Yasser, the general manager and my new Egyptian mate, guide, and helper, Ahmed  fixed me in on the football-lets-salute-the-african-champion-party yesterday. Face painting, flags, and a crowd of 50,000 singing and moving Egyptians, one Norwegian, and the national team of Egypt with the king of Arabic pop; Amr Diab (!)

When I say fixed me in..  Ahmed, at. 12.00; "you've got a photo together with Sepp Blatter, FIFA is suporting you.. 

 Ahmed takes a few calls and with with a blue neck ties, with FIFA on (ohh yes, got the of Blatter!), and with Ahmed as the official guide for the court reporter Heidenstrom, -  we were suddenly past guards and in the good seats. The seats were not used because it was a jumping, singing, and shouting party. Fantastic crowd! andd they now how to bouth sell and use the flags..... (yes it's a MMS shot..)

 

1 hour with the national team and then the king of Arabic Pop entered the stage before he was all over the stadium (and a special show in front of the son of the Presiden..) The came up and did a sing along, and even I tried to do my part. (I was great on Habibi!)

I guess the National team is home asleep now, but  you can meet Amr Diab are HERE! - With English subtitles. You should fast forward for about 3 minutes. Diab walks around with his  guitar that long... and you'll jump to the third minute and sing HABIBI !!!!!!!!! ... ( "My darling")

Yours Diab, and:

Bjorn Heidenstrom

PS! My favorite word on this planet is enthusiasm.    Egypt and Diab - you got it!

PSS! If you want to come over and meet Yasser, Ahmed & co, and a stay in Down Town; Try this; Cairo Center Link