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NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Exploring Egypt: Nile cruise offers comfort and culture for solo travellers
Today, the Nile continues to be a revered life force for more than 100 million Egyptians, their way of life immersed deeply in its storied waters. Children splash about while cows bask in its refreshing embrace, with towering palm groves acting as the gateway to lush farmland, humble villages and a way of life untouched by modernity. Locals cast their nets for fish from their wooden boats, a sight I encounter from the ship – but that's not the only boat on the water with us. As I'm sitting in my suite – a spacious and modern retreat complete with balcony – I hear 'hello, hello, hello'. I look down and two young Egyptians have tied their boat to ours, gliding with us on the Nile's glistening waters. These cheeky boys have made this a habit to sell local items like pashminas – one of which was thrown up to me on my balcony. Egyptians can be persistent when selling their wares in tourist areas. This is why travelling on tour in Egypt helps – local guides know how to navigate the situation. Speaking Arabic works, but it's their presence that does the talking. The vendors soften their approach when they notice a local because they know the guide will protect the group from unwanted sales tactics. In saying that, Egyptians are some of the friendliest people, many of whom are so grateful for business, so carrying Egyptian pounds does a world of good – as does fresh meat for the cats and dogs at ancient sites. (I can't help but bring fresh sausages and chicken from the breakfast and lunch buffet with me each day). There are 27 of us on the AmaWaterways tour, each coming from locations all around the world. Eleven nights together encourage new friendships, one of my favourite things about travelling as a group. You can't help but get to know your fellow passengers, and that's a luxury when travelling solo. I find myself dining with a husband and wife and their two daughters several times, bonding over the shared love of refraining from placing suitcases on the bed. Sure, sometimes it's nice to have your own space, but this cruise has a way of allowing for that, too. After three days staying at the St Regis Hotel on land exploring all the ancient sites in Cairo, from Saqqara to the Pyramids of Giza to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo (where Mother Mary and baby Jesus found refuge and baby Moses was found in a papyrus basket by the pharoah's daughter) and Mohammad Ali Mosque, we're off to board the ship, which awaits in Luxor, a one-hour flight from Cairo. Mohammad Ali Mosque Cairo. Photo / Lauren Thomas The morning of our first day, the sunrise over the Nile's east bank reveals striking crimson hues with hot air balloons dotted across the sky – a sight that sets the tone for the magic that awaits. It's no accident that the ancient Egyptians built the Karnak and Luxor temples here; it symbolises the 'land of the living'. On the west bank, however, where the sun sets, you'll find the realm of the dead – a place of transition to the afterlife for the pharaohs. This is where the Valley of the Kings – home to Tutankhamun's mummified corpse and the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh – can be found. Tutankhamun's Mummy within the Valley of the Kings. Photo / Lauren Thomas It's no secret that ancient Egypt holds a tapestry of hidden stories, many of which come to life through the insight of an Egyptologist – an expert in the study of history, language, religion, literature and art, including the translation of hieroglyphics. These are found inside tombs and temples – a mystical door unveiling ancient worship, rituals, beliefs and offerings held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. The Hatshepsut Temple is in Luxor. Photo / Lauren Thomas This is an inclusion on the tour that proved to be invaluable. I liken it to school, when everyone gets on the bus that takes you to all the best places while listening to the teacher, except this time, you want to be there. As I walk through Karnak Temple in Luxor, the group encounters a black scarab statue celebrated for its luck. The modern tradition is to walk around the statue seven times while making a wish – particularly for marriage, love, and fertility. This is something I wouldn't have known if my guide hadn't pointed it out. Temple of Edfu between Luxor and Aswan (dedicated to Horus). Photo / Lauren Thomas It's tales like this that reveal Egypt as a fascinating destination with many ancient and cultural layers. It's a wondrous place where organised chaos meets serenity and peace – a living paradox – breathtaking and confronting all in one. After a day of exploring the ancient sights, the heat begins to take a toll, which makes returning to AmaLila a welcome relief, particularly with its onboard refreshments and cold towels on arrival. Less than one year old, the vessel is modern and fresh with an upper deck worth mentioning: crisp, white sun loungers submerged in the pool with sand-fringed umbrellas bring the resort feel as you watch the world go by. And that it does, when you're in a cooking class learning how to make Egyptian doughnuts or 'zalabya', one of the many activities on board. If I'm not eating, I'm drinking, but not the alcoholic kind (although there are some fabulous cocktails, spirits and wine on board). My favourite is the fresh watermelon juice, off menu, made courtesy of my bartender, Ahmed. A camel waits patiently at the Pyramids of Giza complex. Photo / Lauren Thomas As night falls, the entertainment on board begins, each evening something a little different – like the belly dancer who sways to the rhythm of the riqq, a classical Egyptian tambourine. Then it's time for dinner, with a la carte three-course selections changing daily – a nice touch that curbs culinary boredom. There's also the 'Chef's Table', an optional experience on board for guests who want something a little special. On the other hand, breakfast and lunch offer a buffet-style feast with an abundant, ever-changing selection of fresh ingredients daily from the land, earth and sea. A mosaic in the historic Coptic Cairo area represents Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on their flight from Herod into Egypt. Photo / Lauren Thomas Another true standout alongside the local on-board dining experiences is the team and their ability to make you feel safe. From the cruise manager and Egyptologist to the friendly bus driver and security guard, each of them allows you to immerse yourself in the country's ancient wonders, minus the stress of navigating language barriers, different customs and cultures. Whether it's organising your entry visa or simply keeping an eye out for you in crowded places, they have a knack for taking care of your every need, and as a result, it offers reassurance for solo female travellers exploring this exciting destination. The journalist was a guest on the Secrets of the Nile travel tour courtesy of AmaWaterways.
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Threads of heritage: Moldovan embroidery workshop showcases cultural diplomacy
Ashraf Siddiqui The Spouse of the Ambassador of Moldova, Mrs. Rodica Grigorita, recently conducted an embroidery workshop attended by members of the SOHOM Group (Spouses of Heads of Missions), including Brunei, Italy, Georgia, Malta, Djibouti, Indonesia, Panama, Venezuela, Netherlands, Spain, Philippines and Vietnam. The event was held under AFCD Art, Fashion and Cultural Diplomacy, headed and founded by Lulian Grigorita, the ambassador of Moldova, at the St Regis Hotel Doha in the presence of ambassadors of Austria, Colombia, Moldova, and Romania, and Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed, a Qatari businessman. Lulian Grigorita, the ambassador of Moldova, welcomed the guests and briefed them about the tradition and heritage of the blouse in regional culture. Blouse in Moldova and Romania is more than a piece of traditional clothing, with deep roots of regional heritage, used by both men and women, as a national symbol and a modern fashion statement. Its intricate embroidery and symbolic motifs have captured the attention of local artisans and the global fashion scene. Romanian Ambassador HE Nicușor Daniel Tănase, Austrian Ambassador HE Erika Bernhard, Colombian Ambassador HE Odette Yidi David, and Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed delivered brief remarks highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and the need for its preservation. Ambassador Bernhard of Austria made special mention of Qatar's traditional majlis culture, emphasising its vital role in shaping and supporting the development of youth in the country. Over the years, the blouse has inspired numerous designers, both Romanian and international. Notably, in 1981, Yves Saint Laurent launched his iconic collection La Blouse Roumaine, directly inspired by the traditional Romanian blouse. This marked a turning point in bringing Romanian folk elements into haute couture. Following Saint Laurent, designers such as Tom Ford, Camilia Șchiopu, and Joseph Altuzarra continued this trend, incorporating Romanian motifs into their modern collections, further elevating the garment's global appeal. The blouse's significance is celebrated annually on June 24, recognised as the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse. This day honours its enduring cultural value and the craftsmanship passed down through generations. In 2022, the Romanian blouse was officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its role in preserving identity and tradition. Much of the responsibility for safeguarding this heritage lies with the Romanian and Moldavian people, who continue to wear, recreate, and celebrate it through festivals, cultural events, and fashion revivals. Each preserved or newly crafted blouse helps introduce its legacy to new generations. The influence of the Romanian blouse extends beyond fashion into the realm of art. Renowned artist Henri Matisse famously depicted it in several of his works, some of which are displayed in prominent institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. As noted by the speakers, it is celebrated not only in Romania and Moldova but also globally by those who appreciate its rich heritage and timeless beauty.
Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Times
To understand Vatican politics, follow the US dollar
Last Wednesday evening, with an Italian cellist playing in the background, a well-dressed group of about 120 wealthy American Catholic philanthropists and business leaders attended a drinks reception in the Ritz Ballroom of the St Regis Hotel in Rome. The event, hosted by an influential US-based Catholic organisation, the Papal Foundation, began with a speech by its chairman, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a charismatic conservative-leaning prelate from New York. Dolan, 75, joked that the ballroom, with its chandeliers, columns and ceiling frescoes, was pleasant enough 'but not as nice as the Sistine Chapel', where he will be sequestered from Wednesday with 132 other cardinals for the conclave to select the next pope. The previous day, President Trump had appeared to nominate Dolan as his preferred candidate.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Microsoft AI tour showcases AI innovations in Oman
Muscat: As part of Microsoft's 60 country global AI Tour, it made astop in Muscat at St Regis Hotel on Thursday, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping Oman's digital economy. The exclusive event underscored Microsoft's commitment to driving innovation and supporting the sultanate's ambitious Vision 2040 strategy through cutting-edge AI solutions. The high-profile gathering featured keynotes from top Microsoft executives, including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Speaking at the event, Ltaif said, 'It is a privilege to be here in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a catalyst for economic growth and national advancement. Our presence in the sultanate for over two decades reflects our unwavering commitment to its prosperity. As Oman moves forward with Vision 2040, Microsoft remains dedicated to providing world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable organisations to innovate, ensuring a future of sustainable growth.' Sheikh Saif Hilal al Hosni, Country Manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, highlighted how AI is increasingly being recognised by Omani businesses as a key driver of efficiency and competitiveness. 'At Microsoft, we are leading the way in empowering organizations across all sectors to leverage the latest advancements in AI. Our ongoing collaborations with Omani enterprises reinforce our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions that will shape the future of Oman's digital economy,' he said. The event also showcased real-world applications of AI through Microsoft's collaborations with leading Omani organisations. The Ministry of Education, for instance, has deployed an advanced AI-powered chatbot for instant access to information and is integrating Microsoft Copilot to enhance teaching and learning methodologies. The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is leveraging AI to streamline course content creation, while Omantel has adopted Microsoft 365 Copilot to optimise operations and strengthen cybersecurity. Similarly, OQ has implemented AI solutions for candidate screening, improving business processes and work efficiency. Ahmed Al Habib, Head of IT – PMO at Oman Housing Bank, shared insights on how the organization has integrated Microsoft 365 Copilot to boost productivity. 'AI is not just a futuristic tool; it is already transforming the way we work. Microsoft's AI solutions have significantly improved our operational efficiency, allowing us to deliver better services to our customers,' he said. The AI Tour in Muscat also celebrated local excellence in AI adoption through the AI Excellence Awards, which recognized organisations that have successfully implemented AI-driven solutions. Honorees included the Ministry of Education, National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Omantel, OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, and UTAS, each acknowledged for their contributions to AI-powered innovation in their respective industries. The event featured deep-dive sessions on Microsoft's flagship AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Agents, which are designed to revolutionize workplace productivity. Discussions also explored Responsible AI practices, reinforcing Microsoft's dedication to ethical and transparent AI development. Attendees experienced firsthand the power of Microsoft Surface AI PCs and Copilot+ PCs, which seamlessly integrate AI-driven functionalities to enhance creativity and efficiency. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
