Woe is me. My Egypt has suffered these last 10 months. We visited in December 2012, after our original trip was canceled due to the Arab Spring riots, years prior.
We finally made it to the land of the Pharaohs, but had to avoid Tahrir Square, as even then, riots, tear gas, and police intervention were rampant. Our hotel had to be moved away from Tahrir Square, so that we would not be caught in the fray. By the time we left, there were additional protests in front of Morsi's home near the airport. Violence was spreading. Eight people were killed that week.The Muslim Brotherhood-backed President had taken away many of the Egyptians' rights during his brief tenure.
Unfortunately, Egypt is split down the middle with pro-Morsi vs. anti-Morsi much like our Republicans and Democrats who see eye to eye on precious little, but at least we rarely break into economy-crippling protests and violence.
This week, I feel so badly for the people who depend on the suffering tourism business, which is the major source of income for Egypt. When we were there, we were two tourists in a group of seven to visit Egypt, a country rich with spell-binding history. The trip customarily accommodated 100.
I have extremely fond memories of our exciting adventure to Northern Africa, and when remembering all the children who tried to sell us bracelets and trinkets for souvenirs, I wonder how they are surviving. Their sales were part of the family budget. Where are those families now, when nobody would dare travel to Egypt this summer for vacation?
Here's a hope and a prayer that Morsi's replacement will be a great improvement -- a man who nurtures democracy instead of feeling threatened by it.
Your fellow traveler,
Patsie
