Elections
One of the (possibly) biggest headache to organising this Study Tour was Egypt's first free elections in 60 years. It could be a wonderful time, or it could be a nightmare. Given Tahrier Square is from Luxor fairly like Bournmouth to Glasgow in the British Isles, folk camping out in Cairo were not going to be of any concern to me. I just thought it might be a bit chilly given there was a wind most of the week.
One of the (possibly) biggest headache to organising this Study Tour was Egypt's first free elections in 60 years. It could be a wonderful time, or it could be a nightmare. Given Tahrier Square is from Luxor fairly like Bournmouth to Glasgow in the British Isles, folk camping out in Cairo were not going to be of any concern to me. I just thought it might be a bit chilly given there was a wind most of the week.
With all the press hype back home and worried families I was though fairly stressed. What I didn't expect was the best laugh I have had for years. The photograph was taken on the road into Luxor from the bridge. The most traffic you usually see going into Luxor is about 2 cars and the odd motorbike, but not a Spaghetti Junction-style traffic jam! That was worth interest after a long day. At first we couldn't figure out what the problem was but gradually we realised a 52 seater coach (not unfortunately shown in the photo) was jammed right across the road into the trees on the side. Concern was that there had been an accident. It took a bit longer to realise the true situation. To police the elections and to make sure they really did pass off peacefully, the army had been drafted in. This particular bit of the army had clearly taken a wrong turning. Trying to turn round on a fairly narrow road the coach had got stuck in the hedge. All the Egyptian drivers were desperately trying to keep straight faces, not us. It was the best laugh I have had for years. Needless to say, when the coach did eventually extricate itself and turn back along the road, faces at the coach windows were not amused!