‘3alganoob’ is an annual 3-day music festival full of different underground bands from Egypt and other countries like Jordan and Lebanon. This year it was held at Soma Bay near Hurghada.
If you went you had the choice to either camp in a tent or stay at one of the three hotels in Soma Bay. While at first it might have seemed like a good idea to be adventurous and camp (after all, go big or go home, right?), this year people who stayed at a hotel were much more fortunate than the ones who camped, as you’ll see in the list of things you experienced at ‘3alganoob’ below:
1- ‘3alganoob ‘ Bus:
We chose to take ‘3alganoob’ bus because it would be affordable, safe, and quick (or at least that’s what we thought). It was actually a catastrophe; we spent three more hours on the bus than we were supposed to.
2-The Weather
Upon arrival, we were hit in the face by the nasty cold and dusty weather. Those staying in the hotel were lucky because they could just escape to their warm rooms and take a nap; however, people staying in tents were in real trouble because most of the tents weren’t even ready yet and they had nowhere to stay. Some of the people left and headed back to Cairo, others requested their money back and even called the tourism police.
3-You Showered With A Sky View
Yes, the showers in the camp had no ceilings, so, you can watch the sky and birds while showering with cold water and that was coupled with the beautiful windy/sandy weather.
4-Going To The Toilet Was Humiliating
Because it’s camping.
5-You Met the Australian Guy (Ryan) Who Lives In Switzerland And Had A Target To Talk With Everyone In The Camp And Take A Picture Of Them.
You impress us, Ryan.
6- Someone Definitely Tried Selling You Drugs
Especially if you were staying at the camp.
7-You Saw Some of ‘Cairokee’ Individuals Rehearsing On The Pool at ‘La Residence Des Cascades’ Hotel and Had Breakfast with ‘Sharmoofers’ at The Table Right Next to You.
Another benefit of staying at a hotel rather than the camp.
8-You Had To Befriend Shuttle Bus Drivers
Well, the shuttle buses that were supposed to give you a ride to and from the camp were a big mess for the most part, but if you were smart enough, you befriended the drivers and took their number. Maybe one of the smartest things we’ve ever done.
9-Exposure To The Stage, For Better or For Worse
The first band, ‘Portrait Avenue,’ was a shocking concert opener for any of us not into psychedelic music. Maybe we would have been more open to it if we weren’t already overwhelmed with the sand storm, cold, and unorganized music. Jadal and other impressive bands played, but unfortunately for them, the audience was tiny because of the weather and the shuttle bus mess.
10-You Fell In Love With ‘Sharmoofers’ Performance And Loved “SharmooFette”
Their performance was very energetic and the appearance of the female singer “Sharmoofette” was brilliant and we haven’t had enough of her.
11-You Had A Glimpse Of The Guy With A Black Painted Face And It Creeped The Hell Out Of You.
Who was that guy?
12-You Were Lucky Enough To Try Arika’s New Products: Floaters and Floating Bean Bags.
Yes, they were amazing!!!
13-You Had Colorful Powder Thrown on You
If not, then you have definitely seen some people and even dogs wandering around with colored hair or skin.
14-You Used Tokens Instead Of Actual Money And It Kinda Reminded You Of “Bank El 7az”
I know it’s their thing. However, it was useless. I have no idea why we had to use them instead of money. I mean, the place where you had to exchange money for tokens was right next to where you actually buy drinks, so, if anyone has any clue why we had to use them please let us know.
Finally, despite all the mishaps with the weather and organization, I think we can all say it was a “different” experience. And next year we’ll opt for the hotel.
