Luxor and aswan oct 2014 issue 5

Truly Love Egypt Luxor & Aswan

October 2014 Issue 5

PLEASE TURN ON YOUR SOUND

Kitchener’s Island

Winter palace

Aswan Spice Market

Extra:

The origin of Eid AlAdha

Om Ali recipe

Contents4 EDITOR’S MESSAGE The truth about Thebes

& Swenet 6 EXTRA: The origin of Eid

AlAdha; it’s all about the Father of All Prophets

8 TRULY LOVE NATURE Kitchener’s Island; an

exotic rarity in the Nile at Aswan

12 TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES What it’s like to stay on

a cruise ship in Luxor

14 SCRAPBOOK PAGE

8 Kitchener’s Island

16 The Winter Palace

The song that is playing is Mushtak by Ihab Tawfik

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Contents 16 TRULY LOVE HISTORY Bring out the famous

monarch in you at Luxor’s Winter Palace

20 TRULY LOVE SHOPPING Amuse your senses at

the Aswan Spice Market

24 TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE A spectacular light

show and scrumptious outings in Luxor

28 TRULY LOVE INVESTING Take advantage of the

new land port, Kostol 30 TRULY LOVE

CUISINES Om Ali: a revengeful

origin and the method

32 UPCOMING ISSUE

20 Aswan Spice Market

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24 Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE Our mission is to deliver the most accurate, up-to-date information in

order to show different kinds of visitors what may interest them.

The name Luxor comes from the Arabic word meaning "the palaces," a loanword from the Latin castrum ,"fortified camp". Being the site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor is dubbed "the world's greatest open air museum”. Thebes was the great capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom, and the glorious city of the god Amon-Ra. During the 11th Dynasty, the town grew into a thriving city, renowned for its high social status, luxury, art and religious and political supremacy. To travel between the east and west banks of the Nile, there is a bridge. In addition, ferries cross the river all day. Taxi drivers wait near ferry stops. Negotiate the fare before climbing in. The Modern air-conditioned taxis use meters. You can also use local cars and motorboats to cross to the other side. There are also several bus routes as well as horse carriages. But do not ask horse carriage drivers to go to the west bank. It is too far for the horses and is illegal. For domestic travel, different trains can be taken from the railway station near Luxor Temple. The line runs between several destinations, including Cairo and Aswan. Luxor is served by Luxor International Airport. Aswan is the ancient city of Swenet, which was the frontier

town of Ancient Egypt facing the south. Swenet got its name from an Egyptian goddess, which later became Greek goddess Eileithyia and Roman goddess Lucina. The city is mentioned by several anc ient write rs , inc luding Herodotus, Strabo and Ptolemy. It is also mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Isaiah. The city is located at 24° 5′ 23″ which was of great interest to the ancient geographers. They believed that it was positioned immediately under the tropic, and that on the day of the summer solstice, a vertical staff cast no shadow. Eratosthenes used this information to perform the first e ve r c a l c u la t io n o f t he circumference of the Earth. Aswan and Luxor have the hottest summer days in all of Egypt. Aswan is one of the hottest, sunniest and driest cities in the world. Wintertime is very pleasant and enjoyable. Thus the climate is perfect for rheumatism sufferers throughout the year. Trains, taxis, horse carriages and bus services are available for local transport. Aswan is served by the Aswan International Airport.

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Ideas and content are copyright and property of Sarkiss Publicity and Advertising Registered in Egypt: 64958 [email protected]

Manager, Editor and Designer Amani Adel Sarkiss Freelance Writers Aisha Abdelwahab Basma Amer Heba Ghoneim Photography Yasser El-Rasoul: p14 &15 Background, p29 Silvia Pavolini: p32 Amal Sarkiss: cover, p30 Yahoo Images: all other photos

Manager, Editor and Designer Amani Adel Sarkiss

THE ORIGIN OF EID ALADHA

Once upon a time, a great man walked this Earth. His piety and obedience to God were tested and retested. His biggest reward was one which he had prayed for; he became the Father of All Prophets. Our story starts when God ordered Prophet Abraham to take his Egyptian wife, Hagar, and their newborn Ismail, to the site of Mecca, leaving his first wife, Sarah, in Palestine. He was then ordered to return to Palestine without them. On her own with a baby in a waterless desert, Hagar could not leave Ismail alone yet needed to find a water supply. So she began to run from one side of a valley to the other, looking for water and praying that God kept her son safe. This site is Safa and Marwa and is one of the tasks that Muslims do during pilgrimage. Hungry Ismail started crying and stomping his feet against the sand. Water sprouted beneath his feet, producing Zamzam, a well with a source that remains a mystery. Drinking from and ‘bathing’ in Zamzam is one of the tasks Muslims do during pilgrimage. On one of Prophet Abraham’s several visits, he was ordered to build the foundations of the Kabaa and Archangel Gabriel taught him to go around it seven times, anticlockwise. This is one of the tasks that Muslims do during pilgrimage. When Ismail was 11 years old, Prophet Abraham had a recurring dream of himself slaughtering Ismail. After he had had that dream 3 times, Prophet Abraham understood that it was another test of his faith. Ismail agreed to comply with God’s commands. However, Satan was intent on destroying Abraham’s piety, appearing to Abraham three times to prevent him from obeying God’s command. Each time, Prophet Abraham would pick up seven stones and throw them at Satan. The Throw of Stones is one of the tasks Muslims do during pilgrimage. On the day of slaughter, twice Prophet Abraham would bring down his knife to Ismail’s throat and the knife would go blunt. As Prophet Abraham was preparing to try for the third time, Archangel Gabriel handed him a sheep to slaughter instead of Ismail. Slaughtering a sheep marks the beginning of Eid AlAdha or the Feast of Slaughter. Islam is exact on who should slaughter a sheep. If you can afford it, you should do it. Ensure you eat a certain percentage of the meat yourself. Give a certain percentage to family and friends. Give a certain percentage to the poor. If you love sheep meat, you’ll love this feast! The only downside is the stench of blood near slaughterhouses.

By Amani Sarkiss

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TRULY LOVE NATURE By Amani Sarkiss

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Aswan Botanical Garden -also named Plantation Island and Geziret AlNabatat in Arabic, translated as "island of plants”- is a small, oval shaped island in the middle of the Nile at Aswan. The garden is located upon the entire island, which is still often referred to by its old name, Kitchener’s Island. The island is one of two major islands in the vicinity of Aswan, the other one being Elephantine. Elephantine is a much larger island and lies east of Kitchener’s island, between Kitchener's Island and the city of Aswan on the east bank. Therefore, it is hard to see the smaller Kitchener's Island from the city. History The island was originally used by Nubians to settle on and they called it Jet Narty. However, in 1899, it was given to the prominent British consul general of Egypt under British control, Lord Horatio Kitchener, after a successful military operation in Sudan. At the time, Kitchener was the commander of Egypt's army and was also assigned to the area to complete a mapping survey for the British government. Kitchener’s passion for horticulture was expressed through his conversion of the island into a garden. He spent many years transforming the 16 acre island into a horticultural wonderland, with flowers and plants from all over Africa, India and the Far East. With the aid of the Ministry of Irrigation, Kitchener rapidly transformed the small 750 meter (2,460 ft) long island into a paradise of exotic trees and plants with view walkways. The island was used as a research station for examining different food and cash crops. Research included surveys to collect data on the topography of the region as well as information on the local flora and fauna. The results were published in an eight volume series, with Kitchener's contribution in the first three. After Kitchener’s death, the Egyptian government reclaimed the island and it has been maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture ever

Cont.

since. However, the data compiled is still used by archaeologists and geographers. A biological research station is located at the southern tip of the island, which is closed to the garden visitors. The Egyptian government operates this popular island as a tourist destination. What’s there? Indulging his passion for beautiful palms and plants, Kitchener turned the entire island into a stunning botanical garden, importing plants from the Far East, India and parts of Africa. The island is filled with birds as well as hundreds of species of flora. The garden may have lost some of its former glory, but its magnificent palm trees are still a spectacular sight, especially just before sunset. Visitors to the Aswan Botanical Garden will find that the main attractions include endless seasonal flowers, a world-class collection of over 30 varieties of lush palm trees, more than 400 different species of exotic and subtropical

vegetation and rare plants, a collection begun by Lord Kitchener and expanded since. The effect is lush and exotic and attracts colorful birds, water fowl and egrets. Located in the Nile immediately adjacent to the Aswan city center, Kitchener's Island offers a beautiful and unique escape from the city. The entirety of the island is landscaped with some exceptional views and is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in the shade. The gardens are particularly popular among the local people and tourists as a park for a quiet afternoon away from the noise of the city as well as the perfect venue for weekend picnics. Thus, it is best to avoid going there on Fridays, when the place is invaded by picnicking extended families with loud stereos. The only way to reach the island is by motorboat, a public ferry or by hiring a felucca. The island is open daily and has a café and a gift shop.

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By Basma Amer

One of the many advantages of traveling is being able to explore different cultures around the world. However, in the city of a thousand gates, Luxor, you can do more than just explore societal diversity; you can voyage the Nile and experience the natural and scenic life of Upper Egypt by embarking on a journey on the cruise ship of your choice and begin your vacation in sweet serenity. Take the opportunity to spend time with your friends or loved ones on the sun deck while enjoying the view of the Nile until sunset. The temperature in Luxor may become overpowering, but no worries. You may appreciate the same beauty from inside your air-conditioned cruise ship by utilizing the panoramic windows, which display the same exact view of the Nile. Or better yet, take a dip into the pool on deck 12

TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES while your children enjoy the same luxurious experience in a separate children’s section. If, however, you feel the urge to be inside, then you may find a variety of indoor facilities more convenient. There are fitness centers complete with their own aerobic classes and weekly activity programs. If you prefer working out independently, they offer the free weights and strength machines you’ll need. But if surrounding yourself with a relaxing and serene atmosphere is your priority, then drop your children off at the onboard babysitting service and enjoy a message or some quiet time in the sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi. After taking some time off land, you should get ready to explore some of the most ravishing monuments you will ever set your eyes on. The cruise ships in Luxor have an added convenience of making stops at famous sites along the banks of the Nile. When the

ship makes its stop, you should definitely visit the Luxor Temple. It is a time-capturing temple displaying some of the most beautiful works of art. The almost four-thousand-year-old temple explicitly combines two different eras in Egyptian history. It is a ‘typical’ Ancient Egyptian architecture with a mausoleum and a mosque, called Abu Al-Haggag Mosque, built within it. This time-capturing structure is not the only one of its kind. Near Malkata, or the Palace of Amenhotep III, this same theme is, once again, carried out. A church and a monastery dedicated to St. Tawdros were built, not necessarily on it, but near it. Near this site are two astonishing statues, around nineteen meters high, called the Colossi of Memnon. Their ability to withstand the test of time when so much that was around them was destroyed is truly fascinating.

Once you have seen the Colossi of Memnon, be sure to take a camel, donkey or horse ride across the beautiful desert landscape. Better yet, take a ride in a hot air balloon and get a full view of the city. Then, before heading back to the ship, cruise the Nile River in a felucca. Tips: Cruise ship: Accommodations vary from one cruise ship to another so be sure to specify your preferences before booking. Luxor Temple: The entrance fee is $8 approx per person and $4 approx for students. Children are charged reduced fees. Colossi of Memnon: There is no entrance fee. Weather: The weather in Luxor is extremely hot during the summer. So the best time to visit is during the winter months.

Previous page, left: The deck of a luxury cruise ship in Luxor. Previous page, right: Luxor Temple with the mausoleum and Abu Al-Haggag Mosque. Above left: Hot air balloons over Luxor Above right: The Colossi of Memnon

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SCRAPBOOK PAGE

The Winter Palace

The Winter Palace Kitchener’s Island

By Aisha AbdelWahab TRULY LOVE HISTORY

Cont.

came from brilliant British explorers. It was a little over a century ago that Tutankhmen's tomb was discovered in the whereabouts of the palace garden. The palace has also been a retreat for the Egyptian royal family, various politicians and well-known artists. Throughout the decades, the Winter Palace has been a witness to many historical events and a welcoming host to several historical symbolic figures such as George Herbert; 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Albert I; the

Graceful. As tonishing. Elegant. Breathtaking. Chic. Five different adjectives that take us back to the 19th century. In 1886, amidst the Pharaohs' symbolic temples, the luxuriant tropical gardens and the ever flowing Nile, the Winter Palace was built. With a rich cultural blend between the ever chic European design and the luxurious Pharaonic one, a historical building gloriously stands. The construction of the palace originally

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A big statue of Buddha is in the left side of the garden. Statues of dragons and elephants are at various parts of the garden.

Belgian King, along with his wife, Elizabeth. Just by taking a few steps into the main entrance of this sumptuous hotel, you cannot help but feel you're royalty yourself. On both your left and right, you will find two elegantly furnished, dimly-lit hallways. Walking through them will have you feeling nothing less than walking on a runway for Chanel, Givenchy or Christian Dior. As you stride elegantly on the red carpeted floor in the wide and absolutely stunning Victorian architecturally designed lounge, you will notice two high staircases awaiting your majestic feet. As you climb them up, you’ll feel like you're starring in a vintage movie as a famous royal character. You will not be doing that just yet though. As you keep walking forward and into the

magnificent tropical lush garden, you will be feeling something akin to one of the 1600’s French royalties walking through a mini version of the Palace of Versailles' garden or an aristocrat occasionally taking a walk in what resembles a sanctuary in one of Voltaire's or Emile Zola's famous works. As your eyes hungrily search your surroundings and your feet walk at their own will, you will arrive at what resembles more of an oasis than a pool. Palm trees surround the crystal clear water with the sun glistening warmly on its surface, sending shivers of utter amazement as you take in the breathtaking view that can only feel like it being a piece of Heaven that has been set on earth. You will also soon realize that your eyes

aren't the only organs that need to be fed off this beauty. Your stomach starts growling impatiently and you realize only a five star hotel like this would be matched with a 5 star restaurant. Well, you were somewhat wrong as you will not have to choose between different scrumptious dishes from that one restaurant, but from different restaurants. You will get to choose between different international cuisines, including a restaurant specified for mouth watering Italian cuisine, another for rich Egyptian cuisine and of course a restaurant with the inevitably orgasmic French cuisine. As you should still keep up with your royal

profile, this time as one of these once passionate and very powerful Middle Eastern kings or Sultans, you should most probably have a well-deserved cup of tea in one of the many richly and luxuriously decorated lounges to match with your new born persona. As you cherish those last moments in one of the most exclusive palace hotels in the world, you will soon realize that you've walked on the same red-carpeted floor, walked through the same garden and cherished the same moments as those from centuries past. Today you were the history for the generations yet to come. Astonishing, I know!

TRULY LOVE SHOPPING By Aisha AbdelWahab

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This article's destination? An outdoor market! What differentiates it from any other market? The simple fact that it's the largest spice market in Africa! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Aswan and its all but boring Spice Market. Aside from appreciating the breathtaking scenery and enjoying the great company, one does not simply go to Aswan without going to this Market. Yes, the very one located near the Nile River valley. Do wear comfortable shoes because this isn't a walk in the park; you'll walk a lot! You will agree with me when you see the number of shops, galleries and stands waiting ahead of you. But no need to worry because, as usual, there will always be a restaurant or a coffee shop here and there so you can rest for a bit, have a snack, drink some tea or even have a shisha. So what is the first word that will spring to mind when you walk into the market? Colors! A splendor of different colors! Some that you didn't even think existed. The ones that will stand out the most are the many shades of red, yellow and pink. It is well known that Arabs, let alone Egyptians, just absolutely love colors with a capital L and, in Aswan, it is the most

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perfected representation of this obsession. What can I say? Cheerful inhabitants only have to be matched with cheerful colors. You will definitely notice the variety of products laid there and about and the variety of salespeople as well. The ones that will most definitely be prominent are the spice and herb stands. They are, after all, one of the main reasons this market is as important and has such great value. You will find that products may change according to seasons. During August, you may find that souvenir and bazaar shops are the most prominent. But during other months, handicrafts, herbs and spices are the ones taking the lead. On a further note, whenever you stumble upon a handicraft stand, you will more than likely watch the crafts being made and you can most probably start up a little chat with one of the workers there to get an insight on what has yet to come of the different products as well as tips and tricks on different aspects of the city.

You may even get a little mythical, traditional or historical story to keep you entertained. Handicrafts and other products that are locally made are plenty. There is a variety of handmade products made out of palm leaves, such as baskets and handbags. Aswan pottery is unique in design and so are the carpets with their beautiful, colorful patterns. The handmade embroidered scarves are like no other. Moreover, if you are into natural oils that are combined together to be used for medical or beautifying purposes, this is the best place for you. It might be hectic to keep up with everything, I'll give you that. But you will get accustomed to this madness simply because this market isn't just for commercialized objects; this market is an experience for the soul. Hold the object, contemplate and admire it, smell the herbs, feel the fabric, communicate with people; this market will give you a great opportunity to do several activities effortlessly. Disconnect from everything for a while and just enjoy the moment!

TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE By Heba Ghoneim

Remember when your history teacher told you about the wonders of ancient Egypt which left you dumbfounded? Well, the best way to grow your astonishment and sense of curiosity is to physically view ancient Egyptian artifacts. If only there was a place that had almost all of Egypt’s ancient artifacts combined with wonderful nightly activities. OH, BUT THERE IS! There is a city we Egyptians have been to a million times and will continue to go to for the next millionth time. This famous picturesque city is Luxor. It will leave you enchanted in ways you have never dreamt of.

Cadillac.” Now that you have ridden in a hantoor, you might want to stop by the famous downtown area where all the souvenirs and vendors are located. This place is fantastic if you want to buy some gifts for relatives or for yourself! It has everything; from oriental/Egyptian attire to house decorating displays. I remember buying a scarf and a rababah (an Egyptian musical instrument) from there, and I still have them! The best thing about the vendors there is that they know quite a few languages, so communication isn’t going to be a problem. However, they tend to get a bit enthusiastic whenever they see foreigners. Sometimes it comes across as pushy, but they sincerely mean no harm. They just want you to take a look at the goods they have in store. As you all know, food is the love of my life and, as my mom always says, “What is a

Now, I understand that during the day you will be more likely to roam around striking and sturdy ancient temples. However, the Sound and Light show at the Karnak Temple should not be missed! The cool thing about the Sound and Light show is that you get to see different light effects while you listen to historical stories about the temple. Not only is this experience eye opening, it’s also magical! Absorbing huge amounts of information requires you to have a break before you start sightseeing again the next day. Don’t worry! I got you covered! You can enjoy a “hantoor” ride (an Egyptianized carriage) by simply sitting back, letting the breeze flow through your hair, and looking around at what this fantastic city has to offer. Don’t forget to look at the decorations on the carriage; the hantoor owner knows what colors and beautifications to add. As one owner once told me, “It is the Egyptian

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We watched the final match of the African football cup. Everyone was so engaging! It was amazing! I really liked it there. People were really friendly.” Also, if you choose to stay on a cruise ship -like my friend Sally- you could easily find mouth-watering food on your ship! Don’t worry, music lovers, I haven’t forgotten you! There is a magnificent place in New Karnak Village. They have delicious western food and live music! Expect a band playing the songs you love and the best part is that they get different underground bands from different countries. Relax and enjoy your food, music, and drinks. Wishes to the reader: Hope you have a splendid trip! Don’t over exert yourself in the morning. Don’t forget your sun block. And, most of all, have fun! Send us an email with your experience! :D

trip without food!” I can assure you, dear read-ers, that there is no trip without food. That is why there are quite a few places that serve rich Egyptian food. The café/restaurants might be small but the food is everlastingly good! You also have the option of dining with the hospitable Bedouins in a safari like scenery as my friend Menna suggests. The place is lit pretty well. They play Arabic music to provide you with an Egyptian-like feel, and they sometimes have a band in to perform. In addition, there is always the option of dining at the hotel you choose to stay at, and they will never disappoint! What If you want a different kind of scenery? Down the Nile, there is a place where you’ll find local cafés or, as we call them, “ahwas”. They will provide you with delicious grilled oriental food, hookahs, and drinks including tea and coffee. Sounds like heaven? Pretty much! Menna added, “This was my favorite place!

TRULY LOVE INVESTING By Amani Sarkiss

in Luxor and Aswan such as wheat, sugarcane and various fruit vegetables. A factory built near cultivated land would also be an added bonus to both the investor and the locals as it would package the excess crops not sold locally and could easily make use of the railway lines or the Nile to transport them to other cities around Egypt or export them. This would also be beneficial for the locals as a different means of income rather than relying solely on tourism. As for tourism, there is a new tourism development plan which aims to transform Luxor into a vast open-air museum. The master plan envisions new roads, five-star

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This section is dedicated to small and medium sized investors looking for possibilities to invest their money from afar or move to a country where sunshine, sea and relaxation are a way of life.

The economy of both Luxor and Aswan, like that of many other Egyptian cities, is heavily dependent upon tourism. To make up for shortfalls of income from the decrease in tourism during the past few years, many cultivate their own food. Goat's cheese, pigeons, home-baked bread a nd ho me grow n to ma toe s a re commonplace among the majority of the residents. In Luxor, large numbers of people also work in agriculture, particularly sugarcane. However, plenty of land can still be bought from the Egyptian government in both Luxor and Aswan for agricultural purposes. There is still a great need to cultivate the land. Several crops grow well

Simbel, 300 Kilometers away from Aswan. It serves as a trade route to Sudan and the rest of Africa. It aims to facilitate trade in a multitude of products and produce such as cotton, sugar, herbs, spices, garments etc. An investor would do well to take part, whether as a trader, an inn/restaurant owner, a vendor or otherwise. The ideas are endless for this project. Kostol Port is the new gateway to Africa.

hotels, glitzy shops, and an IMAX theater. The main attraction is an eleven million dollar project to unearth and restore the long Avenue of Sphinxes that once linked the Luxor and Karnak temples. Investors of all sizes could make use of this project as it can easily incorporate different business; from small kiosks near the sites to five star restaurants to serve the new influx of tourists once the project is finished. Both Luxor and Aswan are home to South Valley University. Aswan also has a branch of Assyut University with five faculties namely; Science, Education, Engineering, Arts, Social Works and Institute of Energy, each with different departments. With an ever growing young population, many small and medium sized businesses can be established to serve the influx of students; student housing, youth clubs and fast food restaurants to name a few. Aswan has only one cinema and, unlike Luxor, it won’t be getting a new one any time soon. A medium sized investor looking to entertain university youth would do quite well financially too. On the health front, there is a hospital in Aswan but a bigger, better equipped one is still needed as locals still have to travel to Cairo for major operations. A new hospital would not only help the locals and tourists alike but would also help the thousands of well-trained doctors around the country who would like to move to Aswan given the chance. The more projects in Luxor and Aswan, the better the influx of people which will ultimately have a positive outcome on all new businesses set up in Luxor and Aswan. Another project of enormous proportions which has recently been opened is a new land port, Kostol Port. It is near Abu

Regulations and Safety Issues

1. Do not drink tap water.

2. When sightseeing, ensure you have water and head protection so as not to suffer from sun/heat strokes.

3. Always negotiate and agree on the fare before using taxis and horse carriages.

4. Do not eat food sold on the street.

5. Although there is no real reason for it, it’s safer to keep your passport at your hotel.

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Abu Simbel Temple

TRULY LOVE CUISINES By Amal Sarkiss

Om Ali

They say revenge is sweet. This dish is the proof. As the story goes, the dish was named after the first wife of the army leader, Ezz El Din Aybak. His second wife, Shagaret Al Durr, was the widow of the Sultan of Egypt around 1250 A.D. Shagaret Al Durr wanted to be the unopposed leader of Egypt. So she plotted and succeeded in murdering Aybak. Aybak’s first wife, Om Ali, avenged the murder of her husband by murdering Shagaret Al Durr. Om Ali celebrated the death of Shagaret Al Durr by distributing this sweet dish. This dessert was originally made using bread soaked in sweetened milk and raisins. Now most Egyptians use phyllo pastry or puff pastry instead. It is a dish high in calories and, as it is eaten hot, it is the preferred dessert on cold winter nights. 30

Preparation time Cooking Time Serves

15 min 30 min 6-8

Ingredients:

½ package frozen phyllo pastry or puff pastry sheets, thawed ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup raisins

1 tbsp coconut (optional) ½ cup white sugar 3 cups milk ¼ cup fresh cream (optional)

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cut the pastry sheets into palm sized pieces. Place them on a baking sheet or a baking tray

and put it in the oven.

When the pastry turns crunchy and golden, remove it from the oven.

Preheat the oven broiler.

In a Pyrex bowl, combine the walnuts, the raisins and the coconut. Break the cooked pastry

into smaller pieces and add them to the mixture in the Pyrex bowl. Stir.

Bring milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and the fresh

cream. Pour over the mixture in the Pyrex bowl.

Bake for about 20 minutes. Then place under the oven broiler until the top is golden brown

(about 5 minutes).

Presentation: Serve hot.

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