Safety in Egypt (07/20/2006)
Return to the Tour Egypt Feature Story, Safety in Egypt (07/20/2006)
The Coptic Museum has been closed for some time, being renovated, but it has reopened and is, of course, one of Cairo’s major museums, as well as a great place to learn Christian history.
July 20th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
Could you tell me if there are tour agents in cario egypt that can help you get around to the different attractions? WHat CO would you reccomend for the tours.? What hotels would you reccomeng?
Thanks angelina
Please email me a reply.
angelina1nathan@yahoo.com
July 21st, 2006 at 7:58 am
Of course there are tour operators in Cairo that can get you around to the attractions. They are basically everywhere. If you are not interested in a normal multi-day tour, which are available through our AETBI members (http://www.touregypt.net/egypttours.htm) the same folks can set you up with day tours. Alternatively, it is usually very easy to arrange day tours through a local hotel where you are staying. There are many others who will do this, including Taxi drivers, though I would not advise that, nor would I simply pick one of the agencies that are scattered about the tourist areas. I would either talk to an AETBI member, or go through a hotel.
There are simply many hotels in Cairo that are great. There are more all the time. I prefer something more downtown, where the action is, or on Zamalek. My favorite Zamalek hotel for five star is the Marriot. Less Expensive is the Hotel Longchamps, my own home away from home when I am in Cairo. But there are also Four Seasons, Sheratons (though here, I do not prefer the one on Zamalek because it is so isolated and hard to walk anywhere. The Hiltons are ok, but not as well run as some others it seems, and the Nile Hilton in particular could use some upgrading. However, visit our hotel database at http://www.egyptresources.com/hotel/hotelsearch.php . We have just finished a massive update of our hotel database and this is very good info.
July 21st, 2006 at 9:43 am
I have visited Israel twice and Egypt seven times, I love both countries, they are different of course as is the people, I will again return to Egypt in September for my vacation, I will not let the minority put me off visiting the wonderful Red Sea, and the always welcoming people of Egypt.
July 21st, 2006 at 11:31 am
I agrtee with your assesment. I find Egyptians well educated political and easily able to seperate a person from a particular country from the policys or government of that country. Being so dependent of tourism they are acutely aware of the harm it would do to their economy, have experienced it once there is no sympathy towards those that use terrorism and thereby destroy the life of Egypt. I have lived here 3 years and would say it is the safest place I have every been, especially the south of the country where I am which is far far away from any troubles.
July 21st, 2006 at 1:14 pm
I was very pleased to read Jimmy Dunn’s article. I will be leaving for a fortnight’s holiday next Monday, my fourth in Egypt and I would support fully the remarks he has written about the hospitality and the warmth of welcome extended by the people there. It’s a sad reflection on the human condition that acts of terrorism take place, and in the name of religion too. I do hope that visitors are not deterred by the present Israeli - Hezbollah conflict. Egypt does need tourists - it ia a wonderful country to visit and I am looking forward to settin foot on its soil once more
July 21st, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Thank you for your information regarding Egypt since my fiancee and I are planning a trip “down the Nile” through Grand Circle cruises, Dec. 30th through Jan. 13th. And, we were a little concerned about the safety with the Middle East crisis now sending “home” many Americans. I hope this trip will continue to “be safe.”
July 22nd, 2006 at 11:02 am
I totally agree with your assessment. As an American I am totally amazed at times at other Americans who too easily criticize another country and its culture without ever having studied it, or much less, visited to learn about the people and their culture. Each time I visit Egypt there is always someone who asks how can I go there since it’s not safe, they hate us (wrong!), yada, yada, yada. They are also taken back by my comments that Egypt is in many ways safer than many American cities and sites. I always tell them to read their local newspapers and the stories of violence if they don’t believe me. I also tell them to get out a world map. They’ll soon discover that Egypt is in Northern Africa and not the Middle East. I live in Texas and there are so many people here who haven’t even traveled across the USA to visit our wonderful sites and for sure haven’t traveled much to other countries
. I always tell them to visit before they criticze.
I love Egypt, its people and its culture. I am for sure a very westernized woman, but do not find that in conflict with the people I meet in Egypt. I respect their customs and culture and I know they recognize that, so they in return respect me and my culture. They certainly do know how to separate us from our government (thank goodness). They are also often surprised at my comments about our government (won’t go into that here).
Hope you have a great time in Egypt. Since I know you’re from Texas also, I’m sure you recognize that lately it’s been hotter here than in Cairo!
July 22nd, 2006 at 1:16 pm
hello Administrator,
I’m an egyptian living in Canada and i’m wondering what it’s like in Egypt Right now (Israeli vs. Hezbollah) I wanted to know if this conflict will advance onto other countries such as Egypt. OR if this conflict will continue and the world will have another “WAR ON IRAQ” that will continue on for many years to come. I would appreciate to know your opinion on the attacks happening right now and which side would you sympatheize with?
Thank-you for reading my
July 23rd, 2006 at 2:40 pm
I couldn’t agree with this assessment more. I have been working here since late June and will be here until mid August. This is a delightful place full of delightful people who will really surprise you! Just close your eyes when in a taxi in Cairo. It makes for a better trip.
So, if you or anyone else gets out before 19 August give m a buzz at the Oasis Hotel, Giza. This is a bit far out but I would galdly introduce anyone to the delights of the Cosmopilitan Hotel in central Cairo for a drink. The place is well past it’s prime but has so much character!!
Paul Neacsu
July 24th, 2006 at 5:01 am
I too have a trip planned next month and have no intention of cancelling. I always feel very safe in Egypt and the Egyptains I have spoken to have always been very welcoming. This will be my 5th trip to Egypt in as many years. The Egyptian I have spoken to have always expressed a desire to stay out of the conflict. Please do not let this put you off a trip to a magical place.