http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/f0/610d73f9f105ccca858d9034309bc2_160x200.jpghttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/05/26/ebay_song_this_is_hilarious~2339819/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-05-26:/2007/05/26/ebay_song_this_is_hilarious~2339819/Sat, 26 May 2007 22:19:33 +0200 <p>If, like me, you have a bad ebay habit then you HAVE to watch this!!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/05/26/ebay_song_this_is_hilarious~2339819/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/05/26/ebay_song_this_is_hilarious~2339819/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/05/09/hot_air_balloon_flight_charity_auction~2237497/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-05-09:/2007/05/09/hot_air_balloon_flight_charity_auction~2237497/Wed, 09 May 2007 09:11:20 +0200 <p>Have you ever dreamed of soaring high in a hot air balloon, letting your cares drift away as you marvel at the sights below? Imagine taking such a trip over one of the most breathtaking places in the world - Luxor, Egypt; home of the tombs & temples of the pharaohs. </p> <p>Hod Hod Soliman Balloons have very generously donated 2 tickets for a hot air balloon flight, which Luxor4Care are selling by auction on ebay. The lucky winners will have one year from the end of auction to book their trip......so come along and get bidding!!!</p> <p><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290113950802&rd=1&rd=1"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290113950802&rd=1&rd=1">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290113950802&rd=1&rd=1</a></a></p> <p>Luxor4care's aim is to give whatever assistance and support it can to thosewho care for the abandoned, orphaned, disabled and disadvantaged childrenregardless of their religion, gender or ethnic background. Although thischarity is primarily for children, the plight of any adult in distress willnever be ignored.</p> <p>More information on Luxor4care can be found by visiting <a href="http://www.luxor4care.org/">www.luxor4care.org</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/05/09/hot_air_balloon_flight_charity_auction~2237497/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hot-air-ballooncharitychildrenegyptluxorhttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/05/09/hot_air_balloon_flight_charity_auction~2237497/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/why_is_this_allowed_to_happen~2005869/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/why_is_this_allowed_to_happen~2005869/Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:11:53 +0200 <p>Below are photographs of a very popular market in China.  The animals are picked by the customer and then bludgeoned to death, or half-killed if preferred.  To read the full article, go to <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=445260&in_page_id=1811"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=445260&in_page_id=1811">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=445260&in_page_id=1811</a></a></p> <p><img src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/03_02/Cats2DM2903_468x355.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="355"></p> <p><img src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/03_02/Cats1DM2903_468x602.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="602"></p> <p><img src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/03_02/Cats3DM2903_468x307.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="307"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/why_is_this_allowed_to_happen~2005869/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/why_is_this_allowed_to_happen~2005869/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/will_the_real_bond_please_step_forward~1992097/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-28:/2007/03/28/will_the_real_bond_please_step_forward~1992097/Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:33:26 +0200 <p>What fine specimens they are!!!  It's all Daniel Craig's fault!!</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/714/1282714_06df8d2f27_m.jpg" alt="Which one's the real Bond??" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="316" height="375"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/will_the_real_bond_please_step_forward~1992097/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/will_the_real_bond_please_step_forward~1992097/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/what_a_view~1992061/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-28:/2007/03/28/what_a_view~1992061/Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:26:44 +0200 <p>How's this for a view!</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/687/1282687_5ca184f3ec_m.jpg" alt="View from restaurant" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>It's from the table of a restaurant inside the new Tourist Bazaar in Luxor...the perfect way to relax and unwind after haggling the morning away!</p> <p>Oh yes, that <em>is </em>the Nile you see in front of the Theban Hills <img src="/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/what_a_view~1992061/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/what_a_view~1992061/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/title~1992007/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-28:/2007/03/28/title~1992007/Wed, 28 Mar 2007 16:16:44 +0200 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/658/1282658_7698bceaf0_m.jpg" alt="kitchen" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="493" height="375"></p> <p>Above is a photograph of the kitchen in one of Luxor's care homes.</p> <p>It needs to be completely gutted and refitted.  The tiny gas stove is used to prepare meals for over 30 residents.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/title~1992007/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/title~1992007/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/children_are_reason_enough~1991886/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-28:/2007/03/28/children_are_reason_enough~1991886/Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:53:10 +0200 <p>Luxor is a historian's paradise and a tourist's dream destination as temples are inspected and time is spent soaking up the sun and slowly drifting down the Nile. Everyone knows that the tomb of Tutankhamun is in Valley of the Kings and that it contained fabulous treasures that were beyond price. What tourists do not see is the extreme poverty, suffered by those who are not fortunate enough to have families to care for them, or are so disabled that families can no longer cope.</p> <p>Luxor4care was founded in February 2007 after one of the Trustees was alerted to the appalling conditions that existed in some of Luxor's care homes: many of which receive little or no official funding. Often the homes could offer little in the way of comfort, education, physiotherapy and health care because funds only stretch to placing a roof over children's heads.</p> <p>These charitable homes are not those that receive publicity or have their own websites, although we will help those too whenever we can, they are simply homes that have been set up by religious groups and well meaning citizens of Luxor to care for orphaned and abandoned children and the severely mentally and physically disabled of all ages.</p> <p>It is not the initial aim of Luxor4care to open its own care homes. There are many already in existence in Luxor. Instead, its aim is to give whatever assistance and support it can to those who care for the abandoned, orphaned, disabled and disadvantaged children regardless of their religion, gender or ethnic background. Although this charity is primarily for children, the plight of any adult in distress will never be ignored.</p> <p><strong>We cannot do this without your support<br> Membership of Luxor4care is free<br> Please fill in a membership form and join us.</p> <p><a href="http://www.luxor4care.org/membership.html">http://www.luxor4care.org/membership.html</a></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/children_are_reason_enough~1991886/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>orphanagedisableddisadvantagedegyptluxorcharityhttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/28/children_are_reason_enough~1991886/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987132/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-27:/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987132/Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:51:12 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.luxor4care.org">www.luxor4care.org</a></p> <p>Marianna </p> <p><img src="http://www.luxor4care.org/photos/marianna-arm.jpg" alt="http://www.luxor4care.org/photos/marianna-arm.jpg" title="Marianna"></p> <p>This is Marianna, who is 5 years old. </p> <p>Two months ago she fell and broke her arm. It was an open wound - the doctor she went to see put the whole arm in plaster and told her to return after a month.</p> <p>When the cast was taken off, the arm was found to be severely infected. She was given a month's course of antibiotics and told to see the doctor again after that time.</p> <p>The antibiotics were ineffective and the infection has now spread to the bone. She was taken to see several doctors in Luxor who said her arm would have to be amputated. </p> <p>With the help of Luxor4Care, Marianna travelled to see a doctor in Cairo who cleaned the bone and recast her arm (the bone was still broken). She is on another course of antibiotics and will return to Cairo after 4 weeks to be assessed.</p> <p>Please keep her in your thoughts. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987132/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>luxoregyptorphanschildrenhttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987132/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987034/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-27:/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987034/Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:38:14 +0200 <p>This is the story of just one of the children we are hoping to help.</p> <p><a href="http://www.luxor4care.org">www.luxor4care.org</a></p> <p><img src="http://www.luxor4care.org/photos/mena2.jpg" alt="Mena" title="Mena"></p> <p>This is a picture of Mena. He is 16 years old and one of the full-time residents at the Good Samaritan Home in Luxor.</p> <p>Mena is severely disabled. His mother didn't know what to do with him so she kept him in a cage. The only contact she would have with her son was to open the cage door once a day to put in food and water. He was found naked and covered in his own excrement <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Due to restricted movement in the cage, Mena needed many hours of physiotherapy to help him learn to walk again. He couldn't talk and would only communicate with grunts.</p> <p>Today, Mena is still unable to talk, but is a very affectionate and happy boy....</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987034/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>egyptchildrenorphanscharityluxorhttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/27/luxor4care~1987034/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/luxor4care~1973457/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2007-03-25:/2007/03/25/luxor4care~1973457/Sun, 25 Mar 2007 18:52:53 +0200 <p>Well...here I am again, after a lifetime away (well, in internet terms anyway!!).</p> <p>I'd like to share my latest project with you. If you've ever visited Egypt - Luxor in particular - you'll know how dire the poverty is there.</p> <p>I've lived here for almost 7 years and only recently visited an orphanage for the first time. All I can say is that I came away in tears <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> Whilst the staff do their best, the conditions the children are living in are awful.</p> <p>So, that's how Luxor4Care came about. We aim to help children's homes in Luxor, to improve the lives of these children in any way we can.</p> <p>Please check us out at <a href="http://www.luxor4care.org">www.luxor4care.org</a> to read more about what we are trying to do. </p> <p>If you have any questions, or would like further information, please feel free to drop me a line at: <a href="mailto:secretary@luxor4care.org">secretary@luxor4care.org</a></p> <p>Btw, if you do drop by the website, please sign up to become a member of the charity. It's free to join - we're in the process of applying to the UK Charities Commission for registered status, so the more members we have the better!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/luxor4care~1973457/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>luxor-orphanage-orphan-children-povertyhttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/luxor4care~1973457/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/10/25/ebay_finally~1261860/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-10-25:/2006/10/25/ebay_finally~1261860/Wed, 25 Oct 2006 21:53:47 +0200 <p>Whilst I try to remember what I've been up to for the last 3 months, I'll give you a link to peruse my ebay auctions.....enjoy <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0">!!</p> <p><a href="http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZegyptian_sensationQQhtZ-1">http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZegyptian_sensationQQhtZ-1</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/10/25/ebay_finally~1261860/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/10/25/ebay_finally~1261860/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/07/19/phew~971962/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-07-19:/2006/07/19/phew~971962/Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:34:05 +0200 <p>OMG, I honestly can't believe that almost a month has passed since I last wrote in my blog!!</p> <p>I've finally got something resembling a business up and running - I didn't realise I'd be so busy! For those who are interested, you can view my wares at <a href="http://egyptexports.en.ecplaza.net/">http://egyptexports.en.ecplaza.net/</a> (bare faced plug there!!).</p> <p>More soon!!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/07/19/phew~971962/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/07/19/phew~971962/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/20/how_many_visitors~895540/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-19:/2006/06/20/how_many_visitors~895540/Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:09:37 +0200 <p>How many visitors on average does your blog get per day (not page views)? </p> <p>Just wondering because I looked at mine and had to do a double-take!!! </p> <p>Will stop being nosey now! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/20/how_many_visitors~895540/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/20/how_many_visitors~895540/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/18/models~891973/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-18:/2006/06/18/models~891973/Sun, 18 Jun 2006 20:23:25 +0200 <p>So...I've been extremely busy these past few days photographing all my gorgeous garments. I've also had the joy of working with models who are visions of perfection with their 22" waists and 30" hips. Not for these women a bad hair day - nope, everyday their hair looked as though they'd just come out of Nicky Clarke's salon. And all of them seemed to tower a good head and shoulders above me!</p> <p>However, they were distinctly lacking in the conversation department. A cheery 'good morning' would be met with a blank expression. I told some of my favourite jokes to break the ice, but was met with the same sea of blank faces. I went out to buy some cakes to go with the coffee - and had to eat them all myself. It seems models don't eat - ever!</p> <p>Hmmm...wonder if there's any difference between the store mannequins I was working with and their human equivalent <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/18/models~891973/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/18/models~891973/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/filthy_lucre~871130/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-11:/2006/06/11/filthy_lucre~871130/Sun, 11 Jun 2006 21:58:42 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=612486"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/486/612486_9786dc45d5_m.jpg" align="" alt="DSC00163" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=612487"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/487/612487_9f1d46362d_m.jpg" align="" alt="DSC00165" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Still in trying out my new camera mode!! Above are front and back shots of the 50 piastre Egyptian note. This is the equivalent of 5p!!<br> 50 piastres will buy you 10 loaves of flatbread; 2 local bus journeys; 2 chocolate bars; a 2 min mobile phone call; a bag of crisps or a ready made felafel sandwich!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/filthy_lucre~871130/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/filthy_lucre~871130/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/10/suggestions_please~868524/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-10:/2006/06/10/suggestions_please~868524/Sat, 10 Jun 2006 19:04:47 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=609418"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/418/609418_d8c1543d01_m.jpg" align="" alt="resize" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Hmmm...above is a dress I love. It's handmade with gold sequin detail. The fabric is a light crepe material and it's so comfortable and easy to wear. But I'm undecided how much to retail it for...so suggestions please! Is 19.99 reasonable, or does 14.99 make it an unmissable bargain??!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/10/suggestions_please~868524/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/10/suggestions_please~868524/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/08/my_street~864295/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-08:/2006/06/08/my_street~864295/Thu, 08 Jun 2006 23:11:47 +0200 <p>I got my brand spanking new camera the other day and it's wonderful (oh the joy of opening the box and all the bits working as they should!!).</p> <p>Am still getting to grips with all its features but thought I'd share a photo with you of my street - taken just a few seconds ago <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=605427"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/427/605427_5cdb921206_m.jpg" align="" alt="My Street" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><em><strong>View from my balcony - the Nile's *that* way!!</strong></em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/08/my_street~864295/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/08/my_street~864295/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/belly_dancing_hip_scarves~856120/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-05:/2006/06/05/belly_dancing_hip_scarves~856120/Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:49:35 +0200 <p>I'm going to be spending the next few days photographing items to display for sale on my site.</p> <p>Below is a photo of the hip scarf I mentioned in my last post:</p> <p><img src="http://www.orientaldancer.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=80&d=1149535760" alt="Hip scarf" title="Hip scarf"></p> <p><strong>Colours available:</strong><br> Black with gold coins<br> Black with silver coins<br> Lime green with gold coins<br> Navy with silver coins<br> Red with gold coins<br> Turquoise with gold coins<br> Blue with gold coins<br> Mauve with gold coins<br> Light orange with gold coins</p> <p>I'm off now! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/belly_dancing_hip_scarves~856120/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/belly_dancing_hip_scarves~856120/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/ebay_and_all_that~855863/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-05:/2006/06/05/ebay_and_all_that~855863/Mon, 05 Jun 2006 19:11:22 +0200 <p>I've been busy the past few weeks visiting belly dance costume designers, material merchants and several women who dedicate hours of their time to sewing each of these beautiful items.</p> <p>I've now built up quite a collection of items to sell - although it'll be hard because I've fallen in love with so many of them! </p> <p>As an opening promotion I'm going to offer crepe chiffon triangular hip scarves (140x60cm) with lots of jingly coins for £5.99 each, and I'll throw in free P&P to get things started. These scarves are ideal for any dancer, and the noise and movement from the coins is amazing! They also look great when worn with jeans or trousers <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif" alt="B)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I've also sourced more unusual scarves and dancing dresses which I shall photograph and upload as they're rather difficult to explain.</p> <p>Anyway, that was my bare-faced, unashamed plug for my project and I thank you for listening!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/ebay_and_all_that~855863/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>belly-dancing1-ebay1belly-dancingebayhttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/ebay_and_all_that~855863/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/02/5_things_courtesy_of_prydwen~849965/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-02:/2006/06/02/5_things_courtesy_of_prydwen~849965/Fri, 02 Jun 2006 21:50:56 +0200 <p>Shamelessly copied from <a href="http://wulfweard.blog.co.uk/"> Prydwen's blog </a> cause I think it's fun!!</p> <p><strong>5 things in my fridge:</strong><br> 5 bottles of Baraka mineral water<br> feta cheese<br> watermelon<br> moussaka<br> fish fillets</p> <p><strong>5 things in my wardrobe</strong><br> Designer suit I've never worn (burgundy with bits of straw) <img src="/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Jewellery<br> Bellydancing costumes<br> Pair of $250 dollar killer heels<br> Too many books to count!</p> <p><strong>5 things in my handbag</strong><br> ipod<br> mobile phone<br> passport<br> address book<br> perfume (Angel by Thierry Mugler)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/02/5_things_courtesy_of_prydwen~849965/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/02/5_things_courtesy_of_prydwen~849965/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/02/driving_in_egypt~849826/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-06-02:/2006/06/02/driving_in_egypt~849826/Fri, 02 Jun 2006 20:49:03 +0200 <p>A few days ago I received my International Driving Permit and since then have been having the time of my life getting to grips with driving in Egypt. </p> <p>To give you an idea of what it's like - think of fairground dodgems but with the added excitement of donkey carts and horse carriages and pedestrians with a death wish thrown in for good measure!! </p> <p>There is no highway code, no courtesy to other drivers and the horn is compulsory. In fact, if you ever visit Egypt, one of the first things you'll notice is the incessant sound of car horns!</p> <p>I almost came a cropper on a roundabout. Thinking I had right of way I was all set to do a left turn when a car came speeding towards me from the other side. Horns galore until my passenger informed me that whoever is on the 'straight road' has the right of way <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>But perhaps the most amazing thing that's happened in my few days of driving was last night. Himself (who doesn't yet have a licence) suggested we take a drive out to a restaurant beside the Nile for dinner. We arrived and were shown to a space by the parking attendant. I pulled in and was waiting for a departing car to leave so I could straighten up. Cue the parking attendant (male of course) knocking on the passenger window and asking Himself to take my seat and park the car properly. I was livid <img src="/img/smilies/icon_censored.gif" alt=">:XX" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/02/driving_in_egypt~849826/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/06/02/driving_in_egypt~849826/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/25/what_s_new~827463/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-25:/2006/05/25/what_s_new~827463/Thu, 25 May 2006 07:52:28 +0200 <p>....so what have I been up to this past week? Well, firstly my bank agreed to issue me with a new credit card after we danced round in circles for 2 days. That was such fun and I shall miss Debbie, Chris, Mark, and all those other jolly, bubbly customer care telephonists who passed me from pillar to post....in fact I may call up later today just to say hi - I'm missing them already <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I've had my friends Fiona & David over from the UK and so have been doing the tourist trail (always a joy)! Tombs, temples, monuments - we've done them all. It was David's birthday a couple of days ago, so we hired a dahabiya for the evening. </p> <p><img src="http://www.touregyptphotos.com/data/500/10the_Dahabiya_in_Luxor_on_Westbank.jpg?723" alt="Dahabiya" title="Dahabiya"><br> <em><strong>The Dahabiya</strong></em></p> <p>There were around 30 of us and we had a wonderful time. What can be better than great company, delicious food, dancing and a live oriental band complete with whirling dervish? The fact that we were sailing down the Nile at sunset completed the perfection. Below is a photo of the whirling dervish who performed for us, and another of Luxor Temple as seen from the boat.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=571100"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/100/571100_73af0ba74b_s.jpg" align="" alt="dervish" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <em><strong>Whirling Dervish</strong></em></p> <p>><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=571101"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/101/571101_766575967f_s.jpg" align="" alt="temple" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <em><strong>View from the boat of Luxor Temple</strong></em></p> <p>Other news...my friend didn't make it to the summit. As permits for the summit are dated, they had a specific timeframe in which to push for the top. Unfortunately, the weather turned against them, so they had no alternative but to turn back. To get as far as they did was a great achievement in itself and I think their decision shows wisdom and responsibility. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/25/what_s_new~827463/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/25/what_s_new~827463/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/25/ooooops~827449/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-25:/2006/05/25/ooooops~827449/Thu, 25 May 2006 07:33:12 +0200 <p>8 whole days without an update. Surely I've committed blog suicide??!!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/25/ooooops~827449/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/25/ooooops~827449/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/everest_bid~805847/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-17:/2006/05/17/everest_bid~805847/Wed, 17 May 2006 07:57:21 +0200 <p>Firstly, great news about Mark Inglis reaching the summit of Everest - he's an inspiration to us all.</p> <p>I have a friend who's in the team attempting the Everest climb from the Tibetan side - they're going to push for the summit tomorrow, weather permitting. I've been tracking progress as and when they've been able to get back to camp and run the laptop on a car battery.</p> <p><img src="http://www.everestnews.com/Summitclimb2005/pictures/dm-laddertoncol2.gif" alt="crossing ice chasm" title="crossing ice chasm"><br> <em><strong>crossing an ice chasm</strong></em></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=550491"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/491/550491_ba0ddeab3c_s.gif" align="" alt="everest" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> <em><strong>camp on the north col</strong></em></p> <p>Am keeping everything crossed for them and wishing them a safe return <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/everest_bid~805847/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>everesthttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/everest_bid~805847/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/how_can_i_help_you_today~805774/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-17:/2006/05/17/how_can_i_help_you_today~805774/Wed, 17 May 2006 07:14:01 +0200 <p>Thought I'd ask the question - because it's one I was asked repeatedly yesterday. Why?? Because I had the greatest pleasure of trying to get an answer from a UK bank; banging my head against a brick wall would have been far more productive.</p> <p>A while back I contacted my bank to request they issue me a new credit card. Yesterday I got a letter basically saying I don't fit into any of their boxes and to sod off. Then the fun of trying to get someone to talk to me began.</p> <p>First off, I called the Customer Service Centre number on the letter - I'd like at this point to say thank you to James, Chris, Julie and Mark for being ultra-cheery and equally ineffective. One told me I had to be transferred to the 'Plastic Enquiries Team'....hmmmm, I know some bank staff can be robotic but erm, <em>plastic</em>?!</p> <p>Once the customer service centre realised I needed some answers and might actually have a point - they suggested I call my branch direct. I spoke to a lovely woman there who promised she'd look into it and call me back....I'm still waiting <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>But special mention has to go to Adam. While I was trying to get through to my branch the call was diverted to Bank Support. There I had the pleasure of talking to Adam - a robotic, nasally 12 year old. Thinking I was through to my branch I gave him the spiel and waited....and waited....then after much thought he said 'well, if the letter says we can't issue a card, then we can't issue a card - <em>and there's nothing anyone can do about it</em>'. Thanking him for his optimism, I asked to talk to his manager. Only to be informed that they're just a telephone answering service for my branch when all lines are busy - cheers Adam <img src="/img/smilies/icon_neutral.gif" alt=":|" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/how_can_i_help_you_today~805774/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>bankshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/how_can_i_help_you_today~805774/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/13/sigh~797559/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-13:/2006/05/13/sigh~797559/Sat, 13 May 2006 22:48:57 +0200 <p>Ever get the feeling you're going round in circles? That's all I seem to be doing at the moment. </p> <p>Told Annie about the faulty camera on Wednesday and she was going to come by to pick it up later the same day and give me back my money. Thursday passed and there was still no sign of her. So yesterday I sent her an email reminding her that I still have the camera and that I'd put it to one side - or perhaps I could drop it off to her if it's more convenient. I got a reply this afternoon saying 'you're welcome to come for coffee any time' aaaarrrggh! I'm going to pop over there tomorrow and see what's going on. </p> <p>Annie lives just across the road from me - we can wave to each other from our balconies (I'm tempted to throw aforementioned camera over!).</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/13/sigh~797559/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/13/sigh~797559/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/honesty_on_the_internet~786985/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-09:/2006/05/09/honesty_on_the_internet~786985/Tue, 09 May 2006 16:06:49 +0200 <p>As you may have guessed, whenever I'm stressed, I love a bit of humour. Today is one of those days, so I'll share this classic with you:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=532326"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/326/532326_16ef57526f_m.jpg" align="" alt="Honesty on the Internet" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p><em><strong>Honesty on the Internet</strong></em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/honesty_on_the_internet~786985/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/honesty_on_the_internet~786985/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/digital_camera_part_ii~786908/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-09:/2006/05/09/digital_camera_part_ii~786908/Tue, 09 May 2006 15:40:20 +0200 <p>Ok...so then what happened with my new Cybersh*t-666?</p> <p>Well, after man-handling (literally!) the battery to get it charged, it was time to install the memory stick. This tiny little chip is encased in so much plastic, it's incredible! Himself and I reverently opened the plastic and held our breath whilst he popped it into place and then.....nothing. Much pressing of buttons and trying to get the card in every which way and then.....still nothing.</p> <p>And then the battery died <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>This was at 4am this morning and we've been trying to coax it back into life all day - without success. Annie has since told me the camera is an ex-display model <img src="/img/smilies/icon_censored.gif" alt=">:XX" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Everything is now neatly packed back in the Asda carrier bag until I pluck up the courage to tell Annie I want a refund. I've got friends coming out to Egypt on 15th May who can return the camera to the store on their return. </p> <p>Then my plan is to send the money to another friend who's coming over at the start of June - so she can buy another camera and the fun can begin all over again <img src="/img/smilies/icon_neutral.gif" alt=":|" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Wish me luck! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/digital_camera_part_ii~786908/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/digital_camera_part_ii~786908/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/digital_cameras~786796/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-09:/2006/05/09/digital_cameras~786796/Tue, 09 May 2006 14:52:23 +0200 <p>I recently decided to upgrade my trusty old APS camera for a brand-spanking new Sony digital one.</p> <p>My friend Annie who lives here who was going back to the UK for a holiday, so I asked her if she'd pick one up for me whilst she was there. To make things easier, I gave a choice of 3 different models. I awaited her return with great anticipation.</p> <p>Yesterday was the big day and I went to collect my new camera. Annie explained that she'd had to take it out of the box <del>so that she wouldn't get busted by customs</del> because it was so bulky. She handed me an Asda carrier bag containing the camera and all its bits.</p> <p>Being a bit of a <del>saddo</del> stickler for detail, I always devour the manual of a gadget before trying to work it. But my significant other pointed out that the lithium battery would take hours to charge and we'd best get it plugged in. I scrambled around in the carrier bag and proudly produced the charger and battery. The two of us went to the kitchen clutching instructions - himself was in charge of electricity; I had the job of shouting out what to do next. We got as far as 'push the battery until it clicks' - that's when things started to fall apart. Himself pushed and pressed but there was no click. About 2 hours later we discovered the charger model was different to the one listed on the contents. Laughing, I reassured Himself that Annie had probably given me her charger by mistake. A quick phone call and we'd be back on track. But no - Annie's camera uses ordinary batteries - the charger was the one in the box <img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"> (which she later confessed was open when she bought it).</p> <p>As Himself is rather technical minded, he claimed he had a plan! This entailed him sitting with the battery & charger on his knee, pushing the contacts together whilst watching Braveheart - bless him </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/digital_cameras~786796/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/09/digital_cameras~786796/#commentshttp://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/06/sudoku~779276/tag:she-shimmies.blog.co.uk,2006-05-06:/2006/05/06/sudoku~779276/Sat, 06 May 2006 08:46:54 +0200 <p>I'm totally addicted to Sudoku puzzles. I'm sure it's some sort of Japanese conspiracy to have us all submissing to the power of 9 (sorry, I've obviously been reading too many Dan Brown books!!).</p> <p><em><strong>Took me ages to solve this one...</strong></em><br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=524948"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/948/524948_ad6cc57d36_s.jpg" align="" alt="sun" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/06/sudoku~779276/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://she-shimmies.blog.co.uk/2006/05/06/sudoku~779276/#comments