Start of cruise and Aswan
Trip Start
Feb 07, 2009
1
9
41
Trip End
Mar 19, 2009
Aswan,
Nile River Valley,
Egypt
Monday, February 16, 2009
We drove to the boat then and had a welcome drink. We weren't able to get into our rooms though as they were still being prepared. We met George who would be our guide during the time we were on the boat. He led us along the waterfont to a felucca for a trip around Elaphantine Island. Going there was easy - lots of wind to push us along and we got across quickly
Shame he didn't get the spelling right!
. Coming back the wind was towards us so we had to zigzag across the river to progress. Doing this meant the boat tipped precariously each time, once we even got water in on one side. Alanna was freaking out and kept moving to the higher side or sitting in the middle of the boat. George thought it was hilarious! Back on the boat for lunch - 5 courses and just so much food. It was delicious (especially the pizza) but just way too much and we didn't even touch half the plates. After we ate we were picked up in the bus and drove to the unfinished Obelisk which would have been the largest obelisk but it had several flaws in it so it was never fnished and moved anywhere. It just lies in the ground, partly cleared around. We then drove across the High Dam which provides hydroelectric power to a lot of Egypt. Driving back, we stopped and took a motorised boat across to Philae Temple. This was flooded when the dam was built and was cut into 47000 individual pieces and moved to a higher island. You can still see the pylons from the original island sticking out from the water. Philae Temple is beautiful, so high up and with the massive pylons at the front.
Back on board the little boat for the trip back, then got in the bus and drove back to the boat. After a quick toilet stop and freshen up, we headed out to the markets
The Renaissance
. Mike got us all in a horsedrawn carriage, which are really only meant for 2 people and the driver, but we crammed the 7 of us in. So it was quite an expereince, especially going round corners and up the hills. Mike even got out at one time and helped push us up a hill. Alanna felt sorry for the horse and hopped out as well, then had to run and hop back on. We were dropped at the end of the markets and began to wander through, stopping to look at sand bottles, perfume bottles, gold, statues and even for some locals who wanted their picture taken with the girls. We bought heaps - perfume bottles for the girls and I and bead bracelets, Adrian got a Nubian musical instrument, Alanna got a gold scarab charm and I bought timber boxes and a Nefertiti statue.When we got back to the boat we had a quick shower and change, and went downstairs for a Nubian dance show. Another enormous dinner (I didn't feel like eating though) then up to bed.
