[ken5050]

Tourism is Egypt's single biggest source of hard currency, and a major component of the economy. Since the revolution, tourism is way down..the government won't release the numbers...some of the hotels near Luxor and Thebes have occupancy rates BELOW 25%..and you can get some incredible bargains..if you're willing to run the risks..

The problem is that the Egyptian/Arab mentality..instead of being grateful to those who still visit..actually use them as the target of their hatred and resentment..

[Mrs.Z]

My friends were very impressed with their Egyptian guide.

His rates were reasonable, so they hired him for private tours.

He actually had a degree in tourism. My friends quizzed him (checking answers on the IPhone) and found his knowledge of ancient Egypt to be phenominal.

After being with him for a few hours, they asked him what he thought about the political situation.

H shared that he felt terrified for his family, for his small business, (he had just gone solo as a guide), and that the religous crazies would take over.

Obviously he was right to be afraid.