AAHA = Amicale Alexandrie Hier et Aujourd'hui : www.aaha.ch
GATHERINGS AND REUNIONS
Group Agamy
Tunisia, Hammamet, Hotel Vinci Taj Sultan
October 5th - 19th, 2008
..........and
they said it couldn't be done !!
Defying
all odds a 'nucleus' of the Canadian EGC/SHS contingent held their annual
get-together in
A lively and lovely group of 22 participants were present and once again that
friendly warmth for which 'Masriins' are renowned surfaced to welcome the 'new
blood'.
Mother
Nature was most cooperative for here we were in the month of October blessed
with unbelievable warm weather and we were able to bask in the sun on a
beautiful beach and enjoy both surf and sun on a daily basis. Often we would
lose track of the time spent in the water and it was only when looking at our
shriveled fingers did we recall our childhood when our parents would call out to
us to get out of the water because we had 'ghrasalla's hands' !!!
We
took breaks from the beach when excursions were scheduled. Boarding a pirate
galleon we sailed along the Hammamet coast sighting at close range numerous
dolphins. The coastline was to be a preview to the inland historical sites we
were to visit.
Touring the Cap Bon peninsula we visited Nabeul , Kerkouane and Korbous where we
witnessed artisans at work. A visit to a Berber village was a fine example of
their hospitality in their modest abode. Then on the way to Bouargoub we were
treated with wine tasting at the Château Bachus. One would never expect such a
large variety of wines enough to please a connoisseur’s palate.
The
capital city,
Now,
an optional excursion offered, entitled "Sahara Explorer" was that of
an overnight stay in the desert. Six of our group members braved the challenge
and were off to a unique experience. Upon their return to the hotel their
enthusiasm was such that one could sense a bit of envy and remorse in the rest
of the group. It was in the evenings when we'd gather on the outdoor terrace of
the hotel that their 'Explorer' experiences were shared with the rest of us. A
visit to Matmata and Douz , gate to the
The
many evenings spent on the hotel terrace gave us the opportunity to share laughs
with 'nokats' , play games and entertain ourselves with shared moments of
childhood memories, our roots ever present. One evening a very poetically
inclined, talented lady shared one of her works with us. Indeed through her poem
"Alexandrie"
Tradition
has it that we should end our get-together with a Gala Dinner which was held in
the hotel's 'La Vignia' restaurant. It was an opportunity for us all to show off
our Sunday's best and some music amateurs even demonstrated their singing talent
by joining in a sing-along with the pianist who provided a musical background
during dinner. The sharing of these two weeks of enjoyable moments in a relaxed
atmosphere bonded us in a friendship that leads us to make plans for 2009. The
habitual survey was conducted whereby participants voiced their opinion as to
where next year's reunion should be held.
The
2009 destination result...??
Well,
how about if you check with us in February, only then will we be able to inform
you further.
God
bless.
Nicole Biancardi-Francescutti
Photo 1 : Hotel Vinci
Top Row, Left > to Right : Nicole Biancardi, Richard Kimball, Farouk and Edith Moussa, David Elzik, Margrit Elzik, Julie Elzik, Youssef Elzok, Despina and Jack Rizopoulos
Bottom Row, L > R : Amina Hamada-Shaarawi, Djehana Hussein, Norma Malk-Kassabgi, Huguette Levy, Linda Stroun-Ichay, Diana Garabedian, Rose Sofer-Saleh, Frances (Vi) Javit.
Photo 2 : Hotel Vinci
Photo 3 : Hotel Vinci
Standing,
L > R : Jocelyne Assaf-Sargologo; Francesca Balestrieri-Calathopoulos;
Djehane Hussein.
Seated,
L > R : Youssef & Julie Elzik; Edith & Farouk Moussa; David &
Margrit Elzik; Jack & Despina Rizopoulos; Rosmira & Robert Mussawir;
Rose Sofer-Saleh; Nicole BIancardi; Richard Kimball; Norma Malak-Kassabgi; Diana
Garabedian.
Photo 4 : Happy Shopper in Sidi Bou Said
L
> R : Despina Frangoudis-Rizopoulos; Francesca Balestrieri-Calathopoulos;
Jocelyne Assaf-Sargologo; Nicole Biancardi; Norma Malak-Kassabgi
Photo
5 : Good luck Jack with
the lady shoppers !
Participants
Surname
Name
Affiliaton/School Residence
Frangoudis-Rizopoulos
Despina
E.G.C. Canada
Rizopoulos
Jack
Guest
Canada
Biancardi-Francescutti
Nicole
S.H.S.
Canada
Kimball
Richard
Guest
Garabedian
Diana
S.H.S.
Canada
Sofer-Saleh
Rose
E.G.C.
Canada
Malak-Kassabgi
Norma
Guest
Canada
Hamada-Shaarawi
Amina
E.G.C.
Canada
Assaf-Sargologo
Jocelyne
S.H.S.
U.S.A.
Elzik
Youssef
V.C.
U.S.A.
Elzik
Julie
Guest
U.S.A.
Elzik
David
V.C.
U.S.A.
Elzik
Margrit
Guest
U.S.A.
Balestrieri-Calathopoulos
Francesca
S.H.S.
Italy
Jarvis
Frances
E.G.C.
U.K.
Mussawir
Robert
V.C.
Spain
Mussawir
Rosmira
Guest
Spain
Hussein
Djehane
E.G.C.
Egypt
Ichay-Stroun
Linda
S.H.S.
Switzerland
Levy
Huguette
Guest
Switzerland
Moussa
Farouk Fahim
V.C.
Switzerland
Moussa
Edith
Guest
Switzerland
Conveners :
Despina
Frangoudis-Rizopoulos (EGC) : tel. (514)695-0694
E-mail: info@pianosprestige.ca
Nicole
Biancardi-Francescutti (SHS) : tel. (450) 465 - 7479
E-mail : nbiancardi@hotmail.com