September 2013 Newsletter |
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Current Situation in EgyptA letter from Lorraine DunnHi Nicki Further to our phone conversation I thought I might add an email to give you my impressions of the current climate in Egypt at present. I arrived on August 6th and will be here until September 3rd. When I arrived, the airport was very quiet and it only took about 20 minutes to obtain my visitor's visa, check through passports and customs, and be on my way to Giza. For the first time ever, it only took about 20 minutes to get to the apartment. I immediately went to the rooftop to say hello to the Pyramids and thank them for welcoming me back yet again. I made the conscious decision to come this year (it has become an annual trip for me),even knowing the potential for conflict in the country. As it turns out, I feel as though I have had all of Egypt to myself this trip. There are tourists here but of course, the numbers are small. The world has the impression that our beloved Egypt is a dangerous place to be right now. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have walked streets by myself and been made to feel most welcome. Please read below, a response to a friend who was also concerned about being in Egypt right now. (The curfew has now been reset to 9 pm, and people are still out and about well after that time. The only time you are going to get stopped is if you are actually doing something you should not be doing) I am currently on the Afandina with Mohamed, Emil and families. We have had the most amazing couple of days sailing on the Nile and have been warmly greeted by everyone on shore as we sail past…it is so sweet to see all the children run from their villages to wave to us and yell out "Welcome to Egypt" Here is a copy of the letter I sent to my friend. Please do not hesitate to contact me with ANY questions you may have about coming at this time. I will do my best to answer in a timely manner. Mohamed, Hanan, and I just got back last evening from a lovely visit to Alexandria. We were there apparently when they caught the Number 2 man in the MB, trying to escape into Libya. There was a military presence in the streets but nothing intrusive. As they walked up the streets, accompanying the tanks (only 2) and the armored vehicles and trucks, people actually walked up to them to thank them personally for protecting them. I saw this scene from my balcony at the Sheraton Montazah and have some great photos that tell the story. Even at the toll booths leading from Alexandria there is a military presence but they are subtle, and actually a calming influence. People here are simply trying to get back to daily living, and make a living to support their families. There was a minor demonstration in front of the Meridien Pyramids on Tuesday but the crowd was quickly dispersed by the military and security forces and the whole situation was over within a couple of hours. It made the local news here but was nothing to speak of really. The only unusual observation I have made this trip really is the fact that I have not been approached by ANYONE wanting to sell something to me. They are more curious about my presence than anything else but are keeping a respectful distance. At no time have I felt unwelcome or fearful for my safety. The average person in the street with whom I do have a conversation is grateful that I chose to come to Egypt and cannot stop thanking me enough for doing so. The army is dismantling the Muslim Brotherhood, one member at a time, so this is the big news here at the moment. Egypt, the army, the security forces, the police, and the average peoples of Egypt are all united to rid themselves of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the influences they have had here. When you see the news reports stating "Egypt Fights Terrorism" you can believe it is true. They are doing everything possible to resolve this situation and restore stability to the country. As in any other country, the military is going to play a role in national security and they are taking the current situation very seriously… …Mohamed has been very open with me regarding what is going on and answers my questions when I ask him to explain current situations with me. No one here is trying to sugarcoat the situation so I take away the impression that everything is "OK". They know I see with my own eyes, and am able to assess situations quickly. No one knows yet where this will all lead. That is yet to be determined. However, I have not heard any reports of violent activity against tourists (and yes, there are tourists here… the Meridien was full of Filipinos last week). Anyone traveling within the country simply has to be mindful of their own security (as they should whenever they travel) and pay heed to recommendations being made by the tour company (ie, flying to a destination instead of traveling the road or taking the train). Would I feel comfortable staying in Egypt right now? Yes. The only thing that is a bit of a nuisance is the curfew in place at the moment. They are taking it very seriously and it is a necessary action for the time being. I expect this will be lifted soon and already people are beginning to relax. Keep in mind this is intended to be for a short time only, so the defense systems can truly gain control of the current situation. There are sporadic check points here and there but they are not intruding into the lives of the average person here. I know you love Egypt and her people. I know your heart mourns for what is happening at present. I know you would like for this all to be over. Trust me when I tell you, Egyptians feel the same way. As a foreigner here right now, I would have no problem coming back, or staying for that matter. Reincarnation through Revolution
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