Nothing like sweet home, say Pune tourists after returning from Egypt

The 20 Pune tourists, who  returned home safely from Egypt on Tuesday morning, expressed relief at reaching Pune. They had spent three harrowing days at Cairo airport, where there was an acute shortage of food and water.

They were charged Rs45,000 per head by Air India to return to Mumbai and had to sign undertakings to pay the fares by February 5. The tourists were on a 10-day tour of Egypt organised by the city-based Vayudoot Overseas Travellers.

Kantabai Darda (61) told DNA on Tuesday, "I am not a coward, but the uncertainty and chaotic situation that we experienced in Egypt will stay in our minds forever."

Her husband Chandanmal said, "All roads leading to the airport were chock-a-block with military vehicles and soldiers. When we reached the airport there was nothing but rush and chaos, as the infrastructure at the airport had all but collapsed," Kantabai said.

According to her, there was so much confusion that their passports were also not checked properly when they boarded the flights. She complained that they had not received the expected support from the Indian embassy.

Another tourist, 53-year-old Vibha Karmarkar of Erandwane said, "We Pune tourists stayed united and fought for our food and water collectively and shared whatever food we managed to get."

Similar sentiments were expressed by the six tourists from Pimpri-Chinchwad, who were part of this 20-member touring team.

The Nigdi-Pradhikaran based Kankarias, Madanlal and his wife Vidyavati, said they were disappointed with the Indian embassy for not being forthcoming in their help and support.

"The Indian embassy could have reduced our anxiety and worry. Even, Air India charged us an exorbitant Rs45,000 per head for our return to India," Madanlal said.

He said other countries were faster in their response to the crisis and had opened help desks to provide assistance.

"We spent a whole day at the airport with no food and water," Madanlal said.