Humboldt Woman Gives First-Hand Account of Chaos in Egypt
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HUMBOLDT, Tenn. – Renee Bland of Humboldt was in Egypt for what was supposed to be her dream wedding, but political unrest surrounding former president Mohammed Morsi created a chaotic situation. Bland and her husband hurried out of Cairo, thinking they would be safe. “Alexandria was supposed to be perfect; no protests, safe, and on the coast,” said new bride, Renee Bland. “And the 28th, when we had our wedding, is when the American student (Andrew Pochter) was killed and it was four blocks away from our hotel.” In the coming days, protesters swarmed the streets. Bland said they were fighting, shooting guns, and even using explosives to injure people and damage buildings. The newlyweds feared for their lives. “I’m just hiding in a cabinet in the back of the apartment and here all these explosions,” said Bland. “It was just nerve-racking. You know, I was like I’m not going to make it out. I’m not going to get out of here.” Bland did make her way back to the United States. And after two weeks in Egypt, including night after night of constant violence, she was thrilled to be back home. “I just started crying because I was like ‘I’m in America, I’m OK now,'” said Bland. “I was so tensed up and under so much stress that as soon as I got here everything kind of just melted, and I slept for two days straight.” The dream wedding turned into something that Bland said will haunt her for some time. “It’s not worth it,” said Bland. “I would’ve rather now have lost the money and the deposit on the wedding and the hotel then go through all the nerves I’ve been through and the stress.” Bland said her husband will be in Saudi Arabia, working for the next two months. Once he is back, they hope to have a safer, quieter wedding ceremony with her family.
