Aswan Travel Forum

Hi I have been communicating with a young man from Qena, Egypt for 6 months and he is anxious for me to visit his area. I am concerned if Americans are welcome there due to the world situation..any feed back would be appreciated..thanks..Toni

Don't worry!!! Egyptians don't hate Americans. They might hate the actions of the US government, but they hate the actions of the Egyptian government as well! So they know very well to distinguish from the government to the individual!
No need to worry at all. Just don't discuss politics.

But Qena??? That is north of Luxor. Not really close to Aswan!

Love, Dora.

Thanks Dora..actually he works in Qena, but family lives in Aswan...so that is where he wants me to visit..Aswan...I have always been interested in Egyptian culture, etc..but never had the pleasure to meet someone from Egypt before...I am considering going, but the world problems are making me hesitate since I would be traveling alone and the farthest I've been is to Bermuda years ago..all my other travels have been in the USA on the East coast ..high as Canada and low as South Carolina..It would be quite an adventure..I'm sure..thanks for your reply..Toni

thank you for your feedback..from what my young friend tells me..everyone loves everyone in Qena..ha!..didn't really think so..I know there is hostility for Americans in that part of the world..I am thinking of traveling in September..I have never flown anywhere before..always traveled by car..motor home..or ship..so the flight would certainly be an adventure for my first one!..Toni

Toni,

Really no need to be worried about your safety! Egyptian people are the friendliest, kindest and most hospitable people I ever met!
If you are worried about your safety they are more.

You have to realize that 45 % of Egypts National Income comes from Tourism. Many, many people are depending on tourism and life is very hard in Egypt. Every big event in the Middle East will have its influence on Egypt, either good or bad. But mostly bad.

I had tears in my eyes when I experienced the staying away of tourists in the end of Februari last year. This was even before the war in Iraq began, but just the threat of war was enough to let the tourism season collapse in Egypt. On the cruise ship we sailed with from Aswan to Luxor were only 13! guests on board. A ship equiped to entertain 130 guests and a staff of 70 people to uphold.
On the shores where we landed people were fighting for our attention. So many people are depending on the coming of tourists. They will receive them with open arms, no matter where they originate.

The government is doing everything to keep the tourists safe. There is police everywhere, on every corner of the streets. And the policemen are very kind and helpful. Especially the Tourist Police.
It is not allowed to leave any city without a police guidance and every cruise ship has at least 2 armed policemen aboard. All precautions for your safety.

Not that it is dangerous in Egypt. They just want to make sure that nothing will happen to you. To me it was very reassuring.

I hope this will comfort you a little. Be sure your friend from Aswan would never have invited you if he thought you would be in danger. It is an honour to the people of Egypt to receive a foreigner in their home. Don't be surprised when a total stranger will invite you to his or hers home for a meal when wandering through the streets of Egypt. It happened to us several times. And they will receive them with the utmost hospitality and generousness.

Love, Dora.

Egads..Dora..you're the best..he is actually an internet friend and we 'hit it off'...I always loved Egypt and was interested in the culture and he started a IM conversation with me one day and when he said he was from Egypt..i was intrigued..and we have been in communication every day for 6 months..he has no desire to see the USA..but WE have a desire to meet..he is an English teacher in a Prep School and is always full of love, joy, comfort, and manners..the more I get to know him the more I would love to visit..and I am an Avon representative and am interested in the markets in Egypt and he laughs when I tell him this ..BUT I WANT TO RIDE A CAMEL..and yes, our way of thinking is different when it comes to politics..but we don't touch that subject very often...he has offered to meet me in Italy and we would then complete the trip to Egypt..thanx for your feedback as I think I have said..I have never been out of the USA and to travel to Egypt would be the adventure of my lifetime..also I was wondering including airfare how much money do you think I would need to stay for one month?..I would be staying with him at the family home so there would be no hotel expense..but do you think $5000.00 is about right?..thanx again..Toni

$ 5,000 ???? Honey, that can take you all over Egypt and back!! Egypt is really cheap! Specially when you have some local person to guide you! The air fare will cost you the most but I doubt it will raise above a 1,000$. All depending on the luxury you need.

From Europe it is really cheap. The next time I will be going to Egypt I will be paying about 300$ (270 Euro) for a return flight. Economy class.

But your time there is all depending on what you want to do and buy. You can have a cheap place to stay, but buy an expensive carpet. But $ 5,000?? Do you realize that the average YEAR income in Egypt is about $ 600?? And many people have to live with much less than that. And have to uphold a family from that money just as well.
With $ 5,000 to spend in one month you can live like Queen Cleopatra! ;-))))

Just kidding!! ;-))) Love, Dora.

Hey Dora..you make me laugh..shows you how much I know..in the USA in the state that I live in..the RENT IS $1500 a month!..my biggest concern is I won't want to come back to the states..!!..wish u were coming with me..LOL..Toni

thank you..hmmmm..maybe I will..I would be staying for free at a friends flat..so, that money is taken care of..guess my largest expense would be airfare..and getting me on the plane..I have never flown before..and that's quite a flight for a beginner..but you only live once and I'm beginning to think of it as an adventure..the things I've read about Egypt..the people, the history is making the flight seem worth while....not to mention meeting my young Egyptian friend..he is a teacher of English and we communicate every day..he even bought his own computer so we can "chat'..he used to go to the internet cafe's..which was interesting for me to see..all the people in the robes, etc..again thank you for your knowledge..

Toni,

Don't worry about flying!! I like it! I like the take off! To me it beats a ride in a roller coaster! But when doing it more often it can be a bore! Specially the long flights. Make sure you have a good book in your hand luggage of hope they have a good movie.

Take this chance of a life time!! Do it! Always better than having to regret it in your old days! Take this from a district nurse with a lot of experience with elder of dying people who always have things they regret having missed. If I................

Habebti, be carefull but live the life you want to live!! There are dangers behind every corner. But when facing the dangers they most often are mere challenges in stead of dangers and in the end adding to your life.

Why don't you write to my e-mail adress?
This one, here on VT. Or:

vdoortje@hotmail.com
vdoortje@yahoo.com

You are very welcome.
Love, Dora.

they are more than welcomed in my country...do not worry ......beautyful country ....lovely and friendly people......
if you need anything ....just mail me....
enjoy......A