Personal security issues like theft and harassment have unfortunately been the norm in Egypt’s tourist areas for decades (my mother remembers this from her visit over 50 years ago). However, you and a couple of other people we talked to have highlighted that these problems have increased since the Revolution. I still have not heard of many incidents of armed crime (like what happens often in Central America), but tourists should be aware of the situation so they know what to expect and how to protect themselves.

@Jim: Glad you enjoyed this and that it brought back good memories about Egyptians from your visit years ago!

@LivingIF: Am glad that we can share a different perspective and that others can benefit and continue the conversation. Thank you!

@Sutapa: Exactly. We feel bad for people in the tourism business, but if you ever wanted to go to Egypt and see it all without any queues and crowds, now’s the time.

@Don: Hope for the future indeed. Hope for the fact that people are people, wherever they happen to live.

@Jaime: Enjoy. Egypt is certainly a worthwhile stop and now is as good a time as any.

@Ellen: What’s so amazing about your experience (and we’ve had others like it in Iran, as well) is that people go out of their way to show you a different view. They know what the media tells everyone and they just want to share what they see as the real, the truth, their truth. And for this, we are grateful.

Television does a pitiful job of telling the story, I’m afraid.

@Andrew: Thanks. More from Egypt coming soon. Definitely check it out for yourself when you get a chance.

@Zakir: Exactly. I think the general public needs to see and hear more about these off-TV experiences. Whenever we tell people in the U.S. about our experience, they almost can’t believe it. But they do. Then the television is back on, and the old narrative creeps back in.