Sailing on the Nile was fantastic. Very relaxing, a nice breeze, which was great because it was 35 degrees. A huge highlight! We played some cards, mostly black jack and the swedish kids taught us "take the 10" which was a lot of fun! sort of like "president" card game, but better. We ate our meals on a support boat. After supper, me and a couple guys and the swedish boys wanted to explore on land in the dark. Equipped with head flashlights, off we set. We wanted to get to the desert, but the long grass made someone concerned about snakes, so we stuck to the shore. Then we came upon a animal trail (for cows, donkeys). Along we went, until a dog barked at us with much determination. We dared not enter his territory, so it was back to the felucca boat for us. We all slept on the boat, laying next to one another like a big sleep over. I thought it was great, nice and cool, I slept well, it was just like camping outdoors. But for many, this was a night of little sleep for them. I saw the sunrise, very lovely.
Our guide, Semsem, says that it has only rained twice in Aswan in the past 9.5 years! I'm so impressed with our guide. We seen many groups and guides in our travels and he seems outstanding compared to the rest. More educated in Egyptology, better connected with the locals. We get priority over other groups for meals and entrances, etc. He's an independent guide, not tied to any one travel company. He works when he wants to and gets paid very well. He's travelled many places, australia, new zealand, amsterdam many times, etc. He tells us that the lady collecting money at the toliets so that we get toilet paper makes way more money than he does! she's got a good gig going.
Joseph
I learned today that the temple Sakkara, in Cairo area, is the one where Joseph from the OT was. Too bad I won't get to see it. His Egyptian name, Imhotep is inscribed (as a seal) in it. This name means "the one who came in peace". The pharoah at this time was Zoser.
37 Degrees
It is super hot today, our hottest day yet and I'm looking forward to a cold shower. All the showers have had only cold water, but in this heat, it's a welcomed treat.
FRIDAY
Friday is a big day. Hot air balloon ride (I've always wanted to do one!), Valley of the Kings, donkey ride, Karnak temple, and who knows what other adventures await me. Tomorrow is a 5 am start. Our guide has us up quite earlymost days, but it's to avoid the afternoon heat when we get free time to relax and shower and visit the markets. Our tour ends saturday morning as we head to the airport around 5am. Then Michelle and I continue on our own by flight to Sharm El Sheikh, bus to Dahab for the beach, snorkeling and an overnight on Mount Sinai.
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