Thread: Cairo, Istanbul, Morocco.

Ok, so i am hoping to go away in November, trying to save for a few things at the moment, and will hopefully have some money to go away.

So i have been to Cairo & Istanbul once before but didn't get to see everything

Haven't been to Morocco, so wondering what is it like for costumes, Dancing?

What would be the best place to go at that time of year?
Not sure, does anyone know how Egypt is at the moment, is it settled, as i know a few people have cancelled trips to Egypt recently?

Also, Mahmouds in Cairo, anyone know where abouts it is?
Bellysu in Istanbul, have heard a few people speak of the shop, is there a website, or where abouts is it?
Any other useful information would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Mahmoud's is very easy to find, in the Khan el Khalili. If you are standing at the mosque end, looking towards the Khan, take the left hand road, and it's a few hundred yards down on your left, slightly set back from the road. It's got a sign. If you were to get lost at all, you only have to ask one of the stallholders, they'll show you the way!

I love Egypt and it saddens me that it's losing so much tourism income. So I'm biased when I say go to Egypt! Morocco would be interesting, but not really for dancing, and certainly not for costuming. Egypt is kind of settled, but we're all waiting to see how the elections in October/November turn out.

I have to own up to being in love with Marrakech. You will find belly dancing in restaurants and some of it is good but not the range of good dancing in Cairo. Forget costuming but you can find folkloric items:Tuareg jewellry,mazuma ropes,scarves. There are folkloric shows, some very touristy and cheesy but hey,I'm a tourist and I don't get sniffy. There are festivals in Morocco of dance, music and belly dance and group holidays including dance such as the one led by Nawarra (a Bhuzzer) Staying in a riad is a delight and the old city and souk wonderful to explore. Trips to the montains and to Essouaria on the coast make a great holiday.
I think the best way to go to Cairo at the present would be with someone who knows the place and there are a goodly number doing guided trips.
We were on the Red Sea(Hurghada) during the revolution and we felt very safe but there were no shops and banks open! We did however have some very good belly dancing in our hotel and folkloric..I imagine because these may have come from Cairo or Luxor where there was a curfew. Whatever the country is going through a very unsettled time although many people are getting on with their lives in a very normal way. No one really knows what will happen which is why I would say go with someone who is familiar with the country and has their finger on the pulse.

Here you go Belly Su Bellysu Costumes | bellysu.com

The shop is close to Osmanbey metro station ( next to Taksim ), about 5 to 10 min. walk.

You can start from Taksim ( Sim Moda Evi and/or Legend ) then Osmanbey (Belly Su ) , and finally to Sisli ( Bella) or other way round to save your time ( not money )

Thanks for the info Beafarhana, i really enjoyed Cairo when i went, would love to go back

lplmuk, sounds interesting, wasen't sure what Morocco was like

Kraliche, thanks for the link, such gorgeous costumes, i want to go now & spend some money
Oh i could certainly spend some money if i went to all those, that's good to know that they are all quite close to each other, better start saving now

I just booked another flight to Istanbul for the 2nd half of November and two of my friends there independently told me "It's a good time to come here!"

Yes, BellySu!
This is a costume she made for me, I chose the fabric on the bazar with her and then we discussed all the details. Great work:



MEISSOUN

Meissoun, that is gorgeous
The pictures look great, lovely location.

That's good to know, i am hoping to go in November, after seeing your costume i think that may have made my mind up about going to Istanbul.

Can i ask, how long roughly they take to make, and are they much more in price for custom made?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by stardust

Meissoun, that is gorgeous
The pictures look great, lovely location.

That's good to know, i am hoping to go in November, after seeing your costume i think that may have made my mind up about going to Istanbul.

Can i ask, how long roughly they take to make, and are they much more in price for custom made?

Thanks, the location is in Montreux, Lake Geneva, by the way.

Let me know if you are in Istanbul during November 24 - 27, maybe we can meet up.

The price for custom made is the same - the work is the same anyway.

Expect a few weeks - it always depends on how busy they are. But they will send it to you - it's what all the costume designers do. Most of their customers nowadays live in Asia (I met some girls from Singapore while in BellySu's shop), so sending costumes around the world is daily business.

And tell them that I sent you - I am good friends with Serap Su, the owner, she will be pleased.

MEISSOUN

Thanks Meissoun, i think it will be probably the beginning of November if i go, but if it is later on i will let you know, it would be good to meet up
I will be sure to mention your name
Thanks.

If you're in Turkey November 2-7 let me know!

Azhaar, will let you know, i think it will be around a similar time to that
Thanks.

Wow, I've never heard of BellySu, but her costumes look every bit as nice as Bella's! Did I just commit heresy?