A Keilor Downs resident has returned from an increasingly “volatile” Egypt with a vastly changed perception of the world.
Against a backdrop of violence, bloodshed and civil unrest, RMIT
archaeology student Kels Baker, 21, spent four days in Cairo as part of a
five-week excavation overseen by the University of Hawaii.
“We were there when [former president Mohamed] Morsi was stood down by the military,” Ms Baker said.
“Our team was very cautious to avoid the protest hotspots such as Tahrir Square and any violence.
‘‘The current condition of Egypt is very frightening … [however]
the broadcasts of it overseas makes it look like the entire city is in
turmoil, but really there are a few areas that have completely broken
down and the rest of the city goes on as if nothing has happened.”
Ms Baker left Cairo with 26 other archaeologists for the Mansoura
region, about three hours north of Cairo, for a site called Tell Timai
to find remains of Greek and Roman occupation.
While battling oppressive heat, power outages and limited internet
to access worried families, it was not uncommon for Ms Baker to hear
gunfire as protests raged in Mansoura City, 30 minutes away by car.
“We heard stories of women and children being pushed to the front
of the protesters and then being shot by their own, as well as
government buildings being set on fire and chaos in the streets,” she
said.
Ms Baker, secretary of the Keilor Historical Society and a gaming
attendant at Taylors Lakes Hotel, was escorted by an armed police guard
whenever she left her house.
“The only time we ever felt threatened was when we had to walk through large crowds in cities,” she said.
The former Overnewton Anglican College student said the trip opened her eyes to the world.
“It has also shown me that you do not have to be rich or have a
world of possessions to be happy,” she said. “Through the stresses and
anxiety of working in such a volatile country, I have made some amazing
friends from around the world, and the roller coaster that we rode
together has made me a stronger and better person.
“With any luck, the crisis in Egypt will be resolved soon, and I
am hoping to return to Tell Timai next year to continue our work.”
