The culture shock of an interracial Egyptian marriage + Ladurée brings Parisian high tea to Egypt + A merger of dynasties in Renaissance Italy

???? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
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A cross-cultural marriage brings an American family to Om El Donia in Masrycany: Let the culture shock begin. Two families who couldn’t be more different come together in Cairo for the wedding of Kristy (Alexandra Grossi, who some may recognize from her appearances in Lucifer) and Ahmad (Sammy Sheik), and the hilarity ensues. From the get-go, the movie dives deep into the topic of culture shock rather than using it merely as a backdrop. “So no kissing in public, no super-tight or revealing clothing, no drinking in front of the family,” Kristy recaps the rules to Ahmad when they land in Cairo’s airport. The movie is directed by Noor Arnaoout, a Syrian-Slovenian writer and director based in Kuwait, who knows a thing or two about cultural differences herself. Bringing together an ensemble of familiar faces, including Egyptian stars Hala Fakher, Nahed El Sebai, and Mohamed Sallam, along with seasoned US actors Brett Cullen and Beth Broderick, the film is a fun, light flick to tune into on Shahid while you eat dinner (watch trailer, runtime 2:17).
⚽ Zamalek will host Chad’s Elect-Sport in the second leg of the preliminary round of the African Champions League at 8pm, after acing the first leg with two clean goals.
The UEFA Nations League is still going strong, with four games worth keeping an eye on tonight at 8:45pm: Netherlands v Belgium, Denmark v France, Austria v Croatia, and Wales v Poland.
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Head to Ladurée for a magnifique Parisian afternoon tea: The French luxury bakery Ladurée is widely recognized as the source of the finest macarons in the world. With its chic but understated debut in two locations in Cairo (New Cairo's Waterway and Sheikh Zayed’s Arkan Plaza) earlier this year, the Parisian patisserie has elevated our breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea experiences. We recommend the Benedectine soft-boiled eggs with spinach and salmon for a grand start to the day, and make some room for their chocolate French toast, which is served with Ladurée’s signature hot chocolate and vanilla ice cream. You can’t go wrong with any of their sweets, but if you’re looking for a yummy savory option, try their hummus avocado brioche toast. A word of warning: Their prices may be easy on your stomach, but not on your wallet.
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Dance performance Ambararo breaks the mold at Rawabet Art Space: Through a unique artistic performance, a group of dancers break the constraints and limitations imposed on society and the pressure to adhere to social norms. Ambararo is showing at Rawabet today and tomorrow at 8pm.
Or opt for a Cuban-inspired musical night with Cocoon band at Cairo Jazz Club: Led by jazz guru Hesham Galal, Cocoon plans to transport us to Havana through their meticulous Cuban and Latin jazz compositions tonight at 9pm.
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Historical fiction comes to life in The Marriage Portrait: Author Maggie O’Farrell is back with a stunning historical fiction book set in Renaissance Italy. Lucrezia de Medici unexpectedly weds her late sister’s fiancé, a man desperate for an heir, after her sister passes away. As Lucrezia gets to know her new husband, she begins to wonder whether he is the witty sophisticate he presented himself as before the wedding, the aesthete who finds solace in the company of artists and creative types, or the ruthless politician who inspires fear in even his mighty sisters. It’s not long before Lucrezia has to face another suspicion: That her new spouse is planning to kill her. O'Farrell is a stunning author, and her depiction of the 1500s life is truly compelling. While the plot was a little slow to build, the vivid descriptions of Medieval women's lives will keep you hooked. For fans of literary historical fiction, this is a must-read.