The “day after” in El Gouna
Like anywhere in the world, residents as well as tourists in El Gouna are chocked and impressed by the happenings from yesterday in London.
Here in El Gouna life continues as usual, or perhaps a little more silently. At the bus station: the loud joking and laughing between the shuttle bus and toktok drivers have become somehow more silent, tourists seem to be a little less spontaneous. Locals gathering at the busstation discuss about the contents of an arabic newspaper that’s being sold here today. On the various construction sites in El Gouna work continued today as usual.
I’ve seen less people this morning in Downtown and the Marina, probably due to the fact it’s Friday today (which is the holiday in the Arabic world): a lot of tourists leave normally on thursday, the new ones that arrived yesterday first have to discover their hotel before they come into downtown or to the marina.
The Info Center reported no special remarks from tourist on yesterday events. We noted however an important increase of internet traffic yesterday afternoon and evening: the British community in El Gouna trying to get hold on the latest news from their family in greater London area.
We from El Gouna Times would like to express our deepest sympathy to the victims and their relatives. We cannot run away for terror, but by being here in El Gouna, we all can contribute our little share for a better understanding between cultures and religions.
July 8th, 2005 at 17:03
I’ve just read your article on the “day after” Well, I’m here in London on the day after, and of course we are all shocked about the atrocities which happened, but I felt, as I’m sure most other Londoners did, that it was just a matter of not “If” but “When” . . . . We have forgotten all too quickly about terrorism. It used to be a part of daily life here in London with regard to the IRA threats. Today I’ve watched Londoners going about their business with great stoicism and I felt proud. I know it’s not something we will forget soon - if ever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones. There is one thing for sure though - life will go on, and we will not let this beat us.