winterbaby

This may be a bit too early to discuss..but I am trying to go to Egypt in Dec- early Jan. I am wondering if this is a good or bad idea, or even too early to discuss? I am somewhat concerned as elections are in just a couple short weeks away and that could cause some unrest and demonstrations as Im imagining. My husband is over there right now and needs to know in a week whether Im coming or not and I am wondering if anyone over there on these forums has heard of any possible things planned in the next few weeks? I want opinions from real people NOT media as media exaggerates all. Ive been to Egypt already and no problems at all, but the fact there are elections really does concern me for unrest happening. If anyone has any information please respond. Sorry this is long Im a big talker

winterbaby

After rereading this post I just made, it sounds a bit unclear lol. Any questions you have just ask I guess

Casual_Cairo

I live here, and I'm feeling OK about it. Where will you be staying when you come? That might have some impact on advice I would give.

winterbaby

Well im hearing reports of there supposedly being a "revolution" set for tomorrow which I heard a million times this summer and last winter when it happened. I'm not scared or worried but it is a little bit nerve-wrecking when youre trying to plan a vacation and you have to constantly wonder what these Egyptians are gonna do next with protests to make you think twice before going. If there does happen to be danger all over Cairo then of course Im not going this winter lol. So if anyone who is living there please give me feedback on opinions or just something I need someone to talk to besides my family who thinks the media is completely true..when it is the biggest exaggeration ever at least half the time in my opinion..someone talk to me

winterbaby

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/...7MH3DL20111117

My mother sent me this and I try to remember that she believes every little word in every article is true. I'm not really frightened, but I have to know by tomorrow whether I'm going there or not..or I'm off to Europe

sandi

As I recall there's been a protest of one sort or another every Friday in Cairo since the revolution started.

Considering that Debbie (Casual Cairo) is the only person who is on-the-ground, it's best she reply.

Casual_Cairo

All due respect to your mother, but.....AGAIN, I live here and am not worried. It is Friday, and if they are gathering in Tahrir Sq right now, I am unaware of it as I sit here in my flat watching TV and working on the Internet.
Would you panic about going to Oakland, CA or NYC right now? You know they are having protests too that are getting out of hand and dangerous. If you would not be afraid to go there because you feel you are smart enough to stay away from the area those are being held, why do you not give yourself the same credit for doing the same here? It's not like the ENTIRE city is engulfed in this protest.
We all hope today's protest won't get ugly, but even if it does, it isn't going to affect us everywhere.
I have tours out at the Pyramids today, and one in Luxor. I have NO concern that they are in danger. They will be NO WHERE near Tahrir Square.

I think one problem with that article is the use of the word "Revolution" when they really mean "Protest". The English translation for each word is somewhat different, and Revolution conjurs up all sorts of images of wars - what do we know about Revolutions other than war? The word they are using here is Tharwa which technically translates to Revolution, but what is happening today is a PROTEST.... a SIT IN, if you will. Hopefully, it will remain peaceful. If it is not, those involved are at risk, but those of us minding our own business at home or at the pyramids, should be fine.

Warren990

I think the tourist areas should be fine. The situation may well be uncertain for years - but there is no way of knowing for certain!

winterbaby

Debbie, my mother was so worried the last time I went that she was even calling places to make sure it was safe and everything, and I think she even said your company was one of them lol

I even went to Tahrir square after my mom told me not to all it was was a bunch of young men around my age and some older, few women, walking around in a circle with two people chanting in the air. When i see a pic now in articles and it shows one person screaming in the air to make it seem so dangerous and as if everyones doing it..i know its not

kakijalan

I was in Cairo last week... everything is fine. It is safe. No chaos whatsoever... granted it was Eid, even the roads were clear! Go to Egypt... you won't regret it. I'm already thinking about a return visit!
We had the most wonderful time. Because of Eid, roads were clear (unheard of in Egypt) coz many were staying home celebrating with family so we didn't waste time stuck in traffic and the skies were clear (I had beautiful clear blue skies as backdrop for my photos... even our guide Ashraf said that he has never seen the sky so clear. He's a great guide by the way, in case you're looking for one). Weather wise couldn't have been better.

winterbaby

Im very glad you had a great time, mine was great as well when I went! There are news of violence in Tahrir on the news, but Im sure its just in Tahrir. My hub has been out and about all day in Cairo and said he saw absolutely nothing lol. But please if anyone has more info. please post I would love to hear

Casual_Cairo

winterbaby - this is really none of my business. I admit that up front - but you refer to this man in Egypt as your "hub". Do you know if you have an "orfy" marriage or is it a real marriage? Most foreign women are not aware there are two kinds of marriage here.
How many government offices did you go to, to register and legalize this marriage?
Don't answer if you don't want to, but if you aren't aware that there are two kinds of marriages and the implications of each, you might want to ask your "hub" about it.

winterbaby

Yes I know all about both Have you been out in Cairo lately? He said he hears its bad but has seen nothing. So Im still getting the idea Im going.

PRLCH

Thanks for your calm insight Debbie. We leave Sydney in 9 days for an ecxtended trip and will get to Cairo on 8th January 2012. Look forward to meeting you then (we are the 4 Aussies booked in with you).

Warren990

Have a good time!

turaj

For Winterbaby...did not exactly see an answer to Casual Cairo's questions.....she is very realistic about these type of relationships and you might want to do further checking on the "hub" ? If he is Egyptian how much do you know about him? Again..none of anyone's business but I speak from personal experience. Also given todays events it seems like there may be no real government, election timing in jeopardy and further chaos a certainty...not sure your timing is really good. It changes on a daily basis.

winterbaby

I just posted to see if the people who are familiar and live in Egypt could give a good idea if it is alright from their view. And I appreciate people giving concern about the person I'm with, and have been with for a really long time even though Im young, but I do not see why anyone should be asking me about him. Im just here to get answers about safety so my family and myself are able to visit so thankyou if that question was answered, and I will continue to read more answers regarding it.

winterbaby

And by a "good idea if it is alright from their view", Im talking about Egypt and visiting, not of my relationship, and I would appreciate if people gave me their responses on the safety, thankyou.