U.S. Embassy in Cairo warns tourists away from Giza Pyramids

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo (Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)Tourists heading to Egypt may want to rethink their trip: The U.S. Embassy in Cairo (http://egypt.usembassy.gov/sm060213.html) is telling visitors to stay away from a main attraction -- the pyramids in Giza -- unless they go with a "trusted guide."Located outside of Cairo (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501598-cairo_vacations-i), the ancient wonders manage to "still live up to more than 4,000 years of hype," according to the Lonely Planet travel guide. And no real mystery there: This is the site of the iconic Great Pyramids, including the Great Sphinx of Giza.
The sternly worded government advisory specifically details an increase in experiences with "overaggressive vendors" bordering on criminal conduct and a visible lack of police presence.
The statement adds:
"Other more serious incidents have been reported involving vehicles nearing the pyramids, with angry groups of individuals surrounding and pounding on the vehicles -- and in some cases attempting to open the vehicle's doors. While the motive is less clear (possibly related to carriage operators wanting fares), it has severely frightened several visitors.
http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ZiesW93_Gvf0idP6ge3gNQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/travel/2013-06-03/99a0cb63-8fde-4db3-9164-362b7d9e60ab_Giza2.jpgTourists stand in front of the Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza. (Photo: Ed Giles/Getty Images)A common theme from many of these reports is the lack of visible security or police in the vicinity of the pyramids. U.S. citizens should elevate their situational awareness when traveling to the pyramids, avoid any late evening or night travel, utilize a recommended or trusted guide, and closely guard valuables."
This news is bad for vacationers but worse for the Egyptian government, which employs an eye-popping 18 million people in the tourism industry, according to CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/travel/egypt-tourism/index.html).
In 2012, CNN reports, the country brought in $10.1 billion from the tourist industry. The number of tourists has slowed over the past few years, falling "from 14 million in 2010 to 10.2 million in 2011, and 10.5 million for 2012," with the upsurge in 2012 taking place mainly outside of Cairo.
Still, the World Economic Forum (http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TT_Competitiveness_Report_2013.pdf) recently ranked the country lowest in terms of safety among travel destinations.
Maybe that's the point for war-torn Syria, which recently issued a travel advisory of its own warning its citizens against travel to Turkey due to the "violence of [Prime Minister] Erdogan's government against peaceful protesters."
http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/V58bNmqhHRD9jfwHV5sBww--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/travel/2013-06-03/ebae4023-e348-4543-b94e-31bdb70edb93_Giza3.jpgDowntown Cairo is visible behind the Great Pyramid of Cheops. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)The Atlantic Wire (http://yhoo.it/12pYH25) noted the irony, writing, "Syria, where at least 80,000 have been killed and over 1 million displaced (at least 370,000 of whom have fled to Turkey) since unrest began there in March of 2011.
"In fact, the Atlantic Wire adds that the warning says more about the deteriorating relationship of the two countries' leaders than the relative safety -- or the lack thereof -- of travelers in the area.
Not that the situation in Turkey should be taken lightly. There is a U.S. Embassy warning (http://turkey.usembassy.gov/sm_053113.html) to tourists about the protests, as well, alerting U.S.

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Wherever muslims take over its not safe for non-muslims.. Such is the peace the Religion of Peace provides.
How can its supporters claim it is anything but a damn political/militant movement disguised as a religion???
Get a clue people!!! -Tyr

[Marcus Aurelius]

that's a damned shame. One of the most amazing places on Earth for historical and archaeological significance, and it just isn't safe anymore. So much for my bucket list entry.

[fj1200]

There goes one of their last sources of foreign currency.

[aboutime]

that's a damned shame. One of the most amazing places on Earth for historical and archaeological significance, and it just isn't safe anymore. So much for my bucket list entry.


Marcus. Not just there. Realistically speaking. How many Americans are now willing to walk down any street, in any major city after Sunset, without having some kind of weapon to defend them????

The Pyramids are just another victim of Hatred in this constantly growing, dangerous world.

[jafar00]

If you don't want to haggle just say no and move on. It's not that hard. Haggling and hard sell is all part of going to Middle East attractions or souks. If you don't like it, don't go. Simples.

[Gaffer]

If you don't want to haggle just say no and move on. It's not that hard. Haggling and hard sell is all part of going to Middle East attractions or souks. If you don't like it, don't go. Simples.

Mobbing cars and threatening people is not haggling. It's called intimidation. A very prominent part of islam. They aren't warning about taxi drivers and shop keepers here.

[Marcus Aurelius]

If you don't want to haggle just say no and move on. It's not that hard. Haggling and hard sell is all part of going to Middle East attractions or souks. If you don't like it, don't go. Simples.

And when the 'hagglers' try to break into your vehicle, pounding and screaming?


Dumb ass. The only simple thing here is you.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

There goes one of their last sources of foreign currency.
And perhaps that is the point!!!!!!!--Tyr

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Mobbing cars and threatening people is not haggling. It's called intimidation. A very prominent part of islam. They aren't warning about taxi drivers and shop keepers here.
In Islam it is permitted to beat the hell out of and rob foreign tourists. After all they are invading holy land and should EXPECT to get rough treatment.
Besides its best to teach them just how low Allah has declared them to be. Only problem with that is we Americans that aren't dumbasses don't play that shat and will hit back very damn hard! In fact, like me ,I never go into life threatening areas without an adequate weapon to defend myself and others. Best weapon for that is the Kimber 1911 MODEL 45 AUTO. Has the right number of rounds to take down easily ten guys and reloading takes about half a second. Any man worth his salt will set himself up to be able to defend himself and others if need be. A hint not for you my good friend but for the millions of damn clueless morons out there that were not taught this --Its called being a man! =Responsibility.--Tyr

[fj1200]

And perhaps that is the point!!!!!!!--Tyr

Mobs don't think rationally.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Mobs don't think rationally. Neither do individual muslims for that matter. The problem is the government is Islamic and they know they are --ALLOWED-- to do any damn thing that they want to any damn infidel. It is the kind of society Islam enforces . Only muslims count all others are less than animals and are to be treated as such.-Tyr