Maadi, Cairo, Egypt
'The last thing I heard before I started writing this was that a tank is headed for the Grand Mall. Things have spiraled out of control here in Egypt. After the overthrow in Tunisia, the people here have been inspired. Citizens have been pouring into the streets in higher and higher numbers since the first 'minor' protest in Cairo on the 25th. Our bubble here in Maadi is on the verge of bursting. This expat haven is alive with the angst of the less fortunate and those eager for change. As I write, people on the streets below our balcony are walking the streets with machetes, pipes, chains and other improvised weapons. The police force has been told to stand-down and the army is being deployed in full force. Since I started writing this I've had to stop and move inside away from the occasional gunfire. We've filled our bathtub with water, loaded up water bottles, blocked the door, planned an escape route, packed a go bag and called home. Maybe we're over-thinking things but I'd rather be prepared for the worst. The people upstairs are waiting everything out as well. The reason I'm more nervous about tonight is because it appears looting has began in downtown Cairo. We live in an area with a good amount of money, plenty of cars, and a lot of nice apartments to break into. I don't think I ever thought I'd be in this situation, but here I am. The internet has been out for 2 days, phones are intermittent at best, but we have 2 channels on the TV...only in Arabic. I'm nervous, but I'm hoping things turn out for the best. These people deserve better, I just don't know what will need to happen for them to get it. Mubarak stepping down? He seems to only have two choices: step down or turn into Iran and start killing protesters. If he chooses the latter, it will probably only turn into a bigger mess, but with no international support. Well, I need to relax so it's time for a movie. Hopefully I'll write more in the morning. This will definitely not be told with a sigh.
*9:27pm
Things are quiet now. Phone calls went back and forth between teachers all night passing along updates. We heard more gunfire, helicopters and a possible tank. Apparently looting was bad 3 blocks away but we haven't seen anything yet. Some other people were much more jovial earlier in the night, but I think the gravity of the situation hit as time wore on. The special forces were deployed, and Mubarak is rumored to be stepping down tonight or tomorrow. 30+ years in power and this might be it. Amazing. The embassy supposedly is putting together an evacuation plan, but if Mubarak steps down, hopefully we won't need it. I feel a lot calmer now, and I can't imagine things escalating this evening. I'm fairly anxious for the morning to see what has happened. Hopefully nothing else happens tonight that would cause me to write more. Until tomorrow....
*10:27pm
Over a dozen shots fired on our block. Armed men (pipes, chains...) running towards the street connecting the Grand Mall to Nasr Street.
*12:50pm Sunday, January 30th, 2011
The night went alright. Occasional gunfire, boabs (doormen) out front with weapons. Occasional rifle fire heard now.
We are evacuating at 9:00am tomorrow morning to Sharm el-Sheik by land. If that is dangerous, a plane has been chartered to fly us to Cyprus.
*1:24pm
Just returned from a walk to the corner store. Shleves are bare, roads have barriers and choke points made from trees, rock and trash. At each intersection there are 5-6 men with weapons. (Intersections w/ main roads.) Cars are being scrutinized before the can enter. Soldiers are now stationed next to my bus stop at the entrance to the communications station.
*3:00am Monday, January 31st
Nothing new to report. Quiet night and I'm pretty sure I fell asleep in the chair. Gunfire minimal and in the distance. Seems like things are calming down.
*8:53am
Still quiet outside. Military is evacuating citizens out of the country. Gunfire in the distance. I'm finishing packing and will head to the bus in a couple minutes.
*5:59pm
We've been on the road for about 6 hours. We were just stopped somewhere along the road bordering the Suez/Red Sea for about an hour. Supposedly the government is collapsing and there are large fires in the town ahead of us. Rumor is Bedouin/political protest. I'm writing this on the bus by cell phone light.