It’s a Small World

Africa never disappoints. “Someone” has declared us a high security risk group and we have been gifted an entourage of gun toting, suit wearing security dudes. It started small, with just Hassan, but when we walked to supper at Abu Tourek, we suddenly triggered some policeman’s alarm system, and we were cautiously escorted out of there with four more security. Two white coated police, and a random man or two. We women were urged in no uncertain tones to take off our headcovering’s, and we were carefully herded back to Eileen Hotel. Very, very odd. Nothing has ever happened like this before. Hassan was effusive in his apologies, but there was nothing we could do.

This evening Hassan was replaced by three new security detail, so now we are well and truly covered. With my entitled American attitude, I could hardly stand being hampered in my movements or clothing choices. I don’t know why it seems like a big deal, but we are so not used to being at all hampered ever. Coming from SD we never even deal with heavy traffic, and find a little construction in downtown Huron highly frustrating.

After a series of self talks, I was able to suddenly see the funny side of it, and embrace our new tag-alongs. It was horribly tempting to take all of them shopping, but when I tried to get all three to come with me to buy Heath a diet coke, only one agreed to come. Very disappointing, but I made him carry my bag. Our tour company rep Abdul, who is an absolute gem, finds it a little funny too. When I suggested maybe getting a few more guys, he thought 19 would be about right. Definitely one per person. I offered to sign his shirt, since I have obviously achieved celebrity status, but it was black so he was afraid it wouldn’t show up well. Maybe tomorrow he’ll wear a white one. I asked him if it was because we were Christian or American that we were garnering all this attention and he said it was cause we were in Egypt. He claimed even the security guards didn’t have any idea why we were so important. It was just something that sometimes happened. Right now we’re the most important people in the country. Whatever.

Ray is getting better. He even walked for a while this afternoon, so that was good. I hope he didn’t overdo it. He’s one of those brave people who say they’re fine when they aren’t at all fine.

And so it continues. Tickets are being booked, people are resting and we’re all taken care of. I think we’re well and truly very safe.