Oh the glories of traveling. Everyone wants to take long lazy days away from the tension and pressures of the city. So maybe you decide to travel, so you look at your options. You think about travelling abroad, you realise that you have an Egyptian passport, the single most useless government issued document in the world (and it’s green, there’s nothing green about this country). So then you decide to apply for a visa. This process is usually met with disappointment, either taking way too long or just never happening. There is an alternative however, a much closer and easier one that is.

Kash Trip. Written with a K. Just a minor change to title a website aiming for a major change in Egyptian tourism. The hassle of travel isn’t necessary when you got everything you need right here in your own country. A process that usually takes days, maybe weeks to resolve is taken to mere minutes. This is how it works:

1. www.kashtrip.com
2. Choose a destination
3. Click the dates
4. Sort out accommodations
5. Manage your booking online

Sounds simple? It is. Founder Karim Reda aims to “bring an edge to online booking in the region with a user-friendly platform.” The idea roots from an issue the Co-Founder, Ahmed Shawky, felt with “travel technology around the world getting ahead of us.” These guys want to put us back in the race.

Travel wisely with Kash Trip – your shortcut to tranquility.

“Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy”…

Really? You just learned how to write your name and now you wake up feeling like P. Diddy? Do you even know who P. Diddy is? You have a bedtime and your walls are pink.

I realised then that the world around me is quickly changing. Beauty is now an artificial rendition rather than an accumulation of mind and soul, cool is now a characteristic rather than a state of mind, and kids are singing about washing their teeth with a bottle of Jack rather than reading about him climbing a beanstalk. This brilliant decay in morality is most evident in the music industry. To properly highlight this revelation, we will look at the winners of this year’s Billboard Music Awards and those from 1993. Two decades might not seem like much, however it’s enough to take quite a toll on the general taste of the masses.

Considering that in 1993 there were only 13 awards compared to the 45 awards given this year (basically cycling through the same nominees so everyone goes home happy), I formulated my own categories.

TOP ARTIST:

1993: Whitney Houston

Before the tragic fall to her unfortunate death, this woman marked history with one of the most powerful and passionate voices to date. Inspiring the likes of Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, her sensational influence carries through generations and hopefully more to come.

2013: Taylor Swift

Every time this girl takes the stage to accept an award, her speeches are full of love for her fans and God yet she totally neglects mentioning her ex boyfriends who basically made her. I understand that thanking someone who hurt you seems a bit oxymoronic, but the truth is, without them, none of her songs would have been written. Congratulations Taylor Swift, here’s an award for whining about your horrible taste in men.

TOP SONG:

1993: “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

The combination of endearing lyrics with her ardent performance delivered a song marked among the greatest of all time.

2013: “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye Featuring Kimbra

Songs no longer need heartfelt lyrics or an exceptional voice for the spotlight, a catchy tune about a bad relationship will do just fine. The chorus of this song stuck so firmly in our heads forcing us to sing or hum it at any given moment for the past year which fascinates me considering I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s openly admitted to liking that song.

TOP ROCK ARTIST:

1993: Aerosmith – Steve Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Joe Perry, and Brad Whitford.

I worry that the general audience of the Internet might not be able recognise the magnitude of greatness these names carry without any further description. I’m just going to go against my instincts and hope for the best.

2013: Fun.

My job limits use of profanity.

MOST AWARDS:

1993: Whitney Houston – 3

2013: Taylor Swift – 11

PERFORMANCES:

1993: The smooth and cool sounds of Teddy Riley with the mellow yet fervent voice of Michael Bolton.

2013: Nicki Minaj giving Lil Wayne a lap dance in between lip-synced performances by adolescents with relationship issues.

Maybe my taste is old and I just need to get with the times. My problem is that the times are changing too fast for me and in a fashion my mind is having a hard time grasping. This year’s Billboard Music Awards appealed to a generation of music that either celebrates debauchery or complains about not understanding their “partner” (lyrics by an apprehensive teenager curled up in bed texting her friend about that white guy with straight blonde hair she really likes).

Kid Rock took to the stage during the event and said: “Let’s give it up for people lip-synching under pre-recorded music.” I couldn’t have said it any better.

Sincerely,

Disappointed eniG-Man

Omar Mobarek

This humoured me. Fortunately, no Arabs were involved in this incident bringing me to question the integrity of Google. As much as I would love to disembowel this issue, possibly concluding it by labelling Google as anti-Semitic, this is about the Arab celebrities and designer dresses that glistened the Red Carpet at Cannes with their glimmer and glam.

Arwa Gouda

Egypt’s pride is carried high on the fine shoulders of Arwa Gouda that sashayed elegantly along with her placid disposition. Her strapless dress designed by Yasmine Yeya caressed across the Red Carpet with a glistening flame suited for her persona.

Eva Longoria

Zuhair Murad’s spring summer 2013 collection couldn’t have made a better statement on the Red Carpet. Eva Longoria effortlessly took the gaze of the mass in a backless dress from the collection protruding a breathtaking tone.

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole served the colour red justice in another Zuhair Murad dress blending class with her naturally arousing demeanour. Zuhair’s immaculate gown was nothing short of brilliance.

Fan Bingbing

Another Lebanese designer showcased his latest collection on Chinese fashion icon Fan Bingbing. Elie Saab’s dress radiated through the Red Carpet creating a pleasant contrast.

Carina Lau

The second strike to his name was just as notable as his first. Elie Saab scored high yet again with a simple chic dress on Carina Lau. She carried herself elegantly making a strong stance for lady-like style.

Our Arab comrades deserve a respectful nod for their performances on the Red Carpet this year at Cannes. Unfortunately this is all I was able to find. I could partially blame the favouritism practiced by most media streams that cover these events but I’ll just ignore that and point the blame finger at Google for being a bigot.

Sincerely,

Offended eniG-Man

Omar Mobarek

This brightly coloured skirt is a perfect and breezy alternative to escaping the heat. Match it with a tucked in white t-shirt and sandals, along with some divine accessories that really stand out. Such as a simple, yet eye-catching golden chain necklace, or keeping it hip with the latest mustache ring.

Another casual look is this green pattern designed tee. Wear it on light coloured jeans and ballerinas. Decorate your v-neckline with this perfectly designed 50-piaster necklace. Put this ensemble together with a yellow cross body bag over your shoulder and you’re all set for a relaxed and good-looking weekend.

All items available on enigmashopping.com

I don’t drive much in this city, feet travel faster than the flow of traffic anyways. It also allows you to get a closer perspective of the shops, cafes, and restaurants scattered along the jagged lanes we call streets. Their lights coat our vision with a diverse assortment of colours and vibes. Buzzing with laughter, keen minds flipping dice for a chance to pass time, and the apathetic puffing natural tangs, the night’s eyes are fixed wide till first light.

We’ve all been there, seen what’s there to see.

Yet, there’s more, none quite like we’ve seen before.

Suitably titled, Graffiti, showcases a bar, lounge, and restaurant. Blends of artistic swabs of colours pave across the walls to create a zestful aura.  The locale offers a setting appropriate for all occasions. The venue hosts a mix of lounge club seating arrangements, high tables, and table seating for dining providing an ideal setting for after work drinks, catching up with friends, or enjoying a night out. The interior’s graffiti – from which the venue derives its name – draws upon the instinctual human need to communicate without requiring an artistic background to understand or appreciate it. The menu follows suit, keeping a consistent homage to their peerless standard.

Famished guests are given access to a selection of ‘Tasting Teasers’, which are snappy little dishes designed to be easily eaten and shared (depending on the mood you’re in of course). For a cool taste, try the Thai chicken twists, shrimp shots with Cognac cocktail sauce, or truffle steak tartare. If you’re shooting for a hot flavour, turn up the heat with BBQ beef ribs, seared sea bass, or spicy chicken wings with blue cheese sauce. Complementing this selection are premium wines and beers, classy cocktails, shooters, and a variety of refreshments.

Graffiti also offers multiple channels of entertainment including live bands, guest DJs, stand-up comedians, art installations, and whatever creative output this society can provide. The weekends start with Rock and Roll Friday Brunch, featuring a live band between 3.00 pm – 7.00 pm.

Located at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.

Open from 9pm to 3am.

Lend one of your nights to Graffiti, you’ll be sure to visit again.

Met Gala. I’ve never heard of it up until a couple of minutes ago. I was graced with the mission of composing a review on this event. Let me begin by first describing what it is with as little attention to detail as possible (given that the internet has successfully managed to cut the attention span of the human race to that of a crackhead’s). Let’s just say that the Met Gala is Hollywood’s version of a themed college party. That being said, I was sure to be exposed to a collection of celebrities flaunting dresses and apparel to impress even the most despotic of critics. But the thing with expectations is that they have a tendency to set you up for major disappointment and this was definitely the case with this year’s punk themed Met Gala. However, there’s always an upside to tragedy. And after extensive research, I have managed to sum up the night. Met Gala 2013 was all about The Good, The Bad & The Pregnant.

The Good

Jennifer Lawrence

She played it right. The Hunger Games star flourished on the red carpet in a simple yet luscious strapless gown by Dior. This modest approach painted a much louder look, boasting a well deserved kudos to simplicity. You go Jenny.

Katie Holmes

Going for the white swanlike look is risky business. Many have tried before yet failed and at that level, failure is a steep rocky roll off a cliff into a pit of mockery (believe it or not, the internet can be an evil place sometimes). Katie Holmes went for it and scored big. The actress brushed the red carpet with a white Calvin Klein dress by Francisco Costa. This girl is notorious for risks, some go good, some go bad (had to make a Tom Cruise reference). This one went well, very well indeed.

Carey Mulligan

“Here she is given all the connotations of a fairytale princess, a perfect women.” Fitzgerald’s depiction of Daisy couldn’t be more precise for the actress chosen to play her role. The Great Gatsby belle fashioned Balenciaga’s immaculate dress misting the red carpet with class. Alas, not enough to make up for the faux pas to come.

The Bad

Sarah Jessica Parker

Being draped in what looks like a canvas slapped with woodland colours by a distressed pop artist with a peacock headpiece would work wonderfully on the queen of Narnia or Dennis Rodman on any occasion. I think that’s about as far as I’ll take this one.

Hedgehog Montana (known as Miley Cyrus)

I take pleasure in watching the development of former Disney Channel stars spiralling into an abyss of lunacy. Call me a sadist if you must, there’s something about seeing something so pure doing everything possible to stray from innocence. Miley Cyrus does a blonde Coolio on the red carpet this year. Needless to say, she was successful at it.

Nicki Minaj

I’m not a fan of Nicki Minaj, however her music is widely appreciated by the wasted generation. Par contre, it’s almost mandatory to include her under the bad category when it comes to fashion. I’m just abiding to an obligatory duty to the internet laws of classification. Nicki Minaj = bad. Basic math.

The Pregnant

Kim Kardashian

This Kardashian deserved a category on her own. I’d like to start this off with a statement. What I’m about to do can be considered by some as ridiculing pregnant women. Under this sensitive circumstance, I will make a valiant effort to not offend pregnant women, women who are thinking about getting pregnant, and women who find pregnancy beautiful.

“Is that your grandma’s coat couch?” – The girl featured in Macklemore’s Thrift Shop.

Done.

That’s all I got for this coverage. Maybe I just don’t understand or maybe these styles are statements that are too liberal for me to grasp. Some people are ashamed of their ignorance, I for one embrace it wholeheartedly.

Sincerely,

Confused eniG-Man

Omar Mobarek

Embellish your outfits this weekend with these pretty little pink accessories available at enigmashopping.com.

Play around with the trend by combining teardrop earrings with this punk rock pearly pin necklace. Wear with a white t-shirt and jeans for both daytime and nighttime looks.

Capture your feminine side with these delightful ballerina earrings and pearly bracelet, pair them with a chiffon top and a pair of ballerinas.

Give your outfit a colourful boost with a pretty peace necklace and match it with the chandelier pearl and jade stone earrings, sweep your hair up for maximum impact.

For just a pinch of pink, paint your nails with Orly’s Valentine’s 2013 collection ‘Lift the Veil’ nail polish. Aromatise your evening with a splash of Calvin Klein’s Euphoria perfume.

With the long weekend coming up, it’s best to have your beach ensemble looking glamorous. The main thing to remember when planning your coastal collection is to include a lot of bright colours. Carry a floral beach bag, large enough to carry all your beach essentials. This stylish towel is an absolute must-have when tanning. And lastly, accessorize your bikini with these playful candy coloured bracelets and necklaces that will add that extra pop of colour to your sun-kissed body.

All items available on enigmashopping.com

The weekend is upon us already! Do you have your beach outfit picked out yet? Take the latest tips from eniGma Shopping on what to wear this weekend.

If you’re heading to the beach for the long weekend, make sure to have your body and feet scrubbed prior to the trip! Scrubbing is essential to maintain healthy and attractive looking skin. Throw on this white oversized shirt on top of your bikini, with a pink collar to match the pink flip-flops. Walk around the beach looking fabulous with this funky beach bag.

Show off your beautiful sun kissed body with a brown top made out of silk and crochet. It’s loose fitting for added comfort and can be matched with cream coloured shorts. In case it gets a little chilly, keep warm in this beautiful pastel green cardigan. Stay stylish and chic with this golden butterfly charm bracelet.

All items available on enigmashopping.com

Ever since the revolution, many social initiatives have been grabbing our attention. The one I’d like to shed light on today is a school founded by a group of people who have collectively directed their passion towards real change. Right off the Alex Desert Road stands a school called the Special Education for Advancement School. Barely a year old, this school has been able to act as a sanctuary for people between the ages of 1 and 35 that require special attention. The teachers and trainers are specifically chosen according to their professional expertise in the area of aiding people with special needs. Beyond the basic education provided for them, they are taken through social exercises such as grocery shopping.

They also work on their creative development with a focus on arts, crafts, music, computer, and drama. What stood out from the conversation I had with one of the founders was the preparation program created for them. They work on each person to develop their technical skills and productivity to allow them an opportunity at employment. This school definitely deserves to be in the spotlight.

One of the main goals the school is trying to achieve is accommodating people with these needs in lower classes. The school has already become a milestone in its field but many achievements still lie ahead of them. Help these people make a change, if there’s anything you want to leave behind in this world, to your name, and reputation, make it a chance for someone else. Gratitude goes a long way.

For more info check out their website and facebook page.

www.sea-edu.com

www.facebook.com/specialadvancement

Tel: 02 3799 0710 / 012 0038 5410