I did something today I had not done in years; I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. At length. Normally I spend maybe two minutes per day in front of a mirror; clothes clean and no labels hanging out, I am good to go. An occasional evening out may inspire me […]
Egypt and back again
Een verbaasde blik op Nederland
Our media has been flooded with stories about drugs, from personal confessions of addicts to the overnight success of books like ¼ Gram. The raw, honest stories, told from the addicts’ point of view have opened up a necessary discussion to create an understanding of the rampant problem in our society. Alter Ego editor Adel […]
There is more between heaven and earth than meets the eye, since the beginning of time humans have tried to understand the mysteries of life. For some religion is the answer, for others science will provide the sense of security that makes us feel that we are in control. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring […]
Being naked is no longer the same. Growing up in a conservative household, one of the reasons I feel at home in Egypt, is the fact that both the Dutch and Egyptians believe being naked should be confined to the bathroom. Not having any brothers I was completely oblivious to the fact there was […]
When the sun has set the ahwas fill up with the tired and the weary. Finding comfort in a glass of tea with many sugars, a shisha tofa’h, and a game of wa’hid-wi-talateen, the average Egyptian male catches up with his neighbours, the latest news, and the world at large. The good natured banter seems […]
I am the only white woman in Cairo. And apparently I am very busy, or at least much busier than I actually am aware of. Being a famous and fabulous writer pays off, you get invited to all the cool parties and your presence is highly sought after. And being the consummate social animal […]
I love words. When I was small, my mother would read to me when I was sick. Safely tucked in on the couch, I would listen to her tell of magical beings and far away places, my fever enabling my visits to these unknown realms in my mind. I nearly regretted getting better. One […]
Public displays of affection are not very popular in Egypt. It is considered to be in poor taste to ostentatiously engage in kissing and cuddling – these things should be done in private, and then by married couples only. Or so most people will tell you. They will also tell you that sex before marriage […]
Traditionally my father starts my birthday with an early phone call and this year was no different. Or so I thought. I have always loved celebrating my birthday. I start nagging people weeks in advance that the day is imminent, and it is the only day in the year that I happily wake up early, full […]
Alter Ego. Literally translated from Latin it means ‘the other I.’ I admit I had to look that up, six hours a week for years of ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ having obviously gone to waste. I find the ‘Other Self’ to be a seductive concept, if I disregard the Jekyll/Hyde and multiple personality angles. It […]
