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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: KC on January 28, 2011, 10:27:19 AM
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I know that this doesn't have to do with antiques and moderators you can delete this if you choose....I can understand.
I just wanted to ask for every one to keep Egypt in your thoughts/prayers at this time.
My parents went on a church trip to Egypt over 1 1/2 weeks ago and are in Cairo and I haven't heard from them in 7 days and don't expect to since all phones/internet/satellite communications have been cut. To say the least, the situation there today is grim.
I was in Moscow,Russia, (just 2 streets over from the Kremlin), when the coup attempt happened in 1993 and know that you can be okay even tho the US Embassy closed. I was stuck there for 6 weeks before I could get out and the Russian people took great care of me!
Our Egyptian friends on this site, I truly hope for resolution and peace in your country.
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OMG, KC! I sincerely hope everything is OK with your parents in Egypt. That is tough having someone you love in a situation out of control. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish a safe trip home for them.
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KC - My prayers are with you and your family. May they and all their friends get home safe, sound and soon.
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KC I have been to Egypt twice. If there is one thing I can say, it is that the people in Egypt are kind and good-hearted. What we see here on the news is always the most extreme version of events in the middle east. Hang in there, I'm sure the people guiding your folks trip will be careful to avoid the present hot-spots and that you will hear from them soon. *hugs!* Let us know and my prayers will be with them.
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Prayers on the way!!!!
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I don't really have a God to pray to , KC, so I'll be saying one to yours. I'm sure he has ears for agnostics as well.
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Prayers & wishes for the safe return of your family members , KC .
Perhaps you've already done so , but calling the U.S. State Dept (1-888-407-4747) regarding missing U.S. citizens might glean some results (or @ least 'put your folks on the radar') .
They've helped me locate 'missing' U.S. citzens in the past (during the 'fall of the wall') .
U.S. Embassy in Cairo website seems to be down @ this moment , as are most in Egypt .
Since the unrest does have a component of special interest for religious groups (sharia law) , there is some cause for concern .
I bet they're just hiding out in safe places , though .....
These are the things that grey the hair ....
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Got news from a hotel I tracked down that they had stayed at in another town - and that they are safe and are out of Cairo. The military will not allow them back in until things are hopefully under control. Still haven't spoken to them personally.
They were to stay in downtown Marriott in the area where all the things you see on tv are going on - all cell phones/internet/downtown phone systems are down from the government orders.
Thank each and every one of you all for your prayers/thoughts/concerns. Will let you know more once we hear it!
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Great news!!! So glad to hear that they are safe and well!
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Didn`t get to read your post earlier but will say prayers anyway,,!! Glad they are safe !!
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FANTASTIC KC!!! Bet you'll sleep better tonight!
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Im late to the thread KC and am happy you learn your parents are ok.
Hoping you personally hear from them and they return safely to you soon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your parents.
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I do find it inspiring that today a group of young Egyptian men formed a human barricade around the Cairo museum to protect it as the rioting was going on right next door to the museum. The Cairo museum is home to the most spectacular collection of Egyptian antiquities on earth. Amazing to hear of these guy risking their own lives to protect their heritage in a time of instability.
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KC, I just got to see your post and want to add my thoughts and prayers for your family and yourself. You must have experienced so much relief just hearing that they were out of harms way. Please keep us updated and be sure to keep a positive attitude.
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So glad they are safe and I hope you hear from them soon! What a scary experience to go through. If this truly is a revolution and the country changes drastically they can say, "I was there." Which is pretty cool, in my opinion.
I also agree totally with tales. It seems (maybe I'm wrong) like the people are doing this because they want change in the country they love. I hope they know better than to destroy their history. Then again, riots and looting are great times for criminals to take advantage of the situation and make money. I hope they don't lose priceless artifacts like Iraq did...
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One problem is that Egypt is heavily dependent upon tourism. A revolution which is taking place in part because of high unemployment is going to make the employment situation worse.
KC here's an article on American tourists in Cairo. They are advising tourists to stay in place and playing the video, it sounds like major tourist hotels are being guarded.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/01/28/egypt.stranded.travelers/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn (http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/01/28/egypt.stranded.travelers/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn)
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Thanks for the update on the family situation overseas , KC .
Now that the situation is a (little) bit more relaxed , rest assured that I'll commit resources , such as illustrated in the below image , if needed !
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Fancy you always make me laugh!
The lastest: My dad called me today - his words were "Hi, the situation here has drastically turned for the worse". They are on a large boat on the Nile (along with their friends/companions on the church tour) and are not allowed to get off. The US ordered US Citizens to leave yesterday but the problem is no planes are coming in or departing. They are off of the port of Luxor (the next main port down from Cairo) and have been attempting to get a charter plane in from Israel - the desire is to get the group to Tel Aviv. The airport there is a small one for commuters and they were scheduled to be in Cairo and leave out of there on Friday (which aint' gonna happen)! They are 8 hours ahead of us and we will know more withing the next 8 hours.
Mom/Dad tried sounding hopeful and didn't want us kids to worry....but you could hear it in their voices while they were trying to be strong for me. They know I won't hesitate to try and get over near there if need be and they don't want me coming. I am already starting to pool resources that are calling in to me on their own (I am not initiating it at this time so I won't get blessed out when they get back - they already tried scolding me for something on the phone! LOL Imagine this...they are in a war zone and trying to scold me at my age ! LOL My kids got a kick outta that one!)
Will let you know more as things unfold! Thanks again for all the support. and Fancy....keep the pics coming!
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Not to divert you from all that's going on KC ..... but I was wondering if you know the maker of this chair .... thinking of getting one for somebody I know .......
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Glad your folks are OK, thanks for keeping us updated.
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UPDATE on my parents: It is 2:56am our time and Mom just called, they just landed in Amman, Jordan! They are waiting to unboard (Tel Aviv wouldn't let charter land there) then re-board a plane to Tel Aviv. Awaiting their call so I can book them home!! (They cannot book flights from there in Jordan - computers are down!?!?!
They apparently had quite a scare getting of the ship and heading to the airport to get out - said she would explain later (had to get off phone to have customs come through plane).
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YESSSSSSS!! Woohoo! A big happy high-five goin' out to you KC!! GREAT news!
(http://images.pictureshunt.com/pics/h/high_five-2498.jpg)
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Fantastic KC!!! It may be uncomfortable but at least they are safe. I had to laugh at the scolding. If it were my Dad he'd be asking how my car is running and reminding me it's time to change the oil. ;D
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Thanks for the good news update KC.
With the situation becoming worse in Egypt I'm thankful that your report is positive.
By your description they seem like first class parents and I can't wait to hear you guys are reunited and this mess is all behind you.What a time that will be.
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UPDATE: My parents were able to talk to me at length now that they are in TelAviv.
In the dark 4 buses pulled up to the dock/ship pulled in. The drapes were drawn on the buses and they had to be totally quiet loading. (Could hear gunshots afar.) They drove back roads in the dark, slowly and quietly to get to the airport. The fourth bus' security radioed and reported their bus had been taken over by rebels (Don't know what else to call them) and were taking all jewelry/wallets/purses, etc. The 4th Bus never arrived by the time my parent's plane took off.......Please keep these people in your prayers/thoughts/etc. (NOTE: My parent's tour group ended up being on the first 3 buses and the 4th was another tour group on the ship!)
They flew into Hamman, Jordan because the charter couldn't land in Tel Aviv (she said it was considered an enemy flight). They totally un-loaded the plane, went through security/plane was checked, and they then re-boarded the same plane/same crew and flew to Tel Aviv.
I spent all night arranging to get them 3 of the last 5 tickets for days out of Israel. Everytime I would hit "continue" the price would go up $900 a ticket. I would look on another computer and the lower/original price was still there. I called and talked to 2 people at the airline and was ready to tell them to "Kiss my Grits" when a phenomenal employee got on and refunded the money and secured their seats! So...just waiting for the ticket counter to open at 8pm TelAviv Time (1 more hour) to insure they get their tickets.
The shame of the whole thing....they never got to see the Pyramids and bring me back some sand! :( They did see southern parts of Egypt and said it was exquisite! When I pick them up at he airport tomorrow should I take a boombox and play "Walk like an Egyptian"?
Ya'll just remember to take a step back...look at who is in your life and love them a little deeper! Life is precious!
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OMGosh KC - So Glad your folks are OK. I'm just sick about that 4th bus. Hopefully they will be OK.
Way down on the list of things, I'm also hoping they left the wedding rings and good jewelry at home!
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Great news KC!
I no longer have any parents, my mother died the day after my birthday last year ... I do miss them both, a lot more than I probably ever thought that I would, so, as you say, treasure what you have.
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Holy cow KC, that is a seriously amazing story. When your parents are home safe and sound, be sure to write down every detail while it is fresh in their minds. Your family is going to be reading about it for generations.
I just happen to have some sand/pebbles from the base of the pyramids. Message me your address, I would like to send some to you and your parents. :)
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So happy to see the glad tidings , KC .
To an old oddball like me , it's always wonderful when a vacation turns out to be an adventure - and everyone survives with their hide intact .
Hope this happens for Egypt & everyone there .
Way nice 5-star gesture , talesof !
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UPDATE:
Ya'll just remember to take a step back...look at who is in your life and love them a little deeper! Life is precious!
Life does seems to give us these reminders along the way doesn't it KC.
Glad to hear things are turning out for you.
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Talesof....I am deeply touched! Will contact you later on this.
Going to parent's to get their home in order and get their car outta the shop (put it in to get things in shape while they were gone). Dad just called and they are in Atlanta - will be picking them up this afternoon. He sounded GREAT! They are exhausted and will crash/burn once they get off their adrenaline high after I get them home!
They are really active and look alot younger than their age (mid 80's). I am so blessed to have them!
Again, thank you everyone for your prayers/thoughts/support. Please keep Egypt in your prayers...and that bus load of people that are still unaccounted for.
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;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D YAY!!! ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D
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Here's updated news on the state of the artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo:
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/01/28/5943271-tuts-treasures-rescued-from-looters (http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/01/28/5943271-tuts-treasures-rescued-from-looters)
and from Dr. Hawass' Web site:
http://www.drhawass.com/blog/situation-egyptian-antiquities-today (http://www.drhawass.com/blog/situation-egyptian-antiquities-today)
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So glad kc! Big hugs are in order when you see them! And that is so beyond infuriating tales, I don't even know what to say. Ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies are world treasures and the rest of the world has a duty to help protect them >:(
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Oh KC, that's wonderful news! You must be relieved beyond belief. I'm so glad they made it back state side safely and will soon be comfy in their own home. Prayers still go out for those who haven't been as fortunate.
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WOW KC - I am sooooooooo glad your folks are out safe. It's getting very very bad. Any news on that bus? I keep thinking (and praying) about them...
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Hi all! Haven't heard anything about the bus yet but my folks are going to be talking with some of the other folks that are just now getting out of TelAviv and heading home now! I was very fortunate to finagle them a flight out that same day. The lines to use a computer in TelAviv are hours and hours long and most of the time down due to overload. It was much better me getting the flight from here!
I did find out that the group was French and that the rebels threw down a baracade so the bus couldn't keep driving then threw one behind it and boxed them in! So sad!