I'm interested, too.

I will watch comments here, too. Same question on TA on the Cairo forum was closed down.

Well, not exactly the same question, but a similar question. Actually two on this topic were closed while one is still up there. Not sure why they were closed as I did not read the comments.

I'm departing for Egypt tmrw and would really like to know what's the situation like over there

I have a trip to Egypt planned fpr the spring--thought it best to go there soon, because who knows what the situation might become once Mubarek is gone and things become unstable. But looks like that has happened sooner rather than later.

Ours is coming up in the spring, too. This is the first time ever that we bought trip insurance at the suggestion of our travel agent and this is one of the situations she mentioned that might casue us to make a change in plans.

Our local news (here in Australia) reported that the Egyptian government has cut all "social media" access, includes emails, FB, Twitter etc to curb the organisation of further protests, it seems. At one stage even mobile phones were off the air, and Internet access was also cut completely.

I think some of these were restored, as emails are starting to trickle through now.

Could be that is why we haven't heard from Casual Cairo yet. Hope she is safe and out of harm's way.

Can't comment re Cairo, but in '08 when there was upheaval in Kenya post-election, there was lots of misinformation to the outside world.

Yes, there were riots, burning, people lost their lives... all very terrible and perpetrated on the people least able to deal with such horror. However, what we saw on CNN was often stagged for the camera, with said rioters paid $5 to be their in front of the media. On a day when the guy handing out the money didn't show, CNN had nothing to report. And, as far as visitors were concerned, none were ever targetted or harmed. Sure, some countries forbid their citizens to travel, some tour operators cancelled trips, but for those (mostly Americans as for a change the US didn't issue a "do not travel") had a wonderful experience but sad for the Kenyans.

Of course, whatever is happening in Cairo to any of their citizens should be a concern overall, but it would be nice to be able to get some "on-the-ground" info.

Debbie, where are you and hope you're fine.

sandi, that's why I asked.

I, too, was planning a trip this Spring and had contacted Debbie at Casual Cairo for a quote last Monday. I got an auto reply to my email that she was out of town until February 5th.

There's some interesting current information on the TA Cairo Forum.

Egypt's stock market has plunged more than 6%...

www.insuremytrip.com might be wise for folks headed that way.

Amex Global Travel Shield saved my bacon in Ecuador

a couple of months ago when civil unrest struck there.

Happy Journey,

Yes, Debbie I have been thinking about you.

How are you doing down there and what is the situation really
like.?

Hope you are okay.

Here's the link to the TA report:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294201-i9404-k4197246-The_siruation_in_Cairo_until_next_Saturday-Cairo.html

BBC are reporting more major protests in Cairo and across the country. Protestors focussed on getting rid of the Mubaraks. How brutal is he willing to stomach being to stay in power?

I don't normally post on this forum, but found this news story to be pertinent:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20029862-281.html?tag=cnetRiver

The Cairo protests predicted for Friday by the poster on the TA boards has come true. I have been watching CNN, FOX and clicking around to any other channel with news on. The Wall Street Journal today has a report from a blogger located in Alexandria. All very interesting to follow, and to see how it all works out.
In the meantime, our planning is on hold, and I will send no deposits. Even if I could.
I haven't heard from my tour operator this week. All the news this am says internet and cell phone comm is shut down by the government.

Cell phone and govt-controlled internet is down. Land lines seem to be working and some company-owned internet lines are working.

(Reuters) - U.S. citizens should postpone non-essential travel to Egypt and Americans who are in the country should stay inside amid violent street demonstrations, the State Department said on Friday.

This was to be expected...at least maybe it will help those wanted to cancel travel within the next couple weeks and get full refund or reschedule. Don't book anything now or insurance will not even cover you.

Delta has their last flight from Cairo to USA tomorrow morning and then suspending service.

This is serious. Mubarak family has left Egypt including his son who he is/was grooming to take his place. Mubarak himself is missing in action.

Strafor Global Intelligence has set up a special site to monitor what is going on in Egypt. They have boots on the ground and update continually.

Egypt Unrest: Stratfor: http://link-url.com/KS

I'm a little surprised we haven't heard from Debbie yet so she must be very busy. I hope she will jump in soon and let us know she's OK.

After I posted this I remembered the Egyptian government has blocked the internet which could explain why we haven't heard from Debbie. I hope she is OK.

I am fuzzy on this, but I think Debbie may be traveling.

Unfortunately, to be on the safe side, we decided to cancel our trip scheduled for March. Hopefully, we will be able to visit Egypt some time in the future.

As for Debbie, if I am not mistaken, her website mentioned she was away on a trip. In any case, I hope she is okay.

I'm sorry to hear that Marianna, it's so disappointing to cancel a much awaited trip. I hope things will settle down in Egypt soon.

While I too hope that things "settle down" what I really hope that the citizens prevail and get a totally new government that the majority can back...this was like an explosion waiting to go off for many years and I hope there are some results. I can't help but think that Debbie is very smart to be traveling and I would consider extending it!! This must be really crazy for the tour companies that book air/hotel etc.

News this morning, Sat Jan 29, has that looters broke into the museum and destroyed two mummies and ransaked the ticket office. Apparantly, Egyptian citizens fought with them trying to prevent the vandalism.
We have basically cancelled our plans for Egypt this year. I hope the citizens of Egypt are successful in improving their government and their lives. As the history of America shows, sometimes it takes violence and great personal risks.
But I also hope they don't end up with another bunch of dictators and crazies.

We will be watching with keen interest.

While I am hoping for a positive outcome to these protests, the immediate impact is just what we've seen here - a loss of tourism dollars. I remember all too well what it was like for 3-4 months after 9/11.

I do not blame anyone for canceling or postponing their Egypt trips, I just feel bad for the people who count so heavily on the tourist industry to made ends meet.

>>News this morning, Sat Jan 29, has that looters broke into the museum and destroyed two mummies and ransaked the ticket office.<<

That's very sad to hear.

"News this morning, Sat Jan 29, has that looters broke into the museum and destroyed two mummies and ransaked the ticket office."

This is terrible, the one thing, if true I'd would have hoped the Egyptians would have learned from what happened in Baghdad. That's their history, the world's history, and bring tears.

If you want Mubarak out, then do what you feel has to be done, but please leave your country's treasures alone! It would be shameful and unforegivable if you didn't.

I can just picture Zahi Hawass and his staff running around that museum to protect it from possible looters. Too, too sad!

THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN. I AM ACTUALLY ON HOLIDAY MYSELF IN FLORIDA NOW, SO DON'T KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING THAN YOU DO. WHEN THEY OPEN THE INTERNET THERE AGAIN I'LL BE ABLE TO KNOW MORE. I GO BACK ON FEB 3 AND CAN GIVE A FIRST HAND REPORT AFTER THAT.

AGAIN THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN.

DEBBIE

CASUAL CAIRO

I'm glad to hear Debbie is fine. We were worrying too.

Thanks for checking in, Debbie.

What is truly amazing is how fast all of this happened. The Middle East is clearly far less stable than we are led to believe. Sad for those of us who enjoy traveling, and I fear the economic fallout for the lack of tourist dollars, which are a huge part of Egypt's economy. Still, when 70% of the population lives on less than $4/day, what do they really have to lose? Expect more of the same where economic disparity and political repression are the order of the day. Who is next? What if this was occurring in Mexico?

sandi, it may not be protesters involved at the museum. There are numerous reports on Twitter that the people doing the ransacking were plain-clothes police and government security people. The theory is that police and security forces are doing this in order to get the Egyptian people to be willing to give up anything in order to get security. Of course, there's no way to verify the veracity of those reports.

321go - I heard similar a few hours ago. The police and not the general citizenry.

From reports, seems the people don't like the police, but prefer their military, which though the tanks are out on the street and turning against their fellow Egyptians.

debbie -

So you're taking in the warm days (and some days not so) of Florida like the "snowbirds." Glad to hear you're out of the bedlam for now and hope there's some resolution by the time you return.

I think there may be some truth to what 321go posted above...let the situation get so bad for people in the neighborhoods with the looting and violence and they will look to Mubarak and his people to help out of desperation...he still thinks he can simply "retire with honors" but dictators don't do that...they flee or get killed. This is so sad for so many good people just trying to live their lives. I did not realize the extent of the discontent. Last visit to Egypt was about 4 years ago and it went fine; however so many people recently have come back with horror stories about what they saw in Cairo and I sort of dismissed them as not understanding the culture...I am now thinking that things have gotten much worse than when I was last there.

I've always wanted to visit Egypt but I guess that won't happen for a while.

That being said, I feel good about all the protests in the Middle East in general (Tunisia, Egypt). You can't keep the people down like that for so long without something like this occurring.

I just really hope that the new ruler is one helps employ the folks there, promotes Democracy, and is an American ally.

In the absence of protests, I had been worried about things getting even worse after Mubarak died, if a young relative took over and things turned out to be BOTH more repressive for the Egyptian people and more unstable and uncooperative in relation to foreign countries like the US. At least it now appears that that particular result (i.e., a repressive and unstable regime under a young Mubarak won't be the outcome. I hope something good comes from the protest.

I am soo sorry about all the problems in Egypt. My husband & I had a wonderful trip there in Sept/October. Ahmed Hamed Yousif planned a wonderful trip for us and we always felt safe with the Egyptian people. This really hurts the people who depend on tourism.
While one had to be cautious while traveling and I'm sure there are problems in Cairo & Alexandria I just wanted to let folks thinking of cancelling because of this something that happened to us on a trip we had planned to Turkey in the fall of 2006. Our English friends who we had met in Crete were to join us in Istanbul-the English travel authority told the English NOT to go to Turkey because of political unrest. They did not join us and my husband & I ghad a wonderful trip and never felt threatened.
When one travels it is wise to take the normal precautions but when we get scared they have won.
I am so sorry I have not writted a report-I have read such glowing reports over the years I feel like mine would be boring.
Fellow travelers-travel experiences are some that are worth their weight in gold. Chris

I am hoping things will start to calm down tomorrow, when everyone returns to work/school/normal schedule.

We just heard from friends living in Egypt. They are in a settlement N of Cairo, and can get phone coverage by driving out in the desert. Their neighborhood is calm, other utlities on, but the stores are closed and they dont know when they will be able to get necessities. Like everyone else, they have no idea which way this will go

FrankS - sorry to hear the stores are closed north of the city. That really makes things tough. In our old area, a little south of the city, the stores are open and even re-stocking the shelves.

Hoping everyone stays safe.

Grcxx3,
Thank you for the news and hope,
Good tidings are welcome

BeniciaChris, there's a huge difference between the situation this week in Egypt and the situation in Turkey in fall of 2006. Right now, today, I don't think it would be rational for anyone to leave on a recreational/educational trip for Egypt. a few months from now...who knows.

Egypt has now been added to the U.S. State Dept's full-fledged "warnings" list.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_egypt.html

Egypt

January 30, 2011

The U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel to Egypt due to ongoing political and social unrest. On January 30, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of dependents and non-emergency employees. Violent demonstrations have occurred in several areas of Cairo, Alexandria and other parts of the country, disrupting road travel between city centers and airports. Disruptions in communications, including internet service, may occur. The Government of Egypt has imposed a curfew from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez until further notice, and U.S. citizens should obey curfew orders and remain indoors during curfew hours. U.S. citizens currently in Egypt should consider leaving as soon as they can safely do so. Cairo airport is open and operating, but flights may be disrupted and transport to the airport may be disrupted due to the protests. Travelers should remain in contact with their airlines or tour operators concerning flight schedules, and arrange to arrive at the airport well before curfew hours.

In the event of demonstrations, U.S. citizens in Egypt should remain in their residences or hotels until the situation stabilizes. Security forces may block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, and U.S. citizens should not attempt to come to the U.S. Embassy or the Tahrir Square area at such times. The U. S. Embassy is open for emergency services for U.S. citizens only until further notice. As always, any change to Embassy hours will be posted on the Embassy website. U.S. citizens in Egypt who require assistance, or those who are concerned that their U.S. citizen loved one in Egypt may require assistance, should contact the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Cairo at EgyptEmergencyUSC@state.gov, or at 1-202-501-4444. Please follow the directions on the Embassy website for all other consular inquiries.

Demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage. While demonstrations have not been directed toward Westerners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, U.S. citizens should obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible. U.S. citizens resident in Egypt should monitor local news broadcasts and U.S. citizen visitors should ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit. U.S. citizens should carry identification and a cell phone which works in Egypt.

U.S. citizens in Egypt are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Egypt may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Egypt, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

For anyone interested -

http://www.drhawass.com/blog/situation-egyptian-antiquities-today

I remain very cautious about what is happening in Egypt.

The Muslim Brotherhood, responsible for so much terror and who's intention is to spread Islamic Sharia Law all across Europe and on to America, is a very large part of the demonstrations.

If they take over the government, it will be the worst possible outcome imaginable for the people of Egypt, the entire Middle East, and Europe. Not to mention Israel, which now has peace with Egypt.

I would not even consider booking any trip to Egypt until we are certain of the outcome. Just because some moderate people are part of the demonstrations, it does not mean they will have a significant influence on the outcome.

Debbie - I was concerned for your well being over the past few days. I am relieved to hear you are well and in Florida. You must be very anxious about the events in Egypt and wondering when it will be safe and appropriate for you to return. Best wishes to you.

tC

I was interested to read the Zahi Hawass blog. Very heart warning. I hope the one person caught is prosecuted. What was going on in that persons head when he trashed those items. What did he think it would achieve.

For those who know Ahmed Hamed Yousif - I heard from him yesterday in reply to my email and texts - he and his family are safe and thankful for everyone's concern.

Elizabeth_S Thank you for letting us know about Ahmed Hamed Yousif.

I never post on this board, just lurk and dream, but I wonder if Debbie made it home..has anyone heard from her?

crefloors - I'm hoping she will check in at some point.

My husband and I have also been thinking of Debbie. What a difficult decision to make--return to the country and city you love which is in great turmoil right now, or wait awhile.

I am sure Debbie is also concerned about the people who work for her. This is so hard on anyone who relies on tourists (or expats) for their livelihood.

That's true, Grcxx3.

Someone above said the Government had blocked social media. I am getting emails & facebook messages from my Egyptian guide. Some seems to be getting through.

Banks and the stock exchange are supposed to open today or tomorrow. They had to "turn on" the Internet for that to happen. I hope everyone can get the change they so desperately want and need, but that commerce and tourism can happen at the same time.

Rumor (Bloomberg News) says Mubarak has $70 Billion (about what Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have combined) in European Banks. Please have most of that money go back to his country.

<<Please have most of that money go back to his country.>>

Don't count on it.

<<Please have most of that money go back to his country.>>

Isn't this the primary reason for all this chaos? When I was there our guide told us the #1 source of revenue in Egypt is not tourism, it's the Suez Canal. Unfortunately all of that money stays in government and none of it ever goes toward helping the people or improving the infrastructure.

I've been traveling in the Caribbean for the last week so I'm sure that's not the whole story as I haven't seen much news. I'm just getting home today and trying to catch up.

P_M - the main source of revenue for the country may be the Suez, but tourism is definitely the main source of revenue for the people. I just hope they can get things under control soon so that people will feel comfortable visiting.

That's what I meant to say G, thanks for stating it better than I did. I also hope they can get things under control soon. If tourists don't come back soon this will surely break the back of the economy.

We were just in Egypt on a 2 week archeology tour and were just ending as everything broke out. Our flight was cancelled as were the subsequent flights we booked so we took the government up on their evacuation and ended up in Athens.
Our hearts are broken thinking of all the people we met--egyptologists, archeologists and all those involved in tourism. Their jobs just went away and it is going to be a long time before they return. To a person they all said they wanted Mubarak to go--they deserve a better government and I hope they get it.

Talked to a family who was flying out of Athens (they had been in Cairo) who arrived when all the violence broke out. Their van was hit by rocks and at one point was stopped and shaken. They could see fires burning and were very afraid. They had tried to cancel the trip but had been told by the tour operator that all was fine. They did make it to their hotel which smelled of tear gas and had no lights. They were turned on later. They did not get to sight see at all in Cairo but did do their tour once on the Nile. The couple did not feel that Americans were in any way targeted but that people were just angry and they were in the wrong spot at the time.

<<The couple did not feel that Americans were in any way targeted but that people were just angry and they were in the wrong spot at the time.>>

Sounds like a fair assessment of the situation. They will have some story to tell about their time in Egypt, won't they?

Debbie, where are you? Are you back in Egypt yet or still in the US?

Presently in Mississippi

Presently in Mississippi

Gambling on a river boat?

Hasn't happened yet, but might still could!