The City that Never Sleeps

Dear All,

   Today, I will introduce a new topic from the Egyptian street about the new law of closing shops early in Cairo.
Hope you enjoy it and waiting to hear from you :)


The city that never sleeps by Maramero

Cairo at night ikbis.com



Music fades in: Helwa Ya Balady - Dalida

A state of love, confusion, sadness may be madness have spread in the city that never sleeps "Cairo."

Most Egyptians love to hang out with their friends and families at night. However, they may get confused if they find all shops are closed at 9pm!

Shehab, conflict resolution trainer: "People are always out and the shops are always there. People like to go out. I think it will take away the nature of the city and its culture. Frankly, I have to admit, I don't have any shops downtown or any other place, so economically I won't be directly affected by this. But I am definitely hate waking around the city are close at 9 or 10 pm, which is in Cairo defination is pretty early. It will feel too much like just not Cairo." 

That decision was reported by Cairo governor Mr. Abdel Azim Wazir to be applied effectively by January 2011, which drove shops' owner mad, because simply people show up at night.

Mike, Mercado Italiano owner in Rehab & Downtown: "I am Mike working at Salad Fiesta. I think it's a horrible idea for the shops to close at 9 o'clock. I mean some people didn't go out of work till 8 - 9 o'clock. And you know this is Egypt that opens 24 hrs, they just stay open. I think it is very bad idea."

Others feel sad when hearing this news, because they think nothing can be done before 9pm.

Fatma, AUC Chemistry major at AUC: "Personally, I am Chemistry major and I finish my labs at 9 sometimes. So, closing shops at 8 means no shopping. No going anywhere, but just staying at home."  

Closing shops in Cairo at 9pm was the idea of Cairo Chamber of Commerce (CCC). What do you think Cairo will make to surprise Egyptians?

Music fades out: Helwa Ya balady - Dalida

Credit to: Journalist Ahmed Kotb: for using his article in El Ahram Weekly

Interviews: Mr. Mohamed Shehab, Mr. Mike, Mr. Maged, Fatma Mostafa.