After fleeing the mosquitos of Cairo, we headed west into the desert. First the Black desert, where we rough camped for the night, and then on to the white desert for 2 nights rough camping. No need for tents here which is wonderful. To go to sleep under the stars and wake up to the rising sun shining off the stark landscape is stunning.
Three days of camping rough and long days driving with nothing but sand and rock for as far as the eye can see is probably enough, though, and as we neared Aswan the change of landscape from desert to the cultivated greenery that lines the banks of the Nile was a welcome sight. Joining the Nile convoy that was to take us into the heart of Aswan was also a welcome sign of the end of three days of truck-bound confinement and of a shower and the chance to sleep in a bed.
Aswan is a pleasant city. The soucs are less stressful than our experiences have been else where and there is less concerted hassel, which made for as pleasant change. The Nile offers a welcome break in the city, and the place has the feel of a seaside resort despite being far in-land. Our time in Aswan was spent touring some of the sights, including the High Dam, which is the third largest in the world and gives rise to the largest man made lake in existence. Nice to swim if it wasn't for the crocodiles. We also visited the Philae temple that sits on and island in the middle of the Nile. Not its original location as that is now submerged beneath the man-made lake. It was transported in the 1970's stome by stone and reconstructed in its present location and is apparently a stunning example of greco-egyptian architecture from the time of Alexander the Great. Well worth a brief look around, but spend too long and you are in danger of having your head baked. The sun here is fierce.
The next day we left Aswan, but not on the truck. A felucca was our mode of transport for the next day and a bit, and a nicer way to spend a day on the Nile I can't imagine. There is nothing to do but drink, eat, read, and lounge about on the cushion covered decks - and no reason not to. A very pleasant way to spend a day and a night.
Departing the Felucca the following morning and rejoining the truck, we joined yet another convoy to Luxor continuing our breakneck journey north. Wierd to think in 5 days we will leave Egypt. It has been a whistle stop tour and pretty full-on, but very good.
Three days of camping rough and long days driving with nothing but sand and rock for as far as the eye can see is probably enough, though, and as we neared Aswan the change of landscape from desert to the cultivated greenery that lines the banks of the Nile was a welcome sight. Joining the Nile convoy that was to take us into the heart of Aswan was also a welcome sign of the end of three days of truck-bound confinement and of a shower and the chance to sleep in a bed.
Aswan is a pleasant city. The soucs are less stressful than our experiences have been else where and there is less concerted hassel, which made for as pleasant change. The Nile offers a welcome break in the city, and the place has the feel of a seaside resort despite being far in-land. Our time in Aswan was spent touring some of the sights, including the High Dam, which is the third largest in the world and gives rise to the largest man made lake in existence. Nice to swim if it wasn't for the crocodiles. We also visited the Philae temple that sits on and island in the middle of the Nile. Not its original location as that is now submerged beneath the man-made lake. It was transported in the 1970's stome by stone and reconstructed in its present location and is apparently a stunning example of greco-egyptian architecture from the time of Alexander the Great. Well worth a brief look around, but spend too long and you are in danger of having your head baked. The sun here is fierce.
The next day we left Aswan, but not on the truck. A felucca was our mode of transport for the next day and a bit, and a nicer way to spend a day on the Nile I can't imagine. There is nothing to do but drink, eat, read, and lounge about on the cushion covered decks - and no reason not to. A very pleasant way to spend a day and a night.
Departing the Felucca the following morning and rejoining the truck, we joined yet another convoy to Luxor continuing our breakneck journey north. Wierd to think in 5 days we will leave Egypt. It has been a whistle stop tour and pretty full-on, but very good.
posted by Al at 7:01 am
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home