Fall 2007 - EL GOUNA MAGAZINE
Transcription
Fall 2007 - EL GOUNA MAGAZINE
Fall 2007 contents FA L L 2 0 0 7 Dear Readers, I hope everyone is enjoying the Eid as much as I am. With all the festivities, we are glad you have made 4 6 32 38 40 42 60 El Gouna your destination of choice for the holidays. There is plenty to do while you are in town; check out suggestions for the entire family with a book selection for all ages and an activities spotlight on tennis and horseback riding. This issue also takes a more in-depth look at some of the best sports and leisure activities available in El Gouna, from diving and kitesurfing to all day island Restaurants Book Reviews Sports: Tennis Community People Guide Dine Around trips. Be sure to make time for evenings out at the suggested venues in the nightlife review—which reminds me—don’t miss the Nancy Agram concert in the marina... see you there! Keem Schultz-Fares Managing Director Features 8 Yalla! Let’s go horse riding! 10 Taking the Plunge Managing Director: Keem Shultz-Fares Production Manager: Shereen George Account Executives: Paul M. Case, Rawda Wahid Writers: Francoise Ohayon, Laurie M. Pierce, Brian Wright. Copy Editor: Laurie M. Pierce Photography: Adel Ibrahim El Gouna Magazine is published by Icon Communications, S.A.E. Discover El Gouna’s diving wonderworld. 16 Family Day on the Isles Spend a truly unforgettable day exploring the natural beauty of El Gouna's islands. 20 Kitesurfing The up and coming crowd. © All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is strictly prohibited without prior consent from the publisher. 24 Nightlife Special: Sun is down and party is on! We welcome your comments at: (02) 303-4654 /8 or or (012) 749-3617 info@iconeg.com 28 Getaway to Taba Heights For advertising inquiries, please contact: francoise_ohayon@hotmail.com (012) 821-8782 34 Fasting and Celebration Looking for something to do after hours? Read this guide. Trip to El Gouna’s sister town in Sinai. A look at the history of fasting and feasting. VISIT US ONLINE elgounamag.com 36 Boat Show in the Marina Abu Tig hosts Egypt’s first International Boat Show. Le Deauville A symbol of chic and art de vivre, Deauville is an internationally famed seaside resort in northern France. In El Gouna, Le Deauville stands for classic French cuisine in an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. Francoise Ohayon is a regular guest at their table, for good reason. Le Deauville was the first restaurant opened by Tarek Sharif in El Gouna in 2000. In the following years, his company Badaboum launched La Scala, Maison Thomas and the Oriental Grill in El Gouna, in addition to several restaurants in Cairo. Vacations spent in Normandy on a regular basis inspired Tarek to open a classic French bistro. The Deauville's decoration was undertaken by his wife Shahira Fahmy, a successful interior designer from Cairo. Marine tones of blue, beige and white are dominant and are both reminiscent of classical Deauville postcards and perfectly fitting to Abu Tig Marina. Vintage posters and old restaurant menus brought from Deauville by the couple decorate the walls. Tarek's personal photo collection of the French town is on display and a careful observer might spot a couple of pictures featuring his father, the famous Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. In a Northern-French kitchen, ingredients such as mussels, fish, butter and cream hold a place of choice. Chef Rikke Anderssen explains that quality fresh ingredients are of utmost importance at Le Deauville: “We are limited by what we can find in Egypt, so we have to go broader and include specialties of other French regions as well, with an accent on sea products.” The restaurant has a good customer base willing and able to pay for quality, and the Chefs will go to great lengths to select the best possible ingredients that will make it into their kitchen. “We are on the same page with Tarek: you just don't cut corners if you want good results!” 4 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E exclaims Chef Rikke, who elaborates “we don't do cookiecutting; if I find a great product and I am satisfied with the quality, I will buy it even if it costs more. If the difference is too big to absorb, I will raise the price on the menu accordingly.” The Chefs are working hard to keep a high quality level, and they are succeeding. On a busy night, Le Deauville may count up to 120 covers. The average tab amounts to approximately LE 180 per person, including starter, main course, and half a bottle of wine, which represents excellent value. Service charge and applicable taxes are added to the bill. Menus are changing with the seasons and depend on the arrival of fresh produce. This particularity is reflected in the presentation of the carte du jour, which is not printed on paper but written on a chalkboard, thereby allowing frequent updates. Some of the classics are always to be found at Le Deauville, such as the veal “à la Normande”, consisting of escalope, chops or t-bone depending on supplies, flambéed with calvados, mushrooms and cream. I am a big fan of Le Deauville's signature dish, the crevettes flambées au Pernod. The shrimps are fried in butter, flambéed with anise liqueur, and then cream is added, followed by lemon juice. If you are as surprised as I was at hearing that you can mix cream and lemon without making a disaster of it, the trick is to reduce the cream first to increase its fat contents. “The secret lies in chemistry” imparts Chef Rikke; I suddenly regret not paying more attention on the school benches… Other items regularly found on the menu include pâté de foie de volaille, gratinated mussels, beef filet with green pepper sauce or a rack of lamb with mustard sauce. For dessert, meringues à la Niçoise (with fruits) are popular, and Chef Alex's cheesecake is divine. The restaurant features a very good selection of imported wines, cognacs, whiskies and liqueurs. Here again, quality is offered at great value, with French, Italian and Australian wines ranging between LE 185 and LE 300 per bottle. Champagne goes for LE 450 a bottle. For a good sampling of the best produce found in the kitchen, let Chef Alex Nyhus select a three- or five-course menu for you. Our meal started with his favorite cocktail, a Sidecar made of Cointreau, cognac and lemon juice, perfect to clean the palate. We were then served a grilled goat cheese salad with an Italian Chardonnay sparkling wine, which was also wonderful for the terrine de foie gras d'oie that followed. The goose foie gras was presented with oranges confites, glazed onions with cinnamon, home-made fig jam and aromatic salt, which could be combined at envy on crispy toasts. Pure bliss on a plate! After that, we enjoyed a basil-marinated beef carpaccio, served with vinegar-marinated mushrooms and white truffle oil, which my companion declared “stunning”. The carpaccio was accompanied by a La Vida Egyptian wine that was pleasant and light enough not to overpower the subtle taste of the dish. As main course, I had the poisson à la Alex, a bassa filet seasoned with herb butter, lemongrass, lime pepper and coriander seeds, and served with a ruccola and sun-dried tomato salad. My companion was presented with a sole meunière and butter that enhanced the delicate taste of the fish. The recommended French Cahors red wine, aged in oak barrels, was fruity with a slightly spicy note and served at the exact right temperature. For dessert, my companion opted for crêpes caramel and glazed apples complemented by a beautiful calvados. I indulged in a sabayon au chocolat topped with black- and blueberry spuma. Great attention was given to presentation throughout the meal up until the end, with a caramel sauce dotted with blueberry flowers to accompany the chocolate sabayon. An excellent Port was a perfect conclusion to this sumptuous meal. “Most stunning food I had in months, full of flavor and texture!” was my companion's verdict. I couldn't agree more. We felt in very good hands with Chef Alex, who cooks with passion and spends time with patrons. Recommendations on food and wine were excellent and the succession of plates was timed precisely. “French cuisine is evolving to integrate international influences” stated the Norwegian Chef, who proved his point by offering us a rest course of salted and dried reindeer heart and white goat cheese between starters and main course. This exotic Scandinavian specialty turned out to be a combination that worked well with the rest of the menu. I particularly appreciate the ambiance at Le Deauville, which manages to be both refined and unpretentious. “We have regular guests who come all dressed up and make an event of this night out, but also groups who casually come to enjoy a good meal” says Chef Rikke. Whatever the occasion, you can rest assured that a spectacular feast for the palate awaits you at Le Deauville. E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 5 On the Shelf: Book Reviews In these 2007 releases you'll find a fascinating glimpse of women's lives in faraway Afghanistan, the story of a woman who cast away life as she knew it and went to sea, and a resource that will help you open your child's creative horizons. Enjoy! Reviews by Laurie Pierce A Thousand Splendid Suns By Khaled Hosseini, Riverhead Hardcover (2007) Hosseini's second book has been nearly as well-received as his first novel, The Kiterunner. Set in 20th-century Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the life stories of two Afghan women. Mariam, the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman from Herat, lives a life of ill-fortune from birth. Laila, two decades Mariam's junior, has a happier childhood, but the tragedies of war wreak havoc on her life, and she finds herself orphaned and alone in adolescence. By a series of twists of fate, the two women find themselves forced to marry the brutal widower Rasheed, who beats both of them severely and continually. Mariam and Laila form a strong alliance in the face of such ill-treatment, and the novel climaxes in a troubling event that ends in the death of one and a brighter future for the other. 6 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Unlike The Kiterunner, in which events take place in the world of men, A Thousand Splendid Suns explores the relationships between women. The novel is event- and not character-driven, and Hosseini fails to fully develop the emotional potential and complexity of his characters. In spite of this, most readers will be moved by the way the two women continually re-evaluate their relationship with each other, with their deceased mothers, and with the world around them. Some of the novel's twists and turns are implausible at best, and I found it unrealistic that Hosseini's characters, after their marriage, seem to live in a vacuum despite being part of a society where neighborhood and extended family interaction is highly valued. The author's skill as a storyteller, however, is unquestionable, and his glimpses into Afghan life are much more informative to his readership than the war-related news clips that otherwise are their only glimpse into the culture of this fascinating country. The Cure for Anything is Salt Water By Mary South, HarperCollins (2007) At any given time, El Gouna's Abu Tig Marina serves as a mooring place for several dozen visitor yachts. The stories of these yachts' owners are as varied as the countries they call home, but most have in common that they left their old lives behind and went to sea. Mary South's book, subtitled How I Threw My Life Overboard and Found Happiness at Sea, tells such a story. The author, as the subtitle suggests, certainly threw her life overboard resigning from a posh editorial job, selling her home, and buying a boat. However, the “at sea” part of the title is a little misleading, since the journey described in the book spans a mere three week period during which South piloted her trawler up the Atlantic coast of the United States. As I read the book I kept waiting for something more to happen, but I admit that my expectations (shark and pirate attacks, circumnavigations of the globe) might have been unrealistic. Adventure isn't completely lacking from the book: South and her companion weather more than their fair share of nasty storms on their way up the coast, and her descriptions of these storms make good reading. However, I found the lengthy passages detailing her craft and the ins and outs of captaining it to be a bit dull, though they might interest the more nautically-inclined. The author's reflections on her personal life are more interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful glimpses into her childhood and the poignant observations of her early relationships. Mary South, one feels, would make a wonderful friend. (For some reason, though, descriptions of her later relationships fell flat). I enjoyed the personal aspects of the book, but I found myself waiting for (but not finding) the profound insights into life that supposedly come to those who go to sea. Again, perhaps my expectations were too high. In the end I don't know that the book was worth my time, but I ended it with the feeling that knowing Mary South would be. electronic entertainment is fine in moderation, in excess it contributes to child obesity, isolates children, and limits their creativity. The book's short preface speaks of the problems associated with electronic entertainment, but the bulk of the 400-page volume is devoted to a mind-boggling array of play alternatives that meet the needs both of children and their (often tired and harried) parents. All forms of play in the book were tested on children. “When the kids rejected a game or an activity,” says the author, “I rejected it too. When a game inspired them to come up with a variation on their own, I appropriated their invention.” Unplugged Play is divided into three sections. The first has games and activities suited for one and two-year-olds, the second is for ages three to five, and the third is for ages six to ten. Most helpfully, each section is subdivided into activities that are suited to solo play, parent and child play, play with other children, or large group play. The section on solo play for toddlers was especially helpful to me, because as a mother who works from home I need plenty of activities for my daughter to do on her own as well as activities that she and I can do together. The book ends with a first appendix called “Family Game Night,” and a second called “The Well-Stocked Toy Cupboard.” I can't recommend this book highly enough for parents. Some of the activities will not suit your child, family or lifestyle, but others are sure to give your children (and you) delight for hours. Unplugged Play By Bobbi Connor, Workman Publishing Company (2007) After our last move, which involved lugging an obscene number of heavy boxes up two flights of stairs, I swore off my habit of collecting books. These days I'm prone to give a book away as soon as I read it or, better yet, simply return it to the library or friend I borrowed it from. Unplugged Play is one of a few exceptions because, as a parent, I'd be unwise to let it leave my shelf. In Unplugged Play Bobbi Connor, who served for two decades as host of the popular American radio show The Parent's Journal, provides parents with a treasury of over 700 games and activities for children ages one to ten. And not a single one of these options requires a game console, electricity, or batteries. What, you may ask, is wrong with children watching television or playing video games? Connor answers that while E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 7 Yalla! Let's go horse riding! Yalla Horse Stable, a distinctive feature of El Gouna's recreational offering, promises fun and adventure to animal-lovers of all ages. Yalla caters to a wide range of horse enthusiasts, from those who wish merely to give a beautiful animal a friendly pat to those who yearn for a wild gallop on the beach. Whether you admire the animals as you pass by, take a carriage tour of El Gouna, or embark upon a camel ride into the desert, the Yalla experience is guaranteed to add countryside flair to your El Gouna stay. By Francoise Ohayon In the year 2000, long-time El Gouna resident Dolly Gallo Mostafa opened Yalla Horse Stable under Swiss management. Today, the stables are home to seven Arabic-cross horses including a foal, a family of three donkeys, two camels, a pony and a dog. Two new arrivals were celebrated this year: the foal Sapphire was born on January 10, followed by baby donkey Junior on February 20, 2007. The little stallion is as black as the baby donkey is snow-white, and the two make quite a pair when freed to run around the stables! A friendly pony is available to take the smallest equestrians for short tours. There is no minimum age requirement, and Dolly is fond of saying that she knows children who sat on a pony before they could walk. Safety is a top priority, and beginners and children are led with a rope. The stable provides riding hats and advises guests to wear long trousers and closed shoes. “We check that people can manage before setting off for a ride, and we always send a guide with them,” said Mostafa. Children can begin proper horseback riding at age eight or nine, and depending on their experience level, the riding may include trotting and galloping. Promenades to the beach take one to three hours, and a trip to El Gouna's oasis takes four hours and includes a tea break with the Bedouins. 8 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Trips can be done by horse or by camel; horses can carry a weight of up to 100 kg, while camels are strong enough to carry two riders. Sightseeing trips with horse-drawn carriages are popular and can accommodate up to eight passengers at a time. For a more romantic version, a sulky can be had that seats two persons. A tiny carriage made specially for kids is drawn by the donkey. For a unique experience, try the sunrise package: a carriage will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the beach, where you can ride a horse or a camel while enjoying the spectacular Red Sea sunrise. “People keep coming back year after year, especially families with kids,” explained Dolly with pride. “It's every girl's dream to ride a beautiful horse on the beach,” she added. Residents and visitors are invited to pass by and say hello. Bring apples, carrots or dried bread to feed the animals, and you will have four-legged friends for life - or at least for the duration of your vacation in El Gouna! Yalla Horse Stable is located on the road to Abu Tig Marina, opposite the go-kart track, and it is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Advance reservation advisable. ext 2344, www.yallahorses.ch.vu, yalla.eg@gmx.net Photo: Khaled Mahmoud, TGI Taking the Plunge in El Gouna Not all explorers of the underwater realm are patented frogmen: today's disciples of Cousteau come in different ages, physical conditions, and levels of experience. By Francoise Ohayon 1 0 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Scuba diving gives us otherwise landbound human beings the incredible opportunity to explore a different world and discover new sensations. Granted, the weird contraptions on your back, the Jaws-inspired fears, and the idea of breathing out of a tin might be off-putting. But if you can look past all that, the rewards are immense. When you enter the water, you connect with your environment in completely unexpected ways. You move effortlessly and weightlessly through your surroundings (ok, so this couldn't be farther from the truth when you're fumbling awkwardly Mohamed Adel, Dive Tribe around with your weight belt on the boat deck, but be patient: this too shall pass). Once you get up close and personal with the weird and wonderful life under the sea, you'll find yourself hooked on compressed air and salt water. On my very first dive, I wasn't thrilled to be at the mercy of strange equipment and another person who (hopefully) knew how to make it all work. On the other hand, my desire to be in control of the experience was a great incentive to get a proper diving education. Dive schools worldwide follow a variety of teaching systems, the most common of which is through the international Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). All dive centers in El Gouna offer PADI courses, and some of them also teach according to other standards including CMAS/FFESSM and Barracuda. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program is convenient for the beginner who simply wishes to try the sport. This program offers regular intro dives, and if the individual later decides to pursue diving further, the skills learned can be credited towards PADI Open Water Diver certification. Most people, however, start directly with the Open Water Diver course, which lays out the nuts and bolts of scuba diving. This course begins with lessons on how pressure affects your body, what to consider when planning dives, and other related material. Remember those physics lessons you slept through during high school? Here's your chance to catch up! Beginners needn't worry: the theory is very accessible, and short quizzes help confirm your mastery of key concepts and ideas. Basic diving skills ranging from gear set-up to how to get water out of your mask without surfacing are taught in confined dives in a swimming pool, and emergency skills, like sharing air, are also taught. After mastering the basics, you graduate to open water dives, where you practice your newly acquired skills and fully experience the underwater realm. The Open Water Diver program can be completed in as few as three or four days, and it takes you from complete novice to a skill level where you can dive safely with a group or partner of the same level. Open Water Diver certification is only the beginning. Afterwards you have the chance of further developing your skills through the Advanced Open Water Diver program and a wide range of specialty diver courses. Depending Mohamed Adel, Dive Tribe on your individual preferences, you can choose a specialty course in the technicalities of underwater Khaled Mahmoud, TGI navigation, peak performance buoyancy or enriched air diving. Less technical, more recreational options include courses that teach one to be an underwater photographer, cavern diver, or underwater naturalist. For my part, I enjoy wreck diving, night dives and drift diving (why kick your way ahead when the current can drag you Khaled Mahmoud, TGI there!?). Khaled Mahmoud, TGI INSIDER TIPS Once you have your certification, it's time to take the plunge! Here are some insider tips on the best dive sites around El Gouna. For an easy dive, Jill Falkous, instructor and administrative employee at TGI Diving, suggests Erg Abu Nugar (Shaab Iris), a shallow coral garden. “During this dive, you should pay attention to detail” she explains. “You can see many kinds of nudibranchs, as well as scorpion fish and the strange 'Red Sea walkman' [which doesn't play music but strolls about on his fins instead].” Falkous remarks that E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 11 Dive Tribe Dive Tribe a large variety of sea life can be seen on this dive, citing the glassfish that swim around the blocks, which in turn attract jackfish. Often a large moray can be spotted tucked in close to the blocks, taking time out while cleaner shrimps give it the once-over. Turtles can be found munching on soft corals in the surrounding coral garden, and the occasional diver is lucky enough to see an eagle ray or even a leopard shark. “This dive ranks as one of my favorites, because even on an average day there is much to see,” says Jill. Mohammed Adel's preferred dive site is El Gilwa, on the south side of Big Syoul Island. The Dive Tribe's operation manager finds conditions at El Gilwa perfect for creating the lively compositions he seeks to capture on film as an avid underwater photographer. “From the very first moment you HANDICAP DIVING Most dive schools are prepared to accommodate divers with special needs, but some have gone the extra mile to develop a range of facilities specifically tailored for the diver with physical challenges: TGI Diving: The diving center, boat jetty, surrounding pathways within Sheraton Miramar and dive boat are wheelchair accessible. Sufficient space is available to maneuver on board, and several staff members have experience with disabled divers. Easy Divers: This dive school welcomes groups of handicapped divers every year, and staff are trained to assist disabled divers, even those not accompanied by their own guide. One of the center's boats is adapted for reduced-mobility guests and is wheelchair-accessible. The Dive Tribe: The only SDI (Scuba Diving International) “Scubility” center in El Gouna, the school has three fully qualified “Scubility” instructors, a wheelchair-friendly diving center and a wheelchair accessible dive boat. The Moevenpick is a disabled-friendly hotel that offers several fitted rooms close to the diving center. 1 2 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E put your face in the water, you spot some massive table corals standing outside the reef and surrounded by many kinds of fish,” he relates. Further down, says Mohammed, is a sand slope where a quiet, slow approach sometimes affords the diver a glimpse at one of the shyest residents of the reef: the leopard shark. At the end of the dive Mohammed enjoys exploring every inch of a coral block he calls an underwater city. “It is amazing how fish defend their territory, and how everything bonds together,” he observes. A well-kept secret - at least until now - is Small Gobal, also called Bluff Point. This dive is a favorite for Serge Albert, manager of Easy Divers Academy. The site features two wrecks and a beautiful reef. The first wreck is a small boat lying in the lagoon at about 15 meters, and it makes an interesting site for night dives. The other wreck, the Ulysses, was a steamboat of about 100 meters carrying cables for the Bombay/London Telegraph line and bound for Penang, India. The ship sank in the late 1800s, probably due to a navigation error. “It is amazing to see how marine life has made the wreck its own. Crocodile fishes, trigger fishes, anthias and lots of other species dwell within, and hard and soft corals also create a beautiful underwater architecture,” relates Serge. His advice is to spend 20-30 minutes on the Ulysses and, conditions allowing, finish the dive in drift towards Bluff Point, as the current can be strong. “Seeing morays, anemonae, clown fish, lion fish, and perhaps turtles, Napoleon fish and dolphins will make your day,” says Albert. Nominated by many experts as an all-time favorite wreck dive, the Rosalie Moeller is a challenging dive reserved to advanced divers due to its depth. The British merchant ship loaded with coal was sunk during World War II and lies upright and in pristine condition on the sandy bottom. “The lower than average visibility gives a misty, almost haunted, feel to the dive, and you cannot help but be impressed by this beautiful wreck,” says Jill Falkous. Sometimes it is hard to see the ship itself for all the glassfish circling around. Jacks and tuna sweep in to pick off an easy meal, huge lion fish can be found patrolling the decks, and a careful eye can spot some beautiful nudibranchs and other small creatures. “This is definitely one of the nicest wrecks of the Red Sea, with an amazing fish life to observe,” agrees Niko Baumann, owner of the Dive Connection. LITTLE DIVERS It's almost never too early to begin diving, thanks to special programs geared towards children. The PADI Bubblemaker program is a fun and safe way for youngsters age eight and above to join in the family fun of scuba diving. Children should have confidence and ability in the water, but they don't have to be excellent swimmers, since the maximum depth is only two meters. The PADI Seal Team is for young divers who are looking for action-packed fun. In this program, divers go on exciting "Aqua Missions" in a pool that involve diving with flashlights, taking digital underwater pictures, and floating effortlessly like an astronaut. These programs allow children to have fun in the pool and meet friends as they learn the skills needed to navigate the underwater world. Certification courses are also available for older children and teens. The Junior Open Water Diver program is open to children age ten and above, and teens 15 years and older may take the standard Open Water Diver course. Kimo, the young son of Jill Falkous and Khaled Mahmoud of TGI Divers, is a perfect example of the next generation of underwater explorers. The four-year-old is already a proficient snorkeler, and he declares that he “can't wait to go see the fish!” DIVING NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-STYLE In recent years PADI has partnered with the National Geographic Society to develop a new learning program: the National Geographic Diver. Designed for both the beginner and the experienced diver, the National Geographic Diver program helps those interested in undersea adventure to discover, study, and enjoy the underwater world with the eye of a scientist or explorer-no science degree required! Depending on the individual diver's level, the National Geographic Diver program can be coupled with the PADI Open Water Diver program for beginners, or followed by certified divers as a stand-alone course in the form of a National Geographic Portal. The program comprises a classroom educational session followed by practical exercises in the areas of navigation, buoyancy and species identification, as well as an exploration project to be completed during a dive. It promises to take a diver's skills to a new level by providing them the chance to learn from new adventures, explorations and conservation opportunities. This program went international in 2005, and 11 National Geographic Dive Centers have been registered in Egypt to date. Only one has its home in El Gouna, and that center is the Dive Tribe. PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED DIVERS The opportunity to explore the underwater realm surrounding El Gouna is also extended to guests with reduced mobility. Many persons with physical challenges can easily learn the skill set necessary for diving, though more space and time is often required. Adapted equipment is available, but most disabled divers do not need highly specialized gear. Many physically challenged people are able to complete a standard scuba diver course with minor adjustments made as necessary, depending on the type of disability. As is the case Helen Chambers WHALE SHARK CONSERVATION The Whale Shark Awareness Red Sea Project, in collaboration with PADI Project Aware, is on a mission to collect information to assist researchers who want to learn more about whale sharks. Sightings of the gentle giant cruising through Red Sea waters have increased in the past few months, including in El Gouna, an Easy Divers' staff member relates that a whale shark has been spotted by the dive center's guide and snorkeling guests. The Whale Shark Awareness project aims to educate divers and snorkelers about this fascinating creature, and organizers encourage people to report their sightings to the Whale Shark Photo Identification Library. In this way divers can contribute vital information to researchers studying whale shark migrations. Such study is essential to the protection of these huge and harmless fish, which have been labeled “vulnerable to extinction.” The Photo Identification Library uses a special computerized technique to identify individual whales by their skin spots. Divers can help by sending in photographs of the left and right sides of the whale shark above the pectoral fins near the gills. The Photo Identification Library has formally identified five new Red Sea whale sharks since November 2006, bringing the total count of individual sharks identified in the Red Sea to ten. However, the number of encounters suggests that there could be more. The total number of recorded whale shark encounters worldwide stands at 3,853, with only 860 individual fish identified. Every effort counts! Have you seen a whale shark in the Red Sea? Want to learn more? Call +20 11 192 6898 or write to info@whalesharkredsea.com with details, the Whale Shark Awareness Red Sea Project would like to know as much as possible about your encounter. www.projectaware.org E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 1 3 for anyone who seeks diving certification, a medical questionnaire must be completed at the outset. Divers suffering a handicap are required to produce a medical certificate stating that they are fit to dive. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, it is advisable to get in touch with the dive center of your choice and discuss individual needs in advance. DIVE TO SAY “I DO” Dive Tribe Long-time El Gouna residents Gijs Roozendaal of the Netherlands and Christine Yossef of Egypt were treated to a surprise underwater wedding organized by friends at the Dive Tribe and TGI Diving. Family and friends dressed as Neptune and mermaids awaited the unsuspecting couple at the bottom, and laminated slates inscribed with phrases like “Do you take this man/woman?” were used to perform the ceremony, which ended with a bubbly kiss of the bride. The event, although unofficial, remains a cherished memory for the newlyweds. Another non-legally-binding underwater wedding was organized by the Dive Connection last May. In addition, TGI Diving staff have witnessed several underwater proposals. Their stories don't reveal whether the grooms-to-be got down on one fin at the bottom… DIVE CENTERS IN EL GOUNA DIVE SITES NOT TO BE MISSED! Blue Brothers: PADI, CMAS and Barracuda courses in English, German and Arabic. Snorkeling is also offered. TTC Ocean View, ext 77975 Colona: PADI courses in English, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. Snorkeling is also offered. TTC Rihana, ext 300 or 2221 Dive Trek: PADI, CMAS and FFESSM courses in English, German and French. Snorkeling is also offered. Sultan Bey, ext 2381 Easy Divers: PADI and CMAS courses in English, German, French, Flemish, Italian, Spanish and Arabic. Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and fishing trips are also offered. TTC Rihana, ext 2327 Euro Divers: PADI courses in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic. Only accepts Club Med guests, ext 10 Orca: PADI and CMAS courses in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Arabic. Snorkeling is also offered. Turtle's Inn, mob 012 248 0460 TGI Diving: PADI courses in English, German, French, Dive Tribe Dutch, Italian and Arabic. Snorkeling, pedalos, canoes, windsurfing and glassbottom boat are also offered. Sheraton, ext 19 The Dive Connection: PADI courses in English, German, French and Dutch. Snorkeling, pedalos, canoes, windsurfing and glass-bottom boat are also offered. Panorama, ext 4100 The Dive Tribe: PADI courses in English, German, French and Arabic. Snorkeling, canoes, pedalos, windsurfing, speedboat rental with captain, kitesurfing and Zego also offered. Moevenpick, ext 36 Abu Nuhas: Medium/Advanced level, depending on weather conditions. This famous ship graveyard has great coral life and more ships than any other site in the area, inclusing the Ghiannis D, Carnatic, Chrisola K and Kimon M. Distance: 2.5 hrs Shabaha: Medium/Advanced level. This site has a small free-standing reef. The north side offers layers of table corals coming out of the reef wall. The south side is a wonderful coral garden where lobsters are common. Shabaha is ideal for night dives and photography. Note: current can be strong. Distance: 1 hr Blind Reef: Medium/Advanced level. The north plateau of Blind Reef is populated by red-tooth triggerfish and African smoke angelfish. Glassfish are also present in all the caves and crevices, and white tip sharks can be seen on the dark side of this reef. Distance: 2 hrs Gota Abu Galawa North: Medium level. This site's impressive coral garden sports barracuda, octopus and solefish. Triton shells can often be seen. Distance: 1 hr Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House): Beginner/Medium level. Dolphins are this site's main attraction, and the fusiliers, silversides, turtles and napoleon wrasses are also worth seeing. Note: current can be strong in the channel. Distance: 1 hr Thistlegorm: Medium/Advanced level, depending on the current. Sunk by German aircraft in 1941, this freighter's cargo is still virtually intact and includes railway locomotives, bren gun carriers, trucks, motorcycles and a host of ammunition. The wreck is home to bat fish, jacks, barracudas, surgeon fish, nudibranchs and rabbit fish grazing the hull. The wreck can only be visited by safari boats. Distance: 3.5 hrs Rosalie Moller: Advanced level. Bombed just two days after the Thistlegorm, this sunken wreck is in pristine condition and serves as home to prolific fish life and a magnificent array of hard and soft corals. The Rosalie is a deep dive (over 30m to the deck), and thus it is less crowded than other wreck sites in the area. Distance: 1.5 hrs 1 4 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 0 Family Day on the Isles More and more families have escaped the rat race and come to live life as it should be in El Gouna. They build up businesses in town, send their kids to El Gouna schools, and become full-fledged members of the community. They also take advantage of the many opportunities this Red Sea town affords its residents, including day trips by boat to explore the seas and islands nearby. Our magazine's Francoise Ohayon recently accompanied two families on a day out at sea. “Abu Tig Marina, this is Serendipity going out for the day!” After radioing this message, we set sail. I was delighted to be invited along on the day's sail to nearby deserted islands, and I was eager to see what the day would hold. The morning's first order of business was to cruise by the platform in front of Club Med, where osprey can often be spotted. As hoped, a couple of the majestic sea eagles were perched on a beacon, and we ventured as close as the treacherous reef right below 1 6 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E the surface of the sea permitted. We could see a nest, left over from the last breeding season, atop an umbrella on the platform. According to our host Thomas Rach, the ospreys are likely to occupy the nest again, and he regularly checks out their favorite spot in hopes of catching a glimpse of the next generation in the making. After watching the sea eagles our party set off for Tawila, a popular destination for day trips departing from El Gouna. Photos by Adel Ibrahim Although the Serendipity has a maximum speed of 35 knots, we cruised along at a leisurely 8 knots (approximately 15 km/hour) as the kids played on the sundeck and the adults conversed quietly at the back. The best thing about this mode of conveyance is that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. Thomas has practiced his navigation skills well and found his way easily between the shallow reefs. He has shared ownership of the boat for two years, and he explained that in the beginning he and his family sailed with an experienced local captain to learn the waypoints. Rach is employed by a software company in Germany and commutes to his job on a regular basis while his wife, Claudia, owner of El Gouna's Sun and Moon Boutique, stays behind with the children. The boat, a 28-foot Regal speedboat, was purchased in Florida, USA, and shipped to Egypt. “It took more than eight months to get it here,” recalled Thomas, “but it was well worth it.” Our day lived up to the boat's name, with serendipity striking when we came upon a pod of bottlenose dolphins. The animals glided effortlessly along the bow and escorted us for a while. From time to time one would roll over onto its side and appeared to look us right in the eye. It was tempting to slip on the snorkeling gear and jump into the water, but we were advised against it: the dolphin group included two babies, and adults are likely to get protective under those circumstances. Nonetheless, the dolphin encounter was as exciting for the parents as it was for the children. Soon thereafter, Tawila came into view. Tawila's small beaches, interspaced by boulders, make perfect coves, providing a degree of privacy even on busy days. The location, sheltered from the wind, offers easy anchorage, and boats can be pulled in as close as five meters to the shore. Tawila's shallow sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, and it wasn't long before the kids were off to explore the surroundings. Many a colorful shell and hermit crab were admired, but we adhered to the old axiom and took nothing but photos and left nothing but footprints. As the younger crew members splashed happily around BOAT RENTAL For those of us who don't yet own a boat, yachts are available for charter (with captain): CBS Yachting has boats for charters and fishing trips. (Abu Tig Marina, ext 77910) The Galatea can be chartered for organized day trips and tailor-made excursions. (Abu Tig Marina, mob 012 228 2218) Wanna I is availably for over day as well as fishing and snorkeling excursions. (Abydos Marina, mob 012 774 9450) The Dive Tribe has an Italian-style launch that can be chartered for day trips or sunset champagne cruises. (Moevenpick, ext 36) The Abu Tig Marina office can direct interested parties to appropriate services. (ext 2249) E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 1 7 GOODIES TO TAKE ABOARD Several of El Gouna's restaurants will prepack snacks and meals for day trips. On our day out, we enjoyed Armenian finger foods from Garo's. The selection included oregano manaish (vegetarian mini-pizzas flavored with herbs), beef and cheese beoreg (a kind of samosa), and sweet tahini (sesame paste) bread, all of which are great warm or cold. Garo's serves Lebanese and Armenian snacks. Downtown El Balad, ext 2448 The Moevenpick's Food & Beverage department offers lunch boxes to order. ext 36 Maison Thomas offers an array of sandwiches and choice cuts of meat. Abu Tig Marina, ext 77906 7th Star has a wide selection of baked goods, sandwiches and pastries for your picnic basket. Abu Tig, ext 77972 Le Deauville will clean and cook to order your catch of the day. Abu Tig Marina, mob 012 239 8525 1 8 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E the boat, the grownups settled down and enjoyed an aperitif. A delicious Californian rose wine and finger foods complemented the view of arid island and turquoise sea. Later, as lunchtime approached, a portable grill was put together on the beach, and the aroma of German sausages and juicy steaks soon filled the breeze. We sampled the delicious food casually on the beach or even sitting in the water, trying to stay cool on the hot summer day. These island aficionados have developed their very own dishwashing technique, which consists of playing frisbee with the plastic plates until the dishes are clean or they players are tiredwhichever comes first! After a long day in the sun, the group was tired and ready to move on. On our way back we took full advantage of the boat's powerful engine and glided at high speed over the smooth water towards Bayout, where we embarked on a quick snorkeling expedition. This shallow sandbank in the middle of the sea is a favorite destination from El Gouna and can be reached from the town in as little as five or ten minutes, depending on the speed of the boat. The well-spaced patches of coral on the sandy bottom may look unimpressive at first, but surprising discoveries await the careful eye. Pairs of colorful nudibranchs (a.k.a. sea slugs or marine snails) and pipefish (a tube-like fish of the seahorse family) can be seen there. The shallowness of the site allows up-close observation of marine life, while the sandy bottom makes it easy for kids to stand up without risking injury to themselves or damage to the reef. We sailed into El Gouna and radioed Abu Tig Marina that the Serendipity had returned. The deckhands tied up the boat securely, and the island trip came to an end. The two families' day hadn't ended, however, and they shared a round of drinks on the shaded terrace of the marina promenade. “We always invite acquaintances out on the boat,” say Thomas. “It's a great way to get to know people, and we've made lots of friends this way here in our new hometown.” Kitesurfing: The Next Generation Meet the up-and-comers on the kiteboarding scene who find El Gouna their favorite place to train for the sport. By Francoise Ohayon El Gouna has made a name for itself as a world-class kite destination by becoming the favorite training spot of championship kitesurfers like Kristen Boese, who won the title of world champion in both 2005 and 2006. Now, a new generation of kiteboarders is coming on to the scene. Many of the sport's youngest enthusiasts are making professional grade even before finishing secondary school, and with its prime location and first-rate kite schools, El Gouna has become a breeding ground for the next generation of championship kiters. El Gouna Magazine caught up with some of the new blood between training sessions in the water and doing homework on the beach. Sebastian Bubmann - Germany This 19-year-old finished his A-levels and couldn't wait for 2 0 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E school to end in June. “I decided it would be senseless to sit around in school and look out the window at the grayness,” said Sebastian, “so I packed in my homework and booked a flight to Hurghada and a room at the Captain's Inn in El Gouna. The flights are pretty cheap, and with only four hours of flying time and a one-hour time difference between Egypt and Germany, it's easily doable,” he explained. Sebastian was favorably impressed with the destination as a whole: “When I arrived, I was surprised by the size of El Gouna. Compared to other spots in Egypt, there is a lot going on, and you can meet many nice people and even have some parties.” For his training, Bubmann chose Kiteboarding Club El Gouna on Buzzha Beach, which had been recommended by one of his sponsors, the equipment manufacturer Flysurfer. Sebastian praises the spot's configuration. “You can find any- Sebastian Bubmann photos courtesy Kiteboarding Club El Gouna thing from groundswell at the outside to choppy or flat water in the hip-deep lagoon.” He also spoke highly of the weather conditions, saying that the wind was suitable each day for a kite between 10 and 12 square meters. This is ideal for training purposes, since the kitesurfer can choose a kite that is neither too big nor too small. Sebastian has fun even when he isn't kitesurfing, and enjoyed time spent at the Club. “Those of you who think you can play kicker [table soccer] should try playing against Thomas Beckmann [owner of the Kiteboarding Club] and his friends sometime,” exclaimed Sebastian. Bubmann calls himself a pro, and he explained that a kiter can hope to make a living at the sport once he or she becomes sufficiently well-known in the scene. “It isn't all about competitions,” he explained. “Being present in the media is almost more important.” Sebastian's list of achievements is already impressive. He began competing in 2002 and won the title of Junior World Champion at Snowkite in both 2004 and 2005. Then, in 2006, he was named German Kitesurfing Champion. This year he is set to participate in the entire German tour as well as several of the World Tour stops. In between competitions, he plans to return to El Gouna as often as possible. Silvester Ruckdaeschel - Germany Inspired by kiters he saw on the beach at Tarifa, near the Spanish town of Marbella he calls home, Silvester started practicing the sport at age 15. “The first day I stood on a board, I knew that this is what I wanted to do,” he exclaimed. Ruckdaeschel began taking part in open competitions one year later and won the title of German Junior Champion in 2004. In 2005 he was named German Champion. His 2006 season suffered as the result of a bout with appendicitis, but Silvester was still able to shoot a video for the magazine Stance: Kiteboarding Attitude (www.stance.fr). Ruckdaeschel prefers video shooting to competition but continues to compete, since he still wants to show that he can “ride better than the next guy.” In El Gouna Silvester trained at Kiteboarding Club, and his blog chronicled his time in the town. In an entry entitled “El Gouna, it's blowing!” he writes, “So this is my 11th day in El Gouna, I ride my 8m Impact and 9m Tribal almost every day, only had one calm day, wicked! Yesterday we started to record some moves, got some funny bails, today I learned something new, gotta see it on vid!” Keep track of Silvester's kitesurfing adventures at http://silvesterr.com/. At 19 years of age, Silvester describes himself as someone who studies but is also a professional kiter. The youth already makes a living at the sport, and at the same time he stud- ies for the German Abitur via distance learning. His advice to young kiters is “stay in school!” He explained that it's much easier to remain in school than to try to study between plane flights, training and competition. With time, said Ruckdaeschel, “it is getting harder and harder to become a team rider [find a sponsor].” Silvester's future plans consist of traveling the world for two or three more years before settling down to “a normal life in a big city.” He has no idea what kind of a job he would like to get at that point, but is possibly interested in something in the kite business. Lukasz Ceran - Poland At the ripe old age of 26, Lukasz is considered a veteran by kitesurfing standards, and he has been a watersport aficionado for two decades. At age six he learned to sail a small Optimist boat before moving on to freestyle windsurfing, and he competed in that sport as a teenager before settling on kitesurfing as his sport of choice. Ceran is currently in his sixth season as a competitive kitesurfer. “I like the atmosphere of competition, and the adrenalin that goes with it is addictive. The lifestyle is pretty cool since we travel and get to know new people.” Ceran was named Poland Kite Champion in 2006, and he concentrated on the Polish tour while studying towards his law degree. This year he will attend the World Cup in Brazil. His decision whether to participate in the 2008 World Cup Tour will depend on the outcome of this year's competition. Lukasz is conscious of his age and says wryly, “I am old! Nowadays, world champions are 20.” He explained that he is part of a generation soon to be designated “Masters,” a category for kiters above the age of 30 who no longer compete against young kiteboarders. In addition to his competition-related goals, Ceran hopes to become a team manager for the Diverse Extreme Team, and he is already involved in teaching the next generation of kiters eager to compete in his wake. Over the past year, Lukasz has spent an average of two weeks every other month in El Gouna. He has chosen Red Sea Zone as his training base in town. “I know what I get when coming here,” said Lukasz: “good winds, a safe environment, and a good school. Also, since I know the spot, I can concentrate on the training.” Recently Ceran was accompanied by nine young kiters between the ages of 10 and 17, whom he helped prepare for competition by teaching some of his best tricks. Asia Litwin - Poland At the other end of the age spectrum from Ceran is the 13-yearold Asia Litwin, who took her very first kiteboarding lesson from E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 2 1 Left: Silvester Ruckdaeschel, courtesy Kiteboarding Club El Gouna. Center: Lukasz Cera and Right: Pro Camp training both courtesy Red Sea Zone. Red Sea Zone owner Mike Zimowski here in El Gouna last year. Previously Litwin had concentrated her talents on snowboarding, but later found kiteboarding to be “more fun.” By her second trip to Egypt Asia had learned to ride and jump, but still had some problems landing. She is currently back in El Gouna for the tenth time and has chosen Lukasz Ceran, whom she met in El Gouna, to be her official trainer. Meanwhile, Litwin has made a promising debut in Polish competitions, ranking third in the women's freestyle category and first in a kite loop contest, both times out of four contestants. Freestyle is her favorite discipline because, as she says, “it's not a race - it's all about jumps and tricks.” In May 2007, Asia took part in her first international competition, the Diverse Desert Kite in El Gouna, and she obtained second place out of three contestants in women's freestyle. She will attend the Brazilian stop of the World Tour and, if the results are good, she plans to ride the whole tour in 2008. Coach Lukasz cites Litwin as a fast learner and feels her chances of finding sponsors next year to cover her travel expenses and provide her with free equipment are good. Asia displays healthy attitude towards competition for one so young. “I am very happy about it, of course, but I have a deal with my father,” she said with a smile. “I must have good results at school to be allowed to kite. And I wish to seize this opportunity to thank him, as he is my most important sponsor!” Asia explained that she leads a normal life, with time to hang out with friends like any teenager. While attending training camps she takes her homework to the beach to study in the evenings. Like most 13-year-olds, Asia is uncertain what career she wishes to pursue as an adult. “For now,” she said, “I just want to have fun-that's the most important thing.” My conversation with Asia was another first for the young kiter: her first interview with the press. “I feel a bit shy,” she confessed. “Get used to it!” advised Lukasz. For a complete list of kitesurfing schools in El Gouna, please see pages 42-43. World record attempt at distance kitesurfing off the shores of El Gouna Two world class kitesurfers, Kathrin Borgwardt of Germany and Maarten Moens from Belgium, chose El Gouna as the place for their attempt to break the existing world record for distance riding. The current record is held by Philipp Knecht from Switzerland, who rode 300 km along the Brazilian coast in November 2006. The competitors selected El Gouna for their attempt because of nearperfect conditions, including small waves, a downwind along the coast, 365 days of sun, and 14 hours of daylight in June. Borgwardt and Moens currently work as managers of a kitesurfing school in Boracay, Philippines, and the two riders consider El Gouna one of the top kitesurfing destinations worldwide. The attempt, sponsored by OHD and the Moevenpick, started at sunrise in El Gouna with a downwind trip along the Red Sea coastline towards Marsa Alam. Unfortunately the time of their visit turned out to be one of the few weeks without wind in El Gouna, which left them stranded in Safaga after traveling only 170 km. It remains their goal to break the current record for longest kite distance, thereby making it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Accordingly, the two have planned another attempt on the Red Sea in March. During the summer they took a shorter trip: a Baltic Sea crossing by kite from Rostock in Germany to Gedser in Denmark, accompanied by a ferryboat. 2 2 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E THE SUN'S DOWN AND THE PARTY'S ON! The Best of El Gouna Nightlife El Gouna has the nightlife for you whether you want to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as you sip a drink in the moonlight or dance the night away in a trendy club. Whether your idea of nighttime entertainment involves a game of pool with your pals or admiring the endless whirling of a Tanoura dancer, and whether you like champagne and caviar or beer and potato chips, you'll find something to suit your taste from the following offering. THE CLUB HOUSE Smugglers Bar, where the vibe is classic English pub meets Indiana Jones, finds its home in Abu Tig Marina. Sussex native Richard Boys serves up drinks behind the bar. If you find yourself incapable of making up your mind between the two, simply visit one pub after the other, in true English fashion! Irish whiskey finds suitable representation in El Gouna at Tambel Irish Pub. Here the music is loud and the pool competition fierce. The pub's selection of liquors and alcohols includes Irish whiskey and cream as well as Guinness and Kilkenny beer. Saturday nights are host to vodka parties when patrons buy one get one free from 9pm to midnight. The same deal is in place for tequila boombooms on Tuesday nights, and cocktails are discounted on Thursday nights. TEENY-TINY PIER 88 KITES LOUNGE No contest here: the prize for the smallest bar in El Gouna, and perhaps in the whole of Egypt, goes to Barten. With its modern, funky decor and exciting atmosphere, Barten is the place to be! And best of all, it stays open until the last guest leaves, which can be pretty late in these days of booming marina nightlife. FOR THE LADS HANG LOOSE Those looking for a quintessentially British experience will face a tough choice between Boxers and Smugglers. Both establishments are authentically English and wildly popular with El Gouna's British expatriates. Boxers Bar, located downtown, serves light bites and showcases sports events on satellite TV on the terrace or in the air-conditioned bar. Famous boxing matches are shown on designated evenings, and menu offerings on Wednesday, including traditional English steak pie and braised pork with apple, have become a staple. Powered by Kiteboarding Club El Gouna, Kitepower, Red Sea Zone and The Three Corners Ocean View, the Kites Lounge is the premier hangout for the kiteboarding scene, with kite videos showcased on a large screen. Wednesday and Sunday evenings play host to Gounies Get Together, an event in which Manager Andrzej Zimowski guarantees that no hip-hop or techno will be played. Instead, a comfortable and intimate ambiance is enhanced by a saxophone player and a singer, or by oldies tunes to which patrons dance the night away. 2 4 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Also developed with kiteboarders in mind, Tides Lounge Bar welcomes the exhausted rider to relax on huge comfortable couches. The décor is modern, and color splashes brighten the lounge. Music videos are played on a large screen while guests sip some of the best coffee blends in town. Billiard tables are also available, as well as a nice terrace spilling out onto the marina promenade. SHOW-OFF The second floor bar at Le Tabasco is the place to see and be seen, and it is in high demand during holidays, when crowds of Cairenes come to party by the lagoon in Kafr El Gouna. Food is served downstairs, and the selection includes meats, crepes and salads. LAID-BACK There is no shortage of places to kick off your shoes in El Gouna. The Club House, which serves as a second living room to many a Gounie, is one such place. On holidays, when special entertainment and live bands are featured, the establishment fills up with repeat visitors. This Kafr El Gouna bar and restaurant provides the added advantage of a pool, into which partiers often end up taking a midnight dip. Regular events include beach barbecues, beach volley competitions, and quiz nights, and calling the ambiance of the Club House “relaxed” doesn't begin to do justice to the friendly atmosphere! Located at the end of the marina promenade, Moods has something for everyone: a lounge bar, a beach restaurant, and a terrace overlooking the most impressive powerboats. Good oriental and international cuisine is served, and many a partygoer has praised their original alcoholic drinks at good prices! A favorite with Kafr El Gouna residents, the Sand Bar is a laid-back place to grab a bite and enjoy a game of pool. The coldest of beers and a full range of spirits and chilled wines will satisfy the most demanding drinker, and a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails is available for those who prefer to keep a clean head. A pool table, a large TV screen and oriental music await you at Dunes. This downtown restaurant has a varied menu and offers water pipes in its Arabian corner. Located just before the bridge leading to Kafr El Gouna, Dunes is popular with local youth. GOOOOAAAAL! Holding the trophy for best sports viewing, Jobo's has made a name for itself in Tamr Henna. You name the sport - they show it. And they have the cold ones, loaded potatoes, and steaks to complete the ambiance! Supporters decked out in their favorite team's regalia congregate for big matches, and the cheers for goals scored are heard near and far. POSH No premier leisure destination is complete without top-of-theline watering holes. In El Gouna, a white floating barge along the marina promenade is home to the distinctive Pier 88, the perfect location to enjoy an evening breeze while sipping a flute of champagne. This restaurant and bar also offers a large selection of local wines by the glass, non-alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails, and fine liqueurs, as well as an excellent European menu. A cigar humidor awaits the connoisseur, and the cozy atmosphere is made complete by the presence of a piano and guitar which guests are invited to play at will. Café Vienna welcomes its guests in an exclusive atmosphere on the Hill at the Moevenpick's Spa extension. The contemporary paintings of the Safar Khan Art Gallery are displayed in this inviting lounge. With its cozy fireside, Café Vienna is the perfect venue for an after dinner drink in an elegant ambiance, enhanced by the recitals of musician George Karkour. LUCKY The Aladin Casino will keep the most demanding gambler awake all night with an offering of slot-machines, multi-jackpot poker machines, roulettes, blackjack, oasis stud pokers, punto banca, and Chemin de fer. The casino is also home to a cocktail often join Wael on the stage, and the audience is regularly treated to improvised concerts given by talented residents and visitors. DJ TUNES Several outlets around Abu Tig compete for the best DJ music award, making the marina a late-night hotspot. DuPort Pool Club, featuring guest DJs from Europe, is a cool place to hang out with friends and chill by the pool on huge lounge beds. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are party times, with sunset cocktail hour followed by DJ music and dance to till you drop. Chiringito, located directly on Marina Beach, is a cocktail bar and beach lounge popular all week long. The music volume gets cranked up dramatically on Friday nights, when Chiringito is the scene of wild beach parties with live DJs and barefoot revelers drink the night away to one of the loudest beats in town. DUPORT BARTEN TAMR HENNA SQ. bar, a lounge, and a late night snack parlor. Free limousine service is available in Downtown Kafr to and from the casino. LIVE Masters of karaoke (and less experienced singers who are not afraid of trying out their skills in public) can head to Palma Karaoke Café, where the selection of 3,000 tunes in 9 languages ensures you will find your favorite song. Don't miss the karaoke contest every Monday! Palma also presents outdoor entertainment on a daily basis on the lagoon beach, and the offering includes a belly dancer, live music or fire shows. Created to bring live entertainment to the marina, Studio 52 offers a great selection of music, good ambiance, and karaoke fun. It is the ideal place to hang out with friends while enjoying a musical performance by owner Wael. Guests 2 6 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Opposite the restaurant Bleu Bleu lies the aptly-named De l'Autre Côté, which offers impressive views of the surrounding marina. Built in concentric circles, the establishment features a bar, surounded by a dance floor, bordered by couches leaning against glass wind-breakers, making it a sheltered setting to either dance the night away or watch other people doing so. A trendy bar and eatery, Peanuts has one of the most interesting assortment of snacks in town, with plenty of fancy drinks to wash them down. In addition to DJ, 70s/80s, salsa and Latin music, entertainment also includes karaoke nights, ladies nights and Gounie nights, as well as special monthly themes that keep the fun going. DISCOTHEQUES At Mirage Disco, El Gouna's only open air disco, you can dance the night away right under the stars. The animation team of The Three Corners Rihana regularly presents spectacular shows, and look out for special events during the feasts. The Mirage is open on Thursday and Saturday nights from 10:30pm onwards. Entrance fee LE 35. Famous among the guests at Panorama Bungalows, The Cave also welcomes “outsiders” and offers trendy disco music that will shake you all night long. The Cave is open daily from 10pm till 2am, and a minimum charge of LE 50 applies for outside guests. OUTDOORS An all-time favorite with regular guests in El Gouna, the Marina Street Festival transforms the Abu Tig Marina into an outdoor extravaganza. Live music and wonderful shows are featured, and food stalls and buffets presented by El Gouna's hotels make for a lively street party atmosphere. The Marina Street Festival takes place every Friday from 8pm onwards. This season, Party Time in Abu Tig Marina happens on Monday evenings too, with live music and a handicrafts corner. A cozy square between the domes and arches of Downtown offers the perfect setting for Kafr El Gouna Live, when the resident population and guests come together to be entertained by live music and shows. The surrounding bars, restaurants and shops offer special discounts for the occasion. Kafr El Gouna Live takes place every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 pm onwards. Tamr Henna Under The Stars features the best Oriental dancers on the town's main square. Surrounding bars and restaurants spill out into the square, offering food and drinks to onlookers. From Nubian shows to belly dancers to Tanouras (whirling dervishes), the mesmerizing performances will leave you breathless every Sunday and Thursday, starting from 9:30pm. Only in El Gouna can you experience an authentic Bedouin oasis in a spectacular desert setting only ten minutes from your hotel. On Oasis Night, guests are treated to an Egyptian buffet in a traditional tent followed by folklore shows. While you are at it, why not ride a camel, drink Oriental coffee or smoke a shisha? Oasis Night is every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30pm. Information and bookings through your hotel's Guest Relations. BEACH PARTIES For an early evening on the beach, hop on a boat departing from Sultan Bey Hotel and head for Zeytouna Beach every Sunday at 7pm. A delicious barbecue, Oriental show and special live entertainment await you in this beautiful setting. Entrance is 15 Euro and includes the typical Oriental “Jellabia” dress. Information and bookings with Sultan Bey Hotel. To party till you drop, the Mangroovy Beach Party is the place for you. Sit around the bonfires or dance to the DJ's beats all night every Sunday and Wednesday from 10:30pm onwards. There is usually no end in sight, with the party wrapping up only when the last guest leaves. For a complete listing of bars, pubs and party outlets please see pages 54-55 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 2 7 GETAWAY TO TABA HEIGHTS Photos at left by Francoise Ohayon El Gouna's little sister in the Sinai is making a name for herself. Francoise Ohayon crosses the Red Sea to visit the growing destination and discover what the buzz is all about. Taba Heights' slogan promises “Setting, Seclusion and Style in Natural Luxury.” Designed and managed by OHD, the resort offers five luxury hotels, an international marina, a professional golf course, and a downtown village, and it is an excellent base to discover the region's natural treasures and historical wonders. Located on the eastern coast of the Sinai peninsula, the resort can be accessed in six hours by road from Cairo or three hours by road from Sharm El Sheikh. Taba International Airport receives direct flights from major European cities, as does Eilat Airport in neighboring Israel, and a regular ferry route connects Aqaba in Jordan to Taba Heights. Rumor has it that domestic flights from Cairo to Taba and from Hurghada to Sharm El Sheikh are in the EgyptAir Express pipeline, but since these haven't yet materialized, the ferryboat from Hurghada to Sharm is currently the best option for travel between El Gouna and Taba Heights. The Red Sea Jet ferryboat was scheduled for a 9:30 am departure from Hurghada, which made for a relaxed start to the day. However, I found port facilities not quite up to par. “Arrive one hour before” connotes checking in and then sitting down to wait, but the reality was a one-hour wait in the sun for the gate to open. Nonetheless, the boat embarked nearly on time and crossed to Sharm in just over two hours. 2 8 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E An antique Peugeot driven by a Bedouin in galabeya awaited me in Sharm. Those wishing to travel in style and willing to pay a bit more will be happy to learn that taxis built during the present century are also available! An encouraging “Taba Heights 175 km” sign awaits you at the first check point out of Sharm, as you leave the sea behind and engage in a trench between the mountains.After traveling a landscape punctuated by dark-red peaks, the road joins the coastline again at Nuweiba, where riders get glimpses of the thatched roofs of beach huts (some of them comically topped by a satellite dish) that provide accommodation to hippie wannabes. I had no need to ask the driver whether we were there yet, for the architectural style and colors of Taba Heights are unmistakable to anyone familiar with El Gouna. Taba Heights is a little El Gouna hugging a mountain slope that plunges straight into the turquoise sea. After checking in at the brand new, five-star Intercontinental resort, I made a beeline for the beach to take a short but refreshing dip. I had a mere three days to spend in Taba Heights, and my schedule was chock-full of exciting activities. On my first evening I joined a two-hour sunset quad bike trip with Canyon Motor Safaris. Their thorough safety briefing and excellent equipment were impressive; helmets with visor are a must, while gloves and elbow protections are optional. The quad service can facilitate young riders, providing a dedicated guide and 80cc bikes suited for children. Our ride took us into a nearby canyon, and we were welcomed by drinks and fresh-baked bread at the Bedouin tent sitting at the deepest end of the canyon. A short walk among colorful rock formations takes you to an ancient waterfall, and on the way back, we were given the opportunity to test our skills on the technical circuit (also known simply as a “bumpy ride”), which was good fun. On the following day, I boarded the Henry de Monfreid for a snorkeling and diving sailing cruise. A pleasant sail took us from the marina to Farun Island, and the morning light afforded sublime views of the resort. We snorkeled at the foot of the Salah El Din fort, which unfortunately couldn't be visited during this trip because a different type of permit would have been required. I enjoyed exploring a coral garden where I was greeted by the distinctive sound of parrotfish munching on hard corals, and I couldn't resist teasing a little Nemo, who wasn't afraid to take me on and bump into my mask to defend his anemone. Meanwhile, the novices aboard received a brief introduction to scuba diving. After lunch on the boat, a small group of experienced divers went for a dive on a site named Fjord, which happily was warmer than its Norwegian namesake! A remarkable pinnacle covered with glassfish awaited us there, and we were lucky enough to spot a well-camouflaged frogfish. I am told that such unusual creatures are actually quite common in the Taba Heights area, as are seahorses and pipefish. Our trip was organized by Red Sea Waterworld, Taba Height's sole watersports provider. A five-star PADI Gold Palm Resort and National Geographic Diving Center, Waterworld provides from entry level to specialized diving education. The school is VDWS recognized and, as such, teaches catamaran sailing as well as windsurfing. A full range of other aquasports, including deep sea fishing, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, glass bottom boat, semi-submarine and canoe is also available. Like El Gouna, Taba Heights features a Dine Around program, giving its guests the opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisines ranging from international and Oriental fare to seafood, Italian, Far Eastern and Indian specialties. While most of the restaurants are located within hotel premises, an interesting selection can also be found in the Downtown area. I chose to try El Fuego, the Marriott's Mexican eatery. From the terrace, the sunset view of the resort sprawled at my feet as well as the three countries poised on the opposite shore of the sea was an impressive and soothing sight. The cocktail list was inspiring, and the Chilean house wine was good and reasonably priced. My companions and I sampled almost every starter on the menu, including spicy chicken wings, chili con carne, stuffed jalapenos and quesadillas. We followed these with a fruity chicken salad and fajitas as main courses. El Fuego lived up to its full potential, both for the palate and for the eye. On the next day, after a short walk through Downtown Taba Heights (which, in fact, perches uptown), I set off to Castle Zaman. The place was irresistibly appealing, living up to advertisements that bill it as neither child-friendly nor a place to wear high heels! Castle Zaman sits atop a cliff overlooking a pristine white sandy beach, and is located a mere 15 minutes by car from Taba Heights. A true architectural achievement, the castle was built according to ancient techniques, with each and every stone used in the construction hand-selected from the Sinai. Special attention was given to making the project eco-friendly. For example, every sink and shower outflow leads to a different tree in the garden. The castle kitchen specializes in slow food: beef legs, lamb shoulders and whole fish are prepared in original Egyptian earthenware and left to simmer at low temperatures for long periods of time, guaranteeing a tender and juicy feast. I spent most of the afternoon playing in the pool with the three house dogs, one of which is a local celebrity known as “Mokka the diving dog.” This unusual pooch literally dives two meters deep to retrieve his toys from the bottom of the pool! As the day wound to a close I was tempted to indulge myself at the spa, but I decided to forego indoor treats and take in more of the breathtaking landscape. The sunset made a fabulous spectacle, and I admired it in peaceful solitude from the Hyatt jetty, which stretched out towards the ochre, red and purple hues in the distance. After a scrumptious international dinner buffet, I retreated to my comfortable hotel room, where I caught the American series Nip Tuck with both Arabic and Hebrew subtitles on TV. Yet another advantage of standing at a confluent of cultures and languages! I dedicated my last day in the Sinai to a visit to the famous St. Catherine's monastery. Most organized groups make a two-day trip of it and climb Mt. Sinai by night to watch the sunrise from the top, which is described as “a spiritual experience.” I opted instead for a daytime drive, and the local travel agency ProTours organized a private transfer by taxi this time a spick and span modern version. The journey from Taba Heights to St. Catherine's took approximately 2 hours with plenty of stops to take fantastic pictures on the way. The desert landscapes, with their multicolored dunes, are aweinspiring. Spiky red mountains give way to smooth golden rock formations, and ochre hills streaked with greenish-grey stripes tell of the land's chaotic geological past. A couple of Bedouin settlements could be seen in the distance, and we were met on the road by a herd of camels roaming freely in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. The road to St. Catherine's is an easily accessible and memorable desert experience, which is just as well since the monastery ended up being closed that day. Although St. Catherine's is usually open to the public every day but Fridays, Sundays and religious holidays, I was met by a polite but firm “today closed, festival here.” I should have been more prudent and called ahead... At any rate the time had come for me to return to El Gouna. On the trip back I discovered that when the weather is fair, even the ferryboat crossing is pleasant! www.tabaheights.comwww.tabaquads.com, www.redseawaterworld.com, www.castlezaman.com E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 2 9 sports The El Gouna Tennis Club Since the beginning of summer Gounies have begun to take advantage of the town's newest sport facility. El Gouna Magazine's Brian Wright checks out the recently opened Tennis Club. Take a drive along the road leading from El Gouna's downtown to the Marina, and you'll pass a myriad of construction sites where more activities and services are in progress for El Gouna's visitors and residents. One of the largest projects along this road is the El Gouna Tennis Club, brainchild of Momo Belkeziz, Director of the town's Events and Communication Departments. While construction is still in progress in some areas, the club officially opened for business on June 21st of this year. Currently four full-size clay courts are ready for play along with two smaller courts designed for younger tennis enthusiasts. A large multipurpose court is also open, and soccer, volleyball, and basketball equipment is available for use on that facility. All of the club's equipment is imported from Europe, ensuring the highest standard of quality. The facility also boasts El Gouna's first paintball court, which has also opened recently and can be counted as one of the best in Egypt. Players separate into teams or stage their battle one-on-one, and matches are held in a grassy enclosure complete with a maze of obstacles. Top-of-the-line equipment ensures that the experience is a highlight for everyone. Guests are currently welcomed to the Club in a large tent offering a range of drinks as well as ample shade from the bright El Gouna sun. The tent lacks air conditioning, but construction has started on a new, full-service clubhouse that will have showers, a pro shop, and a bar 3 2 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E designed to pamper players to the fullest extent. Courts are rented on an hourly basis, and costs start at LE 30 for a half hour during the day and LE 40 play at night requiring a floodlight. If you neglected to bring your own equipment to El Gouna there's no need to worry. The Club can set you up with a standard racket and 3 balls for the entire day for only LE 70. Use of the Paintball battleground runs LE 25 for an hour and around 200 balls. Those who have never played tennis before, or those who simply wish to refine their skills will be glad to learn that the Club recently acquired certification from the ACE International Tennis Academy from Belgium. This allows the Tennis Club to provide lessons from professionally certified coaches to players of all ages and skill levels. Top-of-the-line instruction can be had in private lessons from the French and Belgian head coaches for LE 180 per hour. If your budget is a bit tighter, you can opt for a lesson from an assistant coach for LE 100 per hour. Those looking for long-term lessons can take advantage of group packages starting at LE 625 per month, or longterm individual lessons. The Tennis Club is the latest step in El Gouna's quest to be a self-sufficient town offering activities for all tastes. The Club will allow tennis lovers to keep up their game as well as enabling beginners to try this fun and challenging sport, and we welcome this valuable addition to our community. FASTING AND CELEBRATION Laurie Pierce examines the origins and practices of the fast of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. For one month out of every year, the rhythms of life change dramatically for almost a fourth of the population of planet. That month is Ramadan, when Muslims around the globe observe a strict fast from sunup to sundown. Ramadan is a deeply communal period of time for the world's Muslims, who fast together in an experience of global unity. On a local level, friends and family unite for the sunset iftar meal to break fast together. Most Muslims follow the prophet Muhammad's example and break their fast with dates and water before proceeding to more hearty fare. Different countries and cultures have special foods that are served and customs that are observed that add a festive air to the nights of Ramadan. In the Qur'an, Islamic fasting is portrayed as part of the monotheistic tradition of ascetic abstinence as well a way in which believers keep themselves from evil and heighten their awareness of God (Q. 2:183). According to Islamic doctrine, all healthy adult Muslims are to abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other activity in the hours from dawn to dusk. Exceptions are made for those who are unable to fast for physical or circumstantial reasons. In addition to being a spiritual and communal experience, Ramadan serves to commemorate the revelation of the Qur'an by God to the prophet Muhammad, which is said to have taken place first in the month of Ramadan. For this and other reasons, participants are urged to spend time reciting 3 4 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E the Qur'an during the month-long fast, and the holy book of Islam has been divided variously into 30 and 7 parts to facilitate daily or weekly recitation. The most important single event during Ramadan is known as the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), in which the Prophet is said to have received his first revelation. Sura 97 of the Qur'an is dedicated to this event and describes the night as “better than a thousand nights.” During this night it is written that angels descend and specially bless pious believers who spend the night in prayer and recitation. The Night of Power is believed to have occurred on the 23rd or 27th of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan comes to a close with a three-day feast of celebration known as Eid al-Fitr. Eid begins in the morning, when the family prays the first daily prayer and eats a small meal together in commemoration of the end of the fast. Afterwards, the faithful gather en masse in mosques, stadiums, and open areas for a special communal prayer, and then festivities begin. All Muslims must give special alms before the morning Eid prayer, but other Eid customs and rituals differ from place to place. In every region it is common to visit family and friends, buy new clothes, eat special foods, and distribute sweets and small monetary gifts to children, and for most Muslims Eid al-Fitr is the most joyous time of the year. E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 3 5 BOAT SHOW IN ABU TIG Abu Tig Marina chosen to host Egypt’s first international boat show Organized by Marine de Cléopatre under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and His Excellency the Governor of the Red Sea. Egypt’s first international boat show, organized by Marine de Cléopatre under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and His Excellency the Governor of the Red Sea, took place in El Gouna from the June 6-10. “The choice [of location] was obvious,” stated Osama Atwa, General Marketing Manager of the Egypt Boat Show, “because El Gouna’s Abu Tig is the number one marina in the area and probably in the whole of Egypt.” The show’s theme was “Enjoy the Aquatic Life,” and 35 exhibitors hailed from Egypt, Italy, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. Luxury yachts, sport boats, marine equipment and accessories were showcased, as well as related services including insurance, safety equipments and communication systems. Visitors and residents of El Gouna admired the spectacular boats during this prestigious event, and despite stormy weather, organizers declared themselves satisfied with the event, which they aim to repeat annually. www.egyptboatshow.com 3 6 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E ADVERTORIAL Sunseeker Egypt The official distributor for new and pre-owned Sunseeker boats, Sunseeker Egypt has a newly appointed sales and service office located in El Gouna's Abu Tig Marina with a range of luxury motor yachts ranging from 35ft to 37m. With the town's new marina project and many surrounding unspoiled areas still to be explored, El Gouna is sure to be a hotspot on the world boating map. El Gouna Magazine had the opportunity of meeting with Veysel Karagoz to hear of the new and exciting plans for Sunseeker Egypt in El Gouna. How did you come to be involved with Sunseeker? VK: I have been living in El Gouna for nearly a decade and worked as a captain supporting existing Sunseeker owners with after sales support and services. Who are the people making up the Sunseeker Egypt team? VK: Sunseeker Egypt is run in collaboration with my business partner Fady Iskandar, former Real Estate Sales Director for OHD. Our newest members to the Sunseeker team are Executive Manager Salma Abd El Kader, and Ibrahim Turky in charge of Service Support. Why did you choose El Gouna as the headquarters of Sunseeker Egypt? VK: Having lived and worked in the Abu Tig Marina for the last eight years, there was no doubt that Sunseeker had a very strong presence here and we felt that El Gouna was particularly well geared to capitalize on the growth of the brand. How is Sunseeker Egypt doing so far? VK: We already have an impressive number of Sunseeker boats in the marina and this success has led to the opening of an additional office in Cairo. Numerous other branches are to follow in various locations throughout the country, from the northern Mediterranean coast to the southern Red Sea at Marsa Alam. What service does Sunseeker Egypt offer clients? VK: The single greatest influence on whether a customer will return to a place of business is the degree of personal attention received before, during, and–most significantly–after the sale. Receiving delivery of a new Sunseeker is an exciting time. As part of the process we provide a complimentary handover with a fully trained professional captain to ensure that both the owner and/or appointed skipper are familiarized with all the systems and safety features onboard. Sunseeker owners also have access to the Sunseeker International Worldwide Warranty Team comprised of technical specialists and support staff. The service network has an established and regular support cycle in El Gouna. With the imminent opening of the Sunseeker Egypt dedicated Service Center, Sunseeker owners will enjoy the added benefit of dedicated residential specialists that compliment the existing service network. Aside from selling new boats, what services do you offer? VK: We also deal extensively with used boats and charter. Our business partners in Europe have been busy building a Sunseeker network throughout Europe and we are at a stage where we are able to offer almost every model for charter within the Mediterranean. I'm also delighted to confirm that later this year we will have the first Sunseeker available for charter in El Gouna. She will be a brand new 60ft Manhattan complete with a jet tender, full crew of captain and stewardess. There will be many more Sunseeker boats arriving in El Gouna in the near future, which will also be available for charter. Additionally, our brokerage department is rapidly expanding, with an extensive range of used 34ft to 108ft Sunseekers available. What news do you have on the Sunseeker brand? VK: Sunseeker has recently launched three exciting models to compliment their already impressive range, which includes the new flybridge Manhattan 70 and Manhattan 52, together with the Predator 52 sports cruiser. All said, it appears there are very exciting times ahead for Sunseeker Egypt, which can only contribute towards making El Gouna the Red Sea's premier leisure destination. E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 3 7 el gouna community Magazine Hits the Road! The second delivery of El Gouna Magazine's Summer 2007 issue was the victim of an unfortunate incident on the Cairo-El Gouna road when the pickup truck transporting 5,000 copies went off the road. The truck came to a halt after turning over several times and showering magazines across a secluded patch of desert. We are happy to report that no one was seriously injured. Thanks to the quick action of Sherif Abdel Aziz, Events and Communication Manager of El Gouna, the magazines were recovered, but unfortunately they proved unsalvageable. Through the generous sponsorship of Hamza Selim, Vice President and Managing Director of El Gouna, and Mayar Abdel Aziz, Vice President of Marketing for OHD, the damaged copies of the magazine were reprined and delivered in due time to El Gouna's hotels and outlets. Thank you for your patience and support! Divine Design Scandinavian fashion meets Egyptian style at Divine Design, which opened last month in El Gouna. Located at the marina, the showroom features wallpaper, fabric, furniture and flowers. Divine Design is the exclusive distributor of Design Emporium from Cairo. Trademarks represented include Designers Guild, Mulberry, Sandbergs, Swedese and Casa Decor. Catalogues may be accessed and downloaded at www.swedese.se and www.designersguild.com. Divine Design, www.divinedesign-egypt.com, info@divinedesign-egypt.com, contact Ingrid Bergander at mob 010 497 2516. Art Shop Opens in El Gouna Sea Star, the creation of Austrian artist Ruehmut Fenkart, opened in September in Downtown El Balad. The artist's abstract and figurative paintings, including some renditions of El Gouna, are for sale. Fenkart works in acrylic on paper and canvas, and she has also designed sea star lamps in various materials and colors that are guaranteed to make an impression. Art supplies such as canvas, paper, brushes, colors, oil, etc. are sold there as well. Sea Star is located in the newly-developed El Balad area behind the China House Restaurant in Building H10, open from 10 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 10 pm, mob 010 850 9152. Cedars Leabanese Cuisine Maged Maher, experienced restaurateur and owner of Moods Restaurant and Beach Club, has recently opened a new establishment. Located on the marina promenade's north end, Cedars restaurant serves traditional Lebanese cuisine including a variety of appetizers, shawerma, lamb chops, kofta, mixed grill from the charcoal, and desserts such as the famous Om Ali. Cedars is open daily from 2pm to 2am, and takeaway and delivery are available everywhere in El Gouna at no extra charge. Discounts of 10% are granted to homeowners and discounts of 25% to residents. Abu Tig, ext 77963 3 8 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Premier Football at Boxers Dedicated to showing the best in sporting events, Boxers Bar now opens at 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays and shows Premiership football matches and other worthy sports events. In the kitchen arena, fish and chips and beef lasagna have been added to the regular menu. Traditional English foods are still served on Wednesdays and Sundays and may include steak pie, chicken tikka masala, turkey and ham pie, toad in the hole, braised pork with apple, liver and bacon beef stew, mixed grill, ham-egg-chips and beans, chicken and mushroom pie, cottage pie, pork chops, and anything else the chef comes up with! Located Downtown. To know what's on the TV and the plate call ext 4105, mob 012 816 7845, or owner Andy at 012 149 7987. Five Years at Palma Cafe Palma Karaoke Café celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 7, and the party featured live music and spectacular performances. Palma Karaoke Café offers a choice of 3,000 songs in 9 different languages. Don't miss the karaoke contest every Monday! Downtown, ext 2125 Better With Age The Club House celebrated its tenth anniversary on Aug 23 with an event that was an El Gouna summer highlight. Multicultural performance artists hailing from Brazil, Northern and Southern Egypt, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, the US, and Australia presented an entertainment extravaganza mixing flamenco, fire show and belly dance to the beat of DJ K-Castillo from the Netherlands. The theme was “White,” jokingly referred to as “a cunning plan to turn the evening into a wet T-shirt contest.” As customary, most of the revelers ended up taking a refreshing midnight dip in the pool, and the party extended well into the wee hours. “It was a party for and from our people. We wanted everybody to be here to remind our friends that they are responsible for the warmth found at The Club House,” said Club House Manager Hoda Mansour. She added, “it is their character that gives the Club House its charm - from the annoying Cairo Kids and mad German scientist to the psychotic Belgians and ex-strippers-we have seen them all. The world comes to El Gouna from all different walks of life and hangs out at The Club House.” Downtown, ext 2412 Waterski Step by Step Coaching The Orange Concept has launched a new method for teaching water skiing and wakeboarding in Egypt. Communication is key in learning moves quickly and correctly, particularly in these two sports where timing and technique are crucial. The system introduced by the Orange Concept is called “Headzone Real-Time Coaching,” which is the first 100% waterproof wireless communication system for action sports. The principle is simple: wireless, direct communication from coach to athlete, parent to child, or friend to friend, and it can be applied to any action sport. The system includes a helmet with waterproof speakers and a standard handheld communication device through which the coach talks directly to the student. Check it out and see how quickly you learn to ski or board! The Orange Concept office is located in the Marina, ext 77976. Dive the Thistlegorm Good news for all wreck-diving fanatics: Easy Divers Academy has announced that its boat, the Marion, has recently been equipped with two new engines (2x Mann 450 HP), allowing it to reach the MS Thistlegorm again. As the Marion holds a safari license, it is entitled to offer daily dives to the famous shipwreck, which is otherwise only possible through overnight safari trips. This precious license also gives them the possibility to continue organizing night dives, which were recently forbidden to nonsafari boats. All divers are welcome, and special rates are granted to fellow diving centers. Easy Divers, ext 2327, mob 012 234 9114 New Web Magic Magic Property Management and Rentals is proud to introduce a new and upgraded website that features over 40 units with photos, descriptions, prices, available services, and other detailed information. Another addition to the Magic website is the brand-new resale page. Check out www.magic-property-management.com and find your next dream home in El Gouna! Tamr Henna, ext 2523 / 2423, mob 012 233 8065. Safety First An excellent health and safety initiative was taken by the Dive Connection, which sponsored first aid courses for various El Gouna employees. The first round of training was undergone by Abu Tig Marina personnel as well as public and industrial security staff members. One-day courses in Arabic and in English took place during the month of June, and lessons were based on the Emergency First Response course developed by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and included cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid. All books were donated by the Dive Connection. The dive center intends to continue providing this valuable service to the community, and training sessions for the Panorama Bungalows pool attendants are planned for the near future. Dive Connection, ext 4100 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 3 9 el gouna people a consequence, he was elected Swiss Sportsman of the Year in 2005. Luethi spent his second visit at the Moevenpick indulging in his newly discovered passion for kitesurfing. He is very enthusiastic about the infrastructure of the resort, including the excellent kitesurfing station Kite Tribe: “The place is perfect for kitesurfing, offering good wind conditions and an ideal setting for beginners, with the shallow water allowing easy access on the kite board. At the same time, I can relax and stay fit with the hotel's gym facilities. This is definitely not my last visit, and I hope to come back soon”. Tom Luethi was accompanied by girlfriend Fabienne Krapf and Elite Grand Prix Team Manager Daniel Epp. Miss Belgium Pre-Selection Nancy Agram: In Concert Don't miss hearing the exceptional Nancy Agram in concert on the second day of the Eid feast at Abu Tig Marina. The Lebanese mega-star will perform at an event to take place on the 14th of October 2007, starting at 9 pm. The concert is accessible by invitation only, and it promises to be the highlight of the Eid week and indeed of the whole Fall season! World Champion Motorcyclist In August the Moevenpick hosted Tom Luethi, Motorcycle GP World Champion, for a leisurely visit. The Swiss-born Luethi won the Motorcycle GP title in the 125cc class, thereby becoming the sixth-youngest world champion of all time. As 4 0 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E The Miss Belgium competition organizers have chosen El Gouna as the site of the national pre-selections, which will be held abroad for the first time in the pageant's history. The competition dates back to 1967, and the 55 candidates vying for next year's Miss Belgium title were selected from a pool of 600 young women in different Belgian provinces over the past three months. From September 30th to October 6th, these women will be guests of El Gouna's TTC Ocean View Hotel, and during their stay they will explore El Gouna and test their abilities in various activities including kitesurfing, golf, snorkeling, diving and much more. They will also get a chance to relax and soak up the sun between daily rehearsals for the election show. On October 5th, 20 finalists will be selected from the 55 candidates during a spectacular show in the Abu Tig Marina. An international jury made up of experienced professionals will appraise the young ladies, who will appear both in evening dress and in swimsuits. A choreographed event is designed to showcase their dancing skills. The election is slated to start at 7:30pm, and the show will be hosted by a Belgian television celebrity. The event is the subject of a television series broadcast in Belgium, and it will be covered by 20 of Belgium's major media representatives. The contestants who do not make the cut will leave immediately after the show, while the winners are scheduled to stay on and receive their first training classes in preparation for the Miss Belgium final election in December. The elected Miss will go on to represent Belgium at the Miss World and Miss Universe competitions. El Gouna has long been a familiar destination for the Miss Belgium organization. Virginie Claes (Miss Belgium 2006), Tatiana Silva (Miss Belgium 2005), Ellen Petri (Miss Belgium 2004, featured on the cover of El Gouna Magazine's Spring 2007 issue), Joke Van de Velde (Miss Belgium 2000) and Veronique De Kock (Miss Belgium 1995) all participated in photo shoots and television shows hosted in El Gouna. The current Miss Belgium Annelien Coorevits is a huge fan of the resort: “I can't wait to be back,” she said. “I fell in love with the fantastic climate, the hearty atmosphere and the exquisite setting.” Darline Devos, organizer of Miss Belgium, is enthusiastic too: “It is as if El Gouna was predestined to host Miss Belgium. I feel at home with the Belgian management and hospitality at the Three Corners Hotels and Resorts.” New Head of Security El Gouna welcomes new security manager General Said Sewilam. General Said graduated from the police academy in 1974 and has served in a number of prominent positions such as Consultant in Public Relations for the UN in Cairo and Chief of the Investigations Dept. for the Ministry of the Interior in Cairo. Sewilam holds a degree in Business Administration from the AUC and has taken part in the program entitled “International Visitor for Legal Systems” in the United States. On a more personal level, this renaissance man writes poetry, and some of his verses have been sung on television by famous Egyptian performers. General Said looks forward to practicing his English with expatriates and gaining valuable experience in working with the El Gouna community. General Said can be reached in Building 26 in El Balad on ext 2037 or 8488, on his mobile number 012 246 0000, or via email at secmnger@elgouna.com New GM at Captain’s Inn The Captain's Inn started the summer with a fresh outlook under the management of a young and talented hotelier. Prior to joining the team, Franziska Hansen worked in Germany, Canada and subsequently for OHD, where she gained experience in El Gouna's Sales and Marketing Department. In June of this year, Hansen's impressive performance brought her the promotion to Resident Manager of the Captain's Inn. The German native was already a familiar face on the marina promenade, as one of her previous tasks was to set up and open the Tides Bar. Franziska's goals for the Captain's Inn include adding a feminine touch to the establishment as well as making the hotel more attractive by upgrading the service level across the board. An active sportswoman, Hansen would love to see a women's soccer team in El Gouna, but in the meantime she enjoys long walks with her dog. ext 2293, franziska.hansen@marina-elgouna.com Sultan Bey Welcomes New GM The Kafr El Gouna 4-star hotel Sultan Bey welcomes a new general manager in the person of Sebastian Krug. The German national was educated in the UK and Botswana, and holds a Hotel Economics degree. He has built up an international career in Dubai, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and the UK. The hotelier’s last post was in Cardiff, UK, but it is the Alpujarras, near Granada in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, that he calls home. Sebastian Krug, together with wife Ina and 13-months-old son Kilian, is looking forward to being a part of the El Gouna community. Sultan Bey, ext 14, mob +20 12 799 1351, gm@sultanbeyelgouna.com, www.optima-hotels.com New Faces at the Golf Club After five years with El Gouna Golf Club, Jacqueline and Rolf Boehmer are leaving the resort to take on another challenge on the Red Sea coast. Taking over as their successor is Brett Johnson, an Australian PGA Member since 1980, who assumed his duties in September 2007. Johnson has a depth of experience in the golfing industry, looking back at a very long working career in China for the past 12 years, and is looking forward to meeting and assisting all current and future golfers at El Gouna Golf Club. Johnson will be supported by Dagmar Fritz, an El Gouna resident for the past three years who brings in a wide background in the hotel business. You may contact Brett Johnson and Dagmar Fritz on ext 2285, mob 012 746 4712, email golf.club@elgouna.com E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 4 1 The Complete Guide to El Gouna A great advantage of vacationing or living in El Gouna is the myriad of options it offers as a complete community. Whether you are looking for the ideal place for dinner, the ultimate sporting experience, or simply where to fill a prescription, this guide will help you know where to go or who to call. In these pages you'll find a comprehensive listing of the town’s services, sports, dining, entertainment and much more. CALLING EXTENSIONS From outside El Gouna, please dial +20 65 354 97 02/03/04 for the operator and ask to be connected to the extension of your choice. DIRECTORY Aqua Sports Banks Beaches Boat Charters Diving Hospital & Pharmacy Information Center Interior Design Internet Facilities Kids Nightlife Real Estate Restaurants Services Shopping Spa & Beauty Sports & Fitness Transportation Travel Agency page 42 page 58 page 43 page 44 page 44 page 58 page 58 page 58 page 58 page 49 page 54 page 59 page 50 page 58 page 56 page 46 page 46 page 59 page 59 Aqua Sports El Gouna's beaches and lagoons provide the perfect opportunities to indulge in your favorite water sport or discover a new one! Experience water-skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, catamarans, banana boats, and more! Beach Volleyball Enjoy sandy courts on the beach at: Mangroovy Beach, ext 2260 Zeytuna Beach, ext 5317 The Club House, ext 2412 Kiteboarding Club El Gouna Kiteboarding school awaiting IKO certification. Northern Mangroovy Beach, mob 012 884 2839 elgouna@kiteboarding-club.de, www.kiteboarding-club.de Kite Family Kitesurfing, windsurfing, small catamaran for 3 persons. Zeytuna Beach, mob 012 402 4688 www.kitefamily-elgouna.de Kitepower VDWS-recognized kiteboarding school. Mangroovy Beach, ext 2506 info@kitepower-elougna.com www.kitepower-elgouna.com 4 2 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Kite Tribe Kiteboarding school awaiting IKO certification. Mövenpick, ext 36 IKO-certified kiteboarding school. Northern Mangroovy Beach, mob 010 295 5209 info@redseazone.com, www.redseazone.com Sports & Fun Aquacenter Windsurfing, wakeboarding, glass bottom boat. Steigenberger, Mangroovy Beach, ext 2241 Water Skiing The Orange Concept offers a range of water based activities including waterski, wakeboard, wakestate, wakesurf, fun tubes, and more. ext 77976, mob 018 418 9080, www.theorangeconcept.com Beaches and Islands Spend all day, every day of your holiday in El Gouna on the beach and you’ll never have to go to the same one twice! Have drinks delivered right to your chair at your hotel beach, enjoy cold refreshments and groove to music overlooking wild mangroves or pack a box lunch and head to the glorious isolation of the nearby islands. Zeytuna Beach Lively and beautiful, Zeytuna Beach is located on its own island surrounded by the sea and lagoons. A 400 meter jetty provides access to deeper water and the coral reef plateau. Beach services include towels, drinks and food, a bar offering drinks and a light menu, bathrooms and fresh showers. Enjoy camel riding, volleyball, snorkeling, football, dancing and more. Beach Access: Shuttle boat from Downtown and Sultan Bey, or walking bridges from the Sheraton and Hill. ext 35317 Mangroovy Beach Soak up the sun while enjoying the view. Sporting options include kite and windsurfing, snorkeling, volleyball and football. Look out for beach parties and summer BBQs. Services: towels, restaurant, bar, bathrooms, showers. Shuttle bus departs from downtown every 15 min. ext 2260 Buzzha Beach Enjoy the feeling of being away from it all while only being 15-min from downtown. Besides soaking up the sun and watching kitesurfers, activities include billiards, table football, beach volley and a kids' playground, all free of charge. Beach services include a restaurant under Swiss management featuring the only wood-fire pizza oven in town. Sun lounger and mattress LE 15 (no charge for residents), towel LE 5. North Mangroovy, open daily until sunset, mob 012 741 2100 Tawila Island Enjoy the secluded beach at Tawila, just over an hour from El Gouna. Take a long walk on sparkling white sandy beaches and revel in the island's natural beauty, AQUA SPORTS & BEACHES Red Sea Zone or take a swim in its clear water. The boat ride itself is a joy and spotting dolphins is very common. Charter boats will arrange food and drinks on the beach. BOAT CHARTER & DIVING Gobal Island A little over two hours away, this gorgeous island offers breathtaking snorkeling from the uninhabited sandy beaches. Island connoisseurs hail Gobal as one of the most beautiful islands ever! Enjoy lunch on the beach and own an island for a day. Marina Beach Club On the northern side of Abu Tig, beach services include sun beds (LE 20 including 1 soft drink) and towels (LE 5). Free access with owner’s card, and for guests of participating hotels (Ocean View, Captain’s Inn, Turtle’s Inn & Ali Pasha). A massage parlor also does henna tattoos. Restaurants service is provided by Moods and the beach bar remains lively until late. Access: shuttle bus Marina line. ext 77966 Mahmeya Island Colona Dive Center, TC Rihana, ext 300 or 2221 Diving: PADI. Snorkeling. Dive Trek, Sultan Bey Hotel, ext 2381 Diving: PADI, CMAS, FFESSM Easy Divers Academy, TTC Rihana, ext 300, 2327 Diving: PADI, CMAS. Snorkeling, glass bottom boat. Euro Divers, Club Med guests only, ext 10 Diving: PADI. Snorkeling, windsurfing, catamaran. Orca Dive Club, Turtle's Inn, ext 77739 Diving: PADI, CMAS. Snorkeling. TGI Marine Sporting Club, Sheraton, ext 19 Diving: PADI, CMAS. Snorkeling, pedalos, canoes. The Dive Connection, Panorama, ext 4100 Diving: PADI, CMAS. Snorkeling, windsurfing, glass bottom boat, pedal boat, canoes. The beautiful beach has been maintained true to its natural environment while making it the only island with services. A beach restaurant serves up great grilled platters, seafood, and pizza while you relax on the beach with a hip mix of backdrop music. Located just over an hour from El Gouna. Access: charter boat. The Dive Tribe, Mövenpick, ext 36 Boat Charter Abu Nuhas This famous ship graveyard has great coral life and more ships than any other in the area; includes the wreck of Giannis D. Level: Advanced. Distance: 2.5 hrs. CBS Charter & Lease Offers a range of motor boats and yachts enabling you to travel from island to island in total privacy. CBS has boats up to 16 meters with top speeds of 50 knots for weekend or week-long charters and fishing trips. ext 77910 Galatea M/S Galatea welcomes you onboard for an unforgettable day on the Red Sea. Leaving Abu Tig Marina daily at 9am, enjoy a 2 hr cruise to Gobal Island for snorkeling and other activities. Observe the lively colors and rich marine life of the coral reefs (snorkelling gear included in price). A delicious BBQ lunch is served. Guests have a good chance to see dolphins and an amazing sunset. Discounts for residents, tailor-made excursions organized for groups and special occasions. M/S Galatea, mob 012 228 2218, booking through the Info Center. ext 2100 Diving Centers El Gouna is a real divers' destination as its heated pools and calm local reefs provide an excellent start to your diving experience and the range of walls, reefs and wrecks are the finest in the Red Sea. As a protected area, dive sites offer frequent interaction with marine life, in particular, wild dolphins. Be sure to ask about Diving Specials for Kids! Blue Brothers, TTC Ocean View, ext 2326 Diving: PADI, CMAS, Barracuda. Snorkeling. 4 4 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Diving: PADI. Snorkeling, windsurfing, glass bottom, pedalos, canoes, waterski, speed boat rental with captain. TOP DIVE SITES Blind Reef The north plateau is populated by red-tooth triggerfish and African smoke angelfish. Caves and crevices. Level: Medium-Advanced. Distance: 2 hrs. Rosalie Moller Shipwreck Bombed just two days after the Thistlegorm, the sunken wreck is in pristine condition and hosts prolific sea life. Shabaha The north side offers canyons full of table corals coming out of the reef wall; lobsters are common. Great for nightdives. Level: Medium-advanced. Distance: 1 hr. Thistlegorm Shipwreck Sunk by German aircraft in 1941, the freighter's cargo is virtually intact and includes railway locomotives, bren gun carriers, trucks, motorcycles and a host of ammunition. The wreck is home to bat fish, jacks, barracudas, surgeon fish, while nudibranchs and rabbit fish graze the hull. Sports Countless opportunities for fun, fitness and fresh air are sure to satisfy every age group and inclination. Relax and enjoy the best equipment with professional assistance. Biking SPORTS & WELLNESS Zoom around town with scooter & bicycle rentals. ext 2183 Go-Karts Burn rubber on the carting circuit on the road between the downtown area and the marina. Operated by German management. Open from 11am-11pm. ext 2188 Golf Club Paintball Battlefield All equipment needed to play paintball, including helmets, suits and paintball guns is available for rent. Next to the Tennis Club, open 7pm - 1am daily. ext 2515 Quad Runners Go for an exciting desert safari, a full moon trip, or a Bedouin trip on quads available for 2 hour slots, half or full day trips. Guides and BBQ arrangements. ext 2324 Tennis Club Four clay courts and tennis lessons by the Belgian ACE international Academy and squash courts are available next to the go-karts, ext 2515 The El Gouna Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course with driving range, chipping and pitching area, and putting greens. Rental services for clubs, trolleys and carts available. Tee times must be reserved in advance. For non-golfers, check out the Golf Introduction with PGA professionals every Wed and Sat, 3:30-5pm. ext 2285 Tennis & Squash Courts Horseback Riding Fitness Ride horses and camels at the Mövenpick (ext 2241) and Zeytouna Beach (ext 5317) or go for full service at Yalla Horsetables (ext 2344). Yalla offers professional service and trained staff to assist you in enjoying their Arabian cross horses and ponies for children. Don't miss their exclusive horse-drawn carriage trips! Professional tennis and squash courts are available at: Club Med, ext 10 Mövenpick, ext 35 Steigenberger, ext 2241 Most hotel health clubs and facilities offer aerobics, free weights, body building equipment, spas, saunas, steam baths, jacuzzis, and massage services. Club Med, ext 10 Mövenpick, ext 8140 Sheraton, ext 86050 Steigenberger, ext 2241 Sultan Bey, ext 14 TTC Ocean View, ext 3020 TTC Rihana, ext 300 Panorama Bungalows, ext 4100 Angsana Spa Conceptualised, developed and managed by the awardwinning Banyan Tree Group, therapists at the Angsana Spa implement a refreshing blend of treatments that place emphasis on the use of natural ingredients including flowers, fruits, herbs, spices and plants. Massages vary from US$ 75-80 for a 20 minute session, packages run US$ 65-125. Angsana Spa at the Mövenpick, ext 178100 Angsana Spa at the Golf Club, ext 78018 Beauty Salons Find exclusive massage services, hairdresser, nail treatments and more at: Classic, ext 2241 Nefertity, ext 77974 Mövenpick Salon, ext 36 Tamr Henna Salon, ext 2157 TTC Ocean View, ext 3020 Yasmin, ext 14 4 6 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Kids Children are valued members of our community, which is why El Gouna has such a great variety of fun and educational activities for its smallest visitors. Aquarium HOTEL ACTIVITY CLUBS FOR KIDS Arena Inn Children’s activities and playground facilities. Ages: 0-6. ext 4110 From Spanish Divers and Picassos to sea horses and crabs, the aquarium will delight the whole family and especially kids. Don't forget to ask about the piranas and baby crocodiles. Kafr El Gouna, ext 2408 Mövenpick Creative Memories Age-appropriate programs and themed days include Indian day, Party day, Pirates day and Handcrafts day. Hours: 10:00-1:30 and 14:00-17:00. ext 2221 Diving Now your dive plans can include all family members. Ask your dive center of choice about discounts and tailored diving programs and courses for kids. See the diving section for Diving Centers. Go-Karts For speed lovers: let them get their engines going around the track. ext 2188 Golf Champ Rihana Trixie Kids Club Sheraton Complete program includes water polo, diving, beach games, balloon games and activities coordinated by the animation team. Hours: 10:00-17:00, 19:00-20:00. ext 19 Steigenberger Kid's Club, playground, activities and games indoor and outside. Ages 4+ months. Hours: 10:00-17:00. ext 2241 Sultan Bey Different activities led by a professional team. Ages: 4-12. Hours: 9:00-17:00. ext 2381 Hit the golf course’s driving range with your kids for a full day of family fun. ext 2285 Horseback & Pony Rides Yalla Horsestables offers pony rides for kids from ages 2-10 and kids of all ages can enjoy watching the horses and their foals. A special pony carriage is perfect for kids or a larger carriage can take the whole family on a sightseeing trip through the fish farm and marina. ext 2344 Island Adventure Take the jetty to Zeytuna Island for a day of snorkeling, horseback riding, and a photo-op on the back of a smiling camel. ext 5317 Mini-Golf Try your luck at pint-sized golf in the Abu Tig Marina. ext 2351 Youth Club at Fanar Activities for young adults include billiards and movie nights for adolescents and teens. Fanar Restaurant & Youth Center located on the go-kart circuit. ext 2351 NURSERY Les Petites International Nursery Childcare and excellent educational programs for kids 3 months to 5 yrs old. Programs include dress up parties, face painting, garage sales, playground, sleepover, entertainment, and more. Next to Mirage disco, mob 012 393 4407, ext 2225 EE L LG G OO UU NN A AMM AA GG AA ZZ I NI N EE 4 9 2 KIDS With costumes, make-up and the spirit of fun, you and your kids will have an unforgettable make-believe experience and get to take home the evidence: a family portrait from the Fuji film shop. Tamr Henna, ext 2184 Interactive sports and games both in the water and outdoors. Hours: 10:30-13:30 and 14:30-17:00. ext 36 Restaurants 7th Star Restaurant Bella Italia Authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and salads. Abu Tig, ext 77912 Superb pastries, high quality coffees, and a renewed cosmopolitan menu. A special breakfast is served for residents from 7:30-11am. Abu Tig, ext 77972 Biergarten Abu Raya Billiard Café Restaurant and cafeteria with Middle Eastern coffee shop and shisha corner. Also offers a grill for barbeque and shish kebab. El Balad, ext 2036 Have a drink, play pool, smoke shisha and relax. Captain's Inn, Abu Tig, ext 2164 Art Village Café Well known for its delicious platters served on a romantic terrace facing the sea. Abu Tig, ext 77928 Arabian atmosphere with open space. Work on your art or relax with a shisha or drink. Tamr Henna, ext 2336 Athena Greek Tavern Restaurant bar with a unique atmosphere and terrace. Kafr El Gouna, ext 22416 Bleu Bleu Café Maritime Greek specialties. El Balad, ext 2429 A Variety of seafood and Scandinavian specialties served in a unique atmosphere overlooking the sea. Abu Tig, ext 77971 Bua Khao Café Vienna Thai food in a fresh, open tropical atmosphere. Also offers a wide assortment of seafood dishes. Mövenpick, ext 36 Gourmet coffee shops offering fresh pastries, French specialty breads, and Mövenpick ice cream. Mövenpick Hill, ext 36 Buzzha Restaurant Cedars Beach restaurant featuring the town's only wood-fire pizza oven. Theme evenings include Italian buffets and BBQ parties. Northern Mangroovy, mob 012 741 2100 Lebanese cuisine and mixed grill on the charcoal. Abu Tig, ext 77963 El Sayadin Specialty Belgian restaurant with mouth-watering cuisine. Live piano music. Rihana, ext 300, Ocean View, ext 2301 Fantastic Oriental and seafood specialties with a unique location overlooking the sea. Mövenpick, ext 36 China House El Taybeen Café Great Pekingese and Shanghai food with authentic ingredients. Downtonw El Balad, ext 2314 Assortment of sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and special salads. Live band on Thursday. Kafr El Gouna, ext 2460 Dolce Vita Fairways Enjoy the real flavor of Italian pizzas and pastas. Rihana Resort, ext 300, Ocean View Hotel, ext 2301 Elegant yet cozy with daily buffet themes and uniquely Egyptian fare. Steigenberger, ext 2241 El Basha Fanar Seafood Egyptian specialties and a large assortment of recipes. El Bustan, ext 707-2034 Enjoy the finest cuisine and appetizers under the stars. Cocktails and assortment of juices. Go-Kart Track, ext 2257 El Bustan Café Ferrari Club Egyptian coffee shop and shisha bar. El Bustan, ext 707-2038 The menu is a blend of Italian and Egyptian specialties. Kafr El Gouna, ext 2071 El Bustan Foodcourt Food Court Oriental food, kebabs, pizzas, refreshments, and more. El Bustan, ext 707-2024 Oriental food, kebab, pizzas, fresh juice, and fetir among other tasty items. Tamr Henna, ext 2145 El Diwan Café Foool House Oriental woodwork sets the tone as you sip one of the many traditional drink varieties. Abu Tig, ext 77905 Authentic Egyptian cuisine at great prices. Home delivery available. Hours: 6am-3am. Downtown El Balad, ext 2088 RESTAURANTS Chez Pascal Garo's Snack Stop Lebanese and Armenian specialties along with delicious snacks and salads. Downtown El Balad, ext 2448 Hedra Café and Restaurant International & seafood cuisine served all day. Snacks & sandwiches. Delivery, takeaway. Tamr Henna, ext 2150 Il Limone Mediterranean specialties with starter buffet and main courses served at the table. Mövenpick, ext 36 In Cielo Café Array of appetizers, juices and gourmet coffee. Abu Tig, ext 77907 Jobo's Sports Bar & Restaurant International & Scandinavian cuisine. Per & Anna welcome you to view sports events live! Tamr Henna, ext 2127 Kiki's Legendary Italian-style hospitality mixed with heady aromas of garlic and red wine. Kafr, ext 2407 La Piscina Exclusive atmosphere around the pool with live music and entertainment. Sheraton, ext 19 La Rôtisserie Exclusive menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors. First class service in a glamorous ambiance. Open for dinner everyday from 7pm. Steigenberger, ext 2241 La Scala Pamper yourself with high international cuisine in a classy atmosphere. Abu Tig, ext 77933 Le Deauville Elegant French cuisine from a chef that keeps the offerings seasonal and varied. Abu Tig, ext 77902 Maison Thomas Signature sandwiches, salads, pizzas in great ambiance. Abu Tig, ext 77906 Mamounia Moroccan cuisine in an authentic atmosphere and the ideal setting of the marina. Abu Tig, ext 77855 Mangroovy Beach Club Scenic beach bar & restaurant, with parties on Sundays and Wednesdays and a Bedouin tent. Mangroovy, ext 2260 Marina Beach Club All-in-one international and typical Egyptian food and cocktail bar overlooking the beach. Abu Tig, ext 77966 Nathan's 100% all-beef chili, cheese hotdogs, chicken sandwiches and all-American steak sandwiches. Tamr Henna, ext 2131 5 2 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Orient 1001 The Hut Lebanese-Egyptian food in an authentic Oriental atmosphere with live bread making. Sheraton, ext 19 This beachside restaurant offers an assortment of grilled and fried seafood. Check out the bonfire pit in the back. Abu Tig Beach, ext 77980 Oriental Grill Oriental atmosphere sets the mood for mezzeh, barbecue and oriental pastries. Downtown Kafr El Gouna, ext 2261 Upstairs Steak House Vienna Café Servus Tasty American-style steak dishes cooked to perfection in a great atmosphere at the Captain’s Inn on the marina boardwalk. Abu Tig, ext 2298 Varieties of coffee, cappuccino, lattes and chocolate. Austrian specialties, pastries, fresh salads and sandwiches. Tamr Henna, ext 2149 Tamr Henna Food Court Waves Oriental food, kebab, pizzas, fresh juice, and fetir, among other tasty items. Tamr Henna, ext 2145 International seafood delicacies in an exclusive atmosphere featuring live music around the pool. Seafood BBQ on Saturday. Sheraton, ext 19 Tandoor Tandoori and Mughalai specialties of chicken, meats, and seafood at the only authentic Indian restaurant in El Gouna. Abu Tig, ext 2351 The Club House Our Scandinavian Chef welcomes you to a new fine dining experience. Panorama, ext 4100 White Elephant Thai specialties include a basic menu of curry dishes, stri-friend meat and seafood. Downtown El Balad, ext 2427 Irresistible pizzas, pasta and salads in a lively atmosphere and popular meeting place. Kafr El Gouna, ext 2412 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 5 3 Nightlife Meet with friends for a drink, try your luck at the casino, or dance the night away at one of El Gouna’s lively after hours hot spots. Aladin Casino NIGHTLIFE Slot-machines, multi-jackpot poker, roulettes, blackjack, Oasis stud pokers, punto banca, and Chemin de fer. Cocktail bar, lounge, and late night snack parlor. Free shuttle bus and limousine service. Downtown Kafr, ext 2400 Barten For a great night out, Egypt's smallest bar with its modern, funky decor and exciting atmosphere, Barten is definitely the place to be! Open from 9pm until the last guest leaves. Abu Tig Marina, ext 77903 Beach Party Enjoy BBQ, bonfires, and great music every Sunday and Wednesday from 10:30pm onwards. Mangroovy Beach, ext 2260 Boxers Head to the all-English bar for chilled beer and a light bite. Satellite TV shows sports events. Downtown El Balad, ext 4105 De l’Autre Côté Surrounded by impressive yachts, it is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink or dance the night away. Abu Tig, ext 77928 Dunes Choose indoor seating in a secluded Arabic atmosphere or relax in an open Bedouin tent. Music for romance, excitement, or just plain fun while you're served appetizers and cocktails. Downtown, ext 2193 DuPort Pool Club The ultimate lounge experience. Cool tunes, private lounge beds, swimming pool, and delicious food. Funky music every Thu, Fri, and Sat by European Djs. Ocean View, ext 2301 El Gouna Oasis The oasis features a natural grove of date palms with roofed huts, Bedouin tents, and gardens. Buffet dinner and oriental show every Wednesday from 7pm. For info, ext 2100 Kafr El Gouna Party Saturday Night Live, a fantastic party with live music special entertainment every Saturday in Kafr El Gouna from 8pm. For info, ext 2100 Le Tabasco Cool interiors and good music. Meat, crepes, salads and more. The bar is on the second floor, so after your meal be sure to go upstairs to enjoy the rest of the night. Kafr El Gouna, ext 5515 Marina Street Festival Don’t miss the biweekly party where guest DJs and live bands guarantee an outdoor extravaganza of fun. Every Mon and Fri from 8pm. Info, ext 2100 Mirage Open Air Disco Enjoy the show, snack and party on Thursday and Saturday from 10:30pm onwards at El Gouna’s open air disco. Downtown, for info ext 2306 Moods Lounge bar, good oriental and international cuisine and nice cocktails by the boats, on the beach or on the open sea with great alcohol at good prices! Abu Tig Marina, ext 77966 Palma Karaoke Café Live your dream of being a karaoke king! Palma has a chilled out atmosphere where you are sure to find your favorite songs, choose from 3000 tunes in 9 languages. Kafr, ext 2125 Peanuts This trendy bar and eatery has become one of the marina’s hotspots. DJ music and regular themes keep the fun going. Abu Tig, ext 2326 Sand Bar Seriously cold beers, a full range of spirits and chilled wines will satisfy the most demanding drinker. For a clean head, a selection of nonalcoholic cocktails is available. Kafr, ext 2123 Smugglers The vibe is classic English pub meets Indiana Jones where Sussex-native Richard Boys serves up drinks behind the bar. Abu Tig, ext 77927 Studio 52 Specially created to bring live entertainment to the marina, Studio 52 offers a selection of music, good ambiance, and karaoke fun. Abu Tig, ext 77962 Tamr Henna Square Event Oriental show and entertainment every Thursday from 9:30pm. Tamr Henna. For info, ext 2100 Tambel Irish Pub Cold beer, hot music, and delicious mezzeh. Great selection of liquors including their famous Irish whiskey and Irish cream. Kafr, ext 2190 The Cave Trendy disco music to shake your body all night long. The entrance fee is all inclusive, so drink up! Panorama Bungalows, ext 4101 Tides Lounge Bar Billiard tables available until 3 am at Captain's Inn Hotel. Abu Tig, ext 2293 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 5 5 Shopping ETHNIC Al Nol Bedouin House Beit Sitti cottons Bollywood Eg. Women Crafts El Pasha Kaftan Ethnic Gallery Lebanese Crafts Nubiano Rayan Moroccan Abu Tig Downtown Tamr Henna Abu Tig Tamr Henna Kafr El Gouna Khayameya Abu Tig Abu Tig Khayameya Tamr Henna ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext 77919 2336 4035 77851 2341 2103 2293 2110 2115 2115 77855 Abu Tig Tamr Henna Kafr El Gouna Kafr El Gouna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Abu Tig Kafr El Gouna Abu Tig Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Abu Tig Abu Tig Abu Tig Tamr Henna Abu Tig Tamr Henna ext 77977 ext 2129 ext 2107 ext 2102 ext 77945 ext 4032 ext4026 ext 2169 ext 77929 ext 2191 ext 77973 ext 2156 ext 2217 ext 77921 ext 77928 ext 77915 ext 2362 ext 77914 ext 4034 Abu Tig Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Khayameya Khayameya Khayameya Tamr Henna Khayameya Tamr Henna Abu Tig Khayameya Tamr Henna Tamr Henna ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext 77942 4029 2159 2336 2113 2313 2124 2162 2105 2163 77973 212 2166 4444 Abu Tig Abu Tig Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Kafr El Gouna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna El Balad ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext 77931 77777 2181 2197 2138 2152 2165 2268 2126 4040 2145 4050 Tamr Henna Khayameya Tamr Henna Khayameya Abu Tig Abu Tig ext ext ext ext ext ext 2132 2104 2147 2108 77901 77951 FASHION Ainedter Boutique Aisha Casual Wear Cotton Club Cotton T-Shirt Diadora Elegant Sportswear IQ Casual Wear Italian Fashion Jeans House Kipling Madian Mango Maya Norma J Queeny Boutique Quicksilver Sun & Moon T-Shirt Shop GIFTS Abu Tig Spicy Ambiente Art Center Art Village Candle House Dandana Dolphine Shop Eben El Balad Fohara Khan El Gouna Kipling Little Palma City Paper Moon Wannas Gifts GROCERIES & BAKERIES 7th Star Bakery Best Way Best Way Ebeid El Mohandes El Ezba Farid Ateia Fish Market Guergues Karakeesh Bakery Tamr Henna Bakery Oscar HAND MADE 1000 Wishes Glass Style Lana Leather Leather Handmade Malaika Revolver 5 6 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E SOUVENIRS HOME ACCESSORIES Al Sandara Al Sandara Divine Design El Dar Idea Inside Out Nancy House O' Mamouhe Revolver Safar Khan Art Abu Tig Khayameya Abu Tig El Balad Tamr Henna Abu Tig Tamr Henna Abu Tig Abu Tig Abu Tig ext 77908 ext 2117 not available ext 3333 ext 2331 ext 77968 ext 8085 ext 77904 ext 77951 ext 77934 Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Abu Tig Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Abu Tig 4 locations Abu Tig Abu Tig ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext JEWELRY Black Diamond Bright Silver Citizen El Fayrouz High Style Jasmine Jeweler Kiranos Lougeen Shiekh Mounir Silvershop Wannas Jeweler Egyptian Perfumes Isis Bazaar Isis Perfume Jasmine Papyrus Khan El Khalili Museum Shop Night Shop Oasis Perfume Tut Papyrus Abu Tig Khayameya Abu Tig Khayameya Khayameya Tamr Henna Khayameya Tamr Henna Tamr Henna ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext ext 7794 2121 2293 2118 2101 2135 2106 216 2161 Abu Tig Abu Tig Tamr Henna Tamr Henna Abu Tig Downtown Abu Tig Tamr Henna El Balad Tamr Henna Abu Tig Tamr Henna Abu Tig Abydos Marina ext 77926 ext 77969 ext 7234 ext 2184 ext 77911 ext 2358 ext 77965 ext 2340 not available ext 2177 ext 77974 ext 4031 ext 77961 ext 2340 OTHER 2410 4028 4028 2153 4770 2133 2167 77941 2112 2410 77922 Art Marine Book Shop Exc. DVD & Video Fuji Photo Services Kodak Les Fleurs de Rita Lodos Marine Look at Me Lotus Flower Mobile Shop Nefertity Phone Appliances Sunseeker Wanna 1 Charter Services Info Center, ext 2100 Hours: 9am-11pm SERVICES & REAL ESTATE Telephone, to connect to the El Gouna Operator: From inside El Gouna dial 0 From outside El Gouna dial +20 (065) 354 9702 / 3 / 4 Banks & ATMs Note: Most banks are closed Fri & Sat Bank Audi, Tamr Henna, (065) 358 0095 CIB, Marina 77970, Mövenpick 36, Tamr Henna 77970 Credit Agricole, Downtown, ext 2243 HSBC, Abu Tig Marina, ext 2421/22 Misr Bank, Tamr Henna, (065) 358 0205 National Bank of Egypt, Steigenberger, ext 2241 National Bank of Oman, Tamr Henna, ext 2137 Hospital, ext 2222, 2201, 2202, emergency ext 2200 Vet Clinic, El Bustan, ext 707 2020, mob 012 458 0052 Hospital Pharmacy, 9am-2pm, 6pm-9pm, ext 2073 Tamr Henna Pharmacy, 9am-11pm, ext 2600 Abu Tig Pharmacy 10am-10pm, ext 77920 AUC Field Center, ext 4401, www.aucegypt.edu El Gouna International School, ext 2224 Internet Facilities Orascom Net, Abu Tig Marina, ext 77930, 2283, 2198 internet café 2-11 pm, tech services 9 am - 4:30 pm Link Zone, DSL service provider, ext 600 Marina Club, Abu Tig Marina, ext 77930 ProLink, Abu Tig Marina, ext 77000 Romolo Club, Downtown, ext 2170 /71 Radio, www.romolo.com/stream.htm Event Planning, X-Nation, ext 4444 Post Office, Hours: 9am-2pm, closed Friday, ext 2151 Church, El Bustan, ext 707 5005 Mosque, Behind Hospital, ext 2389 Housekeeping Services Better Life Best Service Orascom Tamr Henna, ext 2340 Tamr Henna, ext 2345 Downtown, ext 2006 Interior Design El Dar Idea Co. Inside Out Nile Kitchen Downtown, ext 3333 Tamr Henna, ext 2331 Abu Tig Marina, ext 77968 Hill Parking, 012 547 7378 Investments Services Information and support for upstart business activities. mob 012 244 2725, daniel.breitbach@orascomhd.com 5 8 E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E Real Estate Commercial Property - Orascom Housing Bus Service to Cairo El Gouna Transportation Company OHD Sales Office: Downtown Kafr, ext 2005, 2041 Mob 012 366 8002, centraloffice@elgounarealestate.com High Jet Company orascom.housing@elgouna.com, El Balad, ext 2006 Customer Services (OHD) Homeowner concerns and Owner’s Cards. El Balad, ext 4455 / 4466, customer.services@orascomhd.com OHD Authorized Sales Agent Tamr Henna, ext 2194, Abu Tig Marina, ext 77913 Mob 012 366 8002, centraloffice@elgounarealestate.com Resale Services (OHD) Property management for resale, third party rental, concierge, and other services. Kafr El Gouna, ext 2005 Resale & Rental Agents Vacation Rentals Abu Tig Marina, ext 2552 Magic Tamr Henna, ext 2423 Orascom Tamr Henna, ext 2006 First class service LE 65 per person per way VIP service LE 55 per person per way EG to Cairo: 2:00 am (First), 9:30am (VIP), 1:30pm (VIP), 5:30pm (First), 1:30am (VIP) Cairo to EG: 8:30am (VIP), 5:30pm (First), 12:30am (VIP), 1:30am (First) Runs from Ahmed Helmy and Nasr City stations in Cairo Tickets must be bought in advance. For info call ext 4555 Travel Agency: Pro Tours Arranges local excursions within Egypt and handles your international travel arrangements. For packages and tailored tours and excursions, call ext 2175/ 6 Transportation Airline: Orascom Aviation Private charter within Egypt, to Europe, MENA and Gulf. Day Tel 02 335 7440, Night 012 655 1131, 012 329 4798 Limousine & Taxi Car and limousine rental, private taxi service. Mob. 012 227 2957, 012 734 0173, ext 8784 Sharm Ferry, Bookings through Pro Tours, ext 2175/ 6 Shuttle Bus & Boat Purchase a ticket prior to boarding the bus or boat shuttle. Tickets available from the Info Center, your hotel's front desk, the Kafr boat jetty, or at sales points around El Gouna. Daily ticket: 5 LE; Weekly ticket: 15 LE. ext 2100 Tok Tok This mini-cab will pick you up from any location and take you anywhere in El Gouna. Downtown, ext 2338 Abu Tig Marina, ext 32338 El Bustan, ext 707-2338 Bus to Hurghada Buses leave every 20 min (00, 20, 40 min after the hour). Departure from El Gouna between 07:00 and midnight Departure from Hurghada (Dahar) between 06:20 and 00:00 LE 5 per person per way, tickets may be bought on the bus. E L G O U N A M A G A Z I N E 5 9 TRANSPORTATION Real Estate Office (OHD) First class service LE 100 per person per way VIP service LE 85 per person per way EG to Cairo: 9:30 am (VIP), 2:00 pm (VIP), 4:30 pm (First), 7:30 pm (VIP), 12:30 am (VIP) Cairo to EG: 7:30am (First), 1:45pm (VIP), 12:45am (VIP) Runs from Tahrir Square and Nasr City stations in Cairo Tickets must be bought in advance. For information call ext 2287. Cairo tel (02) 574 1533. EL GOUNA RESTAURANT DINE-AROUND Bleu Bleu Chez Pascal Dolce Vita With a top quality chef, the restaurant specializes in French cuisine served at an ideal location in the Abu Tig Marina. Enjoy a variety of seafood dishes either inside or on the marina boardwalk. ext 77928 Feast on wonderful culinary delights at our specialty Belgian restaurant and savor mouth-watering cuisine. Enjoy a fantastic meal of fabulous dishes from all corners of the earth accompanied by soft, live piano music while you dine. ext 300 or ext 2301 Authentic Italian cuisine with sounds, sights and aromas from the Mediterranian. Come visit us at our two distinct locations at the Rihana Resort and the Ocean View Hotel. ext 300 or ext 2301 ll limone Kiki’s La Piscina Located at the Mövenpicks Hill Extension, this restaurants serves Mediterranean specialties with a starter buffet, a selection of main courses served at the table and a choice of desserts. Food credit LE 30 per person. ext 36 We feature authentic home made Italian specialties! Enjoy our cozy atmosphere and the unforgettable view over lagoons at our a la carte restaurant. Fantastic selections of delicious antipasti and authentic Italian pasta main dishes. Laura welcomes you daily from 7-11 pm. ext 2407 Saturday seafood BBQ! Enjoy lavish international seafood delicacies in an exclusive atmosphere around the pool featuring live music and entertainment from 19:30 until 22:30 every Saturday. Free alcoholic welcome drink. ext 19 La Rotisserie Mamounia Oceana In the mood for a fine dining experience? Celebrating something special? This is the place where you can have it all! Enjoy our exquisite menu and pamper yourself with an unforgettable evening. We offer a daily 4-course gourmet menu or a la carte options for your own delight. ext 2241 Moroccan cuisine that is a feast for the senses. The world famous cous-cous and a variety of tajines and authentic Moroccan specialties are enjoyed in a beautifully decorated restaurant on the marina promenade. ext 77855 Feast on wonderful culinary delights from the nightly theme buffet dinners with local delicacies and international dishes. Most of all, have dinner with a unique view of the Red Sea unlike any other in El Gouna. ext 2301 Orient 1001 El Sayadin Steak House Enjoy Lebanese-Egyptian food in an authentic Oriental atmosphere with live traditional bread making and a variety of hot & cold mezzes and char-grilled seafood & meats. Live show every Friday night. Special set menu for Dine Around with optional additional dishes at extra charge. ext 19 The renowned a la carte restaurant for Oriental and seafood specialties boasts a unique location overlooking the crystal blue Red Sea. Spoil yourself in this breathtaking ambience for all romantic & casual moments while enjoying the finest delicacies from the menu. ext 36 If steak is what you like...then you’ve hit the jackpot! The Steak House offers a romantic setting overlooking the Abu Tig Marina. Great American style steak dishes are served in a beautiful atmosphere with a classical high standard of service. ext 2297 Sultan Tandoor Enjoy a culinary voyage around the world with nightly themed dinners. Asian, Scandinavian, Oriental, Mediterranean, Indian, French, Italian and international succulent dishes are enjoyed in the setting of your choice: under vaulted ceilings and chandeliers or directly under the stars. ext 14 Enjoy fabulous Tandoori and Mughalai specialties at the only authentic Indian Restaurant in El Gouna. Visit our new location in Ali Pasha Hotel at the Abu Tig Marina entrance. A la carte choice. Food credit LE 50 per person Set menu also available. ext 2351 A unique offering from El Gouna's hotels. For program specifics and reservations, contact the Guest Relations agent at your hotel of residence, or call the Info Center at ext 2100.