tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54806192365369006312012-02-02T15:22:13.369+02:00Blogging about life as I see it - specially life in Egypt!Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.comBlogger1311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-24361102184125432572012-01-31T13:31:00.000+02:002012-01-31T13:31:18.900+02:00

Some people are upset about the low representation of women in the Egyptian Parliament, the committes, sub-committees etc. and are blaming the Noor (Salafist) Party in this regard.  Maybe the Party are blocking it - I don't know, I really don't care. I'm old enough to remember (vaguely) hearing about quotas in business, quotas in political parties etc. for women, quotas for coloured persons,

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.69325647926069 32.6509489564834925.669760479260688 32.62275295648349 25.71675247926069 32.67914495648349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-1469234036405579072012-01-30T22:18:00.001+02:002012-01-30T22:22:14.369+02:00

Do you ever feel afraid, nervous or unsettled but don't know why because there is no obvious reason for it - your life is ok but you feel jumpy, sad or depressed?  Don't worry, you are perfectly normal but your "FEAR" and "DISASTER APPROACHING" button has got stuck!  How does that happen?  Well, it's not surprising really when you stop to think about it.......stopping to think about this

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693251645233005 32.6509543209015225.669755645233003 32.62275832090152 25.716747645233006 32.67915032090152tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-53532168156450466182012-01-25T12:21:00.000+02:002012-01-25T12:21:06.966+02:00

The day did not start well for me....5.30am I am woken up by what sounded like a crowd of angry people shouting in the street outside....I wait about 10 mins and instead of fading away in the distance it had become louder...so I hopped out of bed, grabbed a jacket, unlocked doors and rushed to the balcony to see what was the matter...??  About 70 - SEVENTY, just SEVENTY - 70 IDIOTS were walking

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-44715245189816976222012-01-24T19:29:00.001+02:002012-01-24T19:30:03.587+02:00

If a picture paints a thousand words.....

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-59736041436299705112012-01-23T22:47:00.000+02:002012-01-23T22:47:37.271+02:00

Been out shopping this morning - to my local food and veg market etc here in Cairo.  The atmosphere seems to have shifted somewhat.....everyone I spoke to had two things on their minds.  Firstly, they are all happy that the newly elected parliament have actually gone to work today!!  I am watching them all been sworn in on TV at the moment and have to confess I am excited myself!  Second on

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693263730301847 32.6509489564834925.669767730301846 32.62275295648349 25.71675973030185 32.67914495648349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-63856325579635919652012-01-21T16:27:00.002+02:002012-01-21T19:10:20.125+02:00

One year later - what is the reality of the "Arab Spring"?  Who has gain what?  Who has lost what?  What is the future for Tunisia?  Egypt?  Libya? Syria? Yemen?  Iran?  Saudi Arabia?  I'm not a political analyst but some things are pretty obvious.....  Tunisia?  A year ago one young fruit seller set himself on fire because he had no money, no job.  This week FOUR young men in Tunisia set

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.69327823238284 32.6509596853195525.66978223238284 32.62276368531955 25.716774232382843 32.67915568531955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-27422245602880149672012-01-04T12:51:00.001+02:002012-01-20T15:04:09.189+02:00

My hope for 2012 is that we will all cut each other some slack, so to speak.  That means we will go a bit easier on those around us.  Our governments are heaping 'Austerity Measures" on us to balance the books.  They want everyone to 'tighten their belts' - but we need to see them tighten their belts too!  People can only be pushed so far.  In the pushing stage we see some who cannot live

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693266147315473 32.6509221343933425.66977014731547 32.62272613439334 25.716762147315475 32.67911813439334tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-8399978765019053262012-01-03T10:42:00.000+02:002012-01-03T10:42:45.213+02:00

Do you feel the change?  I feel it. I am home in Ireland, with my family for Christmas and New Year - the best in my entire life......and I can feel the change.  It feels to me like the entire world is slowing down, like the systems we have known and lived under are grinding ever so slowly to a halt.  It feels to me like the world has been spinning for so long in one direction - spinning so

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-84084438811883301582011-12-08T08:50:00.005+02:002011-12-08T13:20:35.774+02:00

Every generation tends to believe they are different, better, more progressive, more humane, more moral, more ethical than preceeding generations.  Is that a fallacy we like to believe so we don't examine more closely what our governments and corporations are actually doing?  Americans are just beginning to wake up to the powers they have allowed their "democratic" RULERS to take unto themselves.

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-66885191768720677102011-12-01T13:13:00.000+02:002011-12-01T13:13:46.611+02:00

A couple of weeks ago protestors once again decided to camp out in Tahrir Sq.- clashes ensued for several days in one of the streets leading to Tahrir Sq.  Much media coverage and many photos circulating in the various media once again led to the closure of the Egyptian Stock Exchange and I received quite a few emails from people who had booked to stay at Mara House over the coming weeks.

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-61027243074411840842011-11-28T13:25:00.000+02:002011-11-28T13:25:15.279+02:00

I can't remember the last time I saw Luxor as alive as it is this morning - I am talking about the atmosphere.  There have been long lines of men and women waiting outside polling stations since before 8 am this morning to cast their vote in the first free elections.  Some of the lines are snaking down the streets and round the street corners while some are doubling back and running beside each

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-79936101814785612952011-11-21T15:26:00.000+02:002011-11-21T15:26:33.228+02:00

MY PERSONAL 'take' on what is going on in Egypt this week?  I have a few comments to make, mostly based on the nonsense that I have been watching on Twitter and the various TV Stations. 1.  Political Parties suspending their campaigns, people boycotting elections or asking for them to be put off until a more opportune time....the truth - as I see it - is they are afraid of losing.  Maybe a

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-33969682321873166492011-10-13T16:18:00.000+02:002011-10-13T16:18:27.886+02:00

I've had a heart-wrenching morning.  Over time in Egypt I have had to learn not to be swayed by sad events and sad stories - there are too many.  However, my guard was down this morning as I went for a stroll in Khal El Khalili.  The Khan is the Aladdin's Cave of Cairo - a tourists' mecca and my advice to friends and tourists has always been - "You gotta see it, but bargain hard!" I haven't been

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-1663024909091082332011-10-12T16:11:00.003+02:002012-01-20T15:02:31.264+02:00

Been watching the SCAF (Supreme Council of the Armed Forces) providing video and verbal evidence of what happened in Maspero.  A reporter just asked what SCAF intends to do now to ensure Maspero-like incident does not happen again.  For a fleeting moment a tired expression passed across the Army Spokesman's face.  The question made me tired also.  Why should the army have to create security

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com5Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693241977177053 32.6509382276474325.66974597717705 32.62274222764743 25.716737977177054 32.67913422764743tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-88421751870497561062011-09-28T14:53:00.000+02:002011-09-28T14:53:48.550+02:00

Egypt girls hospitalized after FGM operation - Bikya Masr : Bikya Masr

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-1239423922192559882011-09-23T14:15:00.000+02:002011-09-23T14:15:45.538+02:00

Egypt- Minister of Tourism: Number of tourists will reach 30 million

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-85699491097002179302011-09-06T14:36:00.000+02:002011-09-06T14:36:39.749+02:00

Once upon a time, in a beautiful green land (which I didn't appreciate at the time :) !) I used to be an Irish country-girl.  But I roamed here and there around the globe, met new people, experienced different cultures - by the way I think everyone should travel while they are young - so I am no longer 'just' an Irish country-girl, I am older, wiser and more experienced.  I guess I think I am

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-76749537716907636132011-09-04T21:25:00.000+02:002011-09-04T21:25:55.313+02:00

  Click here to read about the Two Most Mysterious but Least Visited Temples in Egypt

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-8594619385645127212011-09-02T13:05:00.002+02:002011-09-04T21:36:42.462+02:00

I haven't blogged for a while - been writing some articles for other sites and I have also made some in-roads on my book!  This blog is a rant and also an expression of "I don't know, I just don't know....."  I am just going to let 'it' pour out..  It all depends on where our focus is and lately mine has been, in spite of my best intentions, on global news and events.  As per usual the bad,

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-11419388869376341752011-08-08T11:36:00.001+02:002012-01-20T15:10:12.848+02:00

The stupidity of little men with power knows no bounds. There has been a revolution in Egypt, you have all heard about it. What you don't hear so much about is the misery people are living in since February in the towns completely reliant on the tourist industy, now completely in the toilet. Towns like Luxor where this morning at 9am the manager of the local electricity supply company (

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com3Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693251645233005 32.6509838252006825.669755645233003 32.62278782520068 25.716747645233006 32.679179825200684tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-70697950114051188962011-08-07T10:48:00.000+02:002011-08-07T10:48:06.407+02:00

There is one big danger in what is happening Mubarak now.  He ruled for 30 years, not everything was bad.  There was stability which allowed the country to gain popularity in tourism as it was safe.  I am not going to argue for Mubarak. I just want to point out that if a person holds a governmental position for 30 years, had a strong personality and was a strong ruler.  If, after that time

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-62262353587281071272011-07-31T20:10:00.000+02:002011-07-31T20:10:03.488+02:00

4am I fly into Cairo, hop in a taxi and 30 mins. later am letting myself into my apt. - "Home at last, cup of choc and I'm off to bed!" says I to myself........well, uh...nooo!  What is that smell?  I drop my bags and follow my nose......"What...?!"  Before my astonished eyes - my parqued floor is a topsy-turvey, higgledy-piggledy 2 - 3 inches off the floor...the entire length of the hallway

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-43919789099880012542011-07-28T12:41:00.001+02:002011-07-31T20:22:23.898+02:00

Ancient Egyptians relied on the river Nile for it's survival and prosperity.  The survival of modern day Egypt relies not only on the Nile but on the Aswan Dam.  The dam protects the country from floods and drought.  It protects from famine as it ensures a constant, reliable source of water for land irrigation therefore Egypt is now dependent on the dam for it's food production.  The dam is

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-83833159240701542352011-07-27T13:51:00.000+02:002011-07-27T13:51:34.253+02:00

10 people witness a car accident - Afterwards each witness is interviewed separately.  None of the ten people reported the incident the same way.  This is an experiment that has been conducted many times by scientists.  Each one of us interprets what we see and hear through the individual lens of our past personal life experiences, culture, religion, upbringing and belief systems.  Yet, the

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-19457135219293304232011-07-12T15:16:00.000+02:002011-07-12T15:16:31.861+02:00

Being Irish yet living in Egypt, I am far from home and family.  I want to keep in touch with them and, at the same time, my business is totally dependent on the internet and personal recommendations.  I spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME  on the computer.  My life has become more of a virtual reality life via the internet than a real physical experience (apart from the sore bum I have from sitting at

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-31309913538322181682011-07-09T12:51:00.000+02:002011-07-09T12:51:11.237+02:00

I have been using Google+ for a few hours....!! (burnt 3 pots because I got so involved I forgot I was cooking dinner...went to bed hungry!) and so far I believe it will save me a lot of time and end much of the frustration that using the internet has meant to me since the advent of social media!  At the moment it is only open by invitation from people already using so I am inviting my

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-19496306301841870732011-07-07T15:56:00.000+02:002011-07-07T15:56:39.393+02:00

My customer queuing ticket read 13.58 (should have read 12.58 because Egypt did not change the clock this year) queue number 463 and number of people before me 84.  That's ok - I scanned the row of cashiers and counted approx. 8 or 9 apparently working.  Found myself a seat and made some phone calls.  15 minutes later I realised there had been little movement in the people seated around me

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-68163616730653203972011-06-27T14:00:00.000+02:002011-06-27T14:00:51.000+02:00

Why is there a sexual harassment problem in Egypt?Why revolution and civil unrest? Why do some people protest in the streets and other people don't?Why do some people want to work and other people don't?Why do some people commit crime and other people don't?Why do some people have ideas and other people don't? What is the role of Government in a country?When does a country become ungovernable? 

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-54642793359260699122011-06-25T10:34:00.001+02:002011-07-12T15:18:16.281+02:00

This article is brutally honest and might hurt your feelings! Will I follow you, not follow you or unfollow you on Twitter?  Will I re-tweet you?  What tweets do I like?  What tweets drive me nuts?  Our little tweets paints our portraits.   I expect there will be quite some changes in my followers and whom I follow over the next few days!!  MY OBSERVATIONS 1.  You are only as good as your

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-43724437302057871062011-06-24T09:31:00.005+02:002011-06-28T08:23:57.664+02:00

My mother used to say that nobody except myself would ask people for what he/she wanted at the wrong time - but somewhere else I got the belief that "if you don't ask, you don't get, so what have you got to lose by asking?" With that thought in mind I  headed off to see the new Governor of Luxor the night after I came back from Cairo. Egypt has a serious DIRT and RUBBISH problem.  As I have

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-17930932144602760952011-06-22T09:01:00.001+02:002011-06-24T09:44:19.877+02:00

EGYPT  MOVING  FORWARD - major step in the right direction...............THE “ARAB Spring” has prompted the Sunni Muslim world’s most venerable institution of religious learning to issue a declaration of independence from the Egyptian government and to state it supports demands raised by uprisings in the Arab world. An 11-article document written by clerics and learned laymen was revealed in

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-14018857123412662742011-06-21T11:30:00.001+02:002011-06-21T11:38:02.112+02:00

In my endeavours to return to my former positive-thinking, optimistic self I have stopped watching CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera and Press TV - though 5 - 10 minutes watching Press TV does give me a pretty clear picture of the day's events without instilling the same fear engendered by the other stations.  I briefly check google news in search of something positive. A friend emailed me yesterday to check

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-89892381238903329192011-06-18T15:51:00.002+02:002011-07-31T20:04:14.643+02:00

So, what was the 'not such a good thing' that happened me on my Egyptian life adventure?  It wasn't something that happened overnight, it was a training I received from "living like an Egyptian" that gradually instilled in me an expectation for nothing to turn out the way I wanted, to never get anything to-day but always hope for it tomorrow - the most commonly used phrase here is  "In'sh Allah,

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-91631472041843058912011-06-14T22:45:00.001+02:002011-06-24T09:43:49.417+02:00

I will continue tomorrow (in'sh Allah!) with my "Personality" blog as promised but in the meantime I must let you know that we are all very excited here in Cairo...........when I say "all" I mean those of us who are involved in the tourism business.  WHY???? Because tomorrow the 15th June 2011 after 5 months the CURFEW  IN  CAIRO will be LIFTED!!!!!!!! We have all felt that even though life has

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-10776121839265969342011-06-14T16:07:00.000+02:002011-06-14T16:07:49.842+02:00

Been in Cairo for the last month - love being in Cairo - it's my "time-out", reflection time, re-charge my batteries time etc. etc. etc.and here are my reflections, conclusions, decisions arrived at now....Have you noticed I haven't blogged for a few days?  That's because I have been "doing a morph", having a re-birth, change of heart, blah, blah, blah!..........Seriously! Reflections on my life

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-53215302462754618882011-06-10T13:10:00.001+02:002011-06-14T15:28:39.492+02:00

Dear friends, 25 wild dolphins are facing a tormented life of captivity because Resorts World Sentosa wants a new attraction. But our global outcry can make the whole project a public relations disaster, and secure their freedom. Sign the petition to free the saddest dolphins, and fight the wild-captured dolphin trade: The pod was swimming peacefully in Samoa when nets closed in from

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-69464446636372674642011-06-06T09:57:00.001+02:002011-06-14T15:29:55.511+02:00

This has got to be my most favourite interview of all time - I watched it from beginning to end completely focused on it.  My 10 year old grand-daughter, Hayley - to whom I sent a link to this video, was rather amazed when I told her this - she knows I mostly multi-task like watching TV same time as using my net pad or doing Su Doku. Firstly I watched because I know Hayley is a fan but then I

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-79912776048651641002011-06-04T11:19:00.001+02:002011-06-06T09:52:43.875+02:00

"If God calls you, pick up the damn phone" - Lady Gaga     - end of blog, what else is there to say? - Think About It!

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-68309655097700186602011-06-01T12:53:00.003+02:002011-06-14T15:25:44.844+02:00

I don't walk around the house naked, I never wore a bikini, was even shy about wearing a swimsuit!  Didn't expose myself to my children and my husband really only had a good look at me between the sheets!  Last time I flew to Ireland I found myself pushed into a body scanner machine, at Amsterdam airport, before I even knew what it was - it shocked me to realise that the guy in front of the

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-12845804439998400012011-05-31T21:45:00.003+02:002011-06-14T15:36:13.278+02:00

I'm going to be honest with you.  I don't feel like reading this full article - by all means you read it http://bit.ly/iGDoiP .My personal opinion at 9.30pm while sitting here in Cairo is that governments should not be adding anything to our water, whether to reduce risk of suicide or whatever good intentions they may try to sell this action to the public on.  Lithium may well stop one guy

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-20911915558343581492011-05-31T20:34:00.003+02:002011-06-24T09:43:03.844+02:00

There's nothing like a ride in a Cairo taxi to renew your wish to stay alive!  Went to visit a friend in Maadi this morning, had a great day - she's Irish,  lovely woman.  Taxi trip out there went fine, except for the usual nonsense of the taxi driver lying about knowing where I wanted to go. Four hours later it was the taxi ride home that almost got the better of me.  Our average speed IN FULL

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-41191041809536071082011-05-30T18:49:00.002+02:002011-06-14T15:35:28.048+02:00

Retirement, forced retirement, unemployment in a country experiencing economic disaster, losing a business, physical incapacity, old-age resulting in deteriorating physical mobility, imprisonment, losing children or family whether because they have grown up, moved away or lost through divorce etc. - it strikes me that for a person with an active mind accustomed to leading an active life seven

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-40188581138465777042011-05-21T10:18:00.002+02:002011-06-14T15:36:41.819+02:00

Are you living a real life or a virtual reality life?  What is living?  These are questions I am asking myself this morning. How many hours a day do you spend watching the news?  On how many channels? How many hours a day do you spend on Facebook? How many hours a day do you spend on Twitter? How many hours a day do you spend writing a blog? How many hours a day do you spend surfing the net? 

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-75749504282948608482011-05-18T14:44:00.003+02:002011-06-14T15:37:38.220+02:00

The good days can be wonderful but the "bad" days can drive you nuts. There are days - like today - when trying to get something done is like wading through mud, have you ever tried it?  When I was young I used to have what I came to interpret as "frustration" dreams (no, not sexual).  Dreams in which I would be trying to go somewhere but my body would not move fast enough or I was trying to get

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-58663375708401842502011-05-18T08:48:00.003+02:002011-06-14T15:38:07.648+02:00

If I wanted to take growth hormones I would go to the doctor not the supermarket!  Exploding watermelons in China - poetic justice from Mother Earth towards greedy farmers as far as I am concerned.  They injected too much growth hormones into the melons - read the story here http://shanghaiist.com/2011/05/18/exploding_watermelons.php  And what the hell are they doing feeding the exploded melons

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-6706002733198730722011-05-05T11:51:00.000+02:002011-05-05T11:51:20.526+02:00

We learn from history......or we don't - mostly it seems in Egypt, we don't.  We had the swine flu' scare and the government of the day immediately ordered the slaughter of all the pigs in Cairo.  So what?  So what is the fact that the pigs ate all the organic waste that was collected in Cairo.  Result of the slaughter was .......no place to dispose of food etc......which was left to rot in the

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-50688621242817959432011-05-04T23:56:00.003+02:002011-06-24T09:51:25.695+02:00

Egypt's current and future economy is on my mind - it's been on my mind every day since Jan!  You see, I'm a small foreign investor here - would have been bigger investor if I had not fallen foul of some ex-government officials here!  And some still in government positions here!!!  The key word here is "investor" this means I brought my money into the country and hope for a return on it. -  so

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-76191851831285694062011-05-02T17:01:00.003+02:002011-06-14T15:39:50.174+02:00

"Do you speak arabic?" I am often asked.......from now on my answer will be "just enough to cause a riot if I want!"  One thing that sends my blood pressure up is when someone jumps a queue I am standing in.  Now, if the person is in a terrible hurry (even if I am also) and asks nicely if the rest of us in the queue mind, and gives us a reason, even if it's not exactly life and death I always

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-23141673554931753352011-04-28T14:00:00.005+02:002011-06-24T09:49:11.665+02:00

In a fight against corruption, suppression, police intimidation and in their search of human rights the people of Egypt took to the streets in early 2011 and so began the Egyptian Revolution which ended in the ousting of President Mubark and his government.  The demand for human rights.....hmmmmmm.. - we all know what the basic human rights are don't we?  Well, there is one human right that has

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-83102296613735973232011-04-21T23:42:00.009+02:002011-05-20T20:56:09.421+02:00

The moving finger writes; and, having writ,Moves on: nor all thy piety nor witShall lure it back to cancel half a line,Nor all thy tears wash out a word of it.           - The Rubaiyat of Omar KhayyamGo to any temple in Egypt and the guide will show you where Pharaoh after Pharaoh obliterated the names of previous rulers to replace them with his own - a practice it seems that is decreed to

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-67668340434842425512011-04-21T20:57:00.021+02:002012-01-20T14:50:49.865+02:00

Woke up this morning - no sunshine in Cairo!  This was the kind of day I had been waiting for, a day-trip to the jewel of Cairo that hardly any tourists know about - Al Azhar Park!  In 1984 the Aga Khan decided to build a park for the people of Cairo.  The only suitable central location was a rubbish/rubble dump near the 15th century "City of the Dead".  The site was transformed into what is

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.69323714314878 32.6509435920654625.66974114314878 32.62274759206546 25.716733143148783 32.67913959206546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-71786086724561013682011-04-21T11:01:00.004+02:002011-06-14T15:42:23.978+02:00

The revival of the tourist industry in Egypt is the fastest and least painful way (much less painful in the long run than borrowing money from the IMF) to get the Egyptian Economy back on it's feet.  It is adventurous people like Caye Poe and John Francis of Dayton who will hasten the return of the tourists to Egypt.....full story here The Egyptian government and foreign governments may

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-12005238024795155362011-04-20T14:01:00.006+02:002012-01-20T15:12:23.625+02:00

Niqab - Hijab.  To wear or not to wear.  There is a brilliant personal piece of writing by Nadia here  where she tells her story of going from not wear to wearing and back to not wearing the niqab (face veil etc. worn by some muslim ladies).  The 70+ comments at the end of her story explore many facets and much of the pros and cons of the question of a woman's right to what she wears.  I can

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693266147315473 32.6509435920654625.66977014731547 32.62274759206546 25.716762147315475 32.67913959206546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-59153293592169810422011-04-20T10:04:00.003+02:002011-06-14T15:44:03.268+02:00

It seems the older I get the faster time passes.  I don't have enough time in the day to do all the things I want to do.  I don't just mean work - I also mean time for relaxing, holidays, hobbies etc.  So I really resent  people and systems that waste my time. People in some professions now realise we don't want to sit around waiting - for example in our doctor's waiting room, so progressive

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-64961093793640150602011-04-19T18:04:00.004+02:002011-06-14T15:50:36.110+02:00

 The new Egyptian Minister for Tourism, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour said on April 15: “We are doing whatever we can to inform the world that security is prevailing, that hotels and Egyptians are waiting to receive tourists,” Abdel Nour said. “And with this effort, I expect the last quarter of the year to be excellent.”  Full story here New tourism sites to open in Egypt announced after

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-75951865886285857752011-04-15T13:20:00.004+02:002012-01-20T15:08:29.307+02:00

The day I saw the following in Tahrir Sq., my mind went immediately to the French Revolution - Madam Defage and her buddies knitting under the Guillotine as the forces of the popular Revolution cut off the heads of the aristocrats. As I took the photo I wondered if the Egyptian Revolution would go the same way.  Since I cannot read arabic my understanding of what is going on here is,

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693241977177053 32.6509489564834925.66974597717705 32.62275295648349 25.716737977177054 32.67914495648349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-18581109656295159032011-04-12T12:30:00.005+02:002011-06-14T15:49:53.992+02:00

"There comes a time in the affairs of men...." Well, I think we are fast coming, if we are not there already, in the affairs of Egypt when somebody must speak up for Egypt! I am back in Cairo after a much needed two weeks in Ireland.  Two glorious weeks away from anger, resentment and frustration.  No, I am not just speaking about my own - I am speaking about the feelings of Egypt.  (No, thank

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-17057986403503918972011-03-20T17:02:00.001+02:002011-05-20T21:44:47.679+02:00

As I was saying here just two days ago......same intersection just this time it was a red and a black car.... these two were not as lucky as the last two!  Cairo is wonderful - just take it easy and keep your eyes open!

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-26379136534142310442011-03-18T12:54:00.001+02:002011-06-24T09:45:41.398+02:00

If you have an apt. with a street view (especially near an intersection) in Cairo - you don't need a TV if you are into suspense thrillers.  What happens when you have an intersection and just for a split moment there are no cars in the intersection? Well, in Cairo drivers seem to believe they both have the right of way........saw an example of it just now from my third floor balcony....two

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-13776037653115527372011-03-15T16:02:00.002+02:002011-06-14T15:56:32.456+02:00

I'm Irish, I'm a woman. My religiion/beliefs/faith is nobody else's business. I live in a predominantly Muslim country. I am not afraid of my neighbors.  I am not afraid to walk the streets of Luxor.  I am not afraid to walk the streets of Cairo.  I am safe here and I am not paranoid..............................until I see the TV news - any channel and I see what is happening outside of Egypt.

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-25604443516337570212011-03-07T18:57:00.003+02:002011-05-20T20:46:08.931+02:00

With all the doom and gloom of recessions, political unrest, revolutions I am putting up a few links here that I use to keep myself hopeful.  Who knows?  Lets think about and dream about these predictions instead of those of doom and gloom.  According to the Law of Attraction, we can make these come through in our own space - but critical mass can make it "reality" if there is such for the planet

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-72875146161460215262011-03-06T00:35:00.001+02:002011-03-06T00:43:04.593+02:00

Cairo 5.3.2011 - It's 7pm and Talaat Haarb St. is turning into one big market place.  Now that the street traders don't have to run from the police who used to go around chasing them from the streets and confiscating their goods they are setting up all along the street.  They are selling everything from toy ducks to scarves, socks and suits.  The red, white and black colours of the Egyptian flag

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-77170965874821298412011-03-05T17:59:00.001+02:002011-05-20T20:47:35.130+02:00

This is a wonderful article I recommend to my readers - I share her opinion on this and could not put it better myself.  Article by Maryanne Stroud

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-68543676237890159092011-03-05T12:05:00.001+02:002011-05-20T21:11:43.193+02:00

I don't know if I am becoming more enlightened about the world or just succumbing to manipulation from what I read on the net and see on the TV.  So for anyone reading my ramblings please bear with me if you see me swaying this way and that way from blog to blog!  Only time will tell if my perceptions were correct or not.  So, where am I today? Well, for starters I am in Cairo since last night -

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-85400889663581802982011-03-04T17:10:00.003+02:002011-05-20T20:26:39.678+02:00

I turned on my computer and TV this morning and saw 3 fantastic pieces of news 1.That the revolutionaries in Egypt are starting to put political parties together 2. The following tweet from Wael Ghonim (whom I thought had either died or gone brain dead - sorry Ghonim!) "Ghonim Wael Ghonim We need to start addressing the economy. We are walking into a disaster and

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-59929068797912193902011-03-03T00:02:00.003+02:002011-05-28T17:40:06.181+02:00

There is a movement afoot to take the name of "Mubarak" and that of his wife "Suzanne" of buildings, streets etc. - mostly in Cairo at the moment.   I do hope this won't go too far.  It is what we call a "knee jerk reaction, which with hindsight may look petty or meaningless. Egypt cannot simple push a button and erase the Mubarak era by changing street names etc.  Today's visitors to Luxor are

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-53436237780125153792011-03-02T21:51:00.002+02:002011-05-20T21:54:59.762+02:00

What is reality?  If you are a fan of the "Matrix" films maybe you think it is just possible we are part of a BIGGER, muucch bigger "mind" or "consciousness" and maybe just maybe these bodies we believe we are in....we are not really in them at all...we are just using them to walk around in the virtual reality Game of Earth......................... You know, it's occurred to me a few times over

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-57639050334521669442011-03-02T12:36:00.003+02:002011-05-20T21:10:19.967+02:00

"I am nobody" yet "I am Everybody" and sometimes I feel like I am alone on the planet, frustrated and angry.....I am a fantastic, logical co-ordinatior and organiser and it is really driving me insane watching the Libyan Revolution on TV. Gaddafi - I couldn't care less but I hate the international intrigue, conspiracy and self-serving politicians and money men who fund and enable people like him

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-56341116127897209882011-03-01T22:40:00.000+02:002011-03-01T22:40:37.243+02:00

The Muslim Brotherhood held an open-air open meeting tonight which started at 6pm in front of Luxor Temple.  There were an estimated 2,500 - 3,000 people in attendance.  Two other observations - first the noticeable total absence of the army and the presence of one white police car and one small blue truck. The second observation was the HUGE number of cars, minibuses and motorbikes with the

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-5172431601250990462011-03-01T17:36:00.001+02:002011-05-20T21:56:56.050+02:00

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-41994067955664770912011-02-27T12:21:00.002+02:002011-05-20T21:08:16.710+02:00

Many times guests ask me the differences between Western and Egyptian ways of life, thinking etc. and it is a subject one could talk about and analyse for hours.  But today I found this on the net and I think it answers part of question - differences between the societies brilliantly and concisely in the broadest aspect of differences between democratic and non-democratic societies.   I must

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-27778690637638947592011-02-26T11:20:00.019+02:002011-05-20T21:17:07.594+02:00

Checked out the news this morning and was dismayed, to say the least, to read that there was trouble in Tahrir last night.  Apparently about 3,000 (according to the media report) decided to stay there last night in defiance of the curfew so the army moved them out. I am extremely tired by now of the constant shouting of the organisers for the removal of this person and that person.  I believe it

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-55467359713519775512011-02-21T11:09:00.001+02:002011-05-20T22:41:28.752+02:00

CAIRO: For the first time in fifteen years, and Egyptian court has licensed a moderate Islamic political party, al-Wasat. Al-Wasat was previously denied a license under the regime of former president Hosni Mubarak, as was any party with a religious basis. read more Seculars, leftists, Coptic activists and human rights organizations called for the elimination of Article 2, saying that it is

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-63526380365732851542011-02-18T15:49:00.010+02:002011-05-20T22:01:59.653+02:00

It is Friday the 18th - By the way President Mubarak stepped down on the 11th Feb, which reads 11022011 - it is a palindrome (meaning you can read it backwards as well as forwards).  So, now 8 days since the historic event and I haven't written any blog of note since then because to tell the truth there is nothing to write about.  I know you are still seeing Egypt on TV and reading about it in

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-34810317497595720502011-02-15T17:51:00.001+02:002011-05-20T22:39:15.595+02:00

This advice has been updated with new amendments to the Travel Summary and Safety and Security Political Situation. We continue to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo (all four governorates, including Giza), Alexandria, and Suez. However, we no longer advise against all but-essential travel to Luxor.  We have also removed the recommendation that British nationals without a

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-38293065400338958822011-02-13T19:17:00.002+02:002011-05-20T21:23:11.626+02:00

Be careful what you ask for - you just might get it!  Or to put it another way....be as specific as you can about what you want - for you will surely get it then!  A few weeks ago I put it out to the Universe (God if you prefer that term) that I was open to a new adventure, at the time I was thinking that my new adventure might be back in Ireland if a buyer appeared for Mara House.  Well, I got

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-68291599347497543632011-02-13T17:47:00.003+02:002011-05-20T22:16:56.682+02:00

Last updated: 12:10, Friday 11 February 2011Due to the civil unrest in Cairo, Egypt, a curfew has been put in place. We have changed the timings of our flights to operate outside of the curfew. Sharm El Sheikh remains unaffected and our flights are operating normally. If you are booked to travel over the next few days please check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. >

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-80189445056736182442011-02-13T17:35:00.004+02:002011-05-20T22:16:16.617+02:00

Sunday 13 February 2011, 09.00 hours / 9:00 AM (Amsterdam time) Changes of KLM flight schedules between Amsterdam and Cairo, Egypt Due to the current situation in Egypt, KLM is forced to change their flight schedules to/from Cairo in order to comply with the curfew imposed by the Egyptian authorities. KL553 of  13 February is now delayed to depart from Amsterdam to Cairo on  14 February at 07:

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-36084052408719086572011-02-13T16:47:00.005+02:002011-05-20T22:17:48.729+02:00

London Heathrow - Cairo - bmi now running a normal schedule http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/flight-and-airport-info/flight-information/travel-news.aspx Due to the situation in Cairo, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. They also recommend that British nationals without

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-37317152123759709312011-02-12T21:31:00.000+02:002011-02-12T21:31:17.167+02:00

As everyone probably know by now President Mubarak resigned yesterday.  I have been busy preparing to get back to business myself so here are just some items of news to bring you up to date. People turned up at Tahrir Sq. today with brushes and bags - they cleaned up the square, the streets leading to the square and even washed down the public statutes, monuments and shop walls that had

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-10811083196515965402011-02-09T21:42:00.001+02:002011-05-20T21:42:35.353+02:00

We have a phrase in Ireland - usually used in a rather patronising or sarcastic way....."the hurler on the ditch".  The hurler on the ditch is the loud mouth on the sideline shouting instructions (and sometimes abuse)at the players on the field, and of course he is the guy who (in his own mind) would do much better than those he is watching. The hurler on the ditch may not be doing too much

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-87507643203714618342011-02-09T20:30:00.003+02:002011-05-20T20:24:22.667+02:00

Christian Bible begins with the words "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  We could spend lifetimes trying to understand these words alone - the Word creates our World. We have long heard the phrases "the power of the pen" and "the pen is mightier than the sword"  Words dictate our emotions and those who have not practiced separating reason from

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-11459166186940435582011-02-06T15:45:00.017+02:002011-02-25T15:53:27.784+02:00

Just back from Tahrir Sq.  Before you read any further please remember that there are basically 3 groups of people in Cairo today.  The first are those who are into the hype and excitement of the moment.  The second are those who are interested but detached from the excitement and see a different version of what is happening.  The third is the group that are completely detached and disinterested

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-16261285111423994392011-02-05T09:26:00.035+02:002011-02-25T15:20:35.620+02:00

The situation in Tahrir Sq. has been hijacked by people massaging their egos in public and now they are martyred as well!   I have a problem with the media blaming every piece of violence on Mubarak or pro-Mubarak supporters, even the language they use - 75% of the time the pro-Mubarak people are labeled "Thugs".    It is quite possible that the people causing the violence are supporters of

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-38397397395909331152011-02-04T15:15:00.001+02:002011-05-20T22:07:07.752+02:00

In my previous blogs I have tried to give a balanced view of Egypt.  Now as the time and days pass I find that my focus has been fixed more and more on the media and it's method of conveying the "news".  Read the following, do your own research and decide for yourself................this problem does not just affect Egypt although it (EGYPT) may turn out to be a victim of the media, we shall see.

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-56572699053045078412011-02-04T09:53:00.007+02:002011-02-25T15:15:58.611+02:00

If  you are sitting watching BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera or Press TV you will notice that they are having a really good go at creating by virtual reality.  For those of us watching these channels and then also having the chance to listen to state TV or go into the streets in Cairo you would see there are two or more sides of the story. This is Nile TV if you want to hear both sides and observe the

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-34825122115549581172011-02-03T10:16:00.026+02:002011-05-20T21:00:46.606+02:00

This is the easiest way to keep you up to date with real-time events here so I will up date this part of the blog site every day. On the 25th and the 26th I was in Cairo in our apartments in Downtown Cairo, 10 - 15 minutes walk from Tahrir Square.  The first I knew of anything happening on the street was from the TV. At around 6pm on the 25th. I went for dinner at Cafe Rich on Talaat Harb St

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-17624118447614388582011-02-02T23:59:00.008+02:002011-05-20T21:27:06.877+02:00

"Now, it is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt’s leaders.Only the Egyptian people can do that.  What is clear -- and what I indicated tonight to President Mubarak -- is my belief that an orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful, and it must begin now."  Those are the exact words President Obama uttered last night. Commentators are focusing on one word of that

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-90961090940164613402011-02-02T20:35:00.006+02:002011-05-20T21:50:51.053+02:00

The observation of any situation or person is relative to the observer’s personal experience - we all perceive the world through the lens of our background, our parents' opinions, county, religion, personal experiences, preferences and hates.  Every situation and person we judge is colored by those lens and so - unless you are God and know the heart of each person you encounter it is wise to live

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-87314238050606520532011-02-02T20:06:00.009+02:002011-02-25T15:11:08.525+02:00

Egypt (and the world) needs to ask some investigative questions. 1.  Who are the faceless organisers of this present situation?  Please don’t try to tell me it was a spontaneous popular outburst. 2.  Who has gained out of this situation?  Who inside of  Egypt has gained out of this?   Are there individuals or organisations or corporations outside of Egypt who have gained or stand to gain out of

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-53481378596880699652011-02-02T19:37:00.013+02:002011-05-20T19:21:11.612+02:00

Nobody will dispute that the first thing a country, any country or state needs is political, religious and economic stability.  Granted the economic aspect has not been as quick in it’s evolution as many would like.  But economic growth depends as much on a country’s citizens as it does on it’s government.  In the Middle East moreso than in western countries (to date) we must rely on governments

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-29333539415945810102011-02-02T16:32:00.013+02:002011-02-25T15:05:52.542+02:00

Much of the media is focusing us on the negative so I am going to try to shine a little light and  balance!!  But to understand we need to be willing to take a deep breath and leave our emotions aside for a few minutes.  Open up the wider truths, bigger picture and genuine understanding of all sides. I have never met anyone here who is starving.  They may appear to live in squalor and poverty

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-59112137327050937442010-12-15T11:32:00.001+02:002011-05-20T21:35:22.610+02:00

My birthday was a few days ago and it was probably one of the worst emotional days of my life - for reasons I won't bother revisiting but the following day I was sitting on the roof terrace and it suddenly hit me - I have been living the dream and not even been aware of it, much less taking advantage of it! I not only enjoy and thrive on a challenging job or experience - I seem to have been an

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-5203732085971503112010-10-08T07:33:00.002+02:002010-10-08T07:43:05.459+02:00

6.45 am this morning, 22 degrees celsius and I was woken up by a giant balloon passing before my eyes....what was it?  Just one of the early morning balloon flights coming into land on the next street....... - supposed to be over the West Bank not gliding past my window!  But who cares?  The longer I live here the less I know.  Nothing here is logical, rational or real. I am so HAPPY HAPPY

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-35229997814597022692010-09-16T10:21:00.002+03:002012-01-20T14:14:49.034+02:00

Over the years I had been coming to Egypt and especially since I came to live here in 2003 I had become curious about the actual people whom we refer to as the “Ancient Egyptians”   (Even in school I could not remember any history we were taught unless I heard a story or read a book that made the people and events of history more real to me!).  And so it has come to pass (as all good

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693227475091632 32.65095700311053425.66973147509163 32.62276100311053 25.716723475091634 32.679153003110535tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-16645991710234735642010-09-09T08:35:00.001+02:002011-05-20T22:11:23.663+02:00

As the days go by I spend more and more time thinking to myself "I don't know, I just don't know"  What is Ramadan?  I'm not really sure.  I know it is both a difficult time and a wonderful time for some.  The theory is that from sunrise to sunset, if you are observing Ramadan, you don't eat, drink or take medicine - I did it the first year I lived here -mainly because I was such a wimp I wanted

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-25892239523537486772010-09-05T15:56:00.002+02:002011-05-28T17:35:18.006+02:00

Isn't it wonderful?  Just when you think you've heard it all - along comes a revelation like this. I've been under the impression that the airlines were trying to conserve fuel (for the sake of the environment) so they wanted us to reduce the amount of luggage we carry on planes....what an idiot!  Therefore they deter us by charging us extra.  Of course it probably helps them if they know how

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-49043810344474403842010-08-25T12:00:00.004+02:002012-01-20T14:20:09.334+02:00

CAIRO - More or less all shops have fixed, marked prices (but in Arabic so learn you numbers before going shopping).  The markets or souks such as Khan El Khalili do not have fixed, marked prices so you have to be very good at bargaining! Talaat Harb St.,  Kasr El Nil St. and the many streets off them comprise the shopping district known as "Downtown Cairo" (starts around Tahrir Sq where the

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com0Luxor City, Luxor, Egypt25.693232309120308 32.65094090985644525.669736309120307 32.62274490985644 25.71672830912031 32.679136909856446tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-62929278849967716882010-08-20T14:45:00.004+02:002011-05-20T22:08:48.025+02:00

It's great to be back home in Ireland - would you believe that we've only had two days of rain in two weeks?  It's been 15 days of relaxing, enjoying the lower temperatures, appreciating the greenery, eating all the foods I've missed, playing with my grand-children (they're gone off to Spain now hence time to catch up with a bit of writing and what's happening back in Egypt) and having lots of "

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480619236536900631.post-53344014986164035492010-07-31T21:20:00.001+03:002011-05-20T22:10:16.057+02:00

Metro Supermarket opened in Luxor last night.....much to everyone's delight and mine....until I tried to buy some stuff there today!  It's fantastic....cheaper prices across the board, great selection of everything from fruit to household cleaners BUT especially welcome to me and I think maybe every foreigner living here....THE MEAT counter.....wow!  This might seem OTT to anyone not living here,

Mara Vaughanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05005667190731988397noreply@blogger.com3