Tutankhamun statue and other artifacts stolen from Egyptian Museum, Zahi Hawass reports

by Sean McLachlan on

The Head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass, has posted some sad news on his blog. During the recent political upheaval in Cairo the Egyptian Museum was broken into and some artifacts were stolen. We reported earlier that two mummies were damaged but nothing was stolen. Now that the museum staff have been able to do an inventory it appears that during that incident the intruders also took some artifacts.

The most famous is a gilded wood statue of Tutankhamun being carried by a goddess, shown here. Another Tutankhamun statue was damaged. Several other priceless artifacts are also missing. A complete list can be found here. Dr. Hawass writes that 70 artifacts were knocked over or damaged.

Dr. Hawass also reports a storeroom near the pyramid at Dashur was broken into. There were attempted break-ins at a few other museums as well. No word yet on any missing artifacts.

The Egyptian Museum is on Tahrir Square where the Cairo protests were centered. Dr. Hawass and museum employees have been sleeping in the museum to protect it. On several occasions during the past weeks many protesters made a human barrier to protect the building. Sadly, the thieves took advantage of the confusion on the street level to break in through the roof.

The BBC reports that previous reports of damaged mummies appear to be incorrect and were the result of confusion over a couple of skulls that had been taken from their cases. Also, a group of suspects have been arrested and are being questioned in relation to the break in. The museum remains closed for an indefinite period.

Oil prices and unrest in Egypt: Will they affect travel?

by Chris Owen on

Airlines and Cruise lines have been watching the price of oil for quite some time. Fuel surcharges are unpopular fees and neither wants to add them on again if they can possibly avoid it. Some say fuel surcharges are inevitable and quite possibly the least of our worries.

Cruise lines, almost universally, have a ceiling of between $70 and $90 a barrel for oil. If the price reaches that point, they can add on a fuel surcharge. Prices have actually exceeded that threshold recently and cruise lines still did not add on the extra fee, fearful that the fee combined with the recovering economy could drive buyers away.

American Airlines added fuel surcharges of as much as $5 each way on many routes with United Continental Holdings Inc. adding a $3 each-way surcharge. Just Friday, British Airways said they would increase the fuel surcharge they already have in place.

“British Airways will increase its fuel surcharge on long haul services from Tuesday, February 8,” it said in a statement but not on short haul services.

How it will all play out is up for grabs right now but US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is concerned about additional factors that could affect travel far greater than a fuel surcharge.

Flickr photo by ayman_ay17

Saying the Middle East “”is being battered by a perfect storm of powerful trends,” Clinton is concerned about unrest in the region.

“Leaders in the region may be able to hold back the tide for a little while, but not for long,” she said. “This is what has driven demonstrators into the streets of Tunis, Cairo and cities throughout the region. The status quo is simply not sustainable.”

If danger presents itself, travel warnings issued by the US Department of State could be extended to neighboring regions as well. If that happens, tour operators, airlines and cruise lines would probably react similarly to how the have this week, canceling service to Egypt.

On the other hand, tour operators in Spain can see an up side to the whole issue, as alternative ports of call and destinations found for booked travelers. This week, the German divisions of Thomas Cook and TUI Travel said they were seeing a trend for customers to switch Egypt holidays for ones to Spain or Turkey.

While a safe alternative is a good idea, it will hardly fulfill the lifelong dreams some have had for visiting Egypt, a trip that probably won’t happen any time soon.

The Travel Channel offers these tips for traveling overseas:

Yasi brings destruction to Australia as social media prepares to help

by Chris Owen on

As blizzard conditions strand motorists across the Midwest and chaos in Cairo continues as Mubarak backers and opponents clash, Australia is now feeling the effect of Cyclone Yasi, believed to be their biggest-ever storm. What was a waiting game of “Where exactly will it hit?” and “How bad will it be?” has become the harsh reality that unprecedented destruction is at hand.

“The large, destructive core of Cyclone Yasi is starting to cross the coast between Innisfail and Cardwell with a dangerous storm tide and battering waves to the south of the cyclone centre,” Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.

ABC news reports that “North Queensland residents will be greeted by scenes of destruction at first light when the full impact of Cyclone Yasi is revealed.”

Just downgraded to a category 4 storm, high winds continue to batter homes, businesses and public areas. Australians are dug in and now being cut off from the outside world as power lines go down and communication is disrupted. Still, those with a signal are getting the word out and the world prepares to help, communicating with friends and loved ones via Twitter and Facebook.Social media platforms are jumping over Yasi too. On Twitter, using the hashtag #Yasi and #TCYasi, user @StudioLaville urges those who can help to register even before the storm passes:

Retweet! Register your ability to help or need for help at Help North Queensland. Free. http://helpnorthqueensland.com #Yasi #TCYasi

Still 180 kph readings in Queensland #yasi

On Facebook, more than 40,000 people have joined the Cyclone Yasi Update page which added:

Police in Mackay and Gladstone have had no major incidents reported to them as a result of the cyclone at this early stage. (please keep in mind there will be a lot of unknowns until first light) (Julie)

Tully devastated – winds very strong before and after the eye passed. Many many roofs off, as Larry did to Innisfail. People seeking refuge in their cars. Councilor Ross Cabello who has witnessed many cyclones, said this was far and away the worst he’s ever seen. He states that there are many, many houses damaged – roofs destroyed. (Chris)

CNN Video

Breaking: Another cruise line drops Egypt, says safety first

by Chris Owen on

Cruise lines are modifying cruise itineraries for ships calling in Egypt and Tunisia, canceling all port calls in these two countries. While unrest/chaos continues in the area, cruise lines are playing it safe by keeping ships and passengers out of harms way.

Costa Cruises told Gadling today that they have modified Red Sea sailings on the Costa Allegra and Costa Marina, the itinerary will now concentrate on calls at Jordan and Israel, with turnaround operations taking place at Aqaba, Jordan. To accommodate guests who have already booked these cruises, Costa Cruises will offer alternative itineraries and dates of departures.

Costa’s Mediterranean cruises with a one-day call at Alexandria will be diverted to a one day-call at Greece or Israel. On Mediterranean seven-day sailings normally going to Tunis, Tunisia, that call will be replaced by Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Malta, or Cagliari, Italy.

The port of Alexandria Egypt has been a favorite of cruise passengers. Here is what they might have seen.

It looks like cruise lines are clearing out itineraries for the next couple of weeks, with many more modified itineraries than were on the books just last weekend.

A travel warning issued by the U.S. Department of State “recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel to Egypt due to ongoing political and social unrest.” and goes on to add “demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage.”

The Department of State also offers specific safety tips for travelers and recommends enrollment in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , a free service that lets travelers advise the Department of State where they will be and helps them keep in touch in emergency situations.

Evacuation of foreigners from Egypt: what you need to know

by McLean Robbins on


Rising threats of violence and political unrest in Egypt has prompted many foreign visitors and residents to plan evacuation plans. Our friends over at World Nomads have compiled a highly-useful guide to evacuation procedures for countries like the United States, Australia, Turkey and the UK.

US Citizens: The latest updates are on the State Department’s website.

Air travel ticket holders, take note: Delta has suspended flights to Cairo indefinitely at this time, while an American Airlines and British Airways have announced that tickets to and from Cairo can be changed at no charge. Emirates and Etihad are currently operating as scheduled, but travelers should expect long delays at the airport and a “far from normal” operating schedule.