Since we came to Egypt I have found the police and body guard presence quite different from other places we have traveled. Today I asked our guide about it. She said it all started with the Luxor massacre in November of 1997. The effect on tourism was devastating. Tourism is the second most important source of revenue after the Suez Canal. After that incident the Egyptian government established the Tourism Police and set up protocols for protecting tourists. There is heavy involvement of the local police and the Army. Every time we go anywhere in a vehicle there is an armed guard on board and we are accompanied by a vehicle like this one which carries four people. Two in front with side arms and two army personnel in back carrying AK-47 assault rifles. These guys are everywhere. I am thankful for that.