Not a war related thread....honest

[Conor]

Now that things have started, be they right or wrong, it forces me to ask a question that is a little selfish. What do you think is going to happen to Diving in that region ?

One of the most popular dive destinations (and one I will hopefully still be able to go to in three weeks) as we all know is the Red Sea, which, at least according to the BBC, is being used to launch Cruise Missiles.

Do you think Egypt is going to be added to the no-travel lists ? Do you think dive operations will be restricted ?

 

[chiara]

I should have gone on a cruise on Easter week starting from Safaga: canceled due to not enough bookings.

Another trip is planned to Sharm el Naga at the end of August: no one seems to be interested.

I don't care about what official agencies say, I'd rather go a bit further away and feel somewhat safer, and that's exactly what I'll do: Koh Samui in June!

 

[clive francis]

i was hoping to go back to Marsa Alam at the end of spring beginning of summer.

even if it is not put on the list for places not to visit I would recommend not to go.

before everyone one starts shouting why and i am talking crap, this is why:

I went to Marsa Alam (half way down to Sudan) last August, when things were no where near as bad as they are now, and the Egyptians working at the dive centre gave us a frosty welcome on a couple of mornings because they had head that the US had attacked Iraq.

Now with them actually attacking, and the risk of Iraq planting bombs to damage civilian sites and cause injuries, it would not be a good idea.

I work with a guy from Iraq and he hates Sadman, but is not happy about the attack, because he feels it is an attack on his country (even though they have re-iterated that they just want Sadman) and his religion.

If they can finish it quickly, and start rebuilding and improving so the rest of the Arab world can see their intentions were genuine, then we may have a chance to get back in the water by the end of the summer.

Thats my 2p worth!

 

[Conor]

Stirling advice (i.e. the 2p)

Technically it should be ok for me as I'm Irish and my girfriend is French, but I doubt that will make a difference in reality.

My trip is going to be shorebased so as long as the dive center is still there they should be diving, but do you think they will start restricting diving ?

I guess if it does get cancelled I'll just have to find somewhere else

 

[shellbird]

Being an American anywhere other than the good ol' USA is a scary thought. Travelling is one of my favorite things, but now the whole world seems to hate American's (more than usual). I don't think I will be able to travel like I used to and I always wanted to dive the Red Sea. ;-0

This sucks.

 

[jepuskar]

I am surprised there is not a DIR class that specializes in diving while avoiding mines...the RIGHT way.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

shellbird once bubbled...
Being an American anywhere other than the good ol' USA is a scary thought. Travelling is one of my favorite things, but now the whole world seems to hate American's (more than usual). I don't think I will be able to travel like I used to and I always wanted to dive the Red Sea. ;-0

This sucks.

You could always come to the Caymans - British territory and the diving ain't half bad

 

[Jester]

Having traveled a fair amount, I've witnessed a great number of "Ugly Americans," and yes, there's a lot of resentment out there.

It's important to keep a low profile, be extremely polite and thoughtful at all times, and stop the chest beating attitude that we Americans so often present.

 

[clive francis]

hoover once bubbled...
Having traveled a fair amount, I've witnessed a great number of "Ugly Americans," and yes, there's a lot of resentment out there.

It's important to keep a low profile, be extremely polite and thoughtful at all times, and stop the chest beating attitude that we Americans so often present.

i had never noticed that sort of behaviour

 

[PK]

Sometimes, being polite won't be enough during a war situation.

I LOVE to travel, but I'm not going anywhere until things settle. I was stuck in a plane during 9/11. When I got out of the plane I still had no idea what happened but I saw explosions on the airport tvs. My luggage was lost and supposedly at the intended final destination. It felt like a war zone the way people were swarming all over the place in fear. When I finally got out of the airport, with only the clothes I was wearing, and into a hotel it was 2pm. I was finally able to watch cnn and let my family and co-workers know where I was. I was alone and scared and yet I was in my own country.

I can't imagine recommending anyone go through that in a foreign country.