Ride away with dhafer l'abidine

AUGUST 2015 - 15 L.E., VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Easy-to-Follow Summer Blast Workout

to the Beach from planning to

summer-style tanning

46 + Summer Fashion Must-Haves Escape the Real World see p. 54

ride away with

Dhafer L’Abidine

this summer

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IDENTITY editor’s note

on the cover

ACTOR DHAFER L’ABIDINE PHOTOGRAPHER ABU SAMRA FASHION STYLIST SAEED RAMZY HAIR DRESSER MAHMOUD FAROUK MOTORCYCLE ABAZA AUTO TRADE LOCATION JW MARRIOTT COVER DESIGN ALIA ELABD

T

his issue is the last of our Summertime series, Summer on the Road, to inspire those who are leaving the city limits behind them, seeking an adventure or a simple change on a different side of the horizon.

There is little more astounding than the feel of an open road ahead of you; you feel alive and free.

This was an incredibly fun issue to create. The highlight was our photoshoot with Dhafer L’Abidine.

The photoshoot with Dhafer was a breath of fresh air amidst the summer heat. Incredibly kind and considerate, full of smiles, he chatted with everyone all through, from the stylist, to the photographer, to the motorcycle driver, like they were all old friends.

He didn’t complain once about the heat, even though we were shooting outdoors mid July. When fans passed by, obviously wanting to meet him but were

too shy to ask, he was a sweetheart, encouraging them to come and take a picture with him. He was such a good sport about the whole process even though he was still filming his multiple Ramadan shows.

Dhafer makes the perfect cover for this issue being on the road himself; he handles his hectic life- one that pulls him in so many different directions- with such grace. It is not easy to have your family life in one country, your career in multiple others, and still be a kind, considerate person to those around you.

He is an inspiration to me, and I hope to the rest of you as you pack your bags and get started on your own journey in what we have left of summer.

Liza Dunham

SENIOR EDITOR

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR ROLA KAMEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NAWAL ISMAIL Senior Editor Liza DUnham COPY-EDITOR AMINA EL FAYOUMY JUNIOR EDITORS MIRANA TERA, RAGHDA EL-SAYED ONLINE WRITERS MALAK NAGUIB. ALIA SERRY, JOE@banatmasr, ALAA YOSRY, AYAT ABOUELELA, MONICA ELSHAZLY RELATIONSHIP EXPERT MARWA RAKHA SOCIOLOGY EXPERT MICHAEL RYAN SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ALIA ELABD INTERN Mohamed chahin MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER RIHAM YEHIA SENIOR DIGITAL MEDIA OPERATIONS STEVE NABIL DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST MIRNA ALAA WEBSITE COMPANY QPIX SOLUTIONS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY AL AHRAM PRINTING HOUSE INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH) IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS ASHRAF FOUAD & ESSAM IBRAHIM Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

IDENTITYMAGEG

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IDENTITY contents

IDENTITY way of life

8 FIFTEEN STEPS FOR A PERFECT NIGHT GRILLING OUT

24 How to make your money stretch as long as your dream trip

10 HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR

26 6 reasons why we love

14 HOW TO TRAVEL LIGHTER

27 BEACH BEAUTY AS EASY AS

FAMILY VACATION

THAN A FEATHER

16 ESSENTIALS FOR THE OPEN

summer flings

IDENTITY how you got there

38 RIDE AWAY WITH DHAFER L’ABIDINE

48 IN THE FAST LANE: FARIDA OSMAN

50 ENTI 7AMEL? ANA 7AMEL IS THE RESOURCE FOR YOU

1-2-3

IDENTITY lifestyle

IDENTITY perspective

52 MARRIED TO SOMEONE

ROAD

28 GET THAT BOHO BEACH LOOK

18 studying abroad: The

30 SUMMER ACCESSORY

54 THINGS I LEARNED WHILE

32 #INCAJOURNEY

IDENTITY bits & pieces

trick to making your dependent more independenT

20 SUMMER BLAST WORKOUT 22

Everything you need to know to get the perfect tan

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MUST HAVES

I DON’T KNOW

ESCAPING THE REAL WORLD

58 SNAPS & LATEST NEWS 64 HOROSCOPES

IDENTITY way of life

15 Steps for a Perfect Night

Grilling Out

It’s the summer season, and it’s the best time of the year to have BBQs on the beach or even on your very own balcony. Maybe your past BBQs went down in flames, pun intended, with countless charred chickens wasted while your family watched hungrily from the sidelines. But this year is different, we have all the surefire tips you need for your upcoming BBQ party, no matter what the size!

right type of meat. Baby Back Ribs is usually the easiest to grill, but if you’re not sure what to pick, ask your butcher.

They’ll help you out!

9. Buy extra food. It’s better to have extra food left than having people starve to death!

10. Don’t forget to buy the drinks! They're easy to forget while focusing on the meat, but no one wants to have a BBQ party without having a drink with it.

THE Preparations

The Grilling

to the grill. It takes only a few seconds before everyone is singed!

2. Pick the right grill. If you have never grilled in your life, it’s better to have an electric grill than a traditional coal based grill.

3. Don’t use gas to light up the coal! The combination is toxic and will leave a bad taste on the food!

won’t stick. Preheat for a few minutes before you start grilling.

12. Don’t forget to season! Nothing is worse than unseasoned food! You can marinate it, or just add a little bit of salt and pepper, or maybe even ask the butcher to season it for you. Most of the super markets now have pre-seasoned food.

13. Have a timer set. Set the timer based on how you like your meat. Most electric grills have built-in timers, but if you’re using a classic grill, have a timer on your phone, or download a grilling application.

14. Wrap it up immediately after taking off the heat. When your meat is grilled, wrap it up in a foil and leave it for a few minutes on a warm plate. This will help the meat's juices set and will give it a great flavour.

15. Serve it up. It’s better to have someone set the plates up so you can save time. If you don’t have a server, and don’t have time to plate the dishes, you can have it as an open buffet and have people plate their own dishes.

1. Safety first! Make sure you have a fire extinguisher next

4. Make sure the number of grillers is proportionate to the attendees. Grilling is tiring, so make sure that the grillers are

able to stand the whole time grilling. If they can't, make sure you have enough to change shifts.

5. Make a solid invitations list. You have to know how many people are showing up before you start planning or buying anything.

The Shopping

6. It’s not all about meat. Keep your hungry friends from

harassing you by having salads, grilled vegetables, munchies, and even games that will distract people until you finish grilling the meat.

7. Decide on what to eat. If you’re a grilling newbie, it’s always recommended to grill meat not chicken. Chicken can go dry fast.

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8. Pick the right meat. If you’re going with meat, pick the

11. Prepare the grill. Clean it and then oil it up so the meat

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IDENTITY way of life

How to survive your family vacation

While we can all agree that our families are more crazy than we bargained for and we love them anyway, there never seems to be a perfect time to go on that imminent family vacation looming in your ever-nearing future. No matter what terms you are on with your family, you are stuck and have to go whether you want to or not. Here's a nifty list of ways for you to make the best of the vacation, ranging from no contact for those who want to pretend like the trip isn't happening, all the way to full bonding for those who feel like they might as well use the time to catch up with their loved ones.

HAVING No Contact Pick a good book 1 Holding a book is the international sign of “don’t mess with me!” They won’t bug you over what you’re doing because you’re a book reader. Even if you’re not actually reading, just hold it as a shield.

tip

They could talk for days, gossip, judge you, or ask you about your relationship status all they want. But you don’t care!

Take pictures Chances are, you’re at a beach and your family will take you to a somewhat expensive restaurant. Take pictures and spend your time editing and posting them on social media. You had fun taking the picture, avoided human beings, and gained a few followers.

Win/win for everyone!

Limiting Socialization Go out one on one 2 Avoid the chaos of the big group and sneak out with your sister or cousin and explore. Maybe see some new places, learn new things, meet new people, and have some adventures and memories that are special to just the two of you.

tip

Start conversations and let them debate If your family is prone to debates, it could be a humorous way for you to have conversations with them about the most ridiculous topics. Even if you

are just arguing about which Ramadan series was the best, you could learn things about your family members you didn't know before.

Full on Bonding Cook for each other 3 Whether you’re a good cook or never set foot in a kitchen, cooking could still be fun!

Go on Pinterest or download a few recipes apps on your phone and make them a weird exotic dinner. You could even turn it into a competition. You're masterpiece might suck, but you’ll have fun cooking, and will no doubt create some funny memories.

tip

Just give up and enjoy your family’s company Love them or hate them, they’re your family. Whatever happens, you’ll stay stuck with them. You might as well enjoy the time with them, put your guard down, and give up on your beliefs and everything you have against them for a few days and enjoy the time.

Raghda El Sayed JUNIOR EDITOR

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IDENTITY way of life

How to travel lighter than a feather We have this romantic picture in our heads of us jumping in a plane to travel across the globe, suitcase bouncing lightly by our side, lighthearted without a care in the world. The reality is when you book your trip, you end up packing everything into your two full size suitcases, plus a bulging carry-on, not to mention a personal item that looks suspiciously like a second carry-on. When overpacking you are just limiting the freedom you are searching for. The lighter you pack, the more flexible you will be to explore your new destinations. At the end of the day, you should be thinking about what you can do without, not what you think will be convenient to have with you.

1

Don’t pack more than you can carry

This doesn’t mean more than you can carry from the door to the taxi, this means more than you can comfortably carry while running through the airport for your gate, or while wandering through Venice while waiting for your train to leave. Your luggage should never slow you down when you can’t leave it somewhere, moments while traveling are precious. Test your luggage out before leaving by taking it for a walk. If it wears you out after only ten minutes, you need to leave some more stuff behind.

2

Only pack a carry-on

To achieve only bringing what you can carry, we recommend only bringing a carry-on. It may sound crazy, but think of how much time you will save just in the airport by not having to wait for the baggage claim. Your adventure is waiting for you, keep everything you need with you so you can just pick up and go.

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3Leave space 4Leave your toiletries behind

When you are packing your one carry-on bag, don’t stuff it to the brim. Leave a little wiggle room so that you have room for your treasures that you find abroad.

You do not need to bring a whole bottle of shampoo with you. Unless you are going to Antarctica, anywhere you go is going to have shampoo, soap, perfume, toothpaste, and so on available to buy... You may think you are saving money by packing them, but they are just going to weigh you down. It is a good idea to keep some travel sizes of these items with you though, to use in the airport and your first day after you land.

5Pack neutral

When choosing your clothes, pick out the neutral colors that go well with multiple items. This will give you more possible outfit combinations while still packing less.

Just one or two flashy items will do the trick of making any look dressier or bolder, like a bold necklace or scarf.

6Don’t bring books

This may seem contradictory to the image we have of the sophisticated traveler, always with her nose in a book. But not having one can make you experience more by forcing you to talk to people around you. And let’s be serious, maybe you think you’re going to get caught up on the classics while you are gone, but you didn’t travel to another country just to be a bookworm. You can do that at home. If you insist, then at least download them onto a kindle to save space. You can also use a kindle, tablet, or your smart phone to download travel guides so you don’t have to pack those either.

Liza Dunham

SENIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY way of life

Essentials for

the open road

We have hit the peak of summer spirit and it’s time to hit the road and escape to your own haven.

And we all know that famous saying, it’s not where you’re going, it’s how you get there. Here’s how to enjoy every moment of your road trip this summer...

To have by your side:

- Card games.

- Light, comfortable clothes.

-Sweatpants, a t-shirt and slippers will suffice.

-Sunglasses, for when you want to take a nap.

-Portable phone charger. Don’t forget this. I repeat, don’t forget this.

-Camera, because sunsets on the road feel like paradise.

-Your favorite travel apps downloaded; taxi apps, nightlife apps, and photo-editing apps before you leave your house’s WiFi.

Movies to enjoy:

-“22 Jump St.”: For a laugh that lasts the entire trip.

-“Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas”: A classic 1998 Johnny Depp movie, absolutely humorous with a Stanley Kubrick-ish feel.

-“Blue Valentine”: This is your pick if you’re traveling with your partner. Not your average Hollywood fairytale, yet extremely heartwarming.

Books to browse:

-“On The Road” by Jack Kerouac: an autobiographical novel about Sal and his friends traveling across America.

-“Paper Towns” by John Green: a coming of age story for Quentin as he searches for his childhood sweetheart and discovers more of her secrets along the way.

-“Letters To My Daughter” by Maya Angelou: this short read doesn’t miss out on anything, discussing one of the earliest and most poetic perspectives on feminism and racism in a collection of 20 years’ worth of Angelou’s ideas.

Playlist to cruise to:

-“Thunderbird” by Dirtwire.

-“Cortez The Killer” by Neil Young.

-“Waves” by The Aristocrats.

-“Pale Blue Eyes” by The Velvet Underground.

-“OOO AAA” by Cathedrals.

-“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” by Cake.

-“Indian Summer” by The Doors.

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IDENTITY way of life

1. It Teaches Them To Be Responsible The transitional stage that comes between education and career can be very precarious to handle for many people, especially in Middle Eastern communities where the children are taught to fully hinge onto their parents to do everything for them most of the time. College abroad is the perfect place to make sure your kid is responsible and ready to move on with that stage in his life. He is taught independence through the necessity of doing everything for himself from A to Z, which may be also exasperating for him at that time, but excessively beneficial later in life.

Studying Abroad:

The trick to making your dependent more independent Having your kids study abroad is a burdensome decision to make for every parent. You become overwhelmed with thoughts of hesitation about whether your daughter or son will be able to cope with and handle the responsibility that comes with that step. However, as much as it is a concerning matter for parents, which can also be emotionally straining, it’s still a decision that one won’t regret making for the rest of their life. Parents should invest their trust in their children and their capability of making the best use of their situation when they’re no longer guarded by family all the time, and here’s why.

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2. Experience Will Help Them Grow Living in a different cultural realm really broadens one’s mind. Westernized cultures take a more do-it-yourself approach at life, forcing the student to take the steering wheel of his lifestyle and be mature. This is absolutely quintessential when you’re in college. Eventually, your kids will learn to absorb the positive aspects of the culture they position themselves in, and will come as a different, more considerate and acute person. Having no room to slack off really improves a person’s sense of reality, and you’d want that in your son or daughter as an adult.

3. More Educational Opportunities Outside Egypt, the educational scene is on the rise, offering a broader range of specialities to study and apply them actively.

Your child is provided with a chance to learn everything about their subject and have a vital role in indulging the society in it and projecting it usefully. After twelve consecutive years of school education, your son or daughter deserves to make the choice of a more advanced educational opportunity and go on with it, as a reward for all their hard work and commitment as students. You should trust that most sacrifices made as a side effect of this decision are going to be well worth it when your child graduates with a respectable degree from a well renowned educational institution.

Alaa Yousry

ONLINE WRITER

“always remember to smile”

Dr. Mohamed Emad

Tel: 01110551777 - 01066777295 Address: 123 Hassan El Ma’mon st., in front of El Ahly Sporting Clup, Nasr City, Cairo

IDENTITY way of life

Summer Blast

Workout

(Each round should be done 2X before moving on to the next) Round 1 (x2) 50 Squats 40 In and Out Crunches 30 Push Ups 20 Mountain Climbers 10 Burpees Skip Rope (90 seconds) WATER BREAK (1 min.)

Round 2 (x2) 50 Squat Jacks 40 Flutter Kicks 30 Pike Push Ups 20 Spiderman Planks 10 Burpees Skip Rope (90 seconds) WATER BREAK (1 min.)

Round 3 (x2) 50 Squat Jumps 40 Leg Raises 30 Froggers 20 Elephant Walks 10 Burpees Skip Rope (90 Sec) WATER BREAK (1 min.)

Core & Rope Workout Warm-up: 10 Elephant Walks 10 Backward Lunges 10 Push Ups 10 Criss Cross Jacks 10 Mountain Climbers 10 Double Butt Kicks (Each Exercise is 15 Reps each, and each Round should be done 3X before moving on to the next)

It's not just about being interested in exercising, if you want to see progress, you need to be committed. When you're committed, you set goals, you focus, and you track your progress. Exercising will lift your mood, improve your sleeping pattern, reduce stress, adjust hormones, improve your eating habits without even realizing it, and will keep your body fit. Set your mind this summer to control your thinking and to being committed. It's the best lifestyle and if you truly want it, you truly will have it!

HIIT Workout Warm-up: (Each exercise should be done for 40 seconds with 5 seconds in between) 1. Jog/Shuffle in place with Arm Circle Rotation (Forward and Backward) 2. Butt Kicks 3. Forward Lunges 4. Jumping Jacks 5. Deep Squats 6. Side to Side Lunges 7. Mountain Climbers 8. High Knees 9. Static Squat Hold 10. Jog/Shuffle WATER BREAK (1 min.)

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Round 1 (x3) Right & Left Oblique Crunches In and Out Crunches Half Burpee Skip Rope (1min.)

WATER BREAK (1 min.)

Round 2 (x3) Heel Touches Reverse Crunches High Plank Shoulder Tap Skip Rope (1 min.)

WATER BREAK (1 min.)

Round 3 (x3) Right & Left Side Elbow Plank Dips Scissors High Plank Jacks Skip Rope (1 min.)

WATER BREAK (1 min.)

STRETCHING - Stretching should be done pre and post workout to decrease the risk of injuries, plus it improves your muscle performance throughout your workout. Post workout stretching is a MUST for better recovery, and as previously mentioned, decreases risk of injury.

Noorhan A. Shafy

TRAIN for AIM COACH FOUNDER of @LOVE.YOURWORKOUT

IDENTITY way of life Pre-tanning exfoliation

When you exfoliate you remove the dead skin off your body and leave only the new, fresh skin exposed. This way you don’t waste your time tanning the dead cells on top and you will get an even tan that lasts longer.

Less time, more frequent

It's not the amount of hours per day, it's actually the frequency that will make your skin tan. So, be patient and go tan in the sun around 30 minutes a day, three times a week instead of rushing it by spending a whole day in the sun. This will give you a better colour that will last much longer and it will save you the trouble of ending up looking like a ripe tomato. Besides, it will also lessen the risk of getting skin cancer.

Tip: It's better to set a timer or an alarm, so you don't get carried away or fall asleep.

Don't forget to split the time between your back and front.

Tan at the right time

When it comes to tanning outdoors, you should avoid soaking up the sun’s rays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, because this is when the sun is at its peak. This means it's not safe and you’re more likely to get burnt.

Sunscreen, for your own good

Everything you need to know to get the perfect tan

We all dream of that perfect, sun-kissed skin that glows of summer, but it’s easier said than done to get the tan you want. You either get sunburned and your tanned skin peels immediately, leaving you raw and tender, or you can’t get colour no matter how hard you try. Luckily, we have some tanning tips for you to get that beautiful tanned skin you want for weeks after you leave the beach. Please always be cautious while exposing yourself to the sun, as it increases the risk of skin cancer, so precautions must be taken.

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Don't ditch your sunscreen. Yes, you read that right! It's for your own good. You'll still tan even if you used a sunscreen with SPF 15, the only difference is that you'll have a better and safer tan. Sunscreen acts by blocking the harmful UV rays and allowing the beneficial ones, so even a low SPF is better than no protection at all.

Tip: The fairer your skin the higher the SPF you need to use. Don't forget to protect your eyes by wearing shades or the special eye covers for protection.

Be cautious of tanning lines

Tanning lines are a problem for some people. There are a number of ways in which you can avoid them. You can adjust your bikini straps by either putting them under your shoulders or you can use a tan-through swimming suit, a new kind of swimming suit that lets UV rays pass through it.

Moisturize post-tanning

Moisturizing your skin after tanning is necessary, as your skin gets dehydrated after it's exposed to sunlight for a period of time. The more moisture you keep on your skin, the longer your skin will live, and the longer your tan will last.

Mirana Tera JUNIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY way of life

How to make your money stretch as long as your

dream trip Who doesn’t want to live their life jetting through different destinations? We’re at a time and age where our curiosity and will to explore is at an all-time high, perhaps due to how social media has facilitated our ability to learn about all the different possibilities out beyond the borders of our homeland. We want to travel and globe trot, but we still want to do it without wrecking our finances. Here are some tips on how you can save up while you vacation your way through your dream destinations.

Booking Your Flight Airfare is usually the biggest account drainer, so the best thing you can do is book your flight as early as you possibly can as the rates tend to increase with time. How can you land the cheapest flight? Check out (www.skyscanner. net) which basically scans all available flights to a given destination and gives you the cheapest ones. The internet keeps on making our lives easier and easier day by day.

Accommodation To simply put it: don’t be fancy. Travelling on a budget means giving up a bit of lavish luxury and so you better toss the idea of staying at a 5-star hotel out the window.

You don’t, however, have to compromise comfort, as many hostels offer all your basic needs during your stay. You can either share your room or book a private room in a hostel.

Just research the best hostels online, by checking websites like (www.hostelworld.com) and read people’s reviews about different ones on websites like (www.tripadvisor.com) and pick the one with the most positive reviews.

If, however, you still want to stay at a hotel then check out (www.booking.com) With the variety of rooms available, you’re bound to find low cost ones in a few local, small hotels.

Sightseeing If you’re a student, you’re in for a bunch of discounts, especially all around Europe. Student discounts in museums and sights are readily available; all you have to do is present your student ID so make sure you pack it along with you. Also, make sure to check with the concierge or receptionist at your hostel/hotel for free or discounted passes.

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Transportation If you choose to go around in a taxi all throughout your stay, you’ll probably end up paying a fortune. But if you use the metro, the tram, or the bus, you’ll definitely effectively cut costs. It may be confusing at first, especially if it is in another language, but fellow passengers are usually happy to answer your questions about navigating their transportation.

Food Beware of touristy venues. How can you know a venue is a sight for foreigners, and hence at least twice as expensive as local favourites? The first thing you’ll notice is its location. If it’s located near an attraction sight, it’s probably tourist bait. Also, if you find the menu written in English in a non-English speaking country, its target customers are probably tourists. Do a little online research for local spots or better yet, strike up a conversation with a local there and ask about the best hidden spots to treat your tummy.

On an ending note, it’s important to remember to not compromise your happiness and enjoyment on the trip to save up a few bucks here and there. Sure, you can cut the costs that won’t affect the overall enjoyment you get out of your trip, but don’t over-compromise the little things that might make your whole trip a lot more joyful. That local concert you didn't find out about until the night before might not have been in your plans or budget, but who knows, it could be the highlight of your trip!

Aliaa Serry

ONLINE WRITER

IDENTITY way of life

6 reasons why we love

summer

flings Summer flings are what are bound to happen in, well, summer. And we are not complaining. They provide us single girls with just the right amount of involvement and a lot of fun. Here’s why we love them:

1. No Strings

We get to fool around, revel our time with the other person, and end it when the winter comes around with no heartbreak or drama. That way we get to make some fun memories, but we’re not attached either.

2. Everybody Is Hotter

Everyone’s all tanned up, waxed off, worked out, and shaped up. With less clothing and more water, there’s hot people wandering all over the place for you to make a move on. Beaches just make everything sexier.

3. Less Drama

Everything is out on the table and as simple as it gets.

There’s no fighting over the little things, something which is mandatory with actual relationships. No more boring dinner and movie dates!

4. One Word: Accents

Whether you’re traveling somewhere exotic for summer, or going to Sahel or Sinai, where it’s cramped with expats and tourists, accents are classically sexy. We just love them!

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5. More Free Time

It’s summer; there’s less work, no school, less duties and so forth, so everyone can let their hair down. You can spend more time with your man and stay out later, with no need to worry about an 800 word paper you need to turn in the next day.

6. Experience

When seeing someone in a casual manner without real attachments, you are able to recognize what you like and dislike about a man. That won’t interfere with your fling. However, it does help you with future relationships, as you’re more experienced about your decisions and desires.

Beach beauty as easy as 1-2-3

While enjoying your vacation at the beach, you really want to look as fresh as possible. The bright, summer weather is a great time to bring out your good side, but without careful planning it can go wrong quickly. Having mascara streaming down your face during that beach volleyball tournament with your friends, definitely isn’t on your agenda. Of course, we know that not wearing any makeup is the most practical for beach days, but maybe you don’t feel like going completely bare. In fact, makeup professional, Frankie Boyd, pointed out that “when it comes to beach beauty, I think women look best fresh-faced. If you want a little something extra, though, go for an eye or lip, but try to keep the skin as minimal and clean as possible.” So here are some tips to look extremely fresh yet natural both at the same time.

1

Keep the eyes really soft and use light eye shadow colors.

Lashes should be kept soft and wispy. You can use a defining mascara, and waterproof mascara is a must if you plan on getting in the water.

2

Use a light-weight moisturizer and sunscreen.

Your face needs to be hydrated after those long hours in the sun.

When choosing a powder, use a bronzer. Each face complexion is different from person to person, so use the one that best suits you in the humid weather.

3

Use rosy, pink colors that best suit the natural tone of your lips.

If you prefer using a lip balm instead of colored lipstick, make a point to choose one with a SPF. Your lips need protection from those bright rays too.

Monica El Shazly ONLINE WRITER

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Get That Boho Beach Look!

It’s summertime, the time when everyone packs and heads somewhere that has a beach to lounge on. We don’t want you to lose your glamour and style when you’re hitting the beach, so here are two easy, trendy looks that will blow everyone away.

Top Shop-Classic Fedora Hat-200EGP

H&M-Double-layer top-159EGP

ASOS-Boho Diamond Arm Cuff-73EGP www.ASOS.com

MANGO-Fringed Printed Caftan499EGP

Sailor striped Swimming SuitOysho-319EGP

H&M-White Denim Short199EGP

New Look-Silver Tri Layered Necklace-159EGP www.

ASOS.com ASOS-Festival Bead Multirow Anklet-98EGP www.ASOS.com

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Bershka-Metallic Sandals-349EGP

Massimo DuttiFeathers Bangle249EGP

H&M-Shoper Straw Bag-149EGP

Forever 21Wide-Brim Straw Fedora-95EGP

H&M-5-pack rings-69EGP

Oysho-Jaacqured Sleeve Shirt129EGP

Stradivarius-Printed Buttoned Up Maxi Skirt-299 EGP

www.nordstorm.comTopshop Gladiator Sandals-550EGP

www.TedBaker.comPure peony bikini top-280 EGP www.Tedbaker.comPure peony bikini bottoms-560 EGP

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SUMMER ACCESsORy

MUST HAVES Statement Necklace-ALDO

Rings Set-ALDO

Feather Waterfall Necklace - MANGO

3 Rings Pack -H&M Spiral Ring - MANGO Fringed Necklace Bershka - 119EGP Semi Precious Shards CollarTopshop MIU MIU

PRADA

PRADA

PRADA

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Ethnic Tassle Clutch - MANGO

Fringed Pleated Earings - Bershka

L’azurde Dream Collection

Teardrop Stud Earrings-Accessorize

Straw Shopper BagMarks and Spencer

Triangular Earrings - MANGO

Panama HatPull&Bear - 99 EGP

Neck and Back Tattoos - Stradivarius

Leather Gladiator Sandals- Mango Metallic Crisscross Sandals- Forever21

Padgham - ALDO

Jute Shoes with CrossoverLeather Upper - Pull&Bear

‘Oliviera’ Gladiator Sandalwww.nordstorm.com

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IDENTITY lifestyle

#IncaJourney

chapter one: becoming a

Newmad Photographer: Mohanad Kojak Model: Katherine Jones, Yusuf Dwairi Styling: Mohanad Kojak Make up: Diana Harby Accessories: Queen Inc.

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“Every quest begins with a question. What have I come here to do with my life? What have I done to myself ? Where am I heading?�

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“My quest, bound by an unsettling desire to run, to wander. Somehow I looked around me and the enchantment was gone. It wasn’t until I decided to go on the road, to forget about a destination and explore the possibilities that could free me from myself.

I didn’t just have to surrender to the road to find myself, but to the hope that our lonesome together would be greater, grander, than our wholesome apart.”

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IDENTITY lifestyle

And the journey continues on www.incaandco.com/journal Get to know the #IncaJourney on Instagram @IncaEg Find us at 157 July 26 Street

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IDENTITY how you got there

Special thanks to JW MARRIOTT for their genuine hospitality,

PHOTOGRAPHER: ABU SAMRA, FASHION STYLIST: SAEED RAMZY, HAIR DRESSER: MAHMOUD FAROUK, MOTORCYCLE: ABAZA AUTO TRADE JACKET: ZARA, T-SHIRT: ZARA, TROUSER: ZARA, BRACELETS: STYLIST’S OWN, SHOES: ACTOR’S OWN ,

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Ride away with Dhafer L’abidine

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IDENTITY how you got there

Dhafer L’Abidine is the talk of every Egyptian woman right now, due to his eye-catching role in the insanely successful Ramadan TV series “Taht El Saytara.” The Tunisian actor’s leap to fame in Egypt has everyone thankful he switched careers from professionally playing football to starring in front of the camera.

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T-shirt: ZARA, Trousers: ZARA, Necklace & bracelets: Stylist’s own

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IDENTITY how you got there

You made a career switch from a football player, at the peak of your career, and decided to become an actor. What made you make this huge decision?

I quit my football career at the age of 23 after I had an injury and problems with the team. I first started modelling, then decided to move to London to study acting at Birmingham School of Acting and switched careers then. I graduated in 2002, and as soon as I graduated I started working in a British show called “Dream Team,” which was about footballers. For me as a former football player, it was the perfect role. I worked on the show for 2 years, then I started getting more offers. The idea of getting back to Tunisia and working in Egypt was always in the back of my head, but I was waiting for the best opportunity. My first role in the Middle East was “Vertigo,” and I started my career here after it.

Did you expect the huge success for Hatem’s character in Taht el Saytara?

It’s hard for an actor to expect the success of their characters, you never know. Thankfully, people loved the show and Hatem’s character, who got people questioning whether his actions were realistic or not. But as the show went on, people started changing their opinions about him, and not everyone liked the character’s development, which still helped in the character’s success.

Many people criticized the show for various reasons. Some said it's promoting addiction, and others said the character’s reactions aren’t realistic. What do you say about that?

Many said the show is about promoting addiction, but if they actually spent time to watch the show they’d know that it shows nothing but the negativity of addiction. Even the ones who recovered, it shows how they still suffer and how their past still haunts them. So it’s by no way promoting addiction, but it shows us the other side of addiction. It shows people how to deal with addicts, and made us understand their lives more. It’s important to raise awareness of the issue, know addiction’s symptoms, and more importantly, to teach people how to deal with it.

Was it easy to cope with working in Egypt, or did you take time to adjust?

My first work in Egypt was with Hend Sabry at Vertigo.

Hend is a personal friend of mine, and we already worked together in Tunisia, so it made things a lot easier for me.

I got along with all the team of the show easily and it was an overall good experience. I already worked on five shows so far, and they’ve all been great. Surely, it was a new experience, and a lot of things were different from what I was used to, but like any other career, I had to adapt.

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Should we be expecting to see you in a movie soon, or you’re content with being on TV? I’ve had a few offers for movie roles, but I haven’t found a suitable role yet. I am, however, very happy with my work on TV. The television industry is becoming huge now, and even the cinema makers are heading to TV – from directors to actors to producers. Maybe I’d have a movie out soon, but only if I found a fitting role for me.

Some people criticized you for playing the role of the Arab terrorist in most of your international roles. What’s your opinion on that?

Terrorism is happening, and it’ll obviously be shown on the screens. So of course, when they get to cast an Arab, they’ll pick an Arab actor. We can’t run away from reality and say that terrorism isn’t happening, and that it’s not an issue that drama should be covering. Like any other issue in the world, it has to be played. That being said, I’ve played other roles as well, like my Dream Team role, I was a French football player.

Many actors, especially non-Egyptians, have huge success, but then they start selling out.

Do you think actors should sell out to serve the mainstream audience, or are you against this idea?

One of the hardest things in acting is to maintain your success. It’s hard to keep improving your roles and to find the perfect scenarios and characters to challenge yourself with. I don’t want to judge other actors' career choices, but I won’t like this for myself. I’d like to pick roles that are good for me.

How did fame affect you and did you ever wish you weren’t famous and could go back to being unknown?

Fame has its pros and cons. For any actor, the response of the audience and people’s acceptance is everything. So when people stop me at the streets or anything similar, it means a lot. The cons have to be the lack of privacy, but it’s something I was willing to live with when I decided to pick this career.

Did you ever feel like giving up on acting, and maybe have a third career switch?

Not at all. Acting is a passion for me, even though the acting career is tough. It’s an unstable job and it’s hard to expect how much work you’ll get, or even if you’re getting any. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. I love my job as an actor, and I’ll never think of leaving it and hopefully I won’t.

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DENIM SHRT: ZARA, T-shirt: ZARA, Trousers: ZARA, Bracelets: Stylist's own , Sunglasses: Stylist's own

IDENTITY how you got there

T-shirt: ZARA, Trousers: ZARA, Bracelets, NECKLACE: Stylist's own , Sunglasses: Stylist's own

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Leather jacket: ZARA, T-shirt: ZARA, Trousers: ZARA, Shoes: Actor's own , Bracelets: Stylist's own , Watch: Actor's own, Sunglasses: Stylist's own

“I’ve been a fan of Sex and the City ever since it started. Working on the set was great, because the whole team, and the four actresses, made me feel like I was a member of the team since day one.”

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“We need to break the taboo and realize that acting and art in general are very important parts of our society.�

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IDENTITY how you got there

In the fast lane: Farida Osman Not many Egyptians can claim to be international record holders and have a full Wikipedia page dedicated to themselves, let alone by the young age of 20. Farida Osman not only has achieved this, but she competed at the 2012 London Olympics when she was only 17. Farida’s records and accomplishments as a professional swimmer have become an inspiration for all young girls. She has competed in several national and international competitions.

We interviewed her to see how she reached this level of professionalism, how she manages her time, and what her goals are. We must admit, she has become an inspiration to us as well!

1. Tell us how you got started in this sport?

My mom brought me to Gezira Sporting Club just to learn how to swim and after a while I joined the club swim team and started to compete nationally at the age of 11 and internationally at the age of 12, at the African games in Algeria.

2. Out of all sports, why swimming? And did you ever have a change of heart and wanted to try another sport?

Swimming attracted me because I love the competition. I tried synchronized swimming for a while but did not like it as much as swimming as it was not as exciting.

3. Almost all parents let their kids go for swimming trainings when they’re young, but almost no one is nearly as good as you are in this sport. What makes you unique?

I feel that my competitive drive allowed me to continue and excel. I think I am determined, committed, and eager for success!

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4. Most parents think the club their kids train at is what makes the difference, others say the trainer. What’s your opinion about that?

I personally think it is a combination of club, trainer, and swimmer. All three have to work together for achievement.

The support is needed from both. Regarding the club, it must have a competitive swimming program and team.

The administration should be supportive and encouraging young athletes to pursue their goals in sports. Regarding trainer, I think that being psychologically comfortable with him will help a lot, in order to perform well.

5. How do you manage your time with all the trainings, education, and your personal life?

It is hard, but I try to balance and manage my time.

There are sacrifices that need to be made. I really think it depends on your priorities.

6. Other than competing and swimming, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy going out with my friends and watching movies. I also love shopping!

7. Was it hard competing and training here in Egypt? And is it better in the states or here?

It was hard training in Egypt, because I used to practice alone without teammates, which got kind of boring.

Unfortunately, in Egypt, there was no coordination between my swimming and school. While in the states, everything is on campus which makes everything so much easier (no commute) and I am a part of a big team which makes it more exciting. Also, the education system integrates the sport as I am admitted as a student athlete.

8. If you could give advice to young girls who aspire to be like you, what would you say?

My biggest advice is: If you put your mind into it you can achieve your goals. I think believing in yourself and being ready to make sacrifices is very important. And finally, work hard because nothing comes easy.

9. Now if you could give any advice to parents who don’t think sports are important for their children, what would you tell them?

I think sports are important as they build one’s character and allow you to be independent and self-disciplined, which will help you later on in life.

Her records and medals: Holds the African continental record in the women’s 50m butterfly, recently beating her own record from 26.12 seconds to 26.08.

The national record holder in the 50m and 100m freestyle and butterfly.

Earned 7 gold medals in the Arab games in Qatar 2011 and was named best female swimmer of the year. Won a gold medal and was a junior world record holder in 50m butterfly in 2011 in Lima, Peru.

Participated in the 50m freestyle at the London Olympics 2012. Participated in the world swimming championship that was held in Barcelona, Spain 2013 and was ranked 7th in the 50 m butterfly.

Qualified for the world swimming championship that will be held in Kazan, Russia this summer in August 2015. I got the A cut in the 50m and 100m fly as well as the 50m free. And a B cut in the 100 free.

10. Are we going to see you at the 2016 Olympics at Rio? Yes, inshallah. I already qualified.

Qualified for the Summer Olympics that will be held in Rio 2016 in 50m free, A cut, and B cut in the 100 free and fly.

11. What are your plans for your future and what’s your life long dream?

My dream is to hopefully get an Olympic medal and be a role model to young, Arab female athletes.

Graduated from Cairo American College in 2013 and was admitted at UC Berkeley. Currently swims for the university and this year the team won the PAC 12 and NCAA title

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IDENTITY how you got there

Enti 7amel?

Ana 7amel is the resource for you Shaymaa El Gammal is the co-founder and managing director of Ana 7amel. She is a young mother of 3 kids, a 9 year old boy and toddler twins. She graduated from the faculty of arts with an experience in early childhood education. She worked in the field of journalism and writing since 2007, publishing 2 books. Besides writing she was also working in early child education.

Yasmien Shahine is the co-founder and managing partner of Ana 7amel. She is a mother of 3 kids, 2 girls and a baby boy. She graduated from faculty of mass communication and worked in the university as a researcher and has vast experience in media. Yasmien is also the editor in chief of Ana 7amel. Her work experience is family related since she was the assistant manager in Women Today magazine for the Egypt office, as well as a writer in the same magazine.

Both Shaymaa and Yasmien have attended tens of workshops and obtained certificates in both pregnancy, breast feeding, baby care, CPR, first aid and child birth. Both are certified pregnancy birth educators.

How did the idea of “Ana 7amel” come about and what inspired it?

“Ana 7amel was founded back in 2011. It all started when I was pregnant in my second pregnancy, which was a twin pregnancy. I was constantly searching for good material to read and I had a lot of queries. I was trying to find an Egyptian maternity community to relate to but I never found one.

I searched online and found tons of material but nothing was of Egyptian origin. So I gathered all the material I found and I decided to make a fan page to share all what I found to benefit other mothers who might not have the time to locate the right and credible pieces of information.

People loved the Facebook page, it grew bigger and appealed to many mothers so I thought why not turn it into a business. So I called my friend Yasmin, the co-founder, who was also pregnant at the same time and we turned the Facebook page into a professional business.” Shaymaa What differentiates “Ana 7amel” from pregnancy advice columns found in other publications?

“Ana 7amel is different because it not only provides the readers and fans by articles, information, videos, and

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tips but also we strive to be a proper maternity club and a community service.

Articles are one of our services but not everything. We give so many others benefits beside the content like announcing classes, highlighting places offering discounts for mothers, share information about maternity related events, and present reviews on good products. These are just a few of the services we present. Ana 7amel has a group of services that include the content which is the only service provided by other projects in Egypt. We also have a group of doctors as well as a group of certified team members who answer our fans’ questions in a medical, scientific manner.

Other projects in Egypt target women or mothers in general, but we have a maternal target where we focus on pregnancy preparation, conception, pregnancy, giving birth, and the first two years in a baby’s life.” Shaymaa We saw that your website has a special feature for fathers, how do the articles posted there differ from those directed at mothers?

“The section for fathers is addressed to fathers only, it highlights the parenting journey from a father’s point of view and presents ways of how fathers can enjoy the experience. As a matter of fact, rarely do fathers take the time to search for topics maternity related so we choose the topics which we believe would be of interest to the dads and put it on this section. It is also a way where a mother can tag her husband to read certain article and then maybe alter them can discuss it together.” Yasmien

Who writes for “Ana 7amel”?

“We have a mix of everyone: doctors, previouslyexperienced mothers, life coaches, family counsellors, etc… We have doctors who write articles themselves which handle the most complicated or scientific topics. Those are the experts in the field who take care of the most technical info presented.

Then we have myself and Yasmine, the founders, who are certified educators, hence eligible to write, revise, and edit general topics. Then we have the normal editors who use an agreed upon list of websites and books that are trustworthy and credible resources suggested by our doctors and experts.” Shaymaa Can one submit their own personal questions and have them answered by one of your specialized writers? If so, how?

“We do that but we can only handle a certain number of questions weekly. Sometimes we get thousands of questions so we try to attend to the most urgent questions. If the question is very urgent we are keen to answer it right away and this is easily done on our website or Facebook page.” Shaymaa What do you think are the most prevalent misconceptions about pregnancy in the Middle East and how does your website and magazine help clear them?

“Briefly, there is wide number of maternity or pregnancy misconceptions in Egypt, like the idea that a pregnant woman can’t do sports, can’t go to a pool, can’t drink ginger, and can’t visit a dentist. All these are false information that has widely spread in the community and it is taking time to eradicate them and teach the community otherwise. We correct it by reading a lot and doing research on these misconceptions, and then we use studies and researches to prove it’s wrong. We then get approval from our doctors to share our findings with our fans.” Yasmien What more will the “Ana 7amel” magazine offer readers that would be different from what’s posted on the website?

“The magazine offers other services and benefits than the content. Benefits include discount vouchers that can be torn from the magazine and used in a wide range of maternity related places around Egypt. It also offers nice, entertaining, and beneficial articles even when you are not online. We are keen to place the magazine in places related to the maternity community like doctors, maternity clinics, parenting centres and so on. So when you have the time and you are not online, you will find the magazine to flip through in your free time.” Yasmien

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I was married to someone I didn’t know for eleven years and now I want to move on Dear Marwa, I have no idea where to start from. I used to be very successful educationally, but I haven’t studied what I wanted because my dad didn’t approve. Although I was surrounded by male peers and had a lot of friends in my life, I never had a boyfriend before marriage. I grew up hating males because although my dad is considered open minded, he is still sexist. Everyone sees me as strong with a very strong character but they don’t know my real story.

I had an arranged marriage to a man that I knew nothing about except that his family was well known in business.

I refused him at first but he insisted. We were married while I was still a student because he couldn’t wait. After an extremely luxurious wedding we ended up living in a furnished rented apartment, even though he easily could’ve bought an apartment because he was filthy rich.

These were by far my worst days ever. He wouldn’t come near me and he wouldn’t have sex with me. He kept pretending that he tried but failed, saying he couldn’t. I tried going to my mum for help but all she did was make fun of us. Desperate, I went to a doctor to lose my virginity by surgery, both of us knew that this was definitely wrong.

I tried several times with him to actually succeed at having sex, although I went through a lot of pain, refusal and aggressiveness from his side. Even my two children were a result of incomplete sex that happened during my most fertile period. I gave up on sex since then.

The marriage lasted 11 years without me getting close to him. He flirted with me in front of people, but he crushed my dreams when we were alone. I reached a point where I stopped feeling at all. I got sick a lot and my health deteriorated. That was besides the struggles that I constantly had with his family. My relationship with God was normal; I prayed and fasted, but it was never a close, spiritual relationship. I kept living with this man until something happened that made me come to my senses: we were at the airport with our children and I had my child’s nail scissors in my handbag, my husband told the police that wasn’t the only prohibited thing I had.

I finally asked for divorce. I insisted but he kept refusing.

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He offered me lots of money to give up but I wouldn’t taken any.

Things got ugly one time when he told me to go to court and I wouldn’t get a penny, I told him that it would be enough to say that it feels as if I’m living with my sister. He got extremely aggressive and broke everything around him. It was the first time after all those years I was brave enough to ask him if he was gay. All he said was, “does it have a cure?” He didn’t deny or agree. One day I woke up and found out he disappeared. His family used to threaten us, he didn’t even spend a penny on his children. When he came back after a year I agreed to have a friendly divorce that required me to give up all the money. We didn’t have anything, so I had to live with my dad because I didn’t work. My ex-husband used to only pay for school fees, but he continued to control us and spy on us. I got closer to God and found some comfort.

But I can’t get into any relationship now – I am not attracted to any man. I know that I’m a woman who needs a man in her life because essentially I never had one. Sex terrifies me, is there any treatment for what I have whether it’s sexual trauma or vaginismus? I don’t think there’s a man who could tolerate all that with me. And how can I know if I’m cured or not when I’m not married, and what if I got married and failed having sex and put him in the same situation I was in? So, do I get cured first or get married first, although I know I feel hate towards men?

I know that I need to find work but I don’t have the courage to go look for work because I know I’m inexperienced and I graduated so long ago, I’m already 35. Also, I’m the father and mother for my children so they’re taking all of my time and effort. I started trying to take all my rights from their father and won’t give up until I do. And I know I’ll start looking for a job and do what I love but my steps are slow and full of fear. I know there isn’t any fast magical cure for me, however, I just want to know my weaknesses to work on them.

Thank you, A Survivor

always wanted to study? Buy books and download articles that would help you catch up! If you cannot do that, find the next best thing that you want to learn!

Remember that you deserve to be happy! What makes you happy? Explore new hobbies and find out more about yourself, your strengths, and your interests. I have known women who started their little clothes line, while others became great cooks and caterers. Some became photographers, candle-makers, painters, and writers. It is so empowering to take that journey into self exploration.

Dear Survivor

Your message is heartbreaking! I rarely use the word “victim” to describe a person but this is the best description for you! It is painful to imagine a young woman forced to study something that does not interest her, coerced into getting married to a man she initially rejected and broke up with four times, and trapped into a make-believe marriage.

You are a victim of a father who simply ignored your right to choose, a mother who simply ignored your very serious complaints, a doctor who agreed to an operation that should be performed under strict conditions to protect women like you from men like your husband, and a whole society that conspired to keep you ignorant and submissive.

I will not waste more lines on condemning your family and society. Here is my advice: DO NOT GET INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH A MAN; BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF! Let’s pretend that the past 35 years of your life were a testdrive of the coming 100 years of your life – Yes, I hope you live one hundred more years.

Your real life is just beginning! Now, after putting down the magazine and reading my reply to you, you will go through a lot of pain and anguish like the throes of labor! With each contraction, I want you to pull yourself out of this painful comfort zone that you have settled into and take a bold, brave decision!

Ask yourself: How do you want to live the coming 100 years of your life?

As for your sexuality, the best way to erase your previous trauma is to learn to love yourself! Be kind to your body!

You have been rejected on so many levels for a very long time and you have learned to loathe your body, your desires, and your needs. It will take you time and effort to unlearn those horrible lessons. Start by sports. Go to the gym or join a dance class, or just walk. Eat good, nourishing food and with every bite tell yourself how great it feels to nourish your cells. Change your wardrobe. Dress the way you feel like not the way people expect you to. Buy soothing bath salts and pamper yourself.

When you look in the mirror, I want you to admire who you see looking back at you! I want you to embrace every curve, bump, and scar. Remember that the way you see yourself will determine how people see you; if you see yourself worthy of love and respect people will see exactly this! If you see yourself worthy of pity, people will treat you as such!

You do not have veganismus or any other sexual problem!

Love is the answer to all your questions and doubts. When you love yourself the way you deserve to be loved, you will eventually meet a person who will appreciate you for who you are, and when the time comes your heart and your body will open up and you will enjoy a very healthy sex life.

There are many women who were in relationships with men who were sexually potent and they do not feel any better about themselves than you do; the sex left them feeling used, exploited, and empty. They share your insecurities and self-esteem issues. Sex was never the cure to deep wounds like yours! A healthy sex life is the outcome of a healthy selfimage, a healthy relationship, and a healthy overview of life.

Confusion anywhere in your life will just bring confusion to your sex life.

Focus your energy on building a new you! You are lucky to have the chance to change the path that this society has forced you to take! Seize that opportunity and make the best out of it! NO REGRETS; ONLY LESSONS LEARNED!

Marwa Rakha

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

What was it that you wanted to study? Can you study that now? Can you take a diploma? Can you join a workshop?

Can you get a job as a trainee in that field that you have

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Things I Learned While Escaping the Real World

realizing I’ll pay all my savings on a few days is not as chill as I always hope it will be. The best alternative is go on a vacation in Egypt. After being to Egypt’s biggest vacation destinations, I started thinking that my life is doomed, and stress is all what I’ll have in this world, up until I discovered Sinai.

Sinai is like a world of its own. It is known for its beautiful sceneries, and its amazing underwater world. While they might be enough to let you get over your stress, and help you escape the real world you feel a slave to, the best thing about this place is the people in it residents and visitors.

Dahab and Newibaa, Sinai’s most chilling cities, have people from all walks of life, and from everywhere on Earth people you never thought you’d meet, or even talk to and probably would be scared to talk with in a different situation. What makes these places special is the fact that they’re small, and will force you to socialize with at least one or two strangers. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that everyone there is trying to escape the real world.

When you’re there, you’re doing nothing but fun and games.

When you’re back to your regular everyday life, you realized you learned so much from your time out there, no matter how long or short the time was. You meet people who have way more experience than you do, and even people who seem to have zero life experience, and surprisingly you can learn even more from these people. Everyone has an experience in life to share, and when we let ourselves run away from what we feel defines us, we can learn more than what we ever thought was possible.

Things I’ve learned from escaping the real world:

As soon as we’re born, we’re all expected to follow some certain life rules. You go to school, get high grades, go to university, graduate with high grades, start a career, have no breaks, maybe start a family, and bring someone into this world to live with the same rules. We become slaves to the rules we live with, and never think of breaking them.

When you’re young, you always think that it’ll get better. You’ll move out, have your own money, and become in control of your own life. The reality is, you never become the master of your own life. You could, however, take breaks and pretend like you’re not living within these rules.

I’m a firm believer that travelling is the soul’s therapy. Sadly, the concept of travelling became visiting historic sights to take pictures in front of them, and posting them on your Instagram and Facebook for a few likes. While I don’t think it’s a bad idea to share your experiences, I still think that that’s not how you zone out from the real world.

Escaping the real world is usually thought of as a bad thing, mostly because it’s the reason why addicts are addicts and seen as irresponsible, but if you think of it, it’s the best thing one could do for himself. We all need a break from the routine, the stress, the drama, and everything.

As a Cairo resident who lives in one of Cairo’s busiest squares, I know for a fact that the city life will be the death of me. Planning a vacation outside of Egypt usually ends up more stressful than relaxing. Running after a visa, and

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•The first thing I learned from meeting these people was to live and let live, something we’ve heard a million times before but never really experienced. Everyone might be judgmental back in their real world, but there, they’ll never judge anything.

•What I’ve learned about myself was that it’s okay to be alone. The serenity of these places makes you actually want to be alone. As a person who always feared loneliness, I’ve realized that I’m myself’s best company and it’s okay to be alone.

•Meeting new and different people makes you reevaluate all your relationships. You end up having fun, maybe even get support from strangers and it makes you realize this brief encounter was better than years of friendship with people who are just there in your life. You don’t force yourself to be in a friendship you don’t want anymore.

•You realize that nature could be better than people. Laying down on the sea at night and gazing at the stars might be more comforting than 100 people trying to make you feel better. As crazy as it sounds, you feel the connection with the Earth and sky. Even when you’re back to the real world, you could always look up to the dusty and cloudy skies and know that somewhere the stars are out there to comfort you.

•Ironically, another thing I’ve learned from escaping the real world is that the real world isn’t so bad. The stress and maybe even the hate I have for the real world doesn’t just make me who I am, it makes me appreciate the small things.

•More importantly, I know that there’s always a place I could escape to!

Raghda El-Sayed JUNIOR EDITOR

The Ultimate New Destination on the North Coast:

Fouka Bay-Ras El Hekma Imagine a bay with endless white sands caressed by gentle sea breezes and lapped by gleaming turquoise waters. This is Fouka Bay, the latest development by Tatweer Misr, a new resort paradise built on an area of 1 million square meters waiting to be discovered on the North Coast. Inspired by poster card concept of palm beaches and white sand the resort emphasizes the striking interplay between nature and elegant design.

Ideally located in Ras El Hekmah, the new and hip destination for holiday vacationists in Egypt is less than an hour away from Matrouh airport and accessible through the North Coast road.

Characterized by its tranquil shorelines and sandy beaches, Ras El Hekmah offers a beach paradise for the whole family, allowing Fouka Bay to fully meet anyone’s expectations, between the desire for escape and the proximity with centers of activity.

Set in landscaped grounds next to the sea, Fouka Bay is a prestigious development featuring a modern collection of around 2,000 residential units and hotels rooms. From villas to chalets’ Fouka Bay’s residential options are endless offering beautiful modern designs set amongst private gardens and pools, all with uninterrupted stunning views of the coastline.

The ultimate luxury experience, Fouka Bay features an intricate network of lagoons and all its changing shades of green and turquoise blue with tranquil walkways and quiet pools nestled in the center of this uniquely designed resort.

The Beach club, with its international management, is centrally located on the beach providing different services to all owners and visitors alike, varied from water activities to the extensive four course menu. Additionally, Fouka Bay offers a number of retail outlets and a diverse selection of restaurants that will cater to your every culinary taste.

Choose from endless activities to satisfy your inner adventurer.

Unwind and get back to nature, enjoy the extensive sandy beach, take a swim in crystal clear waters, or play a quick match of tennis and don’t worry about the kids, our beach campwill provide non-stop activities from kayaking and paddle boarding to beach volleyball and soccer, we take care of your every need!

To top it all, Fouka Bay will offer 1,000 top notch hotel rooms and hotel serviced apartments, divided among three unique hotels, including the state of the art five-star Senerity Hotel.

Fouka Bay will also feature high quality restaurants, lounge areas, a luxury spa and gym, tennis courts and a variety of shops.

Whatever you’re looking for, this private gated community is perfect for families and couples lookingto get away from it all.

Come to Fouka Bay where the possibilities of paradise become a reality! www.tatweermisr.com

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IDENTITY bits & pieces

A Ramadan night to remember at Som3a The Cairo Marriott & Omar El Khayyam Casino held its annual media sohour at Som3a Basha. Set in the heart of the Patio, at the khedivial gardens of the palace and splendid marble fountains, Som3a Basha enabled the crowd to enjoy the fresh air in palatial atmosphere.

Som3a Basha was set up to reflect the Ramadan Flair with the original Street-Chic experience where people enjoyed live cooking stations of the mouthwatering sohour specialties.

MAJID AL FUTTAIM ANNUAL IFTAR Majid Al Futtaim hosted an amazing Iftar for key Egyptian media on Sunday, 12th of July. The Iftar was attended by the company’s representatives in Egypt; highlighting latest updates for Majid Al Futtaim’s projects locally including City Centre Maadi, City Centre Alexandria and Mall of Egypt.

The Iftar was attended by Abdallah El Nockrashy, Majid Al Futtaim Properties Country Head for Egypt; Diaa Yahia, Development Director – Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties – Egypt; and Mostafa Kholeif, Manager of City Centre Alexandria.

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Press & Media gathering at Conrad Cairo Conrad Cairo held its annual media & press iftar at Solana Restaurant.

The attendees enjoyed the Ramadan Charming atmosphere, the delicious iftar at Solana restaurant and the shisha flavors served overlooking the Nile at Jayda open air restaurant.

They expressed their admiration for the place and considered it as the best place to spend an elegant Ramadan evening.

Strings of Light That Bring Us Together Pepsi and Chipsy launch a campaign to capture the spirit and memories of Ramadan, starring Hussain Al Jassmi In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and to commemorate the launch of its Ramadan campaign, PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, held a Suhoor event to unveil their exclusive video clip, featuring the voice of Emirati singer, Hussein Al Jassmi.

Splash launches Summer ‘15 and Eid collection in Egypt Brand Ambassador Arab Superstar Nicole Saba graces the occasion To cater to the much awaited festive season, Splash, MiddleEast’s largest retailer has launched its Eid collection along with its trendy new Summer ’15 range. To grace the occasion and unveil the collection, Splash brand ambassador and gorgeous Arab superstar Nicole Saba made a grand appearance at the Splash store in Cairo Festival City.

Iftar Accor Egypt On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Accor Group, the world’s leading hotel operator celebrates the annual Iftar with the presence of a prestigious group of journalists. As part of our continuous efforts of strengthening relations with the media, Mr. Salah OUMOUDEN, Vice President Operations, Accor Egypt welcomed visitors in Novotel Cairo El Borg.

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A Spectacular Sohour at JW Marriot Cairo JW Marriott Cairo hosted a spectacular Sohour for its regular patrons which included Top Corporate Accounts, Travel Agents , Media Figures and JW Charms Ladies Society celebrating the support and achievement for the year 2015. The Sohour was held at Laialy Mirage with the breathtaking views of The Beach.

In a hospitable surrounding, Mr. Magdy Naguib, the General Manager along with Yasmine Sherif, Director of Marketing Communications and Sahar Khairy Guest Relations manager welcomed the guests upon their arrival. The guests enjoyed the night with the lovely breeze, exquisite decoration and attentive service.

Philips Egypt hosts its annual media Iftar In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan, Philips Egypt hosted its annual media Iftar. The event was hosted by Tamer Abul Ghar, Country Manager, Philips – Egypt in the presence of the newly appointed General Manager, HealthTech, North East Africa, Sameh Gabra. Media figures met with Philips Egypt team for Iftar and discussed the company’s latest developments and the opportunities the company sees in Lighting, Personal Health and Health Systems in the Egyptian market.

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sohour 2015 with samsung In celebration with Ramadan, Samsung Electronics Egypt arranged a Sohour for Egypt’s leading Media figures at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, the event was hosted by Tamer El Gamal, Head of HHP division and IM, Samsung Electronics Egypt and Ragia Samir, Head of Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics Egypt.

Dusit Thani LakeView Sohour What is a better way to celebrate great relationships than Ramadan sohour, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo hosted its annual Sohour whereby the hotel partners in success from media and corporate accounts celebrated support and fruitful achievements throughout the year. The Sohour was held at “Dusit Tent” in such vivid ambience embraced with such magical Thai touch overlooking the pool.

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THE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO CHECKS IN ON AL SHROUQ HOSPITAL

City hospital receives an extensive clean-up as part of the hotel’s community outreach program One hundred Ladies and Gentlemen from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, the much-anticipated debut hotel of the international luxury chain in Cairo, lead a clean-up day at Al Shrouq Hospital, reflecting the hotel's longterm commitment and dedication to the local community.

RENAISSANCE HOTELS’ 4th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GLOBAL DAY OF DISCOVERY

Renaissance Hotels, a hotel brand known for inspiring its guests to Live Life to Discover, hosted its fourth annual Global Day of Discovery on June 11th at more than 160 of its hotels around the world.

On this day, nearly every Renaissance Hotel celebrated by offering both hotel guests and the local community the opportunity to get out and discover something new about the brand and the country by hosting exclusive musical, culinary, art or culturally focused events and unique local excursions designed by hotel NAVIGATORS to showcase the unique stories of each destination.

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Experience Summer Getaway at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay

Take sometime out to pamper yourself and your loved ones, to indulge in a charming atmosphere and to explore the hidden gems of Soma Bay with its captivating nature.

Enjoy the delightful summer holiday and feel the great thrill with our amusing Sports Package and myriad of activities at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay.

Kimidar Tours snaps 3rd ‘Oscar of Travel’ and announces its ‘Brand Ambassador’

For the third consecutive year, Kimidar Tours has been named as ‘Egypt’s Leading Travel Agency’ in the prestigious competition World Travel Awards™ 2013, 2014 & 2015: Kimidar Tours wins the Oscar supported by a growing number of loyal customers who were passionate to reward their travel Agency by casting their precious vote. The trophy has just landed in Kimidar Tours to enhance its position as the leading travel agent in the Egyptian market after 32 years of success.

“Shereen AbDel Wahab” at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino - Cairo

Due to Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino Cairo Luxurious decoration and comfortable ambiance it was selected for shooting several scenes of the TV-series “Tareeky” that was broadcasted during the holy month of Ramadan at various locations within the Hotel.

Metawee Group pumps 750 million pounds investments in “Blue Blue” Sokhna Resort to support the real estate market and Egyptian economy

Metawee Group announced launching its new project “Blue Blue” this month with a total investments of 750 million pounds, as a step to support the Egyptian economy and develop the real estate market in Egypt; given that the real estate is the fastest growing sector and the backbone of the economy and investments.

IDENTITY horoscopes

Leo

(July 23 - August 22)

Optimistic Confident Big-hearted Energetic Loyal

Weakness Stubborn Vain Dominating Possessive Impatient

Most compatible with Aries, Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius

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It is hard to ignore the fire that keeps a Leo passionate about life and anyone close to them.

Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac.

Those who are born during this time are ruled by the Sun, and therefore take a dominating role in their universe. Leos are natural leaders, they are energetic and constantly burning bright. Like the lion that symbolizes them, they are strong, and push to not only finish whatever they start but to do it to the best of their ability. They are a great asset to any team, because they will be committed to completing any project and inspiring those around them to do likewise. The flip side of this great ambition is that Leos can tend to be controlling and impatient when things

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Strength

are not going their way. They want to get things done at any cost, even if it means being bossy.

Leos are very passionate in their relationships. They can come across as self-centered but the reality is that they are very emotional and sensitive inside. They like to do everything with extravagance and flair. Anyone who is lucky enough to date a Leo should expect flashy dates and gifts. It is hard to ignore the fire that keeps a Leo passionate about life and anyone close to them. Keep a Leo close to you by making sure they know you appreciate them and recognize what makes them special.