposedly causes internal bleeding in the rat.
There are rat traps available on some parts of the city, but I'm not sure where exactly.
Showing posts with label Warning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Warning. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, January 08, 2010
Egypt, Cairo, Warden Message; Violence at Rafah-Gaza January 6, 2010
From: Cairo, Warden <CairoWarden@state.gov>
Date: January 6, 2010
Date: January 6, 2010
To: The American Community
From: Embassy of the United States, Cairo
Subject: Warden Message - Reports of Violence at Rafah-Gaza
This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Egypt that on January 6, 2010, violent demonstrations took place at the border crossing in Rafah between Egypt and Gaza. In addition, there have been demonstrations in Al-Arish over the past few days. We strongly encourage American citizens to avoid travel to the northern Sinai region. We also recommend that American Citizens avoid areas where there is heavy police presence or crowds assembling and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large public gatherings. As a reminder, even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A safe trip abroad", which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
American citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents and register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy Cairo through the State Department travel registration website, https://travelregistration.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Pickpocketing scheme
I'd heard about this a couple of months ago and it seems to have re-surfaced.
This information is to help you protect yourself.
The scheme operates like this:
The innocent passerby is stopped by an decent looking well-dressed man, who will point to a spot on the victims pant and motion that there is a stain. When the conman pretends to clean the stain for you, he actually creates the stain, by spitting or by something on his handkerchied. Then as he pretends to clean the stain for you, he pockets the victims wallet and disappears, before the victim even realises it is gone.
Normally these people operate in pairs or groups. If you see someone gesturing that you have a stain, just walk away like you don't understand anything they say. They may be armed, so better to avoid direct confrontation.
This modus operandi has been reported by multiple people around the Shooting Club area, so please be aware of your surroundings when you are out. A little bit of common sense, awareness and confident demeanour, should keep you relativey safe.
Take care.
This information is to help you protect yourself.
The scheme operates like this:
The innocent passerby is stopped by an decent looking well-dressed man, who will point to a spot on the victims pant and motion that there is a stain. When the conman pretends to clean the stain for you, he actually creates the stain, by spitting or by something on his handkerchied. Then as he pretends to clean the stain for you, he pockets the victims wallet and disappears, before the victim even realises it is gone.
Normally these people operate in pairs or groups. If you see someone gesturing that you have a stain, just walk away like you don't understand anything they say. They may be armed, so better to avoid direct confrontation.
This modus operandi has been reported by multiple people around the Shooting Club area, so please be aware of your surroundings when you are out. A little bit of common sense, awareness and confident demeanour, should keep you relativey safe.
Take care.
Fruits & Vegetables being Irrigated with Sewage Water?
Or so reports Al Masry
Thousands of farmland acres producing essential crops comprising Egyptians food basket are irrigated with untreated sewage water. Shocking as it is for consumers, small farmers deal with it in a relaxed way claiming it is their only option taking into consideration the high cost of using good-for-irrigation water.
Watch the video interview on Al Masry
So whether you believe it or not, it makes sense to start rinsing your vegetables in a mild solution of Potassium Permanganate to get most of the icky stuff out. (this cost effective treatment was recommended by a friend who works on water purification installations in houses and offices in India)
Thousands of farmland acres producing essential crops comprising Egyptians food basket are irrigated with untreated sewage water. Shocking as it is for consumers, small farmers deal with it in a relaxed way claiming it is their only option taking into consideration the high cost of using good-for-irrigation water.
Watch the video interview on Al Masry
So whether you believe it or not, it makes sense to start rinsing your vegetables in a mild solution of Potassium Permanganate to get most of the icky stuff out. (this cost effective treatment was recommended by a friend who works on water purification installations in houses and offices in India)
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Not carrying a valid driving licence in Arabic, could land you in jail
If you plan to drive in Cairo, then make sure that you always carry a valid drivers licence in Arabic while at the wheel.
A new law has been passed / or is currently being strictly implemented, I'm not sure which.
But a non-Egyptian friend found this out the hard way when she got a call saying that her Egyptian husband had been jailed for a traffic offense. Her first reaction was that : someone had been badly hurt as a result of her husband's driving, but it seems that the infraction was a minor one: He was not carrying the international translation paper for his licence (grey coloured one with your photo in it)
He was later released when the right papers were produced, but it was a rude shock for the entire family which has never seen the inside of a jail before.
Please, if you plan to drive in Egypt, do carry all the necessary documents including a translation if you have an IDL issued in any language other than Arabic.
Stay safe, drive safe.
Someone else brought to my attention that if you are an Egyptian Resident or an Egyptian, then you need to have an Egyptian Driving License. An IDL from another (your own home) country is useless, if you are a resident here.
A new law has been passed / or is currently being strictly implemented, I'm not sure which.
But a non-Egyptian friend found this out the hard way when she got a call saying that her Egyptian husband had been jailed for a traffic offense. Her first reaction was that : someone had been badly hurt as a result of her husband's driving, but it seems that the infraction was a minor one: He was not carrying the international translation paper for his licence (grey coloured one with your photo in it)
He was later released when the right papers were produced, but it was a rude shock for the entire family which has never seen the inside of a jail before.
Please, if you plan to drive in Egypt, do carry all the necessary documents including a translation if you have an IDL issued in any language other than Arabic.
Stay safe, drive safe.
Someone else brought to my attention that if you are an Egyptian Resident or an Egyptian, then you need to have an Egyptian Driving License. An IDL from another (your own home) country is useless, if you are a resident here.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Precautions to take against H1N1
The World Health Organisation has brought out some practical and reasonable guidelines to try and prevent falling prey to the virus at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
What can I do?
Updated 11 June 2009
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:
- avoid touching your mouth and nose;
- clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
- avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
- reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
- improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
- practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
| When and how to use a mask? |
If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.
Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
- stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
- rest and take plenty of fluids;
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
- if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
- use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
- inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
- If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.
Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.
Warning on purchase of antivirals without a prescription [pdf 35kb]What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?
No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.
Can I travel?
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.
More on WHO travel recommendationsWednesday, June 10, 2009
US Embassy Directive on H1N1 Flu in Egypt
Date: June 09, 2009
To: The American Community
From: Embassy of the United States, Cairo
Subject: Warden Message dated June 09, 2009
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza. The Egyptian Ministry of Health has reported eight confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in Egypt. Seven of these cases are students from the American University in Cairo, all resident in AUC's downtown Zamalek dormitory. AUC has suspended classes and campus activities through Sunday morning, June 14, 2009, and all residents of the Zamalek dormitory are currently in quarantine, are being tested, and will remain under observation for one week. Cairo airport has also instituted new health screening procedures and they can be found at http://egypt. usembassy. gov/consular/ pa060809. htm
The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 Influenza. Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://egypt. usembassy. gov.
For further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel. state.gov/ travel/cis_ pa_tw/pa/ pa_pandemic. html, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc. gov/h1n1flu/ , the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who. int/csr/disease/ swineflu/ en/index. html. For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at http://www.travel. state.gov.
To: The American Community
From: Embassy of the United States, Cairo
Subject: Warden Message dated June 09, 2009
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza. The Egyptian Ministry of Health has reported eight confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in Egypt. Seven of these cases are students from the American University in Cairo, all resident in AUC's downtown Zamalek dormitory. AUC has suspended classes and campus activities through Sunday morning, June 14, 2009, and all residents of the Zamalek dormitory are currently in quarantine, are being tested, and will remain under observation for one week. Cairo airport has also instituted new health screening procedures and they can be found at http://egypt. usembassy. gov/consular/ pa060809. htm
The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 Influenza. Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://egypt. usembassy. gov.
For further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel. state.gov/ travel/cis_ pa_tw/pa/ pa_pandemic. html, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc. gov/h1n1flu/ , the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who. int/csr/disease/ swineflu/ en/index. html. For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at http://www.travel. state.gov.
2 More H1N1 cases detected in Alexandria
Supposedly 2 more people in Alexandria have tested positive for the H1N1 virus.
This is the link to the story in Arabic:
http://www.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=106984
and the English translation?
http://soberhigh.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/1252-10-h1n1/
This is the link to the story in Arabic:
http://www.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=106984
and the English translation?
http://soberhigh.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/1252-10-h1n1/
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
5 more H1N1 cases at AUC dorm
After 2 students at AUC dorm in Zamalek were diagnosed with H1N1, all the students at the dorm were quarantined and checked for the virus.
5 new cases have been identified as stated in the Straits Times. The nationalities of these students hasn't been identified.
Maybe now is the time to start talking serious preventive measures. Like washing hands with soap and water and maintaining basic hygience.
Maybe now is the time to start talking serious preventive measures. Like washing hands with soap and water and maintaining basic hygience.
Monday, June 08, 2009
H1N1 virus detected in 2 students at AUC Zamalek Dorm
Looks like the virus has entered the city, inspite of the thermal imaging and masks and gloves at the airport & the extermination of pigs. See H1N1 for reference.
2 American AUC Students were found to be infected and the whole dorm of 140 students has been put under quarantine. Reuters broke the story earlier today. Classes on the campus seem to have been suspended for a week.
This email was circulated to the students of AUC earlier this morning. (I have removed the email addresses to prevent them from being spammed by harvesters)
From: Brian MacDougall
Date: Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Subject: H1N1 Flu
To:
AUC's medical clinic is working closely with the Egyptian Miistry of Health to effectively manage this testing process and to provide the necessary care for all of our students.
This is all of the information available at this time; as we receive further information, it will be shared immediately with the AUC community.
--
Brian MacDougall
VP for Planning and Administration
The American University in Cairo
AUC Avenue, PO Box 74
New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Office Tel: +20-2-2615-2212
2 American AUC Students were found to be infected and the whole dorm of 140 students has been put under quarantine. Reuters broke the story earlier today. Classes on the campus seem to have been suspended for a week.
This email was circulated to the students of AUC earlier this morning. (I have removed the email addresses to prevent them from being spammed by harvesters)
From: Brian MacDougall
Date: Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Subject: H1N1 Flu
To:
Please be advised that overnight the Egyptian Ministry of Health confirmed positive H1N1 test results for two AUC students. These two students have been hospitalized and are receiving the necessary medical treatment. A third student was also hospitalized as a cautionary measure because she had a high fever, which is symptomatic of this flu.
These students are all residents of the Zamalek dormitory and as a result the dormitory has been quarantined for 24 hours. The Ministry of Health has obtained samples from all residents of the dormitory and those results are expected later today.
AUC's medical clinic is working closely with the Egyptian Miistry of Health to effectively manage this testing process and to provide the necessary care for all of our students.
This is all of the information available at this time; as we receive further information, it will be shared immediately with the AUC community.
--
Brian MacDougall
VP for Planning and Administration
The American University in Cairo
AUC Avenue, PO Box 74
New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Office Tel: +20-2-2615-2212
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Egypt Reports 1st case of swine flu
A young girl with American Citizenship of Egyptian origin was coming from America to Egypt on holiday on Monday, on a flight from Europe.
Health Minister Hatem el-Gabali said she showed flu symptoms and tested positive for the virus and is being treated. He said she is in good condition.
Read the news here:
Voice of America News
in Arabic - Masrawy
An earlier news report had said that Egypt had suspected 101 cases of H1N1 and 100 had tested negative. At the time of the report, the 101st person was being quarantined and tested.
Looks like those Thermal Scanning cameras at the airport worked, but the culling of pigs seems to have surprisingly not had any effect in scaring the virus away from entering the country.
Health Minister Hatem el-Gabali said she showed flu symptoms and tested positive for the virus and is being treated. He said she is in good condition.
Read the news here:
Voice of America News
in Arabic - Masrawy
An earlier news report had said that Egypt had suspected 101 cases of H1N1 and 100 had tested negative. At the time of the report, the 101st person was being quarantined and tested.
Looks like those Thermal Scanning cameras at the airport worked, but the culling of pigs seems to have surprisingly not had any effect in scaring the virus away from entering the country.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Is BISC being ethical?
I just heard an extremely disturbing piece of news today.
It seems that the British School in Cairo (BISC) which recently moved from Zamalek to 6th October has come up with a new demand for money.
BISC normally collects students fees in British Pounds. FYI: The going rate for admissions is a one time 85,000LE (yes 3 zeroes after 85) or so. This is over and above the annual school fees which hovers around 50,000LE.
Egyptian Residents who do not work with British companies or get salaries in British Pounds have to buy British pounds to pay the fees. This means they lose some amount on conversion. Imagine the amount they would lose on converting 85K LE to GBP.
This year because the British Pound depreciated, the school has supposedly lost money by collecting fees in British Pounds. Hence although the amount collected in British Pounds was on target, it was not on target when calculating the EGP equivalent. Part of the risk of playing the currency market, you would say.
BISC does not consider this a risk that they should absorb, and hence they have asked the parents to pay the difference AS CALCULATED BY BISC as to the amount the school has supposedly lost by collecting fees in British Pounds RETROSPECTIVELY for the last year!!!
Is this Fair?
Is this Ethical?
The parents aren't saying anything because the cost of moving their child/children to another International school would mean shelling out another non-refundable sum of 85,000LE or more!
This is the story as I have pieced together from multiple reliable sources. Can any action be taken against the school? Is anyone willing to initiate the action?
Its not really MY problem as I don't have children whose education I have to worry about right now. But this was just too unethical to let it pass by unmentioned.
Opinions? Views?
Correction:
Annual fee is about 85,000LE. The admission fee is lower.
It seems that the British School in Cairo (BISC) which recently moved from Zamalek to 6th October has come up with a new demand for money.
BISC normally collects students fees in British Pounds. FYI: The going rate for admissions is a one time 85,000LE (yes 3 zeroes after 85) or so. This is over and above the annual school fees which hovers around 50,000LE.
Egyptian Residents who do not work with British companies or get salaries in British Pounds have to buy British pounds to pay the fees. This means they lose some amount on conversion. Imagine the amount they would lose on converting 85K LE to GBP.
This year because the British Pound depreciated, the school has supposedly lost money by collecting fees in British Pounds. Hence although the amount collected in British Pounds was on target, it was not on target when calculating the EGP equivalent. Part of the risk of playing the currency market, you would say.
BISC does not consider this a risk that they should absorb, and hence they have asked the parents to pay the difference AS CALCULATED BY BISC as to the amount the school has supposedly lost by collecting fees in British Pounds RETROSPECTIVELY for the last year!!!
Is this Fair?
Is this Ethical?
The parents aren't saying anything because the cost of moving their child/children to another International school would mean shelling out another non-refundable sum of 85,000LE or more!
This is the story as I have pieced together from multiple reliable sources. Can any action be taken against the school? Is anyone willing to initiate the action?
Its not really MY problem as I don't have children whose education I have to worry about right now. But this was just too unethical to let it pass by unmentioned.
Opinions? Views?
Correction:
Annual fee is about 85,000LE. The admission fee is lower.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Horrific Expereince of a British family visitng Sharm el Sheikh on Holiday
From The Electric New Paper
Treat this as a cautionary tale, but hope for the best, if you plan to travel into Egypt shortly, especially if you have a Mexico stamp in your passport.
THEY expected a great family holiday in Egypt - and encountered fear instead.
14 May 2009
THEY expected a great family holiday in Egypt - and encountered fear instead.
British engineer Stewart Harbut, his pregnant wife Sasha and their four young children, aged between 2 and 8, had a hellish time when armed guards held them in quarantine.
They claim Egyptian guards, in what was seen as an act of panic in the midst of a possible Influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak, 'pinned them down' at the country's Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital while doctors forced them to give swabs.
Mr Harbut, 37, told Sky News Online that his family spent £6,000 ($13,400) on their holiday.
But as soon as he and his family arrived at Sharm El Shiek airport, their holiday was anything but enjoyable.
He said: 'We were queuing up with the rest of the holidaymakers, looking forward to the break. All of a sudden, we were surrounded by armed guards and police. There must have been about 30.
'All the kids were crying, my wife was crying and I could not believe it. It felt like something out of a drug-smuggling film.'
Guns
Mr Harbut said he and his family saw guns trained on them as they were bundled into the back of a van and sent to the hospital with a police escort.
He thought his family was singled out because their passports showed they had visited Mexico six months ago.
Mr Harbut said he was promised that he and his family would be released in a few hours, but instead, they were held in a dusty room with just five beds.
He said: 'The kids were pinned down and instruments were put down their throats. The Egyptians were in a complete panic.'
When he tried to leave the hospital, he was confronted by three armed guards who blocked his way.
He said: 'There was absolutely no way out - there were large iron gates slammed shut at the front of the hospital and as I walked towards them, three armed guards came towards me holding their guns.'
The Harbuts were only allowed to leave the hospital yesterday after all of the tests were confirmed as negative, nearly 24 hours after landing in Egypt.
Speaking from their Red Sea resort hotel after his release, Mr Harbut said he had been treated like a drug smuggler.
He said: 'This was absolute hell. We're just hoping that the kids aren't too traumatised.'
Mr Harbut wanted to warn travellers about the current level of panic over the H1N1 virus in the country.
Treat this as a cautionary tale, but hope for the best, if you plan to travel into Egypt shortly, especially if you have a Mexico stamp in your passport.
THEY expected a great family holiday in Egypt - and encountered fear instead.
14 May 2009
THEY expected a great family holiday in Egypt - and encountered fear instead.
British engineer Stewart Harbut, his pregnant wife Sasha and their four young children, aged between 2 and 8, had a hellish time when armed guards held them in quarantine.
They claim Egyptian guards, in what was seen as an act of panic in the midst of a possible Influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak, 'pinned them down' at the country's Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital while doctors forced them to give swabs.
Mr Harbut, 37, told Sky News Online that his family spent £6,000 ($13,400) on their holiday.
But as soon as he and his family arrived at Sharm El Shiek airport, their holiday was anything but enjoyable.
He said: 'We were queuing up with the rest of the holidaymakers, looking forward to the break. All of a sudden, we were surrounded by armed guards and police. There must have been about 30.
'All the kids were crying, my wife was crying and I could not believe it. It felt like something out of a drug-smuggling film.'
Guns
Mr Harbut said he and his family saw guns trained on them as they were bundled into the back of a van and sent to the hospital with a police escort.
He thought his family was singled out because their passports showed they had visited Mexico six months ago.
Mr Harbut said he was promised that he and his family would be released in a few hours, but instead, they were held in a dusty room with just five beds.
He said: 'The kids were pinned down and instruments were put down their throats. The Egyptians were in a complete panic.'
When he tried to leave the hospital, he was confronted by three armed guards who blocked his way.
He said: 'There was absolutely no way out - there were large iron gates slammed shut at the front of the hospital and as I walked towards them, three armed guards came towards me holding their guns.'
The Harbuts were only allowed to leave the hospital yesterday after all of the tests were confirmed as negative, nearly 24 hours after landing in Egypt.
Speaking from their Red Sea resort hotel after his release, Mr Harbut said he had been treated like a drug smuggler.
He said: 'This was absolute hell. We're just hoping that the kids aren't too traumatised.'
Mr Harbut wanted to warn travellers about the current level of panic over the H1N1 virus in the country.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Warning : Estoril Restaurant, Downtown
We found cockroaches in our drink and in the tomato soup last Thursday night at ESTORIL . I would recommend avoiding this place.
When we complained, the management tried to convince us that they must have flown in when the door was opened and just shrugged their shoulders. The only thing they offered was to replace the drink and soup. But we could not eat another bite after these two simultaneous discoveries and just left the rest of the food (that we did pay for) and walked out.
The Management was completely nonchalant and unapologetic about the episode and that was most galling. Even if the Management did not have the courtesy or the wherewithal to waive our bill, the least we expected was an apology, but there was absolutely no chance of that happening, the way things were going.
This place is best avoided.
The Management was completely nonchalant and unapologetic about the episode and that was most galling. Even if the Management did not have the courtesy or the wherewithal to waive our bill, the least we expected was an apology, but there was absolutely no chance of that happening, the way things were going.
This place is best avoided.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Back to Egypt, Back to Reality! - Costa Coffee
After a not so great holiday (dh's gastric problems resurfaced, but at least we got it diagnosed this time - because we were in India - identified as "erosive gastric duodenitis" - now he's on 21 days of high dosage medication and 4 months of low medication but strict diet) we returned to Egypt a day ago.
After spending a day in getting the house liveable and a lot of pending paperwork in order, headed over to Hyper One to refurbish my larder.
Also had confirmed a brunch/coffee meeting with my friends in 6th October at Costa Coffee in the same mall.
Meeting with them was great fun as usual. We googooed at the babies, congratulated the mom-to-be and had a great destressing chit-chat session.
Since it was past noon and I was hungry, I ordered a new item on their menu - "Philly Steak" Sandwich. I was expecting this :
but what came to the table was a sandwich with pickles, tomato slices and luncheon meat. There was nothing Philadelphian or any steak in the sandwich!
I thought they must have got my order wrong and tried to explain to the waiter that what I wanted was a Steak sandwich and he insisted that I had received the right order. I then requested one of my friends on the other end of the table, who is fluently bilingual to explain to him in better Arabic than my pidgin version to translate. She had arrived a while before me and said that she had ordered the "Philly Steak" and had the same luncheon slice sandwich delivered and the same conversation, ending in the same result - the waiter insisting that the right order had been served.
Possible Explanations
1. Costa Coffee the UK based chain whose tagline is "Italian About Coffee"
has completely messed up the recipe for the American Sandwich.
2. The Egyptian branch of Costa Coffee has messed up the recipe.
3. Today's delivery to the 6th of October, Hyper City branch was messed up at the production/labeling end.
4. The waiter/sandwich toaster made a mistake with my friends sandwich and to validate his story, he gave me the same "mistaken" sandwich.
What do you think?
If you have tried this sandwich at any of the other Costa locations, what were you served?
After spending a day in getting the house liveable and a lot of pending paperwork in order, headed over to Hyper One to refurbish my larder.
Also had confirmed a brunch/coffee meeting with my friends in 6th October at Costa Coffee in the same mall.
Meeting with them was great fun as usual. We googooed at the babies, congratulated the mom-to-be and had a great destressing chit-chat session.
Since it was past noon and I was hungry, I ordered a new item on their menu - "Philly Steak" Sandwich. I was expecting this :
but what came to the table was a sandwich with pickles, tomato slices and luncheon meat. There was nothing Philadelphian or any steak in the sandwich!I thought they must have got my order wrong and tried to explain to the waiter that what I wanted was a Steak sandwich and he insisted that I had received the right order. I then requested one of my friends on the other end of the table, who is fluently bilingual to explain to him in better Arabic than my pidgin version to translate. She had arrived a while before me and said that she had ordered the "Philly Steak" and had the same luncheon slice sandwich delivered and the same conversation, ending in the same result - the waiter insisting that the right order had been served.
Possible Explanations
1. Costa Coffee the UK based chain whose tagline is "Italian About Coffee"
has completely messed up the recipe for the American Sandwich.2. The Egyptian branch of Costa Coffee has messed up the recipe.
3. Today's delivery to the 6th of October, Hyper City branch was messed up at the production/labeling end.
4. The waiter/sandwich toaster made a mistake with my friends sandwich and to validate his story, he gave me the same "mistaken" sandwich.
What do you think?
If you have tried this sandwich at any of the other Costa locations, what were you served?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Cons posing as cops
Manisha from Living in Egypt blogged about a new con game in town here
I haven't faced that yet. But I have encountered people in regular clothes stopping me at the pyramids saying they are cops and demanding to see my tickets etc.
How do you know that someone approaching you at the pyramids is not a plains clothes policeman? (a con would be speaking tourist guide/tout English, a cop will speak more halting Egyptian - English)
I haven't faced that yet. But I have encountered people in regular clothes stopping me at the pyramids saying they are cops and demanding to see my tickets etc.
How do you know that someone approaching you at the pyramids is not a plains clothes policeman? (a con would be speaking tourist guide/tout English, a cop will speak more halting Egyptian - English)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Movie Theatre/ Cinema at the Ramses Hilton Annexe vs City Stars
Someone told us that there was a 5 screen theatre on the 7th floor of the Ramses Hilton Annexe (RHA) and we thought this may be a better idea than driving all the way to City Stars (CS) for a movie.
In comparison,
RHA - no parking space close by.
CS - underground parking and chaos of open parking on the outside.
Ticket costs at both locations is 30LE. RHA offers tickets at 15LE for the 10am at 1pm shows.
Booking tickets is relatively simple at both locations. while CS has one ticket counter per running movie, RHA had one ticket counter only, but she was quite efficient.
Snacks at CS are fresher and lower price than RHA. The only fresh snacks that RHA had was popcorn. RHA also does not allow self service (you are supposed to sit down on one of their many sofas in the lobby) and adds a service charge and sales tax to your bill. Plus the waiter expects baksheesh.
RHA cafeteria was heavily over staffed in their cafeteria for the 6:30pm show. Husband and me were the only 2 people (they have 5 screens) buying anything at the cafeteria. They had 8 waiters and 2 managers at a desk. The waiters were busy playing mobile games near the wash rooms.
Our movie was supposed to begin at 6:30. Doors were opened at 6:20. Lights were on when we entered, but the usher insisted on showing us to our seats, turning on a completely redundant flashlight and equally insistently demanded baksheesh for the service. We have been to 6 other theaters in Cairo and have never faced this situation, although I had heard about it. The other 23 people who were in the RHA theater for "Quantum of Solace" paid up without even being asked. So it seems to be a norm at this theater, even though the ticket prices are on par with CS.
With just 23 people in the audience of a theatre built to fit around 1000 people (yes RHA is much much larger than CS), pickings must have been slim although it was a Saturday evening. While we waited in the lobby, it did not look like there were too many people visiting the other 4 screens either.
Adherence to time. For a 7pm movie at CS, the ads start rolling by 6:30pm, trailers anytime between 6:45 to 6:50pm and the movie normally starts on time. At RHA, our movie was supposed to start at 6:30pm. They played some horribly depressing music till 7:05pm, then there was one trailer for another movie running in the same theater. The movie finally started at 7:10pm.
Washrooms at CS are quite clean and in functioning condition most of the time. At RHA, there were no locks on some doors, they had fancy copper sinks which werent properly fixed and there was no soap or toilet paper.
Conclusion:
Price - With all the baksheesh and taxes, Ramses Hilton Annexe works out more expensive than City Stars.
Service at RHA, I would rate at 4 (for the ticket counter lady, no one else), CS I would rate at 8.
Timeliness - CS -9 (high on time performance) RHA - 1 (for actually screening the movie)
RHA does score higher on convenience, easy access and time saved if you are based around Downtown, Mohandaseen, Dokki and with the crazy traffic on 6th of October bridge in the last 2 months, it does give RHA an advantage (but this is just due to their location)
I'd rather go to the Diamond mall theater in 6th of October, if it is just a time saving that I am hoping for.
In comparison,
RHA - no parking space close by.
CS - underground parking and chaos of open parking on the outside.
Ticket costs at both locations is 30LE. RHA offers tickets at 15LE for the 10am at 1pm shows.
Booking tickets is relatively simple at both locations. while CS has one ticket counter per running movie, RHA had one ticket counter only, but she was quite efficient.
Snacks at CS are fresher and lower price than RHA. The only fresh snacks that RHA had was popcorn. RHA also does not allow self service (you are supposed to sit down on one of their many sofas in the lobby) and adds a service charge and sales tax to your bill. Plus the waiter expects baksheesh.
RHA cafeteria was heavily over staffed in their cafeteria for the 6:30pm show. Husband and me were the only 2 people (they have 5 screens) buying anything at the cafeteria. They had 8 waiters and 2 managers at a desk. The waiters were busy playing mobile games near the wash rooms.
Our movie was supposed to begin at 6:30. Doors were opened at 6:20. Lights were on when we entered, but the usher insisted on showing us to our seats, turning on a completely redundant flashlight and equally insistently demanded baksheesh for the service. We have been to 6 other theaters in Cairo and have never faced this situation, although I had heard about it. The other 23 people who were in the RHA theater for "Quantum of Solace" paid up without even being asked. So it seems to be a norm at this theater, even though the ticket prices are on par with CS.
With just 23 people in the audience of a theatre built to fit around 1000 people (yes RHA is much much larger than CS), pickings must have been slim although it was a Saturday evening. While we waited in the lobby, it did not look like there were too many people visiting the other 4 screens either.
Adherence to time. For a 7pm movie at CS, the ads start rolling by 6:30pm, trailers anytime between 6:45 to 6:50pm and the movie normally starts on time. At RHA, our movie was supposed to start at 6:30pm. They played some horribly depressing music till 7:05pm, then there was one trailer for another movie running in the same theater. The movie finally started at 7:10pm.
Washrooms at CS are quite clean and in functioning condition most of the time. At RHA, there were no locks on some doors, they had fancy copper sinks which werent properly fixed and there was no soap or toilet paper.
Conclusion:
Price - With all the baksheesh and taxes, Ramses Hilton Annexe works out more expensive than City Stars.
Service at RHA, I would rate at 4 (for the ticket counter lady, no one else), CS I would rate at 8.
Timeliness - CS -9 (high on time performance) RHA - 1 (for actually screening the movie)
RHA does score higher on convenience, easy access and time saved if you are based around Downtown, Mohandaseen, Dokki and with the crazy traffic on 6th of October bridge in the last 2 months, it does give RHA an advantage (but this is just due to their location)
I'd rather go to the Diamond mall theater in 6th of October, if it is just a time saving that I am hoping for.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Warning : Car stealing modus operandi
Heard about this from a friend.
Seems there is a new technique going around. a motorbike comes and hits a car from behind. When you get out of the car to check your damage/yell at the other driver, another associate slides into your driver seat and drives away. The motorbike guy also speeds away simultaneously.
I can't be 100% sure about the accuracy of this information as it hasn't happened to me or anyone that I know directly. But it is a good idea to take your keys out of the ignition and with you, if you step out of your car for any reason.
Seems there is a new technique going around. a motorbike comes and hits a car from behind. When you get out of the car to check your damage/yell at the other driver, another associate slides into your driver seat and drives away. The motorbike guy also speeds away simultaneously.
I can't be 100% sure about the accuracy of this information as it hasn't happened to me or anyone that I know directly. But it is a good idea to take your keys out of the ignition and with you, if you step out of your car for any reason.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Plagiarists at agnabee.com
Today, I received an invitation to view a site called agnabee.com
To my shock and horror, my blogposts from this blog are being copied in entirety onto their website without any credit or link back to my blog and without my permission or knowledge from the 25th of Augusut onwards..
While I do not normally have a problem with someone linking to my site or posting a snippet from my blog or copying my blog posts while Giving me CREDIT, what is going on here is PLAGIARISM and Completely Unethical!
This practice hurts my page rankings in google and other search engines (because of duplication of articles).
They are doing this with some other blogs too. I also recognised articles from trailing grouse's blog.
I have written to the people behind the site and I'm hoping for an answer some time soon. This could be wishful thinking, but I still believe in the inherent goodness of human nature.
I'm also curious to see if this blog post will also make its way to their site ;)
To my shock and horror, my blogposts from this blog are being copied in entirety onto their website without any credit or link back to my blog and without my permission or knowledge from the 25th of Augusut onwards..
While I do not normally have a problem with someone linking to my site or posting a snippet from my blog or copying my blog posts while Giving me CREDIT, what is going on here is PLAGIARISM and Completely Unethical!
This practice hurts my page rankings in google and other search engines (because of duplication of articles).
They are doing this with some other blogs too. I also recognised articles from trailing grouse's blog.
I have written to the people behind the site and I'm hoping for an answer some time soon. This could be wishful thinking, but I still believe in the inherent goodness of human nature.
I'm also curious to see if this blog post will also make its way to their site ;)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Warning : Al-Diwan language school, Nasr city
This post is actually by a friend of mine, Linda who came to Egypt to study at the Al-Diwan language school in Nasr City.
Following is her experience studying at this particular institute and in the area surrounding the institute.
To put her message in perspective, (she isn't a naive student away from the US for the first time in her life! She has traveled to Syria, Palestine, and Jordan and never experienced it like this. This is not a rant against Egypt or Arabs or Muslim societies. This is information that any female expat considering studying at this school should be aware of)
I'm at the Al-Diwan language school here, and while the language school is great, the surrounding area is not kind to females who don't wear the hijab or niqab.
I cover everything save my hair and arms, and get harassed every single day, several times a day by men and even children who jeer and say disgusting things. The day I decided to wear the hijab for my own safety, I was followed and groped by four males in a car as I was walking to school. I decided not to wear it again.
I've spoken with other international female students living in Nasr City, and I've heard similar horror stories: taxi drivers exposing their private parts; men slapping them on the ass telling them to cover up; not being able to go outside to the corner store without being chided for walking the streets alone. To say that we're treated like prostitutes is not an exaggeration. A friend of mine was offered money for sexual favors by a taxi driver as she walked home.
Al-Diwan is a great school, and because I can't get a refund even if I wanted one, I asked to transfer to the Garden City branch. The Nasr City manager said he could not transfer me for several weeks so I decided just to cut my time here short. I hadn't been informed that a Garden City branch existed and didn't find out until the first day I arrived, as it wasn't advertised until the Nasr City branch filled up.
I've since heard of an unhealthy competition by the two branch managers which is quite unsettling, seeing that I had requested a transfer once I arrived and was denied until the day I was groped ten yards from the school and walked in, in hysterics.
I'm on a fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education, and this school is approved by them. I will be recommending to them, as I did to the Nasr City manager, that female students be advised of the problems of sexual harassment that are being experienced here. From reports I've heard of Egyptian friends who live in Nasr City and do not wear the hijab, the situation has gotten much worse for them in the last ten years, and it's getting worse every day. I encourage anyone who knows of a female thinking of studying in Nasr City to pass this message along.
Best,
- Linda
Following is her experience studying at this particular institute and in the area surrounding the institute.
To put her message in perspective, (she isn't a naive student away from the US for the first time in her life! She has traveled to Syria, Palestine, and Jordan and never experienced it like this. This is not a rant against Egypt or Arabs or Muslim societies. This is information that any female expat considering studying at this school should be aware of)
I'm at the Al-Diwan language school here, and while the language school is great, the surrounding area is not kind to females who don't wear the hijab or niqab.
I cover everything save my hair and arms, and get harassed every single day, several times a day by men and even children who jeer and say disgusting things. The day I decided to wear the hijab for my own safety, I was followed and groped by four males in a car as I was walking to school. I decided not to wear it again.
I've spoken with other international female students living in Nasr City, and I've heard similar horror stories: taxi drivers exposing their private parts; men slapping them on the ass telling them to cover up; not being able to go outside to the corner store without being chided for walking the streets alone. To say that we're treated like prostitutes is not an exaggeration. A friend of mine was offered money for sexual favors by a taxi driver as she walked home.
Al-Diwan is a great school, and because I can't get a refund even if I wanted one, I asked to transfer to the Garden City branch. The Nasr City manager said he could not transfer me for several weeks so I decided just to cut my time here short. I hadn't been informed that a Garden City branch existed and didn't find out until the first day I arrived, as it wasn't advertised until the Nasr City branch filled up.
I've since heard of an unhealthy competition by the two branch managers which is quite unsettling, seeing that I had requested a transfer once I arrived and was denied until the day I was groped ten yards from the school and walked in, in hysterics.
I'm on a fellowship from the U.S. Department of Education, and this school is approved by them. I will be recommending to them, as I did to the Nasr City manager, that female students be advised of the problems of sexual harassment that are being experienced here. From reports I've heard of Egyptian friends who live in Nasr City and do not wear the hijab, the situation has gotten much worse for them in the last ten years, and it's getting worse every day. I encourage anyone who knows of a female thinking of studying in Nasr City to pass this message along.
Best,
- Linda
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