What Does Egypt New Government and Microsoft Windows 8 have in Common?

Both are dysfunctional!

Egypt

Let me elaborate. The revolution was a dream of change. Not so. Got same kind of guys, with same dreams of wealth (at expense of poor and middle class); except the new  imposition threat of Islamic Law. Fine for the some, disaster for most.. Another exception is no one seems to know how to run the day to day of government. Check how many "shoot from the hip" laws have been put in place in the evening then rescinded by lunch time next day. Mind the so called law is really a dictated rule as no law making body, like a parliament, exists. Like Microsoft, changing and updating daily with no end in sight.

Micosoft

I think all would agree, XP was eventually a solid OS, then came "Vista" the disaster, then Win 7 and after hundreds of upgrades was reasonably stable. Now, the revolution with Windows 8. Well same tricks with smoke and mirrors of a product that has so many quirks, different than 7, I am personally disgusted.  No wonder I got emails every week to get it, first a steal at $29.99 then later $14.99 so I succumbed. Oh Shit. could not even find my desktop. Did eventually but opted for Star Docks fix so it loads my desktop automatically like 7. Some of my favorites would not run correctly (like bugs in them) even in compatibility mode. Till I found you have to tell program to "run as administrator". Shit I am administrator and I own the damn program and it is my computer.

Well, got that off my chest.

PS - with Egypt, doubt they need the IMF loan as Saudi"s standing in line with all kinds of cash (behind the scenes) as long as Islamic Law is enforced,(BTW did you read women might get chance to ride bicycle in Saudi - driving car - hell no) and the Qatari's, and other wealthy nations in region, have hot cash in hand knowing that when there is "blood on the street" property (and politicians) are cheap.

Egypt Currency - tourists will have windfall soon

Well Central bank just announced (13/1/13) Egyptian pound will never reach 7 to 1 usd.  That means it will. 

Weather being fantastic in April, and very cheap deals to Egypt, what keeps the tourists away.

Short answer - the media.  What a great time to visit. Pyramids to yourself (almost), Museum vacant.

In Cairo, suggest though avoid staying in the local friction areas downtown. Unless you like a good demonstration as part of your travel venue.

All beach space you could imagine in Sharm or Hurghada. No sense of adventure then El Ghouna is your choice.  Actually the best choice.

Will never be this cheap again----  Well - wait till see if Central Bank says never reach 8 le to dollar!

Mind I am in Canada now after living 23 years in Cairo - so saying that, Still a dream for tourist on a budget.\

Do not - take  buses, minivans on any highway. Avoid trains. Take Airplane. Highways and trains are notoriously dangerous and always have been. Stay in a comfort zone. Exploring on your own not recommended  Read my blog about pharaoh's revenge - I mean this.

Get your hotel to arrange local travel- they steal good but usually get better thieves that can drive in good cars.

Feed back if you can.....

Ha

In Canada Now but left Family - So

Hi all - not posted for some time.  Just a catchup to any followers:

Moved back to Calgary - for those not knowing,  Alberta Canada.

Nice cold weather, vibrant city and - everything works as expected and on time.

We moved flats in Cairo before I left. part of relocation was getting telephone line moved (an Egyptian thing - you take you telephone line with you) which has internet contract with it.  Well, after 2 months still not working.

Me, in Calgary - made online request for TV and Internet 20 MB internet on Friday and requested service technician on Sunday (playing with them - for Egyptian readers Sunday is your Friday)  My flat door was knocked on 8:30 in Sunday  and all setup by 8:45 and working. My paranoid behavior could not believe - but - TV working and internet. Tested internet - WOW download movie in 10 minutes. And no bukshees (money under the table-in fact I offered and never do that again as strongly rebuffed)

Yet, the infrastructure in Egypt is in toilet No one has reliable internet at moment

Take care you folks world wide - the Islamist spring is on the way. but I beleive with my heart the Egyptians will meld and do what is best and do Egyptian things and not be controlled by the vast extremist minority, no logic, people like Salafists (i,e, Taliban or other extremists).

I was in Egypt during revolution and never in a persons life could one foresee such a event. Only to have stolen - but the youth that did this only need to get organized as the revolution was hijacked.

Praise be to the youth that fought and died and let's not let their ideas and sacrifice go un-rewarded

My personal  l opinion - come and arrest me Morsi  - Ha. Actually name is Morsillini (ie. Benito Mussolini- Google if your too young to make connection.)

You choose.

Egypt Bans E-Cigarettes - Now Everyone Wants Them

It seems, based on World Health Organization statements, E-Cigarettes are banned. Bear in mind WHO are same bureaucratic group that lead to slaughter of all Pigs in Egypt when they incorrectly name HINI virus as Swine or Pig Flu, then retracted.

Jan 13th, 2011
Dr. Abdel Rahman Shahin - Spokesman for the Ministry of Health - that the ministry did not agree to allow the circulation of the electronic cigarette in the Egyptian market since the World Health Organization recommended that this type of cigarettes should be subject to censorship because they are considered medically mandating contains the active substance.

Whoops - you can buy e-cigs in Egypt, but I am not going to put up link - you can Google.


Other countries have taken actions that cover the whole spectrum of nonsense. But cigarettes, in usual tobacco form ,are allowed everywhere.  Is it because, health is a secondary issue and turf wars on how to tax have not been thought out?

I have tried these E-Cigarettes and  I love them and should be addicted smokers choice. And, they do not stink.

Boston University School of Public Health study

A study by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health in 2010 concluded that electronic cigarettes were safer than real cigarettes and may aid in breaking the habit of smoking. Researchers said that while further studies on electronic cigarettes were needed, "few, if any, chemicals at levels detected in electronic cigarettes raise serious health concerns." Electronic cigarettes were found to be "much safer" than traditional tobacco ones, and had a level of toxicity similar to existing nicotine replacements.^[31][32][33]
In the report, the level of carcinogens in electronic cigarettes was found to be up to 1,000 times lower than regular cigarettes. It also said early evidence shows that electronic cigarettes may help people to stop smoking by simulating a tobacco cigarette.^[31][32]

No two Countries, or even different states is USA can agree. Wikipedia has a good summary of all Link

Egypt Giza Pyramids and Planetary Alignment - every 2,737 years - very interesting

We'll we that live here, went through revolution, first free elections, and all seems on the upside. Downside if they cut out beer sales and pork. We still have to see influence of Islamist factor,  but I, as guest of country see all things positive..If I could only sell my properties. Any Egyptian - Canadians like to have nice place or two to come back and live in?

Maybe Dec 3rd, an hour before sunrise, looking NNE, we will see above?  Start of a new era we all hope.

More information here   and technical history here

Enjoy

Egypt Strange IP Blocking in Effect - How to Bypass

Hi folks,
Government has threatened to block all porn channels - that is find with me (but they haven't) but I use a online program to help my daughter's practice certain skills and test herself. (Canadian school). Program is called ontario.exambank.com. And is blocked.  So strange.  If you find any sites blocked,  use the TOR Browser (Just Google). Do read hints about what you should not do to ensure  your identity is protected. Simple and logic.

Happy browsing

Alcohol banned for Egyptians on religious occasions other than Ramadan

This article appeared here. Note the announcement does not specify Egyptian Muslims, therefore applies to all Egyptians. Is this the first brick in wall towards increasingly restricted access to alcohol?

We'll see.

Is Egypt Safe? - Yes - But!

 Have lived here pre-, during,  and post- revolution with my Egyptian wife and two daughters which insist on growing up. Oldest now 20 ( University in Canada but spends summer here) and 14 year old coming on 30 with new found wisdom as apparently Dad is so stupid. We have no serious concerns as parents. Only rules are no going out alone (so many friends anyway), or travel on any highway at dark, even with another family. That is only smart. Nothing to do with criminal opportunists.

Quote from http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-traveler/2012/06/cairo-egypt-travel-safety-tips-062712

"To be truthful on the "Is Egypt safe?" question, I'm going to have to mention the sexual assaults that have occurred at night during demonstrations in Tahrir Square (CBS correspondent Lara Logan has not been the only victim), the kidnappings of foreign tourists in the Sinai (so far brief incidents with benign outcomes), and the fact that foreigners may be told to “fuck off,” in English, as I have been by disaffected youths on the streets of downtown Cairo. These things are disgusting to various degrees, but so far they remain isolated incidents. More than a change in safety, I’d say there has been a change in tone related to the law-and-order vacuum that persisted after Mubarak’s fall, post-revolution army propaganda that painted foreigners as spies, and residual anger and longing for power from people who have felt ignored by their own government and abused by its police force. An obvious litmus for the Morsi government will be how quickly officials move to reform the police (they're seen as Mubarak’s henchmen) and restore a sense of dignity, accountability, and public security. I have never experienced personal crime in more than a decade of life in Egypt; I still take taxis at night alone and ride the Cairo Metro, but I stay aware of my surroundings, just as I would in any large city?

This article is a bit scary, to extent I will not let my family travel to Sinai areas like Ras Shitan (Eco Villages) between Neuweiba and Taba. Areas like Sharm El Shiek, Dahab should be fine. But travel to St Catherine's Monastery is not recommended,

Read This for some insight

And this article dated July 14,2012

Cairo is Good - Come on Over For visit- Few Reasons

After quite and long strenuous revolutionary experience, Egypt is returning to a semblance of  normality. Albeit, one must be more careful than before. Pretend your in New York, Chicago, Toronto or other like cities with more than their share of criminal opportunists.Maybe not as bad but take some care, especially girls carrying bags on shoulders.

After Visit to Pyramids. and other touristy places etc.

A few quirks:


McDonald's delivers in Egypt (not like anyway else I have been or others) till about 4 am and later in Ramadan  Local number 19991 serves all Cairo. Mind, check with hotel if they allow food delivery as some are buggers about that.


When I came to Cairo in 1986 there was one quick food place with no delivery in Maadi  KFC. Still same location. Now there are fast food everywhere.  Want to get and idea check out this link which you can actually order from  http://www.otlob.com/

So much news about Egypt now in hands of Islamist.  That is true politically, but to now want a alcohol drink, or party at night, no problem. Readily available. If in Maadi drop by our private expat club and we'll see you good. http://theaceclub-maadi.com/  Bring your passport and wee bit of money. Cheapest drinks and best food.  We do not advertise but as foreign tourist come on along.

BTW Ramadan starts July 20, 2012 so be aware if planning trip. Know what you can, and cannot, should do. Egypt is quite tolerant and except for changes in visiting hours all is pretty well normal.  Night time is a hoot as all party till dawn. Mind, I personally respect the fasting and do not intentionally drink eat or smoke in public areas.

Come on over - I am trying to get a job as weather forecaster.  But how much imagination to say each morning - hot 34-36C, Sun all the time no clouds.

 Need a beer or wine or other support - check also with hotel concierge (take care he has friends and family) or have computer Egypt yellow pages.

• Drinkies (beer/wine/local spirits): 19330
• Cheers (beer/wine/local spirits – from both major companies): 19131
  
  Get tummy sick - check my blog on that

Want a real experience - get a taxi anywhere - you will find you are holding your elbows by your side so as not to hit anyone. One of few places they can make a 3 lane into 7 lane. But get a white taxi and be sure meter is on. If not insist, or get out. Taxi fares are cheap. Famous Tahrir Square to Maadi 30 to 40 LE (say $8) for a 30 to 45 minute drive. Mind at rush hour could be more. Oh! -when is rush hour. From 8 am till 2 am.Ha....

Take all in stride in Egypt and if get annoyed - have a kit kat,  and slow down. Go for a drink and watch all go by. Just like locals.


You can make it fun or hell - up to you.

You know that you live too long in Egypt, if ...

- You accept "Inshallah" as a flight confirmation

- You never eaten before 22:00 clock at night

- You wear a sweater at 26 degrees

- You see a "no problem" as a clear sign that you still have to check several times

- You think a speed limit as a useless piece of advice

- You think carpets should be hanging on walls

- You know that's the definition of a nanosecond, the time between traffic light switching to green and the   honking of the car behind you

- You know which side of the "shawerma" You've got to unwrap first

- You are wearing a jacket in a building and take it off when you go out

- You can give complete directions without a street name

- Your telephone and satellite cable  of course comes in from the balcony

- You hoard a considerable stock of household candles and drinking water

- Every Taxi driver knows where you live when you are too drunk to remember yourself.

- Your water is cut off you don’t complain you just put on more deodorant and go to the pub.

- A workman comes to fix something you have to lend him the tools and then show him what to do with them.

 

PC Back Backup System - Works - a Delight to use - Free- CrashPlan

This has nothing to do with Egypt but being a old geek, do pass on worthwhile hints. I have set this up for my personal computer and clients. It is the remote feature that is most attractive. Connect a External Drive, backup folder files (initial backup fast this way), move to another computer, or friends, in remote location, and let it update automatically over the net. ALL FREE and easy with a bit of study.

If you want to pay a bit, you can also backup to the cloud with Crashplan + or Crashplan Pro.

Quick Read here from my Geek Friends



CrashPlan Website

Cairo Egypt - Air Travel - Hints for Arrival/ Departures

It's been some time since I posted. No excuse, just getting lazy -

Anyway, back to topic at hand.  Cairo international airport can be bit confusing to unaware. So to avoid last minute panic be sure you know what Terminal and Hall your to be at.

The panic attack happened to me. Daughter was arriving on BA and I knew it was Terminal 1, and assumed Hall 3. This is  the only Hall I have ever met someone flying in.. So, waiting with excitement, looking at bag tags to see if BA passengers where amongst crowd, got a phone call. "Dad where are you? I am waiting outside by door,So am I. Dad I am standing by ramp. Where Terminal 1?  So am I." Now panic set in - her phone went dead. I am literally running around. No where to be found. Then thought OK They maybe deplaned at Hall 2? Bit of Hike but no one at all there. Now, everyone knows you depart from Hall 1, but never had I ever heard of flight deplane from Hall 1,  did not know they even had an arrival area.  But after running around finally got to Hall 1. Still no joy then happened to look down at very far end - quite a distance, and saw people crossing road with bags. Yup - she was there. Cool as cucumber - while my heart was doing million beats per minute. I just sat down, had fag, as needed to recoup for a bit.

So, moral of story, before going to airport for any reason, check just before leaving the Cairo Airport Arrivals / Departure Website at links below

BTW - at duty free you are only allowed one bottle of booze these days - used to be four. And must collect at airport or duty free shop within 24 hours. Rumor is the allowance will go back to four after Coptic Christmas (Jan 7th). Well, Cairo is so full of Rumors you can believe what you want for any reason you can dream up

UPDATE ON DUTY FREE - day after Xmas you can get 4 bottles booze, or case beer and 3 bottles, or mix and match as you like. If traveling in remember you have to make your purchase within 24 hours.

Happy Travels

ARRIVALS   DEPARTURES