Dubai Echoes Radio

I do love listening to radio! Sleeping while the radio is playing takes me to an ultimate magic world.

Too long to tell about my radio memories in Damascus, across the sea nights, along in Scotland, alone in Kuwait and during traffic jam in Dubai. 

This time, I have decided to step ahead and create my own radio station to share inspiration with others. My attempts to broadcast via SHOUTcast were not successful, so I am using iRadoe as an alternative platform to air the trail version of the station

Tune in Dubai Echoes and enjoy

تأبط مسدساً

تحكي رواية "جوني تأبطً مسدساً" للكاتب الأمريكي دلتون ترمبو عن الجندي الذي داس على لغم أرضي فبتر قدماه و قطع يداه وفقأ عيناه و جدع أنفه و مزق طبلة الأذن و حطم حباله الصوتية و الصق شفتاه من شظاياه. لقد أضحى الجندي جذعاً يحيى على الآلات المرتبطة به.

يستحضر الجندي آلاف الذكريات من ماضيه و مما قال له أباه، لكن عبثاً يحاول أن يخرج من أسر وظلمة جسده له، ويضيق به المكان بينما ذكرياته تهطل وتتسع أبداً. يرسل الجندي، جوني، إشارات رتيبة غريبة من خلال تشنجات جذعه، تقلصات طويلة وقصيرة يفهمها أحد الممرضين ويحلها شفرتها..إنها إشارات مورس: ا ق ت ل و ن ي... اقتلوني

إليكم مشهداً من خارج القصة تماماً، ربما يبدو أقل قتامة لكنه في جوهره أكثر تعقيداً. يعرض المشهد الجندي نفسه لكن بلسان سليم يحدث الناس والصدى عن ذكرياته و عن أحلامه ، يولّد من عقله العالم الذي يريد و الظلال التي يريد ويقول ما يريد. أجندينا رجل عقلاني و !ّ!شفاف؟! و إلى متى نسمع أحلامه و هواجسه وهرطقاته

iBassel

Finally, I managed to develop my own app – iBassel. I got inspired by iPhone apps and decided to move a step ahead from a mere downloader to active “Appler” or at least a knowledgeable apps user. Again, I am trying to emphasize that iPhone is a post mobile era and it is not a new mobile brand, start the literacy now.

If you are keen to peruse such an “enlightment” then the starting step is obtaining Apple IOS Developer ID from Apple website (costs US$ 99). Subsequent to having a million-dollar app idea, you need to carry out all the back office work. Whether you are using Mac, web-based Mac applications or Mac-in-cloud you need to have a developer account at the host server, then logging into your Apple Developer account to produce an App ID for your proposed app, and then create Certificate Signing Request CSR. Upon that, follow the instruction to issue Push Production Certificate and complete the Distribution Provisional Certificate. Your app is “legally” developed by now, yet you need to build/upload it on Appstore, if it passes the AQI test, otherwise, you may distribute it on ad-hoc basis to other ifreinds. It sounds like chemistry, so the best thing to do is to visit Apple iOS Library for more details and trouble shootings. Stick to using ready template and forms before option to iOS SDK and deploying OS XCoca.

My first app is simple as I aim to acquaint myself to the aforementioned process. Direct your browser to  http://appma.kr/o2wecH  and pay a visit to iBassel. The app has 4 tabs that bring some of my recent writings to imates’ finger prints, in addition to Ask me function which allows you to raise any question or submit a feedback.  Oops, I need to update my app feeder site, and keep goods apps up.

iBassel (Bassel Nadim)

I published it originally on Computer Sight  

Mobile Shadows

Last month was my 10 year anniversary of holding a mobile! I think my kids would feel shy to that date.  

I rented the first mobile, Semins, prior to my leave for the UK and paid US$ 120 for 2 weeks rent. I had enjoyed the functions particularly the caller ID which was not available on land lines. It did not take that much time to buy my first mobile, Nokia 3310, which comes with VodaPhone US$ 24-monthly plan including 120 minute free.

A year later, the device had been dropped in the toilet, accidently. I ceased this opportunity to claim the insurance policy to realise that peril was excluded.. To stay connected, I went to London East End and managed to buy a cheap second phone for US$ 15. I don’t recall the mobile brand, it was ugly and big machine with weak battery. All in all, I did not enjoy my experience with VodaFone, I was unable to switch my plan to a convenient one and also it was expensive to update my address, which I changed several times, as I need to go through a paid and loud call center.

I moved to Dubai and bought Sagem for US$ 48 and subscribed to Etisalat Wasel service for US$ 45. The device has a funny shape like a turtle but was too far better than the “machine!”. I carried that mobile for almost a year until I bought a secondhand mobile from Kuwait, Sony Ericson, the body and the screen were in blue- the colour of love as Lisa Ekdahl sings. Few months later, I bought another Sonny Ericson powered by infrared and blue tooth functions - the state of the art technology at that time. The set comes with music composition feature which I used to compose 3 pieces of music: Glasgow, Rush and nightmare… great tunes. I kept the previous “blue” device for roaming purposes, it was the first time I hold 2 mobiles in a time, was a sign of luxury. 

Days passed by and I became more and more fascinated by Sony Ericson in terms of functions, design and price. Yet, I decided to move to the so called “business mobile” and opted for i-mate. It was an woeful experience so I quickly sold it to a shop in Sharjah and bought Sony Ericson K610i which was high tech handy mobile with many great functions especially live blogging. Check my personal website to see how many live bloggings I uploaded. Unfortunately, the mobile screen cracked and found myself in a position to give it up. The K610i device is too close to my heart and a precious item in my collectables. In addition to its great tech, it has attended my wedding ceremony and also endured the early bits of my son, Rades.

I decided to find a good gadget that supports my work needs, Nokia E61i was a good choice due to its wide screen, keyboard and office-enabling applications. I had also activated a supplementary mobile, LG, a new set that I got for US$ 50 with a sim card!

Accessing emails and browsing internet via mobile is a big addiction. I obtained a Blackberry which dramatically improved the way I communicate with people. The supernova change is when  I recently  bought iPhone. In contrary to BlackBerry, iPhone changes the entire communication style. I would argue saying that iPhone is a post-mobile era and it is not just a new mobile brand as all. I am completely inspired by Apple apps and currently pursuing some self-teaching classes in iOS development. My first app is coming soon.

Mobile phones is an integral part of everyday life and in my memories too.

Credit

Thanks to all friends for their patience and technical testimony on mobile as I am not easy to get convinced when it comes to buying a mobile. Special thanks to Wael Ch, Anas Q, Jeeb Mc, Azem F, Assad S, Mazen K, Mouhaned A Hiba H, Shadi S and Obaida R

My article was also published on  Bizcovering 

Bassel Nadim 

Insurance and Takaful in the MENA Region

I believe that strategy knowledge in the insurance industry is not well addressed and structured. The sector is dominated by day-to-day selling mentality to meet the demand for compulsory insurance- mainly car insurance. There are little postgraduate programs for insurance studies and textbooks in the region are not as diversified as other banking and corporate finance books.

To participate in filling this gap, I am developing a website with passion to bring value to students and industry practitioners. Your contribution is also appreciated. Visit it http://www.insurance-mena.com/

الملّاح

الملّاح

آهات الإعياء

و تناثر الأصداء

ملأت الأجواء

ترنيمة الضياء

في الصبح و المساء

أرض تدور

باءت تبور

هيهات يا ملّاح

الكأس و الأقداح

و رقصة الأتراح

عش مرتاح

في القبر القديم

و أنسه اللئيم

اليوم و الأيام

و رحلة الأحلام

و سطوة الآلام

في الليل و الصباح

حفلة الصياح

هيهات يا ملاح

باسل نديم

نُشرت أيضاً على موقع الساخر

Shisha-free dinning out

Did you fed up dinning out while shisha smoke kills your leisure? A list of some shisah-free restaurants in Dubai is ready. Send yours too:

- Bob's. Amercian food. Jumeirah Beach Residence.

- Al Hallab. Lebanese cuisine. Dubai, Garhoud 04 282 3388

- Coco's. International cuisine in Dubai Shiekh Zayed Road 04 332 6333

- Oregano. Italian restaurant.Dubai Emaar Business Park 04 360-7700

العبور

العبور

أنّى العبور

بين الحجور

ترنيمةٌ بلا ذكرى

دفترٌ بلا سطور

****

خوف الظلام

ظلام الخوف

ألملم ظلالي

قوةٌ تبور

****

وطنٌ يثور

نفسٌ تفور

و عملاقٌ رهيبٌ

بات يغور

****

جلمودٌ فاه

ذئبٌ تاه

شظايا و أصداء

أرضٌ تمور

****

هتاف الزوايا

و زوايا الهتافات

بريق المآقي

 و أمنيات الكائنات

في الشوارع، على الشرفات

إسطورة  و حكايا

تهمل السرايا

توقف الرحايا و لعبة المنايا

تكسر المسلّمات

تديح بالصمت

تخرج عن الّلات

****

إنه آت

باسل نديم

نُشرت أيضاً على موقع الساخر

مسابقة ناشيونال جوغرافيك أبوظبي

ساهمت في مسابقة " صور تروى" التي نظمتها ناشيونال جوغرافيك أبوظبي بصورة بعنوان السوق

السوق في دلالته السريالية مرادف لمغوى الضوء و مغرى الأشياء. السوق في هذه الصورة مضاد لذاك، فهو صامت و حقيقي

 

باسل نديم

Islamic Banking Myth Revealed

Global Islamic banking industry is estimated at US$ 1 trillion and projected to get doubled in the coming 5 years. Islamic banking is more than non-interest bearing financing, it is an ethical asset-based financial system.

The Islamic banking is an industry of itself governed by set of rules and standards issued by world-class organizations such as the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions AAOIFI and International Financial Reporting Standard -  IFSB. There are key features that recognize the Islamic banking from the conventional banking.

No-interest bearing financing

The taking of interest is strictly prohibited in Islam. This does not mean that capital is costless in Islamic finance, but that returns or profits should be linked to a value creating investment in a good or service.

No uncertainty

Uncertainty or “Gharar” is defined as ambiguity in a contractual relationship where the end result can only be zero-sum game, i.e. one party profiting at the expense of another.

Moral investment

Financing or investing in projects that are harmful to people (alcohol or tobacco) or immoral under Islam is prohibited.

Asset-based financial system

The function of money in Islamic banking is to facilitate trade and as a measure of value to goods and services. Unlike conventional financial institutions, money is not considered a tradable commodity in itself.

The prohibition on taking interest has made Islamic financial institutions and finance an asset-based system. Main Islamic banking products i.e. Murabaha, Istisna’a and Ijara involve investment in real assets or services resulting from those assets, and due to prohibitions on Gharar, risk in these transactions is usually shared between the parties. Islamic banks can provide finance using one of more of the following asset-based forms:

Murabaha

Most of Islamic banking transactions are under this form. In Murabaha transactions, the Islamic bank purchases the product  to the request of a client, and re-sells the product to the client on a deferred payment basis. The bank purchases the product from the vendor, and sells the product to the customer at a marked up price (P+X), on a deferred payment basis. The period covering the deferred payment is effectively the financing period. The title to the product is transferred to the customer at the time of purchase, but the customer usually provides a collateral to the company during the financing period

Ijarah

The Islamic bank purchases the product and then leases it to the buyer with a profit margin. The customer makes periodic (typically monthly) rental payments to the Islamic bank. The title to the property remains in the finance company’s name

Istisna’a is primarily a deferred delivery sale contract. It can be used for financing the construction of a product.  With Istisna’a, the parties meet to agree on the specifications of the construction and the price. The Islamic bank then appoints the contractor to complete the project. The customer only commences repayment only once the project is completed. Repayments can be made at a fixed or a flexible profit rate

Musharakah

The asset is bought by the Islamic bank and resold to the customer in the form of an equity partnership. The customer buys an initial share and with each installment this share increases to eventually reach 100 percent ownership. Profits and losses, if they are part of the operation, are shared between the parties as in any equity agreement

Mudaraba

 An agreement between a Islamic bank and a third party whereby one party would provide a certain amount of funds, which the other party (Mudarib) would then invest in a specific enterprise or activity against a specific share in the profit. The Mudarib would bear the loss in case of default, negligence or violation of any of the terms and conditions of the Mudaraba

Wakala

An agreement whereby the Company provides a certain sum of money to an agent, who invests it according to specific conditions in return for a certain fee (a lump sum of money or a percentage of the amount invested). The agent is obliged to return the invested amount in case of default, negligence or violation of any of the terms and conditions of the Wakala

Written by: Bassel Nadim

Monetary regulation and financial liberalisation

Can a government make money out of financial repression? Can regulating the banking sector be attained while liberalising the economy? What is Basel Convention role? Where the World Bank stands? This paper addresses the puzzling questions of monetary liberalization in developing countries. 

Read my first published e-book on monetary regulation and financial liberalisation.

Author          Bassel Nadim

ISBN           978-1-257-92033-4
Copyright     Standard Copyright License
Published     July 18, 2011
Language     English
Pages            22    

Price             $5.24
File Format   PDF
File Size       180.2 kB

No longer Facebook

was also published on allvoices  

Users from Dubai are facing difficulties accessing the Facebook website. The incident was reported on July 5, 2011 at 12:30 AM local time (20:30 PM GMT). Instead, the Facebook url displays a Wikimedia page that says: Wiki does not exist. Trying alternative route such as going directly through the “log in url” gives worse answer i.e. 404-not found!

The reason of such case is not clear. Common causes include webmaster collapse or a successful hacking attack has taken place. The coming hours will reveal more facts and information.

Bassel Nadim

Stay in Sanaa

was also published on tripadvisor

Moevenpick hotel is located on Shamnsan Mountain (or Dhaher Hemiar as per locals). The property is 10 minute away from the city and 20 minute from the airport. The surrounding area is safe and secured due to the hotel’s inspection gate and nearby embassies.

Timeless and accurate services are provided by the hotel. Hygiene, comfort and attendance to the guests’ needs are well addressed by the management, I did not ask for any request twice. Employees are friendly and helpful with good English skills.

The premises is new and modern and has a beautiful view over the peaceful city of Sanaa. Some rooms have a balcony if you fancy staring at the horizon. In house facilities are properly operated, I have enjoyed the breakfast, the swimming pool and the gym. Speed wireless internet connection is available for US$ 24 a day.

The hotel is not surrounded by retail shops, it is advised to secure your stuff before hand. Mini bar supplies and food menu are expensive options.
Enjoy your stay.

Book Review: 1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets

was also published on Bookstove

ARE you running right and left in the morning looking for your stuff? Do you spend long time locating your keys? Are the papers piling on the disk forever? Are you planning to spend a day-off sorting your stuff out? Is your answer was yes to any of the questions above that means you need to read this book.

In her book 1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets Jamie Novak writes more than 400 pages of clutter-free tips and pieces of advice. The book is easy to read by everyone as it is divided into tips, each of which is few lines long and directly to the point. The book is not meant to be an academic reference on space management or ergonomics, rather, a mini guide to getting rid of junk. The provided tips are costless and focus on the reuse of the available facilities.

The book starts with a simple definition of clutter, followed by telling 33 reasons of why things are being accumulated. Some reasons include convincing ourselves of the need of the stuff, the profound love with certain possessions, and the too- good to-keep mentality. Jamie argues with the taken- for-granted rules and introduces alternative way to thinking about things. The author treats critical issues such as separation (from stuff) anxiety, procrastination, stress free holidays in just few tips and steps.

The book equips the reader with clutter proofing essentials and golden rules of storage to pave the way for implementing them every day and in every living and bedroom, in entryway to bathroom, and from garden to craft areas, and then it moves to dealing with papers and documents including financial records and statements. The book then moves to dealing with more interactive issues related to family, children, weekends, work and shopping.

The book provokes the use of simple actions rather than complicated ones, planning ahead, to-do list, grouping similar things together and how to utilize free minutes during the day. It enhances the tendency of placing things for one time and forever, and teaches how to be less attached to things. The book would help in improving time management skills and reduces stress.

While we need to appreciate the holistic clutter proof lists, they are sometimes repetitive and someone may feel that the same topic is being rewritten again or the same tips are being restated differently. The advice lack the evidence of whether or not they were effective.

The book sounds like someone is thinking loudly in community presentation, while this makes the book friendly to use, it is making it hard to be believed. Tips are treated equally in terms of importance there is no direction on what needed to be done first.

Bassel Nadim

Zimbardo vs. Guantánamo in Dubai

was also posted on Allvoices

A controversial confrontation between an ex-guard at Guantánamo Bay dentition camp and a former detainee will be taking place in Dubai accompanied by the facilitation of Dr. Philip Zimbardo, professor of psychology at Stanford University. Philip Zimbardo

Hosted by Boldtalks, Dubai-based community debate forum, the meeting will address the psychology behind the guard-detainee relationship, an argumentative topic in post modernization psychology which examines the psychological effects of human under given circumstances. Dr. Zimbardo’s famous simulation, Stanford Prison Experiment, will explain how Guantánamo’s rules has degenerated and dictated the behaviors of guards and prisoners in reality, beyond fences.

Moazzam Begg, the former detainee, is a British Pakistani held in Guantánamo for three years for allegations of being Al Qaeda member and was released without charge in 2005. Moazzam will be meeting his former guard TJ Holdbrooks an American who worked for some time at the camp and was converted into Islam after he saw how muslim detainees were keen on their faith.

Bassel Nadim

What the world has been searching for during 2010 – Part 1

Browsers around the world plug many hundred millions key words a day on search engines fishing for information on unlimited topics. Nevertheless, there is a global consensus on top words of which Google reveals the highest 10 faster rising words-in-search worldwide which are the following as of December 28, 2010:

1- iPad

2- fb (facebook)

3- facebook en español

4- 4shared

5- www.facebook.com

6- twitter

7- fifa

8- taringa

9- face

10- facebook

iPad and Facebook are the top words of interests ever. I will be providing more fascinating facts on end of the year ranking soon.

Bassel

Google Search Inquires do not Go in Vain

was also published on webupon.com

GOOGLE search inquires are stored and kept to feed its proprietary database to analyze trends and social behavior. Are you curious to read what does Google knows about you? Carry on reading.

As a response to the criticism on its transparency, Google has introduced a facility, called Google Dashboard, to enable users accessing what information has been collected. The service is free and can be reached by following a few steps: go to Google Homepage, click on the Privacy Link at the end of the page, click on the Dashboard Tab on the left side bar, then log into your account and scroll down to the end till you find the Web History Section… here we go, it shows you what you had been searching for since years ago.

The recorded results can only be retrieved if you were logging in while conducting the search, otherwise they will be stored under the computer’s IP and there is no platform to retrieve them yet.

If you are not satisfied that your records are being filed and tracked, then you can clear the search history and deactivate the archiving function by selecting Clear Web History followed by turning off Goggles Search History option.

Google eyes are no longer watching you.

Bassel Nadim
Artwork: Chip Taylor

A Good Hotel to Stay at in Moscow

was also published on TripAdvisor.co.uk

This is my first trip to Moscow and I found Aquamarine Hotel a good deal in terms of location, rooms, food and daily rate.

The hotel is located in a calm area nearby Moscow River, yet enjoys a “strategic” location by being 7 minutes walking distance away from the Red Square(face the river and walk left) and also about 5 minutes walking distance from Taganskaya street (face the river and walk right) where a plenty of restaurants and too many attractions are available rather. Enjoy exploring the neighborhood and don’t forget to pick up some of various free tourist materials and maps from the lobby while wondering around. I walked overnight there (11 pm) it was dark but safe.

The hotel has new premises with modern interior design and staffed by helpful well trained English-speaker employees. Rooms are clean and neat, I spent a comfortable night and cool stay - say a warm night because of the radiators. I have also enjoyed delicious international food offered by Topaz restaurant. Don’t forget to ask the hotel to register you with the police; this is a standard norm when visiting Russia.

The hotel accepts international credit cards and Rubbles only. It is fascinating enough is to find a currency exchange machine at the lobby, I have changed some US Dollars into Rubbles and the rate was the best I got in Moscow.

Enjoy your stay.

Bassel Nadim

Eat Organic!

was also published on tripadvisor.co.uk

If you follow organic food regime or welling to give it a try, why don’t you pay a visit to Organic Foods & Café in Dubai, the Greens, Emaar Business Park... Here we go

Everything in the shop is simple: the interior design, the décor, tables and even dishes and cutleries, it feels like a summer house! The menu offers several options and , as expected, all made from organic ingredients!. Don’t forget to ask for the complementary bread basket and butter, you can also request some slices of cheese. Prices are affordable and somehow below those in the nearby restaurants. Good meals include beef steak with stemmed vegetables and french fries, catch of the day (fish), and rich-in-cheese organic pizza. Friday and Saturday Brunch is also good choice. A selection of newspapers is available for you to read while eaingt. Pay a visit to connected organic retail shop and browse wide variety of organic food and home stuff.

The staff is really nice and the shop’s management is keen to make everyone happy especially with late served food (may happen). People who like fancy or business restaurants may not find this place appealing as there is no modern fixtures and many visitors are dinning in with comfortable home cloth! Access to the Greens and this shop is complicated and you need to have some directions before hand, however, designated parking spots are available. The shop closes at 9 pm, please call to confirm.

Bassel Nadim

Buy More Books On-line Than Ever Before

Was also published on Bookstove

PEOPLE used to buy book from local bookshops or garage sales. However, increasing numbers of readers are opting for on-line book stores aiming at browsing unlimited titles, different choices and convenience. Ensuring that you buy the book you need at the best deal is the name of the game.


The content you need
An important fact about buying a book is that there is no money-back guarantee concerning the book content. Books are subjective and readers can not claim a warranty on a creative piece of work. Redeaing the published reviews on the book’s web page or any other source if helpful to have an idea of the book. Try also to google the book itself returning search results into PDF format as some authores may publish part of the book to promote readers.


Actually, there are plenty of reading materials offered for free by communities and societies such as citizen bureau, customer protections, specialized associations and public interest groups. Always related the topic of interest to one of those bodies, you may find something relevant. For example the Financial Services Authority in the UK publishes Money Made Clear series which includes wide range of topics related to mortgage, financial advice, investment and money.


The best rate
To reduce the hassle of visiting all e-bookshops to check prices and availability, try price comparison websites such as www.allbookstores.com. Remember, it is not only the cover price but also other cost items especially shipment charges, taxes and delivery time. Consider books bargains, auctions, or buying used book after, but not before, concluding on the best deal of buying a new book as quotes for non-new books are often overpriced.


Shipment cost and time
In most cases shipping cost may add up 30% to the book original price. If you buy online very often, then opt for getting a UK or USA based addresses. Couriers companies, among other, can create a cyber address and ship the incoming post to your original address.  Subscription and shipment fees are lower than the shipment rates requested by e-book stores. Alternatively, buy a group of books in one purchase order, as many merchants offer free shopping for a certain checkout amount, Also try to place the order prior to sufficient time then you can select shipper shipment rate.


Make the best out of the book
Many e-shops and publishers offer the readers complementary services such discount and access for further readings online. You can also trade-in the book, e-bay and some other auctions and forums are helpful in getting almost 50-70% of the original price which will help in refreshing books budget.


Enjoy reading!


Bassel Nadim

A trip to the heart of Tatarstan - Kazan

Tatarstan Republic is part of Russian Federation, lies between the Volga River and the Kama River, and extends east to the Ural mountain.

My trip to Tatarstan went beyond expectations. Kazan the capital, a clam city ever, tells untold tales of the place and the mankind. The country shall be the next destination in your realization of the world. Nothing surprising to read in poem of “Shurale” what the famous Tatari poet Gabdulla Tukay (1886 -1913) wrote:

   “I recall in all directions

   Lay the backwood's broad delight.

   Grasslands there of glossy velvet

   Dazzled everybody's sight”

Reaching Kazan

Various public transport means are available across Russia, however, it is recommended to buy a ticket on Siberian Airlines (S7) which operates a couple of flights a day to Kazan via Moscow – Domodedovo , among other operators. Siberian Airlines is well known for departure on time comparing to other airlines. The trip to Kazan is about 80 minutes flying over the Volga region. You will be pleased to see the wide green country sides if no clouds.

Kazan airport is pretty small and can only accommodate a plan in a time. Passengers need to wait for the luggage outside the arrival hall, then to get back for collection. Be prepared to show the tag while claiming your bags.

The trip to Kazan city requires 30-45 minutes by taxi depending on the traffic jam. It is highly advised to book the taxi prior to your departure as taxis are not easy to find nearby. Buses are always available – not being tried by the author- bus 97 runs from the airport via the Mega shopping mall to "39 Kvartal” to connect to other areas in Kazan. If you are flying to Kazan from abroad, then you need to follow the Russian travel roles and entry regulations.

Accommodation
There are a plenty of hotels in Kazan, those by the Volga River are advised due to the spectacular views and the ease of walking around. Grand Kazan Hotel, for example, is a new 12-story modern property which enjoys a good location by the river and attached to a shopping centre. Receptionists are helpful and speak flair English. Rooms are nice and tidy with a Flatron TV screen that shows international, Italian, Russian and Arabic channels. Food and beverage facilities are within the acceptable range. Give a try to the gift vending machine located in the lobby, it offers a variety of souvenirs at affordable prices and cheaper than those in Kazan airport. A pool and a fitness center are available. Free speed Wi-Fi is accessible in the lobby. No internet in the rooms.

Walking Around
Most attractions are in a walking distance from the city center. The main attractions for tourists are around the Kremlin and Bauman Street. Yet, walking by the Volga River is second to none to grasp the city landscape which finds its roots from the old Tatari style and inspired by the Islamic and the Orthodox architecture and soviet culture. Kazan's Kremlin and the Kol Sharif mosque are very few examples. Don’t miss to visit Söyembikä tower, an ancient Tatari piece of art. Consult Kazan City Tourist Portal www.gokazan.com to learn further.

Following the general tips of safe walking around is advised! Carry the hotel registration card when outside. Majority of people in Kazan, like the case across Russia, speak no English. Carrying the address of the hotel and a list of key requests and locations is a good technique to follow.

Food
Varity of cuisines can be found across the city especially in Moskovaskay street. DTK national restaurant serves Russian and tatari food. Make sure to test the superb borsch soup with ingredients of meat or fish broths, red beets, mushrooms, cabbage, onions, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. Shashlik is also testy and too much similar to meat grills in the oriental cuisine. Food portion in Kazan, and Russia in general, is smaller than expected.

Enjoy your trip to Kazan.


Bassel Nadim

For more photos please read the TravelPod version