Local tourists return from Egypt

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Late Tuesday night, 13 weary travelers returned to Hampton Roads after escaping the political turmoil and chaos in Egypt. Family and friends gathered at Norfolk International Airport with posters, flags and big smiles, anxious for their loved ones to arrive.

"You feel helpless," said Lisa Candella, whose mother was one of the tourists. "Because there's not a whole lot you can do to get them home."

"I think I always figured they'd get out, I just didn't know when," Candella continued. "I didn't know how long it would take for them to come home."

Her mother, and twelve others from Hampton Roads, were on a tour of the Middle East when towards the end of their trip chaos erupted.

For the past several days, many have watched the images of protesters taking to the streets of Cairo. Candella, however, avoided watching TV, saying, "I didn't really want to watch the news and know all what she was going through."

In the main terminal, the crowd carrying big grins and flags was growing impatient. They began questioning random travelers, wondering if they were on their loved ones' flight. Finally, there was a glimpse of the weary travelers, who with a simple wave set the crowd off.

Waves and cheers followed. Those arriving couldn't hide the joy of being back in the USA and back in the arms of loved ones.

"We had a wonderful tour in Egypt, we had a wonderful tour in Jordan," said Nancy Alligood. "And it was on the end of our trip that this unfortunate thing happened."

"I'm glad to be home!" Bettie Blair told WAVY.com. "It's been a long ride from Egypt and an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life."