Aswan

Trip Start Aug 09, 2008
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Trip End Sep 16, 2008


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Flag of Egypt  ,
Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Last night, during the Galabeya Party, we had arrived in Aswan. This morning, we visit the Temple of Philae, the high dam that created Lake Nasr, a modern monument of Egypt, and sail around Eliphantine Island in a Felucca. It's a sedate morning, taking a bus to lake Nasr, then on a small boat to an island where the Temple of Philae is located.

When the High dam was built; the temple was moved 12 metres higher. It took eight years from 1972 to 1980, moving the temple block by block. If this were not done the dam would have submerged the temple when the lake was formed.

After we visited the temple, we take the small boat back to the bus, and make a very fleeting visit to the High Dam, before heading back to the ship. Some of the tourists depart for flights to other destinations, while most of us sail on a felucca. That was fun and serene. It sails so smoothly across the Nile, almost gliding across the water.

After, sailing in the felucca, it's back on board the ship for lunch, and then some of us decide to visit the local Bazaar. Because of Ramadan, it is not very busy, but we get hounded as usual but this time I want to buy something. I need a new suitcase. One of mine has broken it straps. Eventually I find a stall sell bags and I see one I like. Let the bartering games begin. I had decided on a price and started low, he started higher and then I said my price, deal done. The others said I was too quick. Story of my life really, but I'm happy. We wondered around for nearly 2 hours, and then headed back to the ship where I repacked my bags. I also bought a belt, made of Camel Leather.

There was a Nubian show tonight, but it started earlier than I was told and I missed most of it. Oh well, never mind.
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