CSA Membership?? American Club Maadi??

[sarahrqe]

Hello. Does anyone know where in Maadi the CSA is located? We went to what we were told is the "American Club" and were told that we could not join (Im American) because we didn't work for the embassy or the university.

Is the American Club the same as the CSA? We are a little confused...

Any info would help, although the CSA website doesn't give a location, I've already tried that.

We tried the British club on last Friday. It was nice but hard to find and they had a really loud party, we left when we were told the police were arriving. I'd like to go back, but maybe skip the loud party nights.

[adokhan]

CSA is located on Street 21, Building #4...it's off of Midan Victoria (close to Kimo Market). The street can be a little tricky to find...it runs parallel to Street 206 with the railway tracks in between the two streets. However, it's a well known establishment so most of the people in the area will be able to direct you.

CSA is different from the American Club...CSA is open to everyone and you don't need a membership unless you join the gym, library, movie club, etc.

[sarahrqe]

Thanks! I just found it; went and had a walk around. Looks nice. We're probably better off there than at the American club anyway; we prefer organizations that are open to everyone anyway.

Thanks for your help. How long have you been in Cairo?

[adokhan]

Originally Posted by sarahrqe

Thanks! I just found it; went and had a walk around. Looks nice. We're probably better off there than at the American club anyway; we prefer organizations that are open to everyone anyway.

Thanks for your help. How long have you been in Cairo?

Ah, good, glad to hear you found it I've been in Cairo for three years now, how about yourself?

[korupt]

Just came to Maadi two weeks ago. What's CSA? what do you guys do there? thanks.

[ArabRose]

CSA is the Community Service Association for expatriates. It is very popular amongst expatriate wives. It publishes a monthly magazine called "Oasis" and organizes many activities that appeals to the expats here.

It has a program called : Cooks-off twice a week - i.e. you can buy ready made food (on Sunday and Thursday) and I know of many who would purchase stacks of ready made food so they don't have to cook for the rest of the week.

I don't go there very often (maybe once or twice a month) although I know of friends who hang around there on a daily basis. If you hang around there long enough, you are bound to know other expatriates who may share the same common interests as you, such as gardening, jewelry making, children talk, etc etc.

I also do not go for their activities as they pay the instructor only 50% of fees paid by the first participant while the rest of the fees paid by other participants (including 50% of the first participant) goes into the pocket of the CSA. I believe in Fair Trade and this is not fair, at least to me.

Also I feel that the fees charged are grossly overpriced by Egyptian standards and although I can afford it, I believe in dealing fairly and equitably and I don't like to feed the greedy. But I know of many who enjoy these activities and I have positive feedback from them.

If you prefer organizations that are open to everyone, then perhaps CSA is the place to go for you.

As for me, I rather go and help the poor and the needy rather than to sit at CSA drinking coffee and making idle talks day after day although I must admit that Al Greco (the coffee shop) serves pretty good coffee.