It is probably the most important step that many of us miss. Even if you're travelling for a holiday alone or with a group of friends, it is still important to register and check out the travel advisory.
Like many others, I did not register. But I informed the embassy that I will be in Egypt for some time.
The mass sit-in demonstration at Raba'ah square had been going on for weeks, and traffic had to be diverted to other roads. By the stroke of bad luck, the police and military decided to put an end to everything. The military and police made their presence felt with a fleet of armoured military vehicles and personnel, rooftop snipers, and riot police. The area turned into a battleground; gunshots were fired, and the air was cloudy with smoke. Plain clothes officers (or were they civilians?) carried arms and opened fire in my neighbourhood.
The sound of gunshots woke me up. As I jumped to my laptop to check the major new agencies, the home phone rang and stopped me dead in my tracks. Hmm, who would call me at this time? As it turned out, it was the then ambassador himself who wanted to check on my safety. He also advised me to stay indoors for the time being, but leave the area later in the afternoon because access in and out of Raba'ah will be restricted.
Had I not let the authorities know of my presence, nobody will know that I was there. During our travels, so many things can go wrong and we may not be familiar with their culture or infrastructure enough to slip out of tight situations. And more often, we need help from our fellow countrymen to facilitate the process.
PS: To this day, I am ever grateful for the ambassador who went to great lengths to check on my safety. I pray that Allah keep you and your family safe under his shade of mercy and protection, always.
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