Tagged With "Aswan"
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Re: In Egypt: Sleeping
As ever, a succinct and informative post from PM. It definitely gets its teeth into the eternal travel dilemma - how to feel comfortable when you're unconscious ! I always maintain (in life generally) that the greatest gap lies between expectation and reality. PM also found the smallest; that between scalding and frigid on an unfamiliar shower 😆😎
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Re: In Egypt: Up the Nile
Egypt is always going to be a conveyor belt for most visitors, outside of the resorts, and it's hard to get around this, given the country's geography. But PM is right to take the costs on the chin; how many times are you going to be there in this life ? Obviously didn't miss much, from her photos !
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Re: In Egypt: Up the Nile
Back in 1989, when TWA still existed, took their 14 day tour. I believe there were 35 of us. We started in Cairo - 4 days staying at Mena House opposite the pyramids A huge WOW! During our stay there we traveled to Sakkaha and Memphis. Boarded a bus that took us to Alexandria - 2 days staying at Montazah Sheraton. From there we took a train to Aswan (dirty dishes - everyone sick). In Aswan, we stayed on Elephantine Island's Loews Aswan Oberoi. Went to Temples of Philae and flew to Abu...
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Re: In Egypt: Philae Island
A fascinating (and detailed) look at a site that many visitors completely miss, even based in Aswan ! The rescue (as with Abu Simbel) is a story in itself, but the 19thC visitors take the biscuit for hubris - wasn't it Edward Lear who set up his camp in the temple ?
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Re: In Egypt: Philae Island
Considering the length of time these monuments have existed, I imagine anything you can think of has happened within them, Edward Lear's encampment the least of it!
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Re: In Egypt: Philae Island
I am so excited to read your article and see your photos...I'll be in Egypt in one week!! Thank you for an excellent post!
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Re: In Egypt: Philae Island
Fascinating and beautiful! Would have been such a shame if it had been lost to flooding....
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Re: In Egypt: An Unlikely Story
Super story ! I've lost count of the synchronicities that have played out in my own travelling life. Endless curiosity is one of the nicer burdens in life 😆😎
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Re: In Egypt: An Unlikely Story
My guess would be that only about 0.00001% of travelers to Egypt would have a familiarity with that book, interesting though it seems. You may very well have been the first person ever who recognized Hamada from Mahoney's book. But a charming tale it is and one that turns a good trip into a memorable experience. I'm saddened to hear that your story has you returning to Luxor already. I've enjoyed your Nile journey.
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Re: In Egypt: An Unlikely Story
I felt the same, DrF., already? And why I can't rid myself of the feeling that I must go back.
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Re: In Egypt: An Unlikely Story
Aswan is the business ! Well when you do, take a look for a family belonging a guy called Fikri on the outskirts of the Nubian village opposite and downstream. Another insight with good people !
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
I've really enjoyed this journey...thanks! For anyone who hasn't, I'd suggest checking out the first 3 parts as well. It's amazing to realize how varied the architecture and the wildlife and even the river itself seem at different points along the way. Some of the variation serves to remind us, as well, how many many years went into all this; all of our civilizations are young by comparison, no matter how old they seem to us!
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
What a fabulous conclusion to a delightful series, Mac. Thanks so much for sharing this journey with all of us. I've wanted to visit Egypt for some time, but have always been a little reluctant to go somewhere I might get targeted for extermination simply because I'm a visitor from the west. But your series has made me want to see this sooner, rather than later.
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
Although I've wanted to go to Egypt most of my life, to Egypt and Japan, for some reason I haven't made it to either place (except through the Suez canal, which hardly counts). Your pictures of the colonial-era hotels, though, may be the encouragement I need to finally get there. It's probably less crowded now than it will ever be, also an encouragement.
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
An incredible series on Egypt! I too want to go now sooner rather than later!
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
Thank you kindly fellow Gumbo-ists. You have rightly detected that we greatly enjoyed our trip and it is so photogenic and endlessly fascinating. I always feel a total dullard when going to the tombs and temples and hear all the lists of Pharaohs, dynasties, goddesses and gods - all doing fantastic things at the same time as us Brits were living in mud huts.... I do encourage you all to go and visit now. You will never get better deals than now (but go in the cooler period). You will be well...
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
Mac, can you tell us which company's boat you sailed on? You may have said it but indulge me please with the name (again)?
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
A truly wonderful journey you've taken us on, such a well written piece! Bravo!
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
..an amazing journey, Mac, thanks for sharing it with us...and for anyone who hasn't been to Egypt, forget all the bad publicity you've heard and make this a priority on your adventure list; as someone who has been there, I can highly recommend it
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Re: The 'greatest Egyptologist in the world'
Great example of how a really knowledgeable guide can make a big difference! Thanks for posting it...
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Re: The 'greatest Egyptologist in the world'
Sounds like a great trip! I'd love to hear more. Egypt is always fascinating but seemed so far and complicated. How did you find Abdul? How did you get your arrangements, etc?
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Re: The 'greatest Egyptologist in the world'
For the first time in 25 plus years booked a package via Sonesta cruises down the Nile and he was our guide for just 3 of us. Abdul is very knowledgeable with excellent English. Several more posts can be found on at The Grey Traveller and an article about Sonesta . Always happy to answer questions if you have any more.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 19, 2015: Aswan Station, Egypt
It looks like you're with a group of backpackers? Sounds like you had a good time, IslandMan.
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 1)
Thanks for the journey, Mac. Yes, it is sad that tourist numbers are down as there is so much to see. We were there in January'13 and loved every minute. Such a fascinating country and with friendly people too. Forget what you hear in the news, just go!
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 1)
thanks We hope that increasing numbers of tourists to Egypt soon
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 1)
Well, TravelGumbo will be giving them more reasons—this is only Part 1 of Mac's journey, and he has some more stunning pictures! Stay tuned...
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April 24, 2017. Abu Simbel, Egypt
Professor Abe visits the amazing temples of Abu Simbel, Egypt
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In Egypt: The Sudan
Disappointed to find a cruise on a classic Nile paddle steamer beyond her means, PortMoresby is given a second chance, if only briefly, to experience the dream.
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In Egypt: Philae Island
Arriving in Aswan, PortMoresby visits an island and its temple with an unusual history.
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In Egypt: Up the Nile
PortMoresby leaves Luxor, takes to the river, sees riverside farms & temples along the way, learns a lesson and begins her wish list for next time.
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In Egypt: Around Aswan
Making adjustments, as we sometimes must when we travel, PortMoresby finds a home in Aswan and indulges a favorite pastime, wandering in markets.
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In Egypt: Sleeping
PortMoresby ends her Egyptian adventure with thoughts on the wide variety of places she called home…in Cairo, in Luxor and in Aswan.
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The 'greatest Egyptologist in the world'
The Grey Traveller's been on a recent trip down the Nile and found her experience immensely enhanced by the Egyptologist guide who led her group.
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Re: April 24, 2017. Abu Simbel, Egypt
A definite must see for any traveller, especially to understand the vast historical range in the Nile valley
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Re: In Egypt: The Sudan
A better class of cockroach on board, too, doubtless 🤣🤣 we used a Glasgow built little old ferry boat with cabins added; it was rescued from Port Said I believe. The bugs didn't spoil anything though - they live there, after all. The teeth-gritter always came soon 'How deep is the Nile here, Bob ?' Er. . . er
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Re: In Egypt: The Sudan
In many things the old ways are sometimes better. When Europeans began (19th c.?) outfitting dahabiyas for leisurely Nile Cruises, they'd sink it first to clear out a variety of vermin. Too bad you didn't know that good old trick.
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Re: In Egypt: The Sudan
I read about that one - def a Victorian lady ¿a thousand miles up the nile? The odd highly colourful phrase in today's usage too ! 😆😱 BTW 'our' boat was a bit big to do that I guess, took 18-20 plus 6 crew, a jolly punt, though !
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Re: In Egypt: On a Felucca
Excellent photos and narrative!! I just experienced much of what you wrote about (last week)!!
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Re: In Egypt: On a Felucca
The mysterious 'mechanism' is the ability to raise and lower the keel to sail in shallower water. Hence the reason the boat heeled over further. A keel is necessary when using a high sail - a technology passed on from the Arab world to Vikings !
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Re: In Egypt: On a Felucca
Ah ha! Mystery explained. Thanks, on behalf of all of us non-sailors!
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Re: In Egypt: On a Felucca
And on behalf of all of us who have benefited from it without even knowing we were!
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In Egypt: An Unlikely Story
Coincidence, or fate? PortMoresby finds herself on a journey into an improbable, but true, traveler’s tale.
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Re: In Egypt: Around Aswan
Plenty of great memories from Aswan - much more laid back than the churning touristopolis of Luxor, antiquities notwithstanding. The Nubian population adds a new cultural aspect, allowing the visitor time and space to absorb the timeless river’s influence, with the desert at barely a stone’s throw away. Fab pictures.
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In Egypt: On a Felucca
Finding herself a bit out of her element, but loving it nonetheless, PortMoresby embarks on an afternoon spent sailing on the Nile.
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 19, 2015: Aswan Station, Egypt
 One of the most memorable trips in my journeys was to Egypt, and the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan was an adventure in itself. Our "first class" compartment was reasonably comfortable, but the trains are a bit dated and could use...
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Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
And so we arrive in Aswan, the furthest navigable point before the High Dam. From here some courageous souls can continue to the beautiful temple at Abu Simbel which was relocated with fantastic precision prior to the construction of the High Dam. The...
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Cruising down the Nile (part 1)
 Poor Egypt gets some bad press at the moment and in the process their tourist numbers have fallen dramatically and that is understandable, however, in cities like Luxor tourism provides employment in one way or another for some 85% of the...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 8, 2014: Aswan Boats, Egypt
There are many boats to be found on the Nile at Aswan, southern Egypt. These particular motor boats are used as water taxis to ferry passengers from one side of the Nile...
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 4)
It wasn't Edfu, Mac, but Dendera. Edfu is South of Luxor and, as you quite rightly point out, we went North (to Qena). https://www.travelgumbo.com/bl...temple-complex-egypt