Second Day in aswan

Sorry, connections are too slow to post pics, so I'll have to show you when I return (I've since added some). This is a very picturesque place, for the most part. The physical setting is beautiful at Aswan. The Nile narrows down and flows areound several small islands. Fallokas and Nile cruisers compete for space.

We made a short trip to Philea temple today (pic left). Our first view of one of the many temples here. Quite amazing. The history is hard to comprehend - Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Christians, and Muslims have all left their mark here. The temples are quite impressive. Almost equally as impressive is the fact that the entire complex was moved to it's current location to save it from the rising waters behind the Aswan Dam! I can't fathom (pardon the pun) how this was accomplished.

Estelle and I took another Falooka ride, while Jane and Sofia braved the market. And I mean braved. The came back bags in hand and relatively unscathed, though they have to be aggressive in fending off pursuers. Harmless for the most part, but very persistent.

I have to relate a funny story about our falooka ride. Before departing, Jane asked me to make sure we had a life jacket for Estelle. I was skeptical they would have one, and admittedly also skeptical that we would need it. Nonetheless, I assured Jane I would ask our falooka driver.

We made our way down to the River and within 2 minutes had made a deal for a short trip around the island with a young "captain" and his brother. We departed quickly and maneuvered our way through the river traffic. Our captain was very quick to assure us about his credentials (flashing his falooka license, whatever that is) and let us know he was training his younger brother, who was 14. About 10 minutes into the trip he turned over the tiller to the younger. As we made our first tack, it was obvious we had made a wrong turn, a large barge was headed straight in our direction. We were no match for the barge - about 80 feet long. I immediately picked up Estelle and was fully prepared to jump in and swim for it. I should mention at this point that all the guide books recommend strongly NOT to come in contact with the Nile under any circumstances due to a variety of nasty bugs. The barge horn was blaring and the boat was getting larger in the horizon. I was starting to get concerned at this point and told Estelle we might have to jump for it. Fortunately, the barge driver was quick to react and had time to slow down. We still bumped one another, but not enough to upset our boat. Catastrophe avoided - and a story for when we return home.

We leave for Lucor early tomorrow, visiting Kom Ombe and Edfu Temples along the way.

So much to see here and so little time.

For now,

Tom