So, I'm going to Egypt...

So, I'm going to Egypt...

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Gabriel M.A.

Gabriel M.A.

My Red Dot Glows For You
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...this weekend, 'cause we have these tickets from over a few months ago. T'was a present, early one at that.

We were going to go to Tunis, but we decided against it (last year) only because it'd be too cold this time of the year. So we sighed in relief a few weeks ago when we said "well, it's a good thing we got these tickets for Egypt".

A friend of mine who is staying in Tunis (she has family there) has said that the media has exaggerated the commotion and that it's localized in a small section of the cities where demonstrations are happening.

I've also read in various newspaper's column comments from Egyptian residents (residents, expats and tourists) that they get calls and messages from family and friends abroad and tell them that there's nothing to worry about, because what they see themselves is not as much as what others (and themselves) see in the media.

Of course, we have decided that visiting "the pyramids" and all sites around Cairo is now an option (and low priority) to be decided once we're there. Then again, it may be the last chance in a long time...you never know.

My question is this: what would you do (other than cancel)? What would the photographer in you do, and what would the collective, objective person in you do?

I am very sympathetic to their cause and their feelings (I also grew up in dire economical conditions and have lived through effective dictatorships), so I know I'll also be tempted to go to the streets and take photos of their struggle. My copine and the others will, of course, not hear of it and talk me out of it.

We refuse to partake in collective foreign (for Egypt) hysteria, yet want to be sensible. Canceling would mean giving in to it, and also contribute to an economic fall (tourism is an important force in their economy). Doing otherwise is (in most foreigner's eyes) risking trouble.
 
Well, Gabriel, you certainly know how to pick hot spots as holiday destinations!

I'd be tempted to go and then get a feel for it once you are there. things will be much more apparent when you are "on the ground" and you will pretty quickly get the vibe as to where and when it is safe to do things. Perhaps though you might plan to spend a bit more time down south around Luxor or whatever and less time in Cairo or Alexandria.

What I would NOT be recommending would be going out on the streets during demonstrations or other mass political gatherings. Sympa or not, there are people being shot. Do not suddenly think you are Don McCullin - there will be professional photojournalists risking their lives to get pictures of what is happening and you will be with others who will rightfully worry if you try to get involved.
 
The pyramids should be OK, they're quite far out of the city.

Pretty much the only place I'd worry about is the Egyptian museum, which sits smack on Maidan at-Tahrir square in the city center where a lot of demonstrations take place.

Otherwise, I think I'd go.
 
I'd go, but I've already been. Alexandria might be better than Cairo, though.

My sister and her infant son went through Bosnia by train when the bad stuff was going down, didn't see a thing.
 
Thanks for the comments, guys.

Well, of course I'll avoid the hot spots. Cairo is not the main destination now (although, like some have suggested, we'll assess that once we're on the ground), and I think that we may opt to go to Luxor, instead.

Also, I'm going to be forced to bring two cameras maximum. I tend to bring about five. Plus lenses. :eek:
 
Um, Mubarak shut off the internet, Biden says Mubarak is our good buddy, and I just watched a video of a protester shot. No, I wouldn't go.
 
Actually, that's in most metropolitan areas, and voice networks have been left on. Yet, it is a bit troubling development.

::sigh::
 
Going to Tunisia first and then Egypt? I would do it if I was single. No way would I take my American family anywhere near certain countries in Africa or the Middle East -- and certainly not Pakistan or Afghanistan.

I think it might be interesting as a news person to see two countries that currently are in the midst of social and political upheaval. For me, I wouldn't make it a family event.

Be safe and enjoy the trip. Hope you get a lot of great photos.
 
I wouldn't, Gabriel, in particular with a girl. Why take the risk for holidays ?
 
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Under no circumstance should you go to Egypt, Gabriel.It is like a time bomb now,and there will be vast [read violent] protests in the streets against President Mubarek's government encouraged by the current events in Tunis. there is also an increased violence between Coptics and Muslem Egyptians these days. You would make a perfect target for kidnapping or worse.

Try Europe instead ......
 
Violent acts against western tourists are rare, maybe very rare, but would you willingly travel to a region where there exists such a non-zero risk? People stopped me every day in the streets of Cairo to ask me from which county I was from.
 
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