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     Taaj, the Belly Dance Trainer SM

 

                         

Comments from People Who Have Experienced Egypt Through Taaj...

“I would like to thank you so much for your kindness... We had a wonderful time in Cairo, too short and we will come back.” ~ Birgit, Zimbabwe ‘04



"I had no idea Taaj knew so many people, but I can see how. Everyone is so friendly! This was way better than going on a commercial tour. I felt like I experienced everything and got to connect with the land and the people. A Nile cruise, two birthday parties, two weddings, and six marriage proposals- wow! Unforgettable. Go, and have a great experience too!" ~ Lisa, RI  ‘04

 

 

"I loved to non-stop go go go go pace.  If felt like we were there for two weeks.  I loved having everyday crammed full!! I also want to thank you (Taaj) for your patience, stamina, and afro senses! Your guidance and knowledge made the trip an experience of a lifetime.  I feel so fortunate to have met you and so blessed to have been invited to participate in this adventure." ~Aisha, WV '06
 

 

"Egypt takes everything: my control, my contacts, my cohesion, my comprehension...At the same time, she gives everything: majesty, wonder, intensity, companionship...I also cried when I first saw you, and when I left, because I knew I'd never be the same without you. You taught me take care of myself and to let go...
 
I believe only Taaj could open the doors to: buying scarves at Hussein's, ordering the best, hardest-won costumes, "trekking" through the Khan, dancing in a workshop with Raqia Hassan in the middle of the night in evening clothes, riding in taxis that made me call on Jesus, and so many other things. I was never really scared, though, and I think people who have this impression are wrong and should not let this idea stand in their way of the trip of a lifetime.
 
These were opportunities that had to be taken as soon as they were offered, for fear that they would not come around again. Insh'allah, we will have this chance again." ~Zuleika, VA '06

 

"Going home was almost like culture shock.  I thought to myself, "Wow, did this place suck this much when I left?"  It's nearly intolerable now, compared to Cairo.  Though only five days, my whole way of thinking had changed and adjusted to Cairo life...that electric static in the brain that heightened every moment.  You didn't walk down the street thinking about the usual mundane tasks, you walked down the street and smelled the spices, heard the vendor calling out for you to try his fresh baked bread, saw young children strolling arm in arm with their best friend. 

I am a very Type A person, addicted to my watch, incredibly anal about schedules and responsibilities.  Now, I have learned how to relax a little and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace, which seems an amazing lesson to learn considering the speed at which we went during the whole trip.  But I loved it!  Despite the frenetic pace and the huge number of experiences to absorb, at the same time it was like all of Cairo was saying, "Slow down, enjoy the small things, relax, have some karkaday, no worries."  I thank Cairo for showing me a better way to live.  And I thank Taaj for being so open and gracious to let a stranger share an opportunity of lifetime with her group.  Without her, none of us would be the fabulous dancing, taxi-braving, haggle-smart, street-wise, gameela, Cairene-wannabes that we are now." ~, Samira, NV '06

 

 

"Touring with Taaj is like touring with a well-connected native.  Seemingly effortlessly, Taaj pulls together the sights, people and places you want to see.  "Tourist" destinations are included, but most everything has an "off the beaten path" perspective you won't often find on crowded buses with overworked tour guides.  Touring with belly dancers was also very fulfulling, as our goals meshed well.  How else would we have convinced our guide to take us to a local music store to clean out their DVD collection instead of touring the Egyptian Museum?" ~Samira, VA '06

 "The key to having fun in Egypt is...opening your mind to the vastly different culture, breathing in the beauty of Cairo and the people! If someone asked if I should go to Egypt, my advice would be...GO!  GO!  GO!  take a backpack, good walking shoes and a sense of adventure!  I enjoyed my trip to Egypt so much, I started saving for the next one before we departed the airport in Cairo to come home!!  My only regret is that sleep interfered with my shopping and touring!"  ~Gameela, VA '06
 

 

copyright 2006