❤️ Introducing Romantic Red Sea Experiences - Where Love Meets the Red Sea

Sometimes an idea doesn't arrive all at once.

It grows.

A journey becomes a memory.

A memory becomes a song.

A song becomes an idea.

And eventually, you realise that the idea wants to become something real.

Today, I'm excited to introduce a new project that has grown out of my connection with Egypt, storytelling, music, and the unforgettable atmosphere of the Red Sea:

Romantic Red Sea Experiences.

Creating Moments Couples Will Remember

Romantic Red Sea Experiences is a new project currently being developed for couples visiting Hurghada and El Gouna who want to celebrate their love in a memorable way.

The idea is simple:

You already bring the most important part - your story.

We help turn a moment of that story into an experience.

Whether you're planning a surprise marriage proposal, celebrating an anniversary, renewing your vows, or simply wanting to create a beautiful romantic memory together, the vision is to offer experiences shaped around the couple rather than one standard formula.

Because romance isn't the same for everyone.

For one couple, it might mean an elegant dinner overlooking the Red Sea.

For another, a private moment at sunset.

Some may dream of something adventurous and completely unexpected.

Others may want nothing more than a peaceful setting, beautiful details and time together.

The experience should fit the people living it.

Why Hurghada and El Gouna?

Because the Red Sea already does half the work. ❤️

Turquoise water, desert landscapes, palm trees, warm evenings, beautiful sunsets and an enormous variety of locations make Hurghada and El Gouna wonderful settings for romantic moments.

But there is another reason.

Many couples come to Egypt for a holiday and spend much of their time inside their resort.

There is so much more waiting beyond the hotel gates.

Romantic Red Sea Experiences is being created around the idea of combining love, atmosphere, local places and memorable experiences - giving couples another reason to discover the Red Sea beyond their resort.

Not Every Love Story Looks the Same

Some couples are celebrating the beginning of their journey.

Others have already shared decades together.

Some want excitement.

Some want elegance.

Some want privacy.

And some simply want to watch the sun rise or set beside the person they love.

That's why the project is being developed around different types of experiences rather than one definition of romance.

There can be room for adventure, music, food, nature, beautiful locations, surprises and quiet moments.

And perhaps, eventually, even something created especially for your own love story.

Music Is Part of the Story

For me, this project has another very personal connection.

I'm a songwriter and storyteller.

My music has increasingly been inspired by Egypt, travel, relationships and the emotions attached to places and people.

My album Red Sea Romance & Beyond turned some of those impressions into songs.

Now Romantic Red Sea Experiences takes that inspiration in another direction - from creating songs about memorable moments to helping create moments worth remembering.

Two different projects.

But they come from the same place:

stories, emotions, and memories.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Romantic Red Sea Experiences is currently in its development and testing phase.

Rather than pretending everything is already finished, I want the project to grow carefully, learn what couples are actually looking for and build the right local collaborations along the way.

The first experiences are being planned for 2027, and couples who are already considering a trip to Hurghada or El Gouna can register their interest through the pre-booking form.

There is no obligation to book.

It simply gives us the opportunity to learn more about what you're celebrating, when you expect to be in the Red Sea region, and what kind of romantic experience you might be dreaming about.

And There Is One More Thing...

To celebrate the beginning of this new chapter, we are also looking for some very special love stories.

Not perfect love stories.

Real ones.

Stories about how two people found each other.

What they have experienced together.

What they have overcome.

And what makes their relationship uniquely theirs.

That's why Romantic Red Sea Experiences is launching the 2027 Love Story Contest, giving couples who are already planning to visit Hurghada or El Gouna the opportunity to share their story.

Because ultimately, this project isn't really about decorations, dinners or beautiful photographs.

Those things can help create the setting.

But the heart of every romantic experience is something we could never provide.

You bring the love story.

We bring the experience.

Welcome to Romantic Red Sea Experiences. ❤️

❤️ Interested in a Romantic Red Sea Experience?

If you're already planning to visit Hurghada or El Gouna in 2027 and would like to celebrate a proposal, anniversary, vow renewal or another special moment, you can already register your interest.

Our pre-booking form is simply a first step. There is no obligation to book. It helps us understand when you're travelling, what you're celebrating and what kind of experience you're dreaming about.

👉 Pre-Booking - English

👉 Vorbuchung - Deutsch

To celebrate the beginning of Romantic Red Sea Experiences, we're also searching for beautiful real-life love stories.

How did you meet? What have you experienced or overcome together? What makes your love story special?

Couples who are already planning to be in Hurghada or El Gouna in 2027 can take part in our 2027 Love Story Contest.

The winning story will receive a Romantic Red Sea Experience, and additional selected couples may receive special offers.

Entry deadline: October 31, 2026

💌 Share Your Love Story - 2027 Love Story Contest

Please note: Travel to Egypt and accommodation are not included.

🌊 Red Sea Romance & Beyond - When Travel Becomes Music

Some places give you memories.

Others give you stories.

And every once in a while, you discover a place that gives you music.

Egypt has become one of those places for me.

My album Red Sea Romance & Beyond is a musical journey inspired by the beauty, contrasts, atmosphere and unforgettable moments you can experience around Egypt's Red Sea and beyond.

From the turquoise waters of Hurghada to the relaxed beauty of El Gouna, from evenings by the sea to the timeless magic of Luxor, every destination has its own rhythm.

And sometimes, that rhythm turns into a song.

From the Red Sea to the Nile

There is something special about travelling through Egypt.

One moment you're looking across an endless blue sea, and another you're standing somewhere surrounded by thousands of years of history.

You can spend the morning on the water, watch the desert pass your window in the afternoon and find yourself beside the Nile as the evening lights begin to glow.

Those contrasts fascinate me.

Red Sea Romance & Beyond captures some of those moments through music.

Beyond the Blue takes us to El Gouna, where lagoons, sunshine and a slower rhythm create the feeling of escaping from everyday life.

Another World is inspired by Hurghada and that wonderful feeling of arriving somewhere that suddenly seems far removed from the world you left behind.

Luxor Lights travels south, where the Nile, history and evening atmosphere reveal another side of Egypt.

And Let's Go Banana brings some fun into the journey with a musical trip to Banana Island.

Different destinations, different moods, one journey.

Egypt Is More Than a Destination

Travel isn't only about the places we photograph.

It's about how those places make us feel.

A sunset you weren't expecting to remember.

A boat ride where you suddenly forget what time it is.

Warm air after the sun disappears.

Music coming from somewhere in the distance.

A dinner overlooking the water.

A conversation you remember long after you've returned home.

Or simply that rare feeling of being completely present in a moment.

Those are often the memories we carry with us.

And those are the moments that inspire me most as a songwriter.

A Little Romance Belongs by the Sea

Of course, with a title like Red Sea Romance & Beyond, romance had to find its way into the music too.

There is something naturally romantic about the sea.

Maybe it's the sunsets.

Maybe it's the horizon.

Maybe it's being away from routines and responsibilities.

Or maybe travelling simply gives us more time to notice the person standing beside us.

The Red Sea can be adventurous, peaceful, playful and romantic, sometimes all in the same day.

And that made me wonder how many love stories have already been written along these shores.

First holidays together.

Anniversaries.

Unexpected encounters.

Marriage proposals.

Honeymoons.

Second chances.

Or simply two people sitting beside the sea watching the sun disappear.

Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones we remember forever.

Beyond the Music

Red Sea Romance & Beyond started with places, memories and music.

But inspiration has a funny habit of growing.

One idea leads to another.

A song becomes a story.

A journey creates another journey.

And sometimes something that begins as music starts becoming something else entirely.

But that is a story for another day. ❤️

For now, let's stay beside the Red Sea a little longer.

Red Sea Romance & Beyond by Lily Amis is available on Bandcamp.

✨ Somewhere Between - When Life Gives You Questions Instead of Answers!

There are chapters in life that come with clear beginnings and endings.

And then there are the chapters in between.

The moments when you know something is changing, but you don't yet know where it is taking you. When part of you wants to hold on and another part knows it may be time to let go. When hope and fear somehow manage to live in the same heart.

That space inspired my new album, Somewhere Between.

Somewhere Between Love, Hope and Uncertainty

Somewhere Between is an evolving collection of emotional songs about love, loneliness, longing, belonging, disappointment, hope and the search for direction.

It isn't an album about having all the answers.

Quite the opposite.

It is about those moments when life gives us more questions than answers.

Where do I belong?

Which road should I take?

When is something worth fighting for, and when is it time to let go?

Can love overcome distance?

Can we help someone we care about find their way?

What happens when a dream looks different once we finally reach it?

And how do we keep believing in tomorrow when today hasn't turned out the way we hoped?

These aren't questions belonging to one person or one particular story. At some point, most of us find ourselves standing somewhere between what was and what might be.

Songs About the Things We Don't Always Say Out Loud

The songs on Somewhere Between explore different sides of that emotional landscape.

Trapped in a Golden Cage is about longing for freedom, belonging and the courage to finally spread your wings.

Help Me Find My Way! captures the feeling of being lost and searching for guidance when every direction seems uncertain.

City Stars looks upward in those quiet nighttime hours when dreams, wishes and unanswered questions suddenly become louder.

Other songs explore restless hearts, the hidden darkness behind a smile, emotional emptiness, finding love after loneliness, complicated connections, heartache after a journey filled with hope, and the distance that can exist between two people who desperately wish they could be closer.

Different stories.

Different emotions.

But they all meet in the same place:

somewhere between.

Maybe You Have Been There Too

Perhaps your "somewhere between" is a relationship.

Perhaps it is a city, a country, a career, a dream or a decision you haven't made yet.

Maybe you're waiting for something.

Maybe you're trying to leave something behind.

Maybe life surprised you with something beautiful at exactly the wrong time.

Or perhaps you're simply standing at a crossroads, looking in two directions and wondering which version of your future is waiting for you.

That's what I wanted these songs to hold: not perfect answers, but real emotions.

Because sometimes music doesn't need to tell us what to do.

Sometimes it simply reminds us that someone else has felt it too.

The Story Isn't Finished

Unlike most of my albums, Somewhere Between was never meant to feel completely finished.

It is a musical diary that can continue growing as life changes, new questions appear and new chapters begin.

Because that's how life works.

We don't always know what's waiting on the next page.

Sometimes we are hopeful.

Sometimes we are heartbroken.

Sometimes we are brave.

Sometimes we are terrified.

And sometimes we are simply...

somewhere between.

Somewhere Between by Lily Amis was released in August 2026 and is available on Bandcamp.

Listen to the album! 

🔍When Nobody Takes Responsibility!

How I Spent Months Trying to Remove My Own Book After My Publishing Contract Expired!

Introduction

When I signed my publishing agreement more than seven years ago with an Italian Publisher in Rome, I believed I understood how the process worked.

A publisher publishes a book.

The contract eventually expires.

The rights return to the author.

The book is removed from sale.

Simple.

At least, that is what I believed.

What followed instead was months of emails, contradictory explanations, executive customer service teams, technical investigations, unanswered questions, and one simple problem that nobody seemed willing-or able-to solve.

Who is actually responsible for removing a book after a publishing agreement has expired?

This article is not written out of anger.

It is written because I believe authors deserve transparency, and because I hope my experience may help others avoid finding themselves in a similar situation.

---

Chapter 1

Seven Years Later

My book Destinazione Libertà was published by Armando Editore in Italy.

After more than seven years, the publishing agreement expired in November 2025.

As the author, I expected the process to be straightforward.

The contract had reached its end.

The rights reverted to me.

I naturally assumed that the publisher would withdraw the book from distribution and that the various Amazon marketplaces would update accordingly.

That did not happen.

Months later, my book was still available for purchase.

---

Chapter 2

The Beginning of a Very Long Conversation

My first emails were polite.

I contacted the publisher.

I contacted Amazon.

Initially, each side appeared to point me toward the other.

Amazon repeatedly described the matter as a dispute between author and publisher.

The publisher indicated that Amazon was responsible for removing the listing.

Meanwhile, my book remained available for purchase.

---

Chapter 3

Contradictory Answers

Over the following weeks, I received responses from multiple Amazon departments.

Some stated that the listing would not be removed.

One email even informed me that the book would no longer be made available for sale—only for Amazon to later apologise and explain that the message had been sent in error.

Eventually my correspondence reached Amazon Executive Customer Relations.

For the first time I received replies from named representatives rather than anonymous template responses.

That was progress.

Unfortunately, the answers themselves remained inconsistent.

---

Chapter 4

The Publisher Responds

At the same time, Armando Editore began responding more actively.

The publisher:

• confirmed that the publishing agreement had expired,
• provided royalty statements,
• transferred the outstanding royalties,
• repeatedly contacted Amazon regarding the listing,
• forwarded Amazon's replies to me.

One of those replies from Amazon Advantage stated that my book had been removed from Amazon's system and that no further new orders would be processed.

Yet when I checked Amazon.com.be...

The book was still there.

Still in stock.

Still sold directly by Amazon.

Still available to purchase.

---

Chapter 5

Amazon's Final Position

Eventually, Amazon Executive Customer Relations provided what appeared to be their final position.

According to Amazon:

The publisher is responsible for initiating and completing the removal of the listing.

That statement seemed clear.

But it immediately raised another question.

If the publisher had already contacted Amazon, and Amazon itself had confirmed the withdrawal, why did the listing remain active?

Even Amazon's own Seller Support later explained that the matter had been escalated to a specialised technical team.

At that point, the issue no longer appeared to be a disagreement between author and publisher.

It appeared to have become a technical problem inside Amazon's own catalogue systems.

---

Chapter 6

What I Learned

This experience taught me several lessons that I wish I had known years earlier.

Publishing contracts do not always end cleanly.

The legal end of a contract does not necessarily mean the practical end of distribution.

Keep every email.

Every reply became part of an important paper trail.

Document everything.

Dates.

Screenshots.

Marketplace listings.

Promises.

Payments.

Without documentation, it becomes almost impossible to reconstruct what happened.

Stay professional.

There were moments when frustration could easily have taken over.

Looking back, I am grateful that I continued writing calmly and factually.

The documents speak much louder than emotional language ever could.

---

Chapter 7

Why I Am Sharing This Story

This article is not intended to attack any individual or organisation.

Publishing is complex.

Large online marketplaces are complex.

Technical systems are complex.

But authors deserve transparency.

When a publishing agreement expires, there should be a clear and understandable process that protects both publishers and authors.

My hope is that sharing this experience encourages discussion about authors' rights, publishing transparency, and the practical challenges that can arise long after a contract has ended.

If my story helps even one author navigate a similar situation more confidently, then sharing it will have been worthwhile.

---

Status at the Time of Publication

Publishing agreement expired: November 2025

Outstanding royalties: Paid

Publisher: Confirmed repeated requests to Amazon to remove the listing.

Amazon Executive Customer Relations: Confirmed that the publisher controls the listing.

Amazon Seller Support: Confirmed that the matter had been escalated to a specialised technical team.

Current status: My copyrighted work is still ONLINE without my approval! 

---

Final Thoughts

This story is still being written.

If the listing is eventually removed, I will gladly update this article to reflect that outcome.

Because the purpose of this article is not to win an argument.

It is to document a journey.

A journey that began with one simple expectation:

When a contract ends, a book should no longer be sold under that contract.

Sometimes, however, reality proves to be far more complicated.

Yalla Boro: A Musical Celebration of Friendship Between Egypt and Iran

Football has a unique ability to bring people together.

For ninety minutes, millions of people share the same emotions. They celebrate together, hope together, and sometimes suffer together. Regardless of language, culture, or nationality, the beautiful game creates moments that connect us.

That spirit inspired my new mini album, Yalla Boro.

The project was written for the World Cup match between Egypt and Iran, but it is about much more than football. At its heart, it is a celebration of friendship, respect, and the connections that can exist between nations.

As someone with Iranian roots who has fallen in love with Egypt, I wanted to create a musical bridge between two countries that have rich histories, proud cultures, and passionate football supporters.

The mini album contains three songs.

Yalla Boro

The title track combines English lyrics with familiar football chants and expressions that many people across the Middle East recognize instantly.

"Yalla" means "Let's go!" in Arabic, while "Boro" means "Go!" in Persian. Together they create a simple but powerful message that football fans from both countries can understand and sing along to.

The song celebrates the excitement of match day while carrying a message of sportsmanship:

"My heart is not divided, my heart is united."

From Cairo to Tehran

The second track tells the same story through a different musical lens.

Featuring a new arrangement, a different melody, and a shorter format, From Cairo to Tehran focuses on the emotional connection between the two nations.

It reflects the journey from the banks of the Nile to the streets of Tehran and reminds us that shared dreams often matter more than our differences.

Yalla Yalla

The third song is a complete Arabic version created especially for Arabic-speaking listeners.

While the melody and message remain familiar, the Arabic lyrics give the song its own identity and allow the spirit of the project to reach a wider audience throughout Egypt and the Arab world.

One Ball, One Dream

The slogan featured on the cover artwork is simple:

"One Ball, One Dream."

For me, it captures everything this project stands for.

Football rivalries are exciting, but respect is even more important. We can support our teams passionately while still appreciating our opponents and celebrating the shared joy that sport creates.

Whether Egypt wins, Iran wins, or the match ends in a draw, my message remains the same:

"My heart is not divided, my heart is united."

May the better team win.

Visitors: If Aliens Arrived Today, What Would We Tell Them?

When I wrote "Visitors", I wasn't really writing about aliens.

I was writing about us.

Like millions of people around the world, I have followed the recent Artemis missions with fascination. Humanity is once again preparing to return to the Moon, and the dream of reaching Mars no longer feels like science fiction. New rockets are being built, new missions are being planned and every successful launch reminds us that exploration is part of human nature.

But at the same time, another question kept bothering me.

If intelligent visitors from another galaxy arrived on Earth today, what would they think of us?

Would they be impressed by our technology?

Or would they be shocked by what they found?

While humanity celebrates new achievements in space, wars continue to destroy lives here on Earth. Families are displaced. Children grow up in conflict zones. Entire communities struggle with poverty, hunger and insecurity. The contrast can sometimes feel impossible to ignore.

That thought became the foundation of "Visitors".

The song imagines an extraterrestrial traveler asking a simple question about life on Earth. Instead of describing a peaceful and united civilization, the answer becomes a dark reflection of the world we have created. Through rap verses and an R&B chorus, the song explores greed, inequality, violence and humanity's endless search for power.

The references to space travel are not meant as criticism of science or exploration. Human curiosity has always pushed us forward. The problem is not reaching for the stars. The problem is forgetting the people standing next to us while we do it.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing humanity is not building a colony on Mars.

Perhaps it is learning how to live together on Earth.

The title "Visitors" reflects that idea. Sometimes it takes an outsider's perspective to see ourselves clearly. By imagining how an alien civilization might judge humanity, the song asks a difficult question:

If visitors arrived tomorrow, would we be proud of what they discovered?

Or would we tell them to keep flying?

Until we can answer that honestly, the message of the song remains the same:

Before we explore other worlds, let's take better care of our own.

🔺Cairo, Giza and the Magic of the Pyramids

Two months ago, before our trip to Cairo, we spent wonderful days cruising along the Nile and later relaxing on the Red Sea in Hurghada. Like many visitors, we were offered a variety of optional excursions by local tour operators. One of the most popular choices was, of course, a day trip to Cairo.

Many people from our cruise group decided to book it. Some flew there, others travelled by bus. We considered joining them, but in the end we listened to our hearts and I am very glad that we did.

One of the reasons we skipped the day trip was that there was one very special place we wanted to visit, and with the tight schedule of an organised tour it simply would not have been possible. Instead, we stayed in Hurghada and enjoyed the sunshine, relaxed by the pool, and waited until we could experience Cairo properly later.

The typical day excursion includes a visit to the old Egyptian Museum, the new Grand Egyptian Museum, the famous bazaar, and of course the highlight for most visitors: the Pyramids of Giza.

When our fellow travellers returned, they all shared a similar impression. They had enjoyed the experience, but many felt rushed. There was very little time for the museums, very little time for the pyramids, and most of the day was spent moving from one location to another.

Honestly, it is not surprising.

Cairo is one of the largest cities in the world. Millions of people live and work there every day. Crossing the Nile, navigating the traffic, and travelling between the city's major attractions takes time. In many cases, visitors spend more time getting from place to place than actually enjoying the places they came to see.

That is why my recommendation to anyone planning a visit to Cairo is simple:

Do not book a day trip if you can avoid it.

If possible, spend at least three days in Cairo and Giza. Even better, stay four nights. Yes, it costs more, but it is worth every penny.

Because there is something that no documentary, no television program, and no travel video ever managed to prepare me for.

The energy.

The pyramids have an atmosphere that is impossible to describe until you stand in front of them yourself.

For me, it was one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited.

I expected crowds. I expected noise. I expected chaos.

Instead, I found a place that felt strangely calm.

A place where time seemed to slow down.

A place where I could have stayed for days.

The photographs are impressive. The documentaries are fascinating. But neither comes close to experiencing the site in person. Standing there, surrounded by monuments that have watched over humanity for thousands of years, creates a feeling that words can barely capture.

Another thing that impressed me was the organisation.

Despite the enormous number of visitors, everything works remarkably well. The buses, ticketing systems, guides, horse rides, camel rides, visitor routes, and security arrangements are all carefully managed.

Over the years we have travelled extensively across Europe, North America, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and beyond. Yet no place has impressed me as much as Egypt when it comes to hospitality and handling large numbers of tourists.

The country welcomes millions of visitors while preserving some of the most important historical treasures on Earth.

Egypt truly is a destination everyone should experience at least once.

And there is one more thing I took away from this journey.

For years I watched documentaries claiming that aliens must have built the pyramids because ancient humans could never have achieved such an extraordinary feat.

After visiting Giza, I found those theories less convincing than ever.

At the site, visitors can see evidence of planning, engineering, and construction techniques, as well as the incredible human effort that went into creating these monuments. What impressed me most was not the idea of some mysterious outside force - it was the realisation of what human beings were capable of accomplishing thousands of years ago.

Rather than searching for fantastic explanations, I left Egypt with a deeper respect for the people who built this remarkable civilisation.

Their achievement is extraordinary enough without adding myths.

The pyramids are not a mystery because they were built by aliens.

They are a wonder because they were built by humans.

Thousands of years later, they still stand.

And long after all of today's theories, arguments, and internet debates have disappeared, they will probably still be standing there - watching the world go by.

As expected, this unforgettable journey became the inspiration for my third Egyptian-themed album.

The album is titled 0020CAI. The number 0020 refers to Egypt's international country code, while CAI stands for Cairo - the city that left such a lasting impression on me.

From the peaceful atmosphere of the pyramids to the magic of the Nile, from hidden stories of ancient Egypt to moments of love, friendship, and wonder, this journey gave birth to 12 beautiful songs, each inspired by a different memory from our travels.

I hope you enjoy every single one of them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Thank you, Egypt, for the memories, the inspiration, and the music.

💛NOUR: How a Stranger in Cairo Inspired a Song by Lily Amis

The true story behind NOUR, a song inspired by an unexpected act of kindness from a young man from Alexandria during a journey through Cairo, Egypt. ✨

The Story Behind the Song: NOUR

Sometimes the songs that mean the most begin with the smallest moments.

During my journey through Cairo, I spent time at the hotel coffee shop where a young man named Nour worked. Nour was originally from Alexandria and, like many people I met in Egypt, he carried a warmth and kindness that made strangers feel welcome.

One day he surprised us with free ice cream. In return, I gave him a small USB stick containing some of my music. It was a simple exchange. Nothing extraordinary. Just two people sharing a little kindness.

When it was time to leave, Nour handed us two bracelets as a goodbye gift.

I was genuinely touched.

Not because of the bracelets themselves, but because there was no reason for him to do it. There was no hidden agenda, no expectation of anything in return, no benefit for him. It was simply an act of generosity from one human being to another.

In a world where we often hear stories about division, conflict and disappointment, moments like these matter.

The bracelets became a symbol of something much bigger: the reminder that kindness still exists.

Long after souvenirs are packed away and photographs are stored on hard drives, certain moments stay with us. Sometimes a person you only know briefly leaves a lasting impression. Sometimes a stranger restores a little faith in humanity.

That is what inspired NOUR.

The title carries a special meaning because "Nour" means "light." It is both the name of the person who inspired the song and a reflection of what he brought into that moment: light, warmth and kindness.

The song is not really about bracelets.

It is about how one small act can travel much farther than we imagine.

It is about friendship without expectations.

It is about gratitude.

It is about remembering that humanity is still alive in the everyday gestures we often overlook.

This song is my way of saying thank you.

Thank you, Nour.

Shukran ya Nour.

🐾❤️Cairo's Invisible Residents: The Street Dogs Nobody Talks About!

When people think of Cairo, they think of the pyramids, the Nile, the bustling streets and endless traffic.

What they rarely think about are the dogs.

Yet during my visit to Cairo, I kept seeing them everywhere.

Not running through the streets. Not begging for attention. Most of the time they were simply sleeping.

On pavements. In parks. Under trees. In the shade of buildings.

At first glance, nothing seemed unusual. Cairo is one of the largest cities in the world. In a city of this size, seeing free-roaming dogs is hardly surprising.

But after a while, I realised something.

The dogs were everywhere, yet almost nobody seemed to notice them.

People walked past them. Tourists took photos of monuments. Life continued around them as if they were part of the landscape.

Perhaps they are.

For many Cairenes, street dogs have always been there. They are part of the city's daily rhythm, sharing public spaces with millions of people.

Looking at the dogs resting on the ground, I couldn't help wondering what their lives looked like beyond these quiet moments.

Where would they find food later that day?

Who would help them if they became sick or injured?

Would anyone even know their names?

The dogs in my photographs do not show dramatic suffering. They are not shocking images.

In a way, that is exactly the point.

Animal welfare is not only about emergencies. It is also about the countless animals living ordinary lives on the margins of society, surviving one day at a time.

Cairo reminded me that street dogs are not an exception. They are part of a much larger reality that exists throughout Egypt.

Whether in Cairo, Hurghada or countless smaller communities, thousands of dogs depend on the kindness of individuals who choose not to look away.

Most people will never notice them.

I did.

And once you notice them, it becomes difficult to forget them.

🗝️The Story behind the Song BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR!

Some songs are written from imagination.

Others arrive from moments that quietly change you forever.

“Behind the Green Door in Cairo” was born from one of those moments.

For decades, we carried a dream in our heart: to travel to Cairo and visit the resting place of King Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Not out of politics alone, but out of memory, emotion, history, longing, and the complicated feeling many Iranians around the world understand all too well - the feeling of carrying a homeland inside you, even when you are far away from it.

When we finally arrived in Cairo and stood before the Rifa’i Mosque, we felt overwhelmed. We had imagined this moment for years. We wanted to pay our respects. We wanted to pray. We wanted to speak the words that had stayed in our hearts for so long.

But when we arrived, the entrance to the resting place was closed due to maintenance.

Just a few steps away.

Separated only by a green-covered door.

It sounds like a small detail. Yet in that moment, it felt much bigger than a door. Standing there, unable to enter, something broke inside us. The experience suddenly became symbolic of something larger - the distance many Iranians feel from their homeland, from stability, from closure, from hope, from each other.

The closed door became a mirror.

That moment inspired the central line of the song:

“Between your history and our misery.”

The song is not only about one place or one person. It became a song about longing itself. About carrying memories across borders. About searching for connection. About wanting to feel at home again.

One line that became especially important to me while writing the song was:

“Maybe I just wanted to feel at home.”

Because in the end, I realized that this journey was never only about reaching a tomb. It was about searching for belonging.

Musically, I imagined the song as something intimate and cinematic at the same time — influenced by emotional 90s ballads, soft orchestral textures, and Persian instrumentation such as ney and daf. I wanted the production to feel like a prayer whispered into silence rather than a loud political statement.

The Farsi intro and outro were very important to me as well. They carry the private conversation that never happened:

“آمدم…

ولی نشد ببینمت…”

“I came…

but I couldn’t see you…”

In many ways, “Behind the Green Door in Cairo” became a song for everyone who has ever stood close to something they loved - yet still couldn’t reach it.

And despite the heartbreak within the song, there is still hope inside it too.

Hope through memory.

Hope through unity.

Hope that one day, all the closed doors may finally open again.