Monday, January 23, 2012

New Beginnings

Hello from Cairo! The title for this post seems very apt, since not only is today publication day for Rebecca Emin's New Beginnings (more on that below), but it's also the opening of Egypt's first elected parliament since the 1950s.

What a change there's been in Egypt since my last visit here in December 2011. In just one year, people who were depressed and pessimistic about the future of the country have transformed into upbeat and optimistic. Gathering around the television this morning over a takeaway breakfast of tamaya (falafel) and fool (er... not sure any description can do this dish justice), there was palpable sense of pride as we watched the first session open.

From chats last night with a man in his sixties who led a group in Tahrir Square -- and was so close to the police he even grabbed a tear-gas canister after it was lobbed his way -- to mannequins in shop windows holding up revolutionary signs, the city has come alive again. The revolution has brought with it a whole host of problems and challenges, but as the one-year anniversary approaches, Egypt's citizens are finally looking forward to their future.

Now all they need is wine. Ha!

Now on to another New Beginning! Today is publication day for Rebecca Emin's wonderful YA novel.  Hop over to Rebecca’s blog Ramblings of a Rusty Writer to find all of the details of how she is planning to celebrate today, or you can read some reviews of the book itself on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.comYou may like to visit some of the other blogs helping Rebecca to celebrate today too.

About New Beginnings
Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.

When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive.

With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?


Here's to new beginnings of all sorts!

59 comments:

  1. Congrats to Egypt, and I hope the parliament serves the people well. The Arab Spring has been an inspiration to youths in Nigeria in the quest for justice.

    And all the best to Rebecca Emin on New Beginnings too.

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  2. Congratulations to Rebecca, she thoroughly deserves it.

    I love to hear about 'what happens next' in countries like Egypt.

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  3. Ooh...you are in Cairo??? i love your glamorous lifestyle. I would like to be smuggled in your suitcase on these journeys but I imagine you only have space for shoes:)

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  4. A very interesting post. Hope you enjoy your time in Cairo!

    Big congratulations to Rebecca too, I'm looking forward to reading her novel.

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  5. How wonderful you are part of their history today!

    Good luck to Rebecca.

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  6. Wow. Exciting times for Egypt and Cairo sounds amazing right now! So happy for them!

    And also, congrats to Rebecca on her pub day! ;-)

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  7. A very exciting time for Egypt, indeed.

    Thank you so much for also mentioning my book, I really appreciate it.

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  8. Rebecca's story is one many children will relate to...and wow...what an historical time to be in Egypt. I raise my glass of wine to you and Egypt's future.

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  9. Yes it's great to have new beginnings, Pleased you are enjoying life in Egypt. All the best to Rebecca on New Beginnings.

    Yvonne.

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  10. Talli!!! Hello back from London!!! Look at you in Cairo!! How wonderful and exciting!! Thanks for the updates on what's going on in Egypt in this most amazing time for them!! Glad there is a real sense of change and new found pride in the air! Of course it's not gonna be easy nor simple - but a new beginning is a new beginning! Yay!

    Hoooorah for Rebecca and her fab book!!! Take care
    x

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  11. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could all live in peace and harmony?

    I love Rebecca's work - wishing her a successful heap of sales!

    CJ x

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  12. It's good to see such positivity in Egypt. It brings hope to beleaguered nations.

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  13. Wonderful! I hope the parliament really does help Egypt's citizens!

    Congrats to Rebecca too!

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  14. I am just tickled-pink at what's been happening in the Middle East! So much work to be done, but they've come leaps and bounds in such a short time!

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  15. This was an inspirational post Talli:) Have a fantastic Monday and congrats to Rebecca!

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  16. Hooray for democracy, but do be careful, Talli.

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  17. Exciting times in Egypt, it's wonderful that you have a chance to be a part of the experience. Enjoy!

    I'm headed over to Rebecca's for a visit now ...

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  18. And you are there to see the changes!

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  19. Here's to big things for Rebecca and her book. And have a great time in Egypt. Look out for that mummy!!!

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  20. Lucky you! My daughter and hubs have both been but I never made it to Egypt. Enjoy your visit!

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  21. Its okay. Upon further inspection the mummy is bringing wine.

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  22. Congrats to Egypt. That's great!

    Also, congrats to Rebecca on the book. Wishing lots of sales!

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  23. So very different from your last trip!

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  24. Fantastic to read about Cairo in the streets!
    And good work Rebecca, have a great launch day!

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  25. Yes, congrats to Egypt and I hope you your time there Talli.

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  26. supercool, Talli! What a great post about the current state of Egypt. I bet there is a feeling of excitement there. Neat that you get to experience it. :o)

    Also, Rebecca's book sounds delightful--best to her with it~ <3

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  27. To new beginnings indeed! Cheers to Egypt and may their parliament serve the PEOPLE well :D

    Congrats to Rebecca and her novel!!

    Thanks for brightening my Monday with GOOD news :D

    Jen

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  28. Cairo! Fascinating! Hope you have a wonderful trip.

    I'll go check out Rebecca's book!

    ~JD

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  29. Thanks for that update, you roving reporter! What an exciting time!

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  30. I'll second that.

    Glad all is going in a positive direction for Egypt. This is good to hear because sometimes one hears otherwise.

    Congratulations to Rebecca.

    I like your stars.

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  31. How fascinating--so glad to hear the country's upbeat and excited! And I hope you're having an amazing time!

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  32. I'm so glad to hear about how things have changed!

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  33. I hope you enjoy Egypt. My sister went last year and she loved it.

    I'll check out the YA book now.

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  34. You do get about don't you?

    SO glad to hear about the optimism in Egypt. How exciting to be apart of nation picking itself back up after years of tyranny.

    Enjoy yourself!

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  35. Good to hear this, hope you can update us. As for the wine....you are so right! :)

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  36. Wow, that's fascinating. Have a safe fun trip!

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  37. Congrats to Rebecca!
    And a toast to new beginnings :)

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  38. With all the riots and things going on now-a-days, it's nice to see that SOMEWHERE is starting to get it's stuff together. Double woot for Egypt. Hope you're having a lovely time.

    <3 Gina Blechman

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  39. Sounds exciting! Have a great time, Talli! :)

    P.S. Congratulations, Rebecca!

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  40. You seen a lot of the "new" Egypt in your last two visits. I really hope it all works out to their satisfaction and they actually get what they wanted. Enjoy your trip!

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  41. It sounds like a landmark time for Egypt!

    Congratulations to Rebecca. :)

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  42. Wow, that is so cool you are able to be in Egypt during this time. I would be too scared I think- but it looks like you are used to it since you were there last year! Glad you are having a nice time!

    Congrats to Rebecca as well!

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  43. What an amazing thing to be a part of, Talli. To see history being made right in front of you.

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  44. Cairo? Wow, Talli. You are quite the world traveler. And what a momentous occasion to be present for.

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  45. Yay for Cairo! Wine indeed :)

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  46. Great news for Egypt! I can't wait to hear about your adventure! Hope you're having a wonderful time!

    Congrats to Rebecca on New Beginnings! Julie

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  47. V interesting post Talli - look forward to more reports from Egypt! And well done Rebecca....

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  48. How exciting that you're in Egypt during such a momentous time! And congrats to Rebecca!

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  49. Exciting times for Egypt. And for you, I hope.
    Congrats to Rebecca.

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  50. Hi Talli .. such an interesting place to be right now - and having Mr TR's family there to hear the news from with all the changes that will be coming. Must be fascinating .. enjoy the rest of the break - cheers Hilary

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  51. That's gotta be so exciting, to watch history happen right before your eyes.

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  52. Thanks for the Cairo update.
    That book looks great. My get me a copy.xx

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  53. Congratulations Egypt. I hope you're on the mend.

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  54. Very, VERY apt title! All the best to Egypt, and all the best to Rebecca with her book release!

    Not sure if you accept blog awards, but just thought you'd like to know I've nominated you for one:

    http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/2012/01/writer-wednesday-with-a-difference-blog-award/

    Have a lovely time in Cairo!

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  55. Wow! Egypt has moved forward in such a short time! Al the best to Egypt!

    Happy Release Day to Rebecca!

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  56. I hope everything will turn out fine in Egypt. Thank you for the information. I am following you from Rome, Italy.

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  57. "Now all they need is wine." HAHAHA I love that that is your make-things-perfect solution for everything! Hope you're having a lovely trip, Talli x

    Congratulations to Rebecca!

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  58. Talli, you get to do the most amazing things. What a wonderful opportunity and experience, to be there in Egypt at his time!

    Also, very excited for Rebecca! I'm hoping over to check out her blog now! :)

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  59. I just wanted to pop back and say thanks again to everyone who has posted good wishes about my debut novel. I am really grateful and I have been visiting your blogs too.

    Best wishes to everyone, and thanks again to Talli for mentioning my book xx

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Coffee and wine for all!