Feb 26

Good news. A new Egyptian Minister of Education has been appointed and things are beginning to approach normal. With any luck I should be able to depart in the next couple of weeks. Still remaining cautious. But things are begining to stabilize.
regards
witte

Delays continue

Well, here we are. The beginning of another week and still no movement. The University remains closed. The Americian University Cairo (AUC) and some of the Private Schools have opened but the major public universities remain closed. The reasons for delayed opening are complex. One version is that they are not sure what to do about campus security. It seems that the previous "security" forces fed information to the central government (Mubarak) and therefore were not really trusted. So, should they retun to campus and suffer student retaliation or should the various universities go with out any campus security at all? By the way, the question of the role of the campus security is merely speculation, but suspicion is often based on fact. For what ever reason, there is really no reason to return to Egypt to teach until the university is open. Perhaps next month - perhaps.
regards
witte

Feb 14

Things are looking up. Egypt is now in the hands of its people and the Universities are open. If all goes well I will be in Egypt next week. Last minute preparation including, travel medication, proper clothing (have been checking weather daily) and finalizing class presentations. There are also a surprisingly high number of pre departure things to finish here: routine meetings, suspense responses, preparing students for my absence, etc. Office hours do not count while in Egypt. Actually, the whole thing has been amazingly smooth. Should get one more chat before leaving. For now - all is well
regards
witte

Feb 4

Well, here we sit in Alabama. Internet is up and flights are canceled. I have rebooked on Delta for Feb 22. Hoping things will have quieted down. The Suez Canal University is closed due to the unrest so there is no point in being there as there are no classes. It remains frustrating. 3,000 people took to the streets in Suez Canal City yesterday. Smaller gathering than in Cairo but Suez City is a smaller city. The percentage must be about the same. My friends there (Suez City) are very optomistic and as of yesterday felt quite secure. Am keeping up with the State Department as well as folks on the ground in Egypt. It is a painful time for all. Will keep you posted as the intended departure date gets closer.
regards
witte

Sunday Jan 30

Still at work (Auburn). It is amazing how work expands to the time alloted. Decision to travel is still pending. I have daily telephonic (land line) contact with friends in Egypt. American Embassy has issued travel advisory and is encouraging Americans in Egypt to leave. The current unrest has no "anti-American" focus, but there are gangs of discontents robbing, houses, stores and threatening people on the streets. The police force is completely in effective, the Army is really not engaging the civil unrest, so until that subsides Egypt is generally not safe.

The University there has yet to close and that is encouraging. A decision to leave for Egypt will be made in the future. As of today, it is not the best of ideas. Maria and I have experience with civil unrest (Panama, Iran, Pakistan)and have decided to remain here for a while (as much as I dislike missing an opportunity to observe history first hand).
Will keep you posted as circumstances change.

two weeks left

Welcome to the first posting on a new blog which will (eventually) reflect my teaching assignment and travels in Egypt. I have been asked to join the faculty of the Suez Canal University in Suez City a short distance outside of Cairo. This is not my first visit there. At this pont most of my efforts are expended on travel preparation. The Auburn University requirements are very straight forward, things like shots and documents. Travel advisories are also simple and easy to find. Personal stuff like a 3 mos supply of medications, new glasses, light weight clothing, books, reference materials and computer, all seem to run together. So far- so good. This is just an initial posting. Should have more (and better) information as this trip progresses.
for now
regards
witte