Belya's Room

Belya says

2010-10-01T22:49:00.002+02:00

If can make younger generations avoid your own mistakes, that's a first step in a way for a better future.

Lessons from Belya's life.

2010-10-01T22:25:00.004+02:00

You may not be the best , but work hard to be the best you can be.
Be patient.
Un-justice hurts.
Always count your blessings.

Choices.

2010-07-30T16:19:00.003+03:00

Why does it become so difficult to take decisions when emotions get involved in the formula ?!!!!

I'm not taking about life changing decisions, I'm talking just regular simple day to day decisions. Your mind sees one way and your heart tells you to go the other way.

Why can't they work together .............

off ba2a :)

Any way, I followed my mind. Hope it's worth it.

L.O.V.E

2010-04-21T02:37:00.006+02:00

Been trying for some time to write an explanation of love, just couldn't find a suitable definition nor an explanation.
Till I came up with this sentence.

Love: it's what makes life worth the hassle.

Thank you my princess :)

People in my life ( 1 )

2009-07-29T19:48:00.002+03:00

Mr. Wael, Science teacher.

Although this guy wasn't a popular teacher among us students. He is one of the very few teachers who left a mark in my life.
He was a thirty something man back then, heavy smoker, had a thin mustache on his face, always had a green jacket on during the winter days or a white shirt during summer. Not a single day did he walk around school without his beloved friend, a black rectangular hollow stick.

It was this stick that completed the picture he drew for himself as a horror man. But, I tend to believe that deep inside he was a nice guy. I was in no place to discover such aspect.

It was this day that made a BIG difference in my life, I'm not the same person since.It was during my first year at the preparatory school, I was 12 back then.

We were having a quiz in the class. I had my turn, I got all my questions answered and done with it ( it was a one by one oral quiz ). Mr. Wael had strictly instructed everyone in the class to stay attentive and listen to questions carefully. I thought I was too good to listen ( I was the smart kid in class, THE geek ), so I grabbed my autograph book ( used to have one back then, not anymore ) & started reading what's written in it. I was keeping it at a lower level than my desk, as if he won't notice that I'm not listening.

Then, I heard my name being called by Mr. Wael: " Belya, What's that in your hand ? why aren't you listening ". I had no answer, so I just handed my book and headed towards the wall where he pointed. I stood there till the end of the class, facing the wall.

I wished it was over then. It wasn't till the class was over, that he called me out of the class room with him. I received the harshest scolding of my life. He told me, among some other stuff :
" Don't think that being smart relieves you from behaving properly. You might be my favorite student, but this doesn't mean you'll get any special treatment. When you go wrong you'll get what you deserve. "

Ever since, I decided that I won't accept such a scolding that was well deserved then. I always watched my steps, respected my self to be respected by others. I guess I followed through good enough so far.

Thanks alot Mr. Wael.

Memories ( 1 )

2009-07-11T11:40:00.003+03:00

This specific memory , just keeps running in my head these days for no particular reason.

This was 9 years ago back in high school. I had a friend, who was considered an outcast at our school, he just didn't blend. He had to be my friend as we were classmates in the same preparatory school.

Well, this guy ( H ) was aggressive and not your typical friendly person, I used to see it as a way to protect himself from the hostile environment surrounding him. I was never faced with this side of him, I always knew how to tame the lion within.

It was this day when one of the know it all students ( T ) called ( H ) a name he truly despises ( to give you a bit of a background, T & H can't withstand each other for a minute ). ( T ) was trying to be funny, I call it stupid.
Then, a high school guys fight started. A totally uneven war, this book worm versus this hulk ( physically yes he was, compared to T ).

It was all a regular seen in any school that has teenagers, until the turning point happened. T's glasses were shattered because of one of H's punches. It only took a small piece of glass to convert T's white shirt into a bloody red one ( if your are in the medical field, you know that the face is rich in blood vessels. Which creates the seen of massive bleeding from minor injuries. To non-medicals it seems fatal ).

So there was the situation. ( H ) suspended, expected and nothing wrong with that. The whole school talking about and having class forums about the incident, at least our class did.

What was strange about the situation, at least to me. Every single student in the school blamed ( H ) for being hostile, aggressive .... etc. the same people who wouldn't point a finger or talk a word out if it was one of the " cool guys " accused of starting a fight in school.

I saw it as every one talked around because of the injury not because of the fight, I think it would have gone unnoticed if no injury was induced. But, it was stupidity as well as misfortune that led to the injury.

So during the class forum, every student put his 2 cents on the issue. Everyone blaming H and not a single one mentioning T's name. When it came down to me, I was already upset because of the incomplete picture people are looking at.

I started my talk, stating that it was T's fault to start with. It takes only a stupid person to go up to a macho man who doesn't like you and call him a name you know for sure he hates hearing. Everyone took me as if I'm defending H, but I was not. I was just setting things straight. Everyone should carry his load of blame and accusation.

I wasn't siding with H , but I was shocked by the double standard. Not a single word would have been talked in this class room that day, had the fight ended with no casualties. It would have taken the regular course, suspension of both students for some time & life goes on.

I was stamped for the remainder of the year, with the name tag H's buddy on my forehead. Which wasn't true...

Now, I don't know how has life treated ( H ) since & ( T ) is gliding down his path. Good luck to bot.

From here I want to say:
( H ) you were stupid on an overall setting, not in this incident only. You made people hate you & I couldn't help you out of that.

( T ) you were not as innocent as people made you believe you are. I don't think you deserve the ideal student award you were rewarded because of this specific incident.

Can't find the right formula.

2009-04-03T23:45:00.002+02:00

I'm a person who is concerned about order at my work place, else it's chaos. My work place is a hospital, so I can't accept chaos. People are here to be treated not visit the circus.

I reach that by being strict and tough when mistakes happen.

This left me in a position where my superiors like me & whoever is under my authority doesn't.

The problem is, our field of concern is people's health, so by no means can I go soft on mistakes.

Yet it's not nice to have people shaking when they see you.

I'm looking deep within myself, maybe I can find the right formula one day.

If I didn't ever, I'd rather stick to this formula which always keeps my patient comes first.

Belya's beliefs :)

2009-04-03T11:28:00.002+02:00

I tend to believe that :

1) What goes around comes around.
2) Not every smiling face is a happy one.
3) Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
4) Don't judge people if you don't want to be judged.
5) Curiosity killed the cat :)

I just completed an old post . 3ashan 7'atrek ya Gjoe. :D

Your health.

2009-03-26T13:52:00.002+02:00

Please please please, Don't hide any information as regards you health from your treating dentist.

A couple of days ago at the hospital, we had a patient who suffered from major complications during receiving his dental treatment. All of this was because he withheld a piece of information about his health, he thought irrelevant.

So, please be frank about your health.

The Favourites Post.

2009-02-20T13:46:00.003+02:00

Favorite color: Aqua

Favorite perfume (guys): Tommy ( when going out with friends ), Burberry & the ultimate classic Drakar Noir

Favorite perfume (girls): -------- ( no idea )

Favorite clothes brand in general: Next

Favorite person in the entire world: My mom & my younger brother

Favorite country: I love Egypt but Turkey comes second

Favorite car: BMW ( one day will be in my garage )

Favorite sport: Soccer ( cliche isn't it ). Although I loved Archery when I used to play it.

Favorite sport player: Michael Schumakher. ( a true legend )

Favorite spot in the World: I always dream of the Maldives.

Favorite animal: Horses and eagles.

Favorite movie: That's a long list.

Favorite singer: Fairouz & Asala.

Favorite day in the week: Mondays ( no idea why is that )

Favorite time of the day: The afternoon.

Favorite holiday season: Eids

Favorite number: 5 & 6

Favorite food: My mom's come first. If it wasn't for her I would have been living in Italy long time ago.

Favorite chocolate: Milk chocolate. If you ask me about brands, Aero.

Favorite cartoon: The jungle book.

Favorite blogger: not answering.

Favorite Flavor Ice Cream: Chocolate , chocolate & more chocolate.

Favorite Mobile Brand: I'm used to Nokia.

Favorite name: This is another long list. ( Youssef, Tareq, Osama, Yara, Rana ..... )

Favorite room in my house: My room.

Favorite fruit: Mango

Favorite flower: mosh 3aref.

Favorite Quran Reciter: Mishary Rashed, Al-3agamy & Tawfiq Al-saye3'.

Favorite Website: Masrawy & wikipedia

You've got mail

2009-02-15T01:19:00.003+02:00

Today was my first time to watch the brilliant movie " You've Got Mail " as a whole. Every time it's on TV I usually catch the last half.

Anyways, I enjoyed the movie alottttt.

Yet, I was left with some questions afterwards ? ( ridiculous ones basically )

1) Does all men enjoy torturing ( a big word, mosh keda ) the lady that loves them? Referring to Tom Hanks having the advantage of knowing the girl mailing him and choosing how to make use of it and how to meet .........etc. It ended marvelously in the movie.
I don't think all men do, but I can say that a lot of us men enjoy this game (in an innocent way I mean).

2) Is it easy to make a person fall for you, if you want to? Referring to the same situation above.
I believe it's not easy, but it's doable.

3) Are we the same person both in real life as well as the cyber space?
Not necessarily, I know lots of people who are charming in reality and awful when it come to e-connections. I also know others who are the total opposite.

What was this all about ?!!!!!!!!!!!

I absolutely have no idea, I just don't feel like sleeping.

Anti-valantine's

2009-02-14T01:10:00.004+02:00

I don't believe in celebrating Valentine's day.

This has nothing to do with the fact that I'm single.

I ,as Muslim ,refuse to participate in such thing. If anyone refers to the origins of this day you can see why I stand this position.

It really makes me wonder, why do you have to show your love at a certain day ???

You can make use of every single day to show love & care. People who are truly in love know that love doesn't need to be proven by material gifts. A simple gesture, a word, a rose .......etc can express your feelings. A material gift every now and then won't do any harm either.

Don't keep your love for one day, live love in every moment of your life.

Launching

2009-02-13T15:42:00.003+02:00

Here we go...

We've started off our blog for the BUY EGYPT campaign.

It's not yet finalized but we are working on improvements.

For any comments please mail us at: buyegypt@gmail.com

Belya says

2009-02-10T01:57:00.001+02:00

Most of us spend most of our lives learning, but I wonder if we ever learn to live .

A neutral mood

2009-02-07T01:16:00.004+02:00

Today, I went through 2 of my extreme moods ( joy and happiness & anger and frustration )

Things that made me happy: Listening to Fairouz all the way to Zamalek and back ( as I was on my way to Sa2ya to enjoy Wust el-Balad) , the concert was just great.

Things that made me angry: It took me 1 hour to reach zamalek , another hour to park & an hour to go home :(, I couldn't meet up with my friends & I injured my knee.

So, I just can't be a liar and pretend that I'm full of joy nor be a gloomy one and cry over my day. It was just neutral.

Driving obliquely

2009-02-07T01:01:00.002+02:00

Funny as it sounds, yet this remark was noticed by my Dad.
Most drivers in Cairo can't drive in a straight line. I've just noticed it today. I had 2 long journeys through Cairo, during the journeys I followed how people drove their cars.
It's almost impossible to find a sane person driving in a straight line, lazem yemsho bel-warb.

Why Belya ?

2009-01-28T21:07:00.002+02:00

It's almost 3 years of blogging and I have just realized that I never explained why I chose the name Belya.
For those of you who are Egyptians, lived in Egypt for a while or even watch Egyptian movies; they know who Belya is. Belya is usually the small child helping the old mechanic, he's always covered with oil and sha7m . He is helping the mechanic and at the same time learning , one day he will be the master of the trade.

That's it, I just want to feel like Belya all the time. Learning and learning till one day I can be the master, but then I'll keep my inner Belya alive .

Still the same person, failed to change. I won't try harder.

2009-01-14T23:57:00.002+02:00

I've been working on improving or getting rid of some of my personal flaws, but I seem to fail. I'll just live with them :)

1) Ana mas7oob mn lesany ( couldn't find a suitable description ):

Today, I paid my department a visit after I was done with my exam ( I'm on a vacation because of exams ). One of my supervisors asked me innocently " why are you on vacation ? work needs you here " he was soo friendly and he was joking. My reply was " I'm following your foot prints ". This is the worst answer ever, as he was on a loooong examination vacation besides he isn't regularly available at the department.

2) I'm still the same geek back from school ( to some extent ).

If all that's required is 60 % , I'm only satisfied with a minimum of 80 %. Although I would be happy to get the 60% but I'll never stop blaming myself for not getting my 80% at least.

3) Whatever I feel or want to say is all-over my face. ( I hate/love that )

4) I will tell you my opinion if ask for it. Don't ask if you really don't want to know, I have the guts to tell you that you suck.

5) I give the wrong first impression. You can see me as the most introverted person on Earth or the total opposite. The truth is , I'm equally balanced , it's just about which time of the day we met :)

New year's attitude.

2009-01-04T19:32:00.003+02:00

لن أسمح لك أن تهزمني أيها الإحباط

Belya says.

2009-01-02T01:42:00.001+02:00

I shall call master, whoever proves he really knows what is it that women want ? :D

My 2008

2009-01-01T12:29:00.003+02:00

My 2008 wasn't that full of action, yet some major changes took place ( not necessarily in my life ).
Some of the changes are mentioned here, but I'll mention them again as they took place this year.

As regards my life:

- Finished my year of military service. ( with lots of experiences learned & lots of personal changes )
- Started my M.Sc.
- Fixed a broken friendship ( yes Juka, that's you ).
- Decided to cut a friend loose.
- Gained much weight & lost it. Now I'm in the gaining phase once again.
- I was stuck or pushed into one pre-fixed marriages trial by a mistake, and it didn't work out. ( wrong scenario, wrong timing & the wrong messenger ). Never doing that again, in the near future :D
- I cried, once. ( that's a thing to mention, as I'm not that person. Not that it's wrong to cry, but it's just not me. )
- Built stronger relationships with old friends.
- Traveled out Egypt for the first time in 4 years.
- Seen Cairo like never did before.
- Discovered that I'm considered a credible and trustworthy person by my family and friends ( hdl )

As for my family and friends:

- B had a beautiful baby boy.
- I had a beautiful baby boy.
- My sister in law received her M.Sc. degree.
- S & N headed for the U.S.A. ( can't remember when their marriage was )
- Bd headed for the U.S.A.
- D & K got married and headed for the U.S.A.
- Kh got engaged.
- Mo had beatiful baby girl.
- K recieved his M.Sc. Degree.
- L is pregnant and due soon.

That's 08 for me

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but.................. (2)

2009-01-01T12:00:00.002+02:00

Bravo and a chapeau to whoever planned this Gaza thing. It has successfully changed the situation from an Arab-israeli conflict into a pan-Arab conflict or an Arab-Egyptian conflict.

Here are the facts:

1) The Egyptian counselate in Yemen was attacked, the furniture was destroyed, the Egyptian flag was burned & the Palestinian flag was raised. That taking place in Yemen, one of the Arab countries ( Arab countries are well known for their good political security, mabye3meloosh 7aga tanya )

2) The Egyptian embassy in Beirut was under attack with stones and so on.

3) Demonstrations in various Arab capitals trying to reach the Egyptian embassy.

4) In Egypt, the governmental newspapers ( I've read the Ahram ) started a frank vicious attack on the Syrian regime. 3 articles in the Wednesday issue alone.

5) Qatari authorities preventing Egyptians from entering Qatar ( other than those with residency visas ), then denying the decision a couple of hours later.

That's really great.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but...............

2008-12-29T02:42:00.003+02:00

There's something fishy about what's going on in Gazza, I really don't know what it is. I'll just state facts in no particular order:

1) Some newspapers and TV programs reported that there is an idea evolving in the corridors ( some ) of the american secretary of state, suggesting that Palestenians could have a home-land in Sinai. ( if you watch the " el-tab3a al-ola" you'll know what I'm talking about ) It's all over the internet, but as an Israeli idea.

2) Israel is killing Gazza: no food, water, medicine........ nothing. A total siege.

3) When Egypt opened the borders , most of Gazza residents fled into Egypt and tried to hide, refusing to get back there.

4) The truce between Hamas and Israel is over & open war starts.

5) Israel is killing Gazza residents, while Hamas is shooting empty rockets. ( for God's sake, don't tell me that the best you can do is 5 injuries and 1 death, unless you are intentionally aiming for the desert )

6) Hamas refuses letting the wounded enter Egypt. They want un-conditioned opening of the gates.

7) Hassan Nasr-Allah, is asking the Egyptians to demonstrate by the millions even if thousands were martyred, to force the country to open the gates un-conditionally. He's also asking the Egyptian army to force the government to take action. Yet, he's not calling for a coup !!!!!!!!!!

( Why isn't he asking Syrians to free their Golan heights ?. Why isn't he using his borders to relieve the stress on Gazza ?. Why is he hiding underground ? ........... these are just exclamatory questions )

8) A part of the gate between Gazza and Egypt is broken & Palestinians started to leak into Egypt.

9) 2 Egyptian military members were shot today.

......................

What do you get out of all of that. I don't know, the only thing I can see right now is that it's a dirty game of politics that's aiming at pushing Egypt into some sort of a bloody swamp.
Who are the key players of the game right now ?, I have no idea.

Now that's being stupid and irresponsible.

2008-12-28T15:02:00.002+02:00

I'm hating those Hamas people like I never did before. I've always believed that they are not doing that armed resistance thing for the sole sake of their just cause, but for the most part for political wins.
Today, it was admitted by Hamas leaders that they refuse permitting the passage of wounded Palestinians into Egypt to receive medical aid.

How can you justify that ?

On feeling bad.

2008-12-28T01:51:00.002+02:00

I couldn't find a word that better describes what I'm feeling right now than the word ( bad ). I have too many things that are occupying my mind and unfortunately , most of them are negative.

1) Can't describe what I really feel when I see those horrible scenes of the current Gazza massacre. I feel useless, I don't really know how to help them.

2) The shoe - bush incident. This incident truly reflects what's going on in the Arab world. ( bear with me ).
First off, you have those people cheering for Al-zaydi even calling him the hero and the resurrector of the Arab dignity. All for what, is it freeing Palestine, is it kicking the americans out of Iraq & the Gulf, is it because of winning the world cup of anything........ No. It's just for throwing a pair of shoes at a person who isn't even worth the hassle of un-tying the shoe lasses. But that's not my point.

The other team, those who are against that action. Claim that it's against the Arab well known hospitality ( since when has an invader considered a guest !!!!!!!!), it's un-professional ( to that I agree ), it's useless ........etc. But do they propose any other course of action whatsoever for the sake of anything...... zoot, zilck, zit.... nothing.

What's really funny here, both teams are entering a furious battle all over the media. The pro-shoes team call the anti-shoe team the traitors. While the anti-shoe team call the others the Barbarians.................

That's what I call a true reflection of where we stand as Arabs.
We don't know how respect each other let alone the points of view. We are helpless, the best we can do is a symbolic action that wasn't well understood in the other side of the world ( because of cultural differences ).

For both teams, I say; Don't expect freedom or power till you can free your mind and souls.

3) I' not studying hard enough........ my exams are in a week.

4) I just seem to have what I call: winter depression, I just don't like winter.

Does any of the above make any sense, I don't care.

Belya says.

2008-12-28T00:28:00.002+02:00

It's very strange that we give mathematical entries for an equation and expect a chemical reaction as a result.

( me commenting on pre-fixed marriages , aka salonat )

Belya says.

2008-12-28T00:25:00.002+02:00

If life is a dance floor, and it takes 2 to tango, don't go looking for a partner. Change the music, enjoy the hip hop beats.

( me commenting on a friend's desperate attempts to find a suitable spouse )

Self chatter ( 2 )

2008-12-24T00:52:00.002+02:00

It's really strange how we make friends, stick to them, leave them, love them, hate them, argue with them........................
It's really un-explainable .

Hdl I have friends who love me for what I am , who takes my whole package un-conditionally.

I don't know if it's a bless or it's the other way round, when your friends think they can trust you with their lives. It really scares the hell out of me, I'm no superman.
I'm just the ordinary guy who looks strong on the outside and has his flaws & cracks in the inside.

I love my friends and I would do anything I can to help them.

Self chatter ( 1 )

2008-12-24T00:34:00.003+02:00

I've tried almost every feeling in the world you can name during the past year. I even felt things that I haven't througout my entire life.

Here are feelings that I had to live through:

Intense fear, happiness, sadness, suppression, oppression, extreme anger, hate, satisfaction, joy, madness, anticipation, power, weakness, exhaustion, laziness, security, broken, full, empty, wanted, rejected, abused, used, on charge, taken for granted, appreciated, believed, trusted...........

But what I really long for; a shoulder to lean on.

lessons of 2008

2008-12-24T00:22:00.002+02:00

I'm writing this early as I don't think I'll have the time on the new year's eve.

here are my lessons:

1) Patience is a very difficult thing, although we all can't live without.

2) Always think positive.

3) Sometimes, we need to take decisions that aren't lovely nor easy. We need to stand our ground afterwards.

4) A friend who trusts you is worth the world. A friend you trust , is worth your life.

5) Nothing, and I mean nothing, is worth a minute of freedom.

6) Freedom, is the power of choice.

7) Sometimes we need to give up somethings or people to maintain our free spirits.

8) You can never stop discovering yourself.

Childhood movies & TV shows.

2008-10-19T00:28:00.003+02:00

Today , I found myself recalling the movies & TV shows I used to like & watch over and over again while I was a child.

Here's my list ( the ones I've remembered ):

1- The Black Stallion
2- Karate Kid ( the series )
3- Hassan beih el-3'alban ( a silly movie, starring Samir 3'anem )
4- The Jungle Book
5- Robinson Cruiso ( a hilarious movie )
6- Karate Kid ( the movie )
7- Night Rider ( I used to watch David Hasslehoff.......... errrrrrrrg )

Hyper-creative, some modification needed

2008-10-19T00:19:00.003+02:00

Yesterday, I had a frank chat with one of my senior staff. I was talking to her about how depressed I am, because we are faaaaaar beyond the reputed world class universities and dental centers. I also stated my deep belief ( that it seems impossible ) that one day we could reach them as no-one gives a damn about it.

Her answers were soo true and clarifying. She told me some stuff about my-self that I didn't know about ( or to be precise, didn't know all of it ).

Here's what she said:

1) I can easily spot defects, complain about them , suggest ideas for their solving BUT not taking actions.

my comment: true to a certain extent.

2) Ana bazha2 besor3a

my comment: Geddan geddan

3) I'm hyper-creative that I have too much ideas that I'm distracted by them.

my comment: I knew about the distraction, but didn't know about the hyper-creativity.

4) I have the potential for being something big one day.

my comment: YA RABB

Take the long way

2008-10-03T14:20:00.002+02:00

Right now I'm in a situation that I want to reach some person. I only have one friend as a link to that person.
From my position, I can't use my friend to reach this person ( for some reasons I have ).
I'm looking for other links now.

It's becoming a very difficult job.

Plan B

2008-09-08T15:12:00.003+02:00

One of the most important things that I believe-in in this life is PLANNING. As they say " if you fail to plan, then plan to fail ".
But I , personally, have one thing to add to this. My own strategy is to ALWAYS have a Back-up plan ( that's why I call it B, not because it comes in second ). It's of the same importance to having a plan in first place.
On planning anything I always have this question " what if it goes wrong ?" so, I usually have an answer to that ready in my pocket.
This is my own strategy and I've tried it with quiet success till now.

In Kuwait after 4 years ( 3 )

2008-09-08T15:04:00.003+02:00

More of the stuff I've noticed :

1) It's new to this country to have roaming taxis. Back then, taxi was only an on-call service. You caouldn't find a car roaming the streets for you to stop.

2) The newest way to wear the hijab is what I call the ( Hunch-head ). Ladies put something under their hijab to lift the back area of their head. I haaaaaaaaate how it looks big time, it's a very repelling look.

3) The guys' in-style hair cut is to have every single hair on your head full length, dropping over the ear and back. The rest of your hair is ( sabayky-- 3ala ra2y a7mad 7elmy ).

4) Egyptian traits are becoming infectious, people started to stay up late. I never imagined that I'll have to stand in Sultan's ( a big hyper market ) qeue for 30:00 min. at 2:00 am !!!!!!!

On feeling free

2008-09-06T00:24:00.002+02:00

لم أكن أعلم أن حرية الروح كما سلبت يمكن يوما أن تعود . فإني أعلم بالتحديد في أي لحظات حياتي سلبت مني حريتي ، فلم أعد أتنفس كالبشر ، و لكني كنت منذ تلك اللحظة كالآلة التي تسحب الهواء ثم تفرغه دون إستغلاله أو الشعور بوجوده

و لكن مع إقلاع الطائرة لم أستطع إلا الإبتسام و الإحساس بنسيم الحرية يملىء رئتي . فها أنا قد ولدت حرا من جديد

Belya, 26-8-08

Right after the plane take-off .

In Kuwait after 4 years ( 2 )

2008-09-05T20:23:00.002+02:00

3ashan 7'ater Sou, here are more of the things I've noticed in my short visit to Kuwait:

1) Hospitals are still a wonderful oraganised place ( that's if you are a doctor ).
2) There's an increase in the number of Indians & Egyptians.
3) Although the it has always been the case that cheap labour live in an un-human conditions, it's my first time to bump into a beggar who isn't arabic speaking. Does this indicate anything about their conditions !!!!!!!!! I don't know
4) There has been an improvement in the quality of internet connections.
5) Avenues, a veeeeeeery big mall, is a cool place. Yet, I find it soul-less.
6) Ikea is a boring place, you have to go through the whole 2 storeys of the store to reach the exit.
7) It's becoming a more difficult task to find normal decent clothing ( where you are still in style, yet you aren't wearing cat walk clothing). Stores are selling waaaaaaaaay trendy ( cat-walkish as I call it ) outfits.
8) More & more Egyptians are starting to own 4WD cars.

Kefaya keda.

One of the best lines I've read

2008-08-29T11:50:00.002+02:00

كانت الدنيا تمر بحالة من السكون التام حين يكون الليل و ما فيه من نقيق و صرير قد ولى ، و حين لا يكون النهار الكامل بأصواته و ضجيجه قد أقبل بعد. سكون تام مطبق وكأنما ستقوم القيامة بعده . سكون جليل مهيب تتردد حتى أدق الكائنات في خدشه.

الحرام ----- يوسف إدريس

In Kuwait after 4 years

2008-08-28T00:53:00.003+03:00

It's been around 4 years since I've last visited Kuwait. As a first impression it doesn't seem like it has changed alot. But before I state my first impression, right now while I'm writing this there's an earthquake taking place.
I guess Kuwait is greeting me or probably as we say in Egypt ( gebto ma3aya wana gyy ).

Here's my first impression :

1) Alot of private clinics, spas & law firms. This wasn't the case or wasn't even close 4 years ago.
2) Starbucks & Mc Donald's in almost every street and around every corner.
3) Ladies are using toooooooo much make-up and perfume.
4) Construction is taking a fast pace, lots of cranes and new buildings.
5) Streets are more crowded than what I know.

These are the first things I've noticed in after one day.

Hopefully, more to come soon

Undiscovered Talent.

2008-08-23T15:30:00.002+03:00

I don't really know why I have this feeling that I'll live and die without knowing what my true talent is. This is true, I don't know till now what my talent is ; and if I have a talent at anything in the first place. I even can't find a hobby that I enjoy doing for long time, I enjoy lots of things but nothing in particular.
I'm usually good at most of the things I do, but this has something to do with my persistence rather than any talent.

Here's a list of fields that I crossed out:

I'm not an artist
I'm not a musician
I'm not a first class athlete
I'm not a writer
I'm not a poet

I really wish I'd figure out and most importantly make use of it before I die.

Losing track of time

2008-08-18T20:21:00.002+03:00

Today I had some weired moments in the early morning that left me laughing for more than 15 minutes.

Here goes the story:

My alarm beeps at 7:30, I jump out of bed with the first beep. I look at my clock, here's what I think " Shoot, I've only got 5 minutes to pray al-3asr prayers ", how could that happen I can't recall that I've prayed before heading to bed; I even can't recall at what time I went to bed aslan.
So I just went straight to the bathroom for wodoo2, then I started recalling my day's incidences sequentially in order to figure out at out time did I sleep. It crossed my mind that I can't even recall what I had for lunch, so I just went into the kitchen looking for anything left that could notify me of what I ate . I found nothing, so I just said " I probably grabbed a bite on my way back from work, 3adyy ya3ny ".

On moving around the house, I still couldn't figure out what's wrong all clocks and watches are showing it's 7:35 yet it's still sunny; what the hell is going on " Homma 3'ayyaro el-taw2eet wlla eih" the idea just crossed my mind.
It's not until minutes later that I found the newspaper with Today's date on it. I just stared at it for around like 5 minutes, then I fell on the ground out of laughter.

Yalla, this is a typical Belya :D

Why wasn't I told earlier.

2008-08-16T18:42:00.002+03:00

I love my job soooooo much to the extent that I can stay working and performing surgeries non-stop for some long hours.
Why is that ? I have no particular reason. May be because I simply love it, may be because the smile of content and appreciation on the patients' faces makes you forget all the hell time you had to go through or maybe because I have nothing else to do ;) I simply don't know why , and I truly don't care as long as I'm enjoying it.

BUT there's one thing, I hate about my job that comes hand in hand with our work. At some point you have to deliver some bad news to patients as simple as : The patient has cancer and we need to remove a huge part of his face.

How on Earth am I supposed to deliver such news ???????!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really don't know, but I'm trying to figure it out.
It sucks, it really is devastating the look on the patient's face on hearing such awful news. begadd 7aga bashe3a.

I hate the fact that we don't have the luxury of having social workers or psychology trained personnel around

The universal person

2008-08-08T20:47:00.002+03:00

If you were given the chance to choose traits from countrys and regions allover the world. Which ones would you choose ?

Here are my choices, ( in no particular order )

- Think like a Japanese
- Be punctuate like a German
- Enjoy life like a Lebanese
- Love like an Italian
- Dance like a Latino
- Strong like an African
- Mysterious like a Russian

Finally, sarcastic as an Egyptian :)

What about you.

Not blogging

2008-08-08T01:48:00.002+03:00

I don't know why, I just had nothing to write for more than 2 months now. I even forgot about this space for sometime.

Maybe my blogging days are over, I'll just wait and see.

As for my life, I'm hectically busy at work.
Am leaving for Kuwait for a couple of weeks at the beginning of Ramadan isA.

That's all for now

The other side of Facebook

2008-06-05T22:58:00.003+03:00

A couple of days ago I received a friend request over the facebook, I didn't recognize the name but on looking at the mutual friends I found alot of the people I know. I did accept this person on my friends list, thinking that he/she is an old classmate.
Within the following 2 days his/her friends list was full of around 100 people.
Today that person started a group for one sole reason: Attacking a newly married couple, this couple happen to be amongst our best friends.

Now we are deleting this person from our lists & reporting her/him and the group. Just to stop this nonsense.

What really surprised me is how easily we could be deceived over this facebook. All of my friends who had added this person, did so for the same reason I did. They thought it's someone common.

How clever are you??!!! It's only a matter of days and you'll be coming down.

A year of watching life rather than living it.

2008-06-01T14:31:00.000+03:00

Today, it has been 13 months and 19 days since I joined the military service. It's been one hell of a year. I've missed alot of things in my life, but I've also learned ALOT in life.

Here's a list of what happened during this year in my life or in my close circuit of family and friends. ( the world can really change in 1 year ).

As regards my life:

-I found a job that I only stayed in for 1 working day , then I realized that it's not the job for me OR I'm not the one for this job.
-I worked at a filthy clinic for a month .
-I worked and still do at a good enough clinic and al-hamd LELLAH it's going on fine.
-I had a strong argument with a friend that resulted in loss of contact for around 6 months. We are working of fixing that now.
-The head of my Department at the University refuse to grant me his permission to start my M.Sc., so I'm 1 year late than my class.

Family:

-My father had two heart attacks. Everything is fine now and his health status is stable al-hamd LELLAH.
-My grandmother was hospitalized for a week. She is doing great now al-hamd LELLAH.
-My Brother and his wife got promoted at their company.

Friends:

- O, finished his MBA program, so as S his wife who finished her MA of political science.
- S & N got engaged and married. They are heading for the USA.
- K & D got engaged and married. They are leaving for the USA as K got accepted in a PHD program.
- B got accepted in a MBA program, and he too is heading for the States.
- Z started his own private business. He had too shut it down 6 months later .
- M started his private business too. It's going on fine till now.
- Kh changed the company he works for.
- M got engaged.
- A got engaged.
- B got married, she even has a beautiful baby boy now.

Feel free

2008-05-31T14:13:00.003+03:00

When did you feel that you are liberated and free ?

As for myself:

1) On the way down to the pool after jumping from the 5-m or the 3-m ramp. The feeling of the air surrounding your body is just magnificent.
2) When I used to run endlessly in the childish game of hide & seek.
3) Riding ( or is it playing ) with the swing & flying high in the sky.
4) Sitting by the sea.
5) Driving your car full throttle on an empty road .

Dina is dancing, call the police.

2008-05-28T14:50:00.003+03:00

If you are living in Egypt or you've been following the Egyptian satellite channels throughout the past week. You would have probably noticed what was keeping the people busy.
The People's Assembly ( magles el-sha3b ) had been busy condemning the fact that Dina ( the famous belly dancer ) danced at a party. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes that's true. The people's representatives ( nowwab ) were angry because that party was a Prom celebration. They say that Dina will ruin the youth ( hatbawwaz a7'la2hom ).

I'm not here to defend Dina or belly dancing, it's just strange that as far as I know students attend proms to celebrate their final year of school by DANCING. What Dina did was nothing strange to what was going over there, she even wasn't dressed in her always hot dancing suits. She was an invited guest and just wanted to share the students' their happiness.

So, let's stop Prom parties and imprison all High school students for attending them .

Ya gama3a 7aram 3aleiko kefaya tahreeg ba2a. ( ya magles el-sha3b )

And one more thing, Thumbs up for the People's Assembly : Condemning the dancer for dancing & approving 2 more years of Emergency Law.

Belya has changed

2008-05-09T16:53:00.003+03:00

A couple of days ago, I was at my department at college. It's been some time since I last visited the place ( as you know, I'm still serving at the army ). Anyway, I faced a situation that I guess I would have handled waaaaaaay differently a year ago than what I actually did.

Here's the situation that took place at the clinic:

An intern is treating a patient, but she is doing some mistakes that requires correction. I go by her side and start correcting her mistakes the way we usually do ( 1-that's is: in English, so that the patient can't understand. 2- Politely, as they are future colleagues. 3-Confidently, to show them that we are there to support them not to undermine them ).
The intern's reaction was rude, she made it apparent ( without words ) that she is refusing guidance. She wanted to move away from the patient and said " you can show me how it's done " in a manner that indicates anger & challenge.

Here are my two reactions,

A year ago:

I would have probably ORDERED her to move aside, got the patient's treatment done as fast as possible and most importantly I guess I would have given her some hard talk & embarrass her infront of the patient & her colleagues.

A couple of days ago:

I took a firm charge of the situation, verbally. I made her go on with the treatment ( as I tend to believe that being impolite doesn't deprive you from the right to learn), till the point where she really needed my intervention. I didn't hold back any information I thought would be of her benefit. Then I told her ( infront of her colleagues ) that I need her for a word at the instructors' office. There, I listed her mistakes and commented on her behavior.
She apologized for the attitude & even thanked me for my help.

It sucks when you have to instruct interns that are only a year or two younger.

It seems that one year at the army has changed me deep to the core.

Prices going up

2008-05-05T21:20:00.003+03:00

Now, it was officially announced that fuel prices are on the way up.

Expect a drastic uprise of prices of everything.

Long live the government.

What's wrong with car pooling.

2008-04-30T23:13:00.002+03:00

If you are a Cairo resident, I won't have to tell you how the traffic has become the past couple of years. But , I'd like to ask you a question: Have you ever noticed the amount of cars with only the driver in it ??!!! I guess most of the cars in the streets carry only one passenger, the driver that is.

This fact drew my attention around a year ago, while I was reading " Whatever happened to the Egyptians " by Dr. Galal Amin ( the book is gr8 btw ).

I'm driven to think that this is one of the major causes of the lousy traffic we are having in our capital. We have poor, poor, poor & in-efficient public transportation; whether it was the underground, buses or taxis. So, families that can afford to buy cars for every member, will certainly do so without hesitation.
Doing the math ( just my own assumptions ), a single family could push around 3 cars in the streets each morning. Looking from the other side ( the destination side ), a working place with 100 employees could have 50 - 70 cars parking in the streets. ( At my department, we have a car for every single member)

I believe that such problem could be partially solved by changing our attitudes as regards transportation. I suggest car pooling.

I'll take my department as an example. Instead of having, 10 cars awaiting in the parking lot; there could be only 7. That's a 30% reduction in traffic.

What makes Egyptians not used to car pooling ?
( in my opinion )

1) We are not used to think as a community. We just tend to think of our own benefit ( ana w mn ba3dy el-toofan )
2) A lot of people tend to think that it'll take more time and consume more fuel to drive 5 more minutes. But, if it was considered thoroughly; the traffic reduction will decrease time consumption, fuel consumption and pollution.
3) We are not used to share.
4) Everyone thinks he's the most important one in the world, they can't wait extra 5 minutes till their colleagues are free to go home.
5) WE LACK PUNCTUALITY.

that's all for now.

A gesture that's stronger than a million words

2008-04-27T12:46:00.002+03:00

Yesterday I was watching a movie on TV. Then came a scene close to the end of the movie where 2 friends just exchange glances, their eyes expressed all what they have experienced throughout the whole story.

On seeing this, I re-called a similar situation.
We were having a farewell party, as O ( my best friend ) was leaving for the U.S. By the end of the day, everyone present started wishing him & his wife good luck ........etc. Some of our friends almost cried, some even left early becoz the atmosphere was getting very emotional.
As for myself, I stood there till the end of day. I was the last person to salute him on that day and all we had to share was a warm hand shake, a small hug , a good luck word and an intense eye talk.

It's been almost 2 years now, but I will never forget the look in his eyes and the messages we delivered at that moment. Begadd, in-describable.

Egyptian sense of time

2008-04-26T22:31:00.003+03:00

It really gets on my nerves the way Egyptians deal with time. I can't think of a better discription than ( dis-respect ).
If you decide to meet up with almost anyone at 8:00 p.m, you'll probably end up meeting at around 10:00.
If someone tells you he'll be late for just 15 minutes, he probably means that the earliest he can arrive is after 15 minutes. Usually it's never 15 nor 30 minutes it revolves around an hour or more.

I for myself used to be a very punctuate person, I learned from my dad to arrive 10 minutes ahead of any appointment. The Egytian timing has affected me big time, now I'm usually late for any appointment by 15 minutes ( this is un-acceptable on my scale )..

On going out with my friends ( they have terrible sense of time, that's if they have any ), I used to be the first to arrive. I was late for an hour on purpose, so as not to wait for long , BUT I usually had to wait for another hour or more.

Here's just one incidence: We had planned a Ramdan iftar at Mo- Cafe last year. I arrived at the restaurant 30 minutes before the Maghreb prayers ( which I thought was late for iftar outings, if you know what I mean ) I wasn't surprised to find myself the first to arrive. What made me laugh was 15 minutes before the Maghreb prayers, I was still on my own & recieved this call from N : " I was certain you'd be the only one in the restaurant. Could you please take my order , so that it's ready when I arrive "...........................

Quarter of a century on Earth, a new begining.

2008-03-28T11:45:00.003+02:00

Today I've completed my quarter of a century of life. I'm officialy 25 .

On completing my 25 years, I could view my past life in one of 2 ways ; an optimistic one or a pessimistic view.

I'll start with the pessimistic one; I haven't achieved anything that's worth mentioning. I didn't have an effect on this earth.

The good side is, I've achieved ALMOST everything I need to start a successful life:

1- A university degree
2- A career path
3- Another job
4- A bunch of good, loyal friends
5- I'm almost done with my military service
6- My ambition

Life

2008-03-21T16:19:00.001+02:00

Take NOTHING in life for granted, because nothing is.

p.s: I'm really missing my life

Lessons of 2007

2008-02-27T17:58:00.003+02:00

Here are some of the things I've learned during that past year:

1) Always have a back-up plan for anything.
2) Everything in life is like a coin, has its two sides.
3) If I don't like you, this doesn't mean that I hate you.
4) Noone will help you achieve your goals, you'll have to fight for them.
5) Do what you do best and expect nothing in return. Trust me, everything will turn out for your best.
6) Keep your mouth shut as much as possible.
7) Four quarters doesn't necessarily make a whole one.
8) Not every smiling face is a happy one.
9) Respect is always a wining horse. Bet on it.
10) I will not ask you to be in my place, just stop making my life worse.

Worst of times

2008-01-22T17:18:00.000+02:00

When it's the worst of times, you have 2 reasons to be happy :

1) You are still alive
2) It can still get worse, but you are lucky it didn't.

I've seen this.

2007-09-24T14:52:00.000+02:00

1) A guy joking with his fiance gives her a broken jaw !!!!
Because of his brilliant sense of humor, she'll live for 3 weeks with stabilized closed jaws.

2) A cleaner standing in the street holding his filthy broom and not moving from an area that is less than 1 square meter. He had piled up a lot of sand in a huge pile. When no-one is looking he would scatter some of the sand with his feet, just to start collecting them again.

3) I received a phone call. " I'm having a big problem with my new satellite receiver, there's not a single channel that works "
Me: " is it turned on ? "
someone: " I'll check........... "........................"Oh, now it works , hahaha "

Amazing Ad

2007-09-21T19:01:00.001+02:00

Wow !!!!

How to clean your room

2007-09-15T18:57:00.000+02:00

If you have a messy room or if your parents give you some hard time about your room.
This article will help you a lot.

Don't you just love the people at Wiki :)

Nice nasheed

2007-09-13T18:48:00.001+02:00

When having a conscience is a sin

2007-09-04T00:51:00.000+03:00

I'm just back from the clinic, or to be more precise ( the so-called clinic), I'm frustrated, astonished and upset about the way people think in this country.
This is a place located in one of the poorest areas of Cairo where I go just to waste my time & to some extent practice dentistry. I consider it charitable work, as money I receive are wasted on equipment and on the fuel used for the journey.

Today I met to strange incidents:
1) I'm performing a procedure to one of the patients, where the situation gets more complex and requires some advanced instrumentation that are unavailable at that place. I tell the patient with this fact only to have him angry and mad. He's demanding that for the very little he pays a fully equipped clinic, although he paid nothing !!!!!!!!!!!

2) A patient entering the clinic while I was on my way out. He has a certain problem and he is in severe pain. I informed him of the condition and the required treatment BUT I asked him to seek treatment else where.
Don't get me wrong, I told him that as I was out of any sterile instruments & he needed urgent care. So telling him to go away was for his own good.
The patient's response was the strangest ever: " I'll file a complain at the police station, how come you don't have sterile instruments. It's my first time to hear such a thing" he was in rage. I couldn't help but tell him " be my guest sir, I'll be honored by such complaint "

Luckily, this was my last day there. I'm not up ( or should I say down ) to their expectations.

Wise words

2007-08-31T21:16:00.000+03:00

" جراحات السنان لها التئام ........ و لا يلتام ما جرح اللسان "

This is an old arabic verse that translates as follows :

" wounds caused by blades heal, while wounds caused by tongues never heal "

" الغنى في الإستغناء "

" Richness ( or we can say power ) is found in your ability of not needing "

Egyptian Gad3ana

2007-08-29T21:30:00.000+03:00

This incident took place around a year ago, but it's engraved within my mind making it unforgettable. It represents to me that there's still some good people living in this country.

It was mid-summer, a group of friends and I were dining at a restaurant in Mohandeseen. One of my friends was in the process of applying for a Canadian university. He had almost all his paper work done except for one document he needs to send it by fax to the University.
This missing paper wasn't ready with him, till that outing day, which was ( unfortunately ) the deadline for submitting the applications. He got his paper from a place nearby the restaurant, then we started a search for a place to send the fax.

At first we thought it was an easy task, we are in Mohandeseen for God's sake. We started to walk in the streets searching for a call center or some other place that has an installed fax. It was as if we are searching for something that doesn't exist. We walked for around an hour, we reached nothing. The more people we ask, the more lost we get.

It was getting close the closing time, ( Canada's time ) and my friend started to get nervous. I told him let's try one last time asking someone, if he told us the same bullshit as the others did, we'll jump into our cars and head to a place where we are certain that there'll be a fax even if that's gonna be in Alex.
So basically we asked the first person we happened to see, she was a lady working at a furniture store.
On asking her about a place where they could have a fax, here was her answer " You seem to be in a hurry, come in and use our fax ". ....
We were thrilled by the answer , we couldn't find enough words to thank the people working in that place.

I want to thank them for giving me hope

An old scribble

2007-08-25T20:56:00.000+03:00

I was checking my book of scribbles and started to write something. I didn't like what I was writing so I tore the page and was going to throw it when I glanced writing on it's back. On checking it I saw this piece.

So here goes:

How long does it take you to have an impact on this world ? Or what does it take to change A life ?
I don't think it takes much time or effort to do any of the above two. It can take you just a second to have your impact in this world, all you need is one good excutable idea.

Think it over, all people who have changed this world believed in something. Most importantly , they believed in their ability to do it.

As for changing people's lives, all that's required is absolute honesty and sicerety. You can't imagine how a small sincere chat can affect one's life ( my life was directed by a single word at a certain point ). A pound you donate with total acceptance and satisfaction can mean the world to the reciever.

Looking back at our lives ( at least my own ), I can see that I've wasted most of it without having a goal to work for and lots of chances wasted to change people's lives.

From now on, I'll believe in one thing:
" If you can't change the world, you'd better die trying "

p.s: Don't waste your lives aimlessly. Make it worth mentioning when you're gone .

Belya, 11/1/07

What number are you ?

2007-08-23T18:21:00.000+03:00

You Are 1: The Reformer

You're a responsible person - with a clear sense of right and wrong.
High standards are important to you, and you do everything to meet them.

You are your own worst critic, feeling ashamed if you're not perfect.
You have uncompromising integrity, and people expect you to be fair.

At Your Best: You are hopeful, honest, and inspiring. You bring out the best in humanity.

At Your Worst: You are intolerant, judgmental, and picky.

Your Fixation: Resentment

Your Primary Fear: Being corrupt.

Your Primary Desire: To be good.

Other Number 1's: Al Gore, Martha Stewart, Gandhi, Celene Dion, and Spock from Star Trek.

What Number Are You?

If you like the idea, consider yourself tagged.

Call and cancel. What's so difficult about that ?!!!!

2007-08-23T10:52:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I had to come face to face with one of lousiest Egyptian habits : Tanfeed. To those who are not Egyptian, it's a term we use in a manner which indicates that you don't give a damn about a given promise or some regulations ........etc. i.e: words that have been said are considered bull-shit & didn't exist in the first place.

I had a business appointment with some person that I have called and schedueled a day ahead. I re-called and confirmed an hour ahead of the planned time. During the last phone call, that person told me he'd call back and choose the place where we can meet. He never did................ I didn't call either, he needs me as much as I need him.

The second was when my friend suggested that we go and play an hour or so of squash. I wasn't in the mood, but I agreed as it's one form of a change. So we suggest that it would be in the afternoon and the exact timing shall be determined via phone calls. I was unable to reach him throughout the whole morning. When it was the estimated time for our game, I finally got to reach him. Here's the phone call.

Me: " Have you forgotten about our plans ?"
Friend: " No I haven't , I'm just stuck at work "
Me: " You said you were free tonight !!! "
Friend: " I was, till the early morning. This was an un-planned task "
Me: " So are we canceled for tonight ?"
Friend: " Nooo, as soon as I'm done I'll give you call. "
Me: " How long will that take ? "
Friend: " 30 min. or a maximum of an hour "
Me: " O.K "

This was around 8:00 pm. As I expected, the phone didn't ring.
Later by 1:00 a.m I receive a message on the Facebook thing, apologizing that he finished late and that he was exhausted......................

I'm starting to hate this attitude. People do it everywhere, these were just examples.

I'm hating that I'm starting to pick it up too :( I don't do it much, but it takes place every now and then.

Juka: I'm sorry about the other day, but it didn't go this way.

The cycle of betrayal, unconfidence & immorality.

2007-08-07T16:35:00.000+03:00

I had this conversation with a guy, a lower class 26 years old. He was having a conversation with someone he called his beloved and so on.

Me: So, you are gonna get engaged soon ?
Him: No. I was betrayed once. A few years ago, my fiance just vanished taking everything & leaving without a trace.
Me: Aren't you planning to get engaged to that girl you were talking to ?
Him: No, she's already engaged to someone.
Me: What !!!!!!!!! then why are you having that phone romance ?
Him: We are interested in each other.
Me: Then why doesn't she call her current relation off, and you two get engaged ?
Him: Cause I won't go into a relation with someone like her.
Me: Why is that ?
Him: What if I get engaged to her , and she betrays me with some other guy like she does now...
Me: Then why don't you just leave her ?
Him: If I did, someone else would take my place ( hatemshy ma3a 7ad tany )
Me: How decent are you !!!! ( me being sarcastic )
Him: Don't judge me wrong, I'm veeeeeeery decent & moral. I haven't touched her although I had many chances to do so.

At this point I had to put an end to that conversation as I was reaching no where.

You are an Egyptian if ( 1 )

2007-08-03T21:55:00.000+03:00

1 - You know if someone is cooking molokheyya as soon as you enter your house.
2- It takes you around 10 minutes to go through greetings to start a conversation by phone. It takes you another 10 to close the same conversation.
3- Believe in conspiracy theory, one way or another.
4- You say ( ya3ny ) to complete any blank space in your sentences.
5- You rush to your terrace as soon as you hear people shouting in the street.
6- You hold your cell phone over your right ear with your left hand, while driving.

Azhar Rocks

2007-08-03T18:24:00.003+03:00

Last Wednesday , the Saqya culture wheel was holding the first live English stand-up comedy in Egypt. They were hosting Azhar Usman, an Indian comedian who is part of the Muslim comedy tour ( ALLAH made me funny ).
The show was hilarious, we couldn't stop laughing throughout the whole show.
Here's a video of him presenting one of his most popular jokes.

You know you are in Egypt when ( 6 )

2007-07-27T23:18:00.000+03:00

1- People own Hi-Tech cell phones without any intention of using their full capabilities. They just buy it for the sake of looks.
2 - Almost every man ( especially those with little education ) who just hears you are related to the medical field, asks you about Viagra substitutes.
3 - You can break the ice with any stranger just by asking him about the weather, soccer or the name of the street.
4 - Al-ahly football club is the strongest political parties. ( there is no ahly party, in case you were wondering )
5 - 10 minutes can mean anything from 10 minutes to more than one and a half hours.
6 - You can escape the embarrassment of forgetting people's names by just calling them " basha ".

TED

2007-07-27T23:10:00.000+03:00

Have you ever heard about TED ? I haven't till yesterday.
Yesterday I was introduced to TED by my smart friend O. This seems to be some kind of a project that gathers brilliant people with magnificent ideas to give presentations about their ideas ( that's as far as I care ).
Take a glimpse at the kind of people over there.This guy is just amazing.

It seems that TED would be my newest addiction.

Couples, Please innovate.

2007-06-29T15:05:00.000+03:00

How many times have you been invited to wedding ceremonies in Egypt, whether friends or family members. Didn't you notice anything............................... Bravoooooooooo, you got it right.
They are almost typical.

First of all, there's the zaffa: Usually it takes place in the lobby, where the band with their loud drums start chanting their folkloric songs. Along their chanting, the marrying couple along with their parents and friends dance to the rhythmic music.

Second, the entrance: In case for Muslim couples, there's the Hisham Abbas song ( asma2 ALLAH ) followed by the couple entering the ball room under the light effects etc.......

Later on, the night goes on with continuous dancing either in the presence of a performer or just on the songs played by a DJ.

Then comes dinner followed by more dancing....... till it's over .

Isn't that more or less what takes place in an ordinary Egyptian wedding ???????

I've attended a few weddings lately, that I wasn't interested in jamming on the dance floor with the people. So, I had no other option but sit on the table with the old folks. I didn't enjoy these ceremonies. On sitting with these people, I had the chance to see the other part of the wedding ceremony that I hadn't had the chance to see before.
People sitting on tables, don't usually have fun. They are just there out of the social obligation, no more.

Who is supposed to be happy during the ceremony ? Is it just the people on the dance floor ? or everyone who's invited ??!!!

I really don't know, but all I'm asking for is ........

Dear Ladies and Gents, Please work harder to have a really unique night that's remebered by all people, rather than just using the ready made recipe.

p.s: Chapeau to all couples who had innovative ceremonies and to those who are planning on having one.

There's another dimension called Earth.

2007-06-27T14:01:00.000+03:00

Last week, I had a terrible GIT ( gastro-intestinal tract ) infection. I was really really sick. I was totally bed ridden and in a great deal of pain.
During the moments where I feel o.k , I'd open my computer and check my e-mails...etc. At one point I changed my status on that Facebook thing, stating that I'm really sick.
Usually friends tell you that they didn't know you were sick and stuff like that, when you meet them later and tell them about it. This time, I was sure they new.
Instead of receiving phone calls, I received writings on my wall........

As funny as it is , I'm starting to think that people are forgetting that there's another dimension called Earth where creatures called humans live .

A small comparison

2007-05-24T01:05:00.000+03:00

A year ago

R: I'll be inviting Y to my party
M: Why would you do that, he's just an annoying person
R: He maybe annoying to you, but he's my friend

A week ago

T: Why did you tell R about our travel plans, he's a boring person
Y: Ok, we'll just travel without telling him

This is life

What is it that you seek in a friendship ?

2007-05-22T00:13:00.000+03:00

I believe that most people ( myself included ) made a lot of wrong choices as regards friends. I believe you have been hurt or betrayed by a (supposed to be ) friend at least once.
I decided to ask myself that question and after a lot of thinking and analyzing my friendships, here are my answers.
What I seek in a friendship :
1) Loyality
2) Trust
3) Support

What about you ?

I'm enjoying what I'm seeing

2007-05-20T13:06:00.000+03:00

For anyone who used to enjoy reading my blog, I truly apologize for the shortage of posts over here for some long time. Believe me it's something I can't change, I'm out of coverage these days.

I'm living through a life changing experience, the military service.
At the place we are, I'm enjoying seeing Egypt through the people. Recruits from all over the country living in the same place under the same conditions. This is something that's worth watching.

These days philosophy

2007-04-14T16:46:00.000+02:00

It seems that tension can change you into a philosopher. Here's my own line of philosophy:

" Life will not give you everything, BUT it won't take away everything either "

Places with no freedom

2007-04-08T11:21:00.000+02:00

In case I didn't mention it here before, I'll start my military service in less than a week isA.

Getting over the above mentioned fact. During the past days I was having a talk with some of my friends about the army and stuff, till I was stumpled into a hilarious comment by one of my friends.

Q: Where & when can you lose you freedom?
A: 1- Jail
2- Army
3- Marraige

Belya the student

2007-04-08T11:11:00.000+02:00

Sorry for the delay Juka, but here I am fulfilling your tag

1- Did you use to be a good student at school ?

I guess I was one of the preferred types of students by the teachers. I was that silent smart kid sitting in the corner. I didn't smart mouth my teachers, I let other students do that. I talked only when I felt necessary just to point out a thing or two. I may have not been the smartest, but I was one of them at least.

2- What were your most loved subjects ?

I loved anything that challenged me, but what I loved most was physics. I was very good at math too, but back then I hated it.
What I hated most was studying languages, it was soooo boring for my taste.

3- When young, what did you want to become ?

While young, I've always dreamed of being a surgeon. I was fascinated by the idea of having a talent that you can use to save lives and get the people to appreciate that. Now, getting to be an oral & maxillofacial surgeon ( through the dental school ) I believe that I didn't drift much away from my dream

This is rediculous

2007-03-30T22:41:00.000+02:00

I really need someone to explain to me what's going on. Today I was looking up the best selling Egyptian news paper ( that's what they call it ) al-ahram, only to find an advertisement that occupies the whole last page. The advertisement is about a resedential compound, they state that the price for villas start at 1,600,000 l.e.......
I had to read that twice and ask my parents about it, just to make sure that I wasn't making things up. It was true.

I need an explanation !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

26th of March

2007-03-20T01:57:00.000+02:00

Updates:
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm disappointed myself. I've realised that you should have your voting card in-order to participate in the referendum. You can only vote using your ID card if you are already enlisted & only in your ( Dayra ).

That's the day.
Each and every single one of you should go and participate in the referendum about the constitutional amendments .
Go say what you believe, say NO or say yes. Just say anything.
You've got less than a week to read them thoroughly. Please read them .
All you need is your personal ID card

Leadership

2007-03-18T23:47:00.000+02:00

A couple of days ago, I was on some sort of a one-day work trip. Situations there led me some way or the other to be the leader of the group accompanying me.
By the end of the day, I was left with lots of questions going through my head :

1) Are leaders born or are they created ?
2) Is leadership a bless ? or is it a piece of hell ?
3) To be a leader do you need to be wise ? or you should have a touch of insanity ?
4) Which is easier: to take decisions ? or just follow what someone else has decided ?

The countries I've been to.

2007-03-12T19:37:00.000+02:00

create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide

Kuwait: I used to live there.
Iraq, Jordan: Been there on my way back from Kuwait during the invasion.
Syria , Rhodes, Cyprus, Lebanon & Turkey: All for one day each during a tour in the Mediterranean

Back but not active

2007-03-11T17:41:00.000+02:00

It's been some time since I last checked my blog. It's been more than a week.
My internet connection was down besides I was having some terrible time with the Egyptian routine for more than two weeks now, and it's not over yet.

As soon as I have something to say, I will.

Flashes

2007-03-02T18:41:00.000+02:00

- 5 years old: Driving my bicycle crossing over a small obstacle, waking up in the hospital.

- 6 years old: Celebrating and enjoying feast with my extended family, my cousin who is playing with fireworks injures my face. The resultant was a bloody face and a tiny permanent scar.

- 10 years old: Receiving an award for being the best team leader.

- 12 years old: First time to appear on TV.

- 13 years old: My father having his open heart surgery.

Ouch !!!!!

2007-02-26T18:59:00.001+02:00

In case you don't know, this unlucky player is John Terry. He's Chelsea's captain.
He's still alive :) and Chelsea won the game

Welcome to the gray zone of life.

2007-02-22T22:52:00.000+02:00

-When time passes by, yet you can't stop it , you can't catch up with it & you can't turn it back.
Welcome to the gray zone of life

-When everyone is sad or every one is happy, and you are neither sad nor happy.
Welcome to the gray zone of life

-When you wait long time for doors to open, and when they are, you figure out that you'll have to wait even more.
Welcome to the gray zone of life.

-When you are not allowed to have feelings, or to be true, can't afford the luxury of having them.
Welcome to the gray zone of life.

-When you accept life as it comes, but can't accept the fact of not knowing what's next.
Welcome to the gray zone of life.

- When you are in a mood you can't describe, you are not angry yet you can't be sweet.
Welcome to the gray zone of life.

-When you feel the need to move, but can do nothing but staying still.
Welcome to the gray zone of life.

Mafeesh 7aga

2007-02-22T02:26:00.001+02:00

ta7sheesha gamda geddan

An Emperor I am.

2007-02-18T21:36:00.000+02:00

Taking that funny test, as Sarah suggested.

You are The Emperor

Stability, power, protection, realization; a great person.

The Emperor is the great authority figure of the Tarot, so it represents
fathers, father-figures and employers. There is a lot of aggression and violence
too.

The Emperor naturally follows the Empress. Like an infant, he is filled with enthuiasm, energy, aggression. He is direct, guileless and all too often irresistible. Unfortunately, like a baby he can also be a tyrant. Impatient, demanding, controlling. In the best of circumstances, he signifies the leader that everyone wants to follow, sitting on a throne that indicates the solid foundation of an Empire he created, loves and rules with intelligence and enthusiasm. But that throne can also be a trap, a responsibility that has the Emperor feeling restless, bored and discontent.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Neighbors from hell

2007-02-17T23:18:00.000+02:00

How can you live with neighbors from hell by your side ?
This question was asked by my older brother who just got to know his new neighbors. These people became his neighbors for just a couple of months back. Since then, he's been living in continuous headache. They are just a pain in the ass.
Is there any solution for such problem, or is just like any chronic illness, you'll have to live with it.

Free condoms !!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-14T22:08:00.000+02:00

Yes you read the correct title, condoms for free !!!!!!!!!
I don't know what the hell is going on with the people of this country , or at least those business men. I was listening to the radio a couple of days ago, when I was stopped by a commercial about condoms. Till this point, this was one thing we started to get used to ( lel-asaf , to some extent ). At the end of the commercial, the guy said proudly: " Now, you can claim your free sample of our condoms at .......... pharmacies ".
I can't believe this. We are in Egypt for God's sake.
I'm starting to believe in conspiracy theory now. A few years back, valentine's day wasn't that of a big issue; it was mainly celebrated by the rich people and those who are culturally related to the European and American life styles in one way or another. This year, it started to become an epidemic. The country has turned into an open display of roses and it was covered in red, check this out (I don't want to discuss the religious back ground of valentine's, not my scope here.) Now, after turning valentine's into a national love day ( by the people ) , companies are offering condoms for free and that was in the days ahead of valentine's.
Is that a mere coincidence ???????!!!!!!!!

RABENNA yostor.

My subconscious rules

2007-02-12T01:30:00.000+02:00

I was taking a look at the books I bought from the last book fair. I was stunned by the fact that most of my choices were influenced by gloomy mood back then. I bought 5 sarcastic books out of a total of 7 . I think that's not a few.

If you can't see the photo clearly, here's a list of what I got:
4 books by Mahmoud El-Sa3dany ( I just love that man )
1 book by Naguib Mahfooz; Ahlam Fatret Al-Naqaha
1 byYousef Ma3aty
1 by Galal Amin; whatever ELSE happened to the Egyptians ( the Arabic version, I've read the first part in Arabic, so I thought it would make sense to read this one too ).

Tagging anyone who's interested in showing us his/her new books

I consider this as an insult.

2007-02-11T23:25:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we were having a family dinner at Spectra ( located in Mohandeseen ). The food was great and the service was friendly.
Although their restaurant is good, I still can't forgive their insult to the Egyptian people. Yes, I repeat again, insult to Egyptians. What else can you call a menu that is fully written in English, not just that, but in order to illustrate what's written to those who don't know English there's a photo of every single dish in the menu .
GRRRRRRRR, I'm really angry and I feel insulted. Some of my extended family can't read english, does this make any difference as regards how classy they are or the kind of people they are !!!!!!!!! I really don't think so. I had to work as a translator for them & that really made me feel bad. I respect and like my family members, it really hurts when you feel someone you like feels offended or left out.
I looked around the restaurant, all customers ( if that's the correct word to use here ) were either Egyptians or Arabs. So why the ........ do they have a menu that's fully in English. I've seen restaurants that have Arabic menus beside their English menus, I totally respect these people.
If that restaurant and alike ones don't need Egyptian or Arab customers, I believe they should have the guts to speak it out loud. Else, I believe they'd better change their policies.

I'm staying here ( for the time being )

2007-02-11T22:04:00.000+02:00

It turned out that the problem wasn't with the server after all, I apologize for that blogger. The problem was with my windows explorer. Today I've installed firefox once again, and guess what , blogger is working as smooth as ever.
I'll be shutting down the other link, but this doesn't mean that I'm here forever.

Probably the last post here

2007-02-08T21:11:00.000+02:00

I think this will be the last post here.
I'm just getting used to my new place. So , please check there more frequently.

I hate blogger

2007-02-08T14:40:00.000+02:00

I really hate blogger :( I'm angry and frustrated with this stupid surver.
I was unable to login for a week or so.
I think I'll be moving to wordpress soon.
See you there

To my dear friend

2007-02-01T12:43:00.000+02:00

This year, 07, marks the passage of 5 years since we last talked. I don't think you'll read this, but if it happens and you did read it, I really wish that you'd realise that it's dedicated to you.
There are somethings I just want you to know. Your presence in my life meant alot, your departure also meant alot. The way you went out of my life, I believe, have changed me forever.
I remeber every word you told me, I remeber times we laughed together about my stubbornness, I recall your support during my downs & I enjoyed having matching opinions as regards most issues. I shall never forget the day when you were the only person ( out of that group) to remeber my birthday, I even kept your present infront of my eyes since then & I don't think I'll be changing their location soon.
I may have known you for a short period of time, but these years were enough for me to trust you and for you to beleive in me.These were some of the happiest years of my life.
From here I'm telling you, I apologise for not being able to share your happiness nor was I able to be by your side during your darkest moments. But I beleive you know the reason for my absence.
I wasn't there out of respect. Respect to a promise I gave you, respect to a request you asked from me and above all the respect to you.
We may have been destined to be friends but we decided to cut it loose at one point.
I miss you, I respect you and I will always be here if you ever need me.

The bright side of living in Egypt (1)

2007-01-22T21:45:00.000+02:00

I've decided to start mentioning some of the positives of living in Egypt. Each coin has 2 sides, so does Egypt, there is the good side and the other one.
But, this doesn't mean I won't be sarcastic .
Here's the list.

1) You can never be considered late for any meeting, you are either early or on time. Even if you are actually 1 hour late ;)
2) You can enjoy an outing with your friends if you have 50 l.e or more. Still you can enjoy your friends' company for as much as 1 l.e., this is mainly for the guys ( RABENNA ye7'ally el-ahawy ).
3) You are always reminded to count your blessings, as you get to meet lots of less fortunate or un-healthy people.
4) There are lots and lots of marvelous natural treasures that you can enjoy for a relatively negligble amount of money.

you you are in Egypt when (5)

2007-01-22T21:44:00.001+02:00

At last I'm able to post this video.