Blogg

January 2010

A prosperous and happy 2010 everyone!
I believe that I am not the only poor sufferer on this planet who already looks forward to his next vacation...
Speaking of vacations, my husband and I took a couple of weeks off during the big days and treated ourselves to a vacation in Egypt. Some of you may already know this has been a always dream of mine—to return to Egypt one day and share it with my husband, who is also my best friend. It took some persuasion to get him the plane (he’s a workaholic), but I relished in watching him see the world outside of South Africa for the very first time. Everyone should try visit and to experience new countries and cultures, it shocks you out of the box that you’ve built for yourself, and you quickly grow a new appreciation for your homeland and its people, and yes, its leaders as well.
We do not realize everyday how lucky we are to live in a free, democratic country where the leaders actually care for their fellow country-men and -women. Before you think I’ve grown soft, let me explain: Egypt has some of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, which must earn them MEGA bucks. But the country is falling apart:
· the air is heavily polluted over the Nile valley (there are a reported 500 cruise ships that operates on the Nile all spewing diesel fumes) and you can hardly see further that 1km on the horizon.
· Garbage piles up on the streets and the stink of the decay hangs on every corner.
· Traffic laws are non-existent and you may do as you wish, only use your hooter to warn the rest.
· There are army barricades on all the routes every few kilometers delegating the traffic flow, supposedly for the safety of the tourists, but I only saw them checking permits, taking bribes and showing off their authority. For instance, we had to buy a permit of R300 to travel from Luxor, across the desert, to Hurghadah. To the Egyptians this was quite normal; they could not believe that in our country we are allowed to travel where we want to, without notifying the authorities of our intentions to do so.
· Your passport is checked at least 5 times each day—why? Beats me!! Do not argue with the police/army or tourist officials, it can really ruin your vacation.
· Poverty gets a new meaning. Even our poorest South African will be better off, than the majority of Egyptians.
· Housing usually consists of a house built out of mud, or if you live in the city, a cramped dark apartment somewhere up a dark alley. Even our shanty towns look better.
· The one thing I really missed, was open green spaces where you can just sit to relax or have a take away. We discovered that these spaces do exist, thou they are few. But like everything else in Egypt, you are expected to pay to use it. NOTHING is for free.
· As a tourist you stand out like a sore thumb and you are regarded as a source of easy money. You are hassled from morning, noon till night by Egyptians wanting to sell, swindle or bribe you out of your money. It takes some getting used to!
· There is no fixed price on any item, everything must be haggled for before buying it. For instance, the water we bought every day could range in price from R5 to R40 a bottle…
· And then off course the problem of being a woman…..you are regarded as non-existent or easy prey to men who are not used to women showing a bit of skin ( I’m not talking of showing a belly or wearing a short skirt, even just showing your calves, or wearing a spaghetti-strap top will get you unwanted attention) You are constantly stared at, or if you act intelligent, ignored.
· The people labour from morning to night to earn a small income. The children start working from as young as five years old.
This country is supposed to be rich, with all the millions of tourists pouring in to see their attractions, there is no disguising it. But the money is not reaching the people and very little is spent on infrastructure, housing and services. Where does it go to?
My heart aches when I see these wonderful sites, that is older than any other on earth, but they are only milked for the tourist income and not respected and treasured as they should be. Graffiti is rife and anyone can touch the hieroglyphs on the temple walls. Some has already become shiny and non-existent from all the millions of hands touching and stroking it. The Cairo museum, glorious with all the treasures, is old and dusty. Broken windows are not replaced and never washed. Security is poor and most of them are seen drinking tea or chatting with their colleagues. Most treasures are not protected behind glass and you can touch and stroke pieces which are thousands of years old...
After reading this, you would probably never ever want to visit Egypt. GO! Experience and see Egypt!! It is an experience that will humble you, first for not appreciating your country more, and secondly for seeing the grandeur of the Egyptian lifestyle thousands of years ago. The temples are awe-inspiring and their attention to detail mind-blowing. Go snorkel and dive in the Red Sea, it is the best coral diving in the world and the most affordable dive vacation you can ever take. The water is crystal clear and the marine life abundant.
We came home tired and yet refreshed, overwhelmed and yet humbled. We are so lucky to live in this country, if only we could realize it more. We care for the environment, its fauna and flora and yes, it’s citizens. We are rich in our lifestyles and our government allows us our freedom of movement and speech. We are allowed to criticize without being silenced. We are allowed to prosper. Our children are allowed their innocent youth.

Footnote:
This newsletter was forwarded by one of my friends to a friend of hers who is from Egypt, but live and work in America, to get her input on my remarks. This is what she answered:

"WOW - very interesting - I have to agree with most of the comments - it is sad but true. I recently told my husband I hate visiting because of the dust and pollution and dirt every where (and traffic jams every where you go). This is what all tourists see. And yes, the country's leadership does not do anything to better the country - they keep all the money - you are either very poor in Egypt or very rich - there is barely a middle class - I have to say that there are very nice and clean places to see - but most tourists do not see this. There are nice communities that are gated and clean, again most tourists do not see these rare sites. It is truly a shame. You have to have money to live well because everything requires a bribe. Next time I go, I will show you some pictures. Thanks this was interesting reading. "