Monday 31 January 2011

31st Jan Interview with Jane

Colette writing on Jane's behalf again.

Jane poses the question - when will the other 82 million Egyptians get a chance to have their voices heard?

The sensationalist coverage of the violence in Tahrir Square is not reflecting the experience of millions of people in Egypt.

The danger is, with these extreme images on 24 hour repeat, the more fearful foreigners may become of travelling to Egypt in the months to come.

Foreign money from Tourism is a main source of income for many Egyptian families and Egypt as a nation.

Jane says someone should be speaking up for the others............ the question is.... when?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

As far as I know, most tourists to Egypt start with a few days at least in Cairo, so the situation in Cairo is the experience that counts. It may be quieter in Luxor or Aswan, but so what?

And now the US government is warning people to stay away from Egypt and is evacuating citizens that are there. So, naturally Americans will be afraid and this feeling will last for a while. Sorry, but that's the way it is.

I've been to Egypt and loved it and would like to go back, but even before this revolt, when I mentioned travelling to Egypt, most people said they'd be very worried about being safe there ("the muslims want to kill all of us!") or they said outright they'd never go to a place like that.

hazel said...

hi jane have,nt been on for an while but good to rely on your site for info.
glad all ok ,we are due back out on 22 march, in shalla things will calm down by then. i feel like im being stopped from coming home. this end the f.o. are saying unsafe to travel to luxor.i,ve sent some texts to locals but nothing back as yet, look forward to your next update.

Donald Clark said...

Jane - I really enjoy your blog but the Egyptian people have been denied a voice for decades, as the elections have been rigged. These events are much bigger than 'let's not frighten off the tourists'. I always admire your appeal to visitors to remind people of the need to remember how poor ordinary Egyptians are. These people have spoken. I have seen with my own eyes how the untouchable ruling class in Egypt behave. This is ALL about letting ALL Egyptians having their say. Huge demonstrations have taken place in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Ismailia and many other towns. This is not just about Tahrir Square. Over 100 have died and thousands injured. There's no turning back.

Daniel Jackson said...

Jane asked yesterday when all the other 82 mio. egyptians raise their voice to support Mubarak. Sorry for my sarcasm but I think this day is today - february 1st 2011

Jane Akshar said...

Colette here :) Thanks for the comments. I think it's best if Jane replies to these once the internet's restored.

I'll pass them on verbally next time we speak on the phone.

Jane Akshar said...

People in Luxor are frustrated that moderates and supporters of Mubarak are being ignored by sensationalist media. The numbers yesterday still only represented 8% of the population and nobody where I live yet the effect on livelihoods is Egypt wide

Unknown said...

As a tourist staying in Luxor (I flew back to the UK as scheduled on 31st January)I must say that I didn't feel nervous at all. Was still visiting sites on the day I flew out with no problem.

There was some tension - groups of men gathering (I presume to talk and protect their property), some shops closed that had been open and some people seemed to have stayed off work. But everyone was friendly.

The tour company I was with was moving people around initially (Cairo tourists to Red Sea and Luxor for example), but all this changed when the FCO changed its travel advice to 'don't travel'. They then cancelled trips and told people they would be going home. The plane we caught on the 31st had flown out almost empty (fifteen Egyptians only) and returned full.

Interestingly German parties were stil arriving the morning I left, so presumably their own foreign office evaluated the risks differently.

I can't comment on the news coverage because Luxor was relatively peaceful, but there was a sea change when teh FCo changed its advice. The effect on the tour comapny was marked.

Donald Clark said...

Mubarak supporters complain about their voice not being heard. But on 'voices' why did allow a rigged election to deny voices being heard. It should come as no surprise that those who gain from a Dictator ship continue to support it. You don't have to be in Luxor long to hear the deep hatred the people have for Mubarak. I have been going there for years and heard hundreds of ordinary people complain bitterly about him and the corruption he encourages. He tried rigging elections, he tried F16s over Tahrir Square, he even paid thugs to attack the protesters. If he had resigned, we would not be witnessing these scenes.