Aswan

Before I start a reassessment of our group.

Coralie can be very funny but.... she's a menace. Constantly changing her mind, constantly mislaying her phone. She's argued with the boss. Single, no children! Doesn't quite get the patriarchal system here.

We have lots of laughs. The rest are all good. Bob and Sophia take lots of photos. They have a proper camera and even a tripod. We are all melding!

Up very early to be out by 6 for our flight to Aswan. Only takes 65mins. Enough time for a doze as I didn't sleep much in the night.

The dam makes such a difference to the landscape. The Nile runs from south to north so doesn't interfere with any other country's water supply. Ethiopia is planning a dam which could ruin Egypt's water supply. Negotiations have stalled.

it's amazing to see where the Nile actually goes. Apparently most water in the Nile comes from the Blue Nile.

https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-finishes-filling-reservoir-of-disputed-mega-dam/a-66773512

Gardens, flowers and activity on the water is very attractive. Our rooms weren't ready so we visited Philae Island to visit the Temple of Isis. It has been relocated because of the dam. What a triumph! Interesting name I thought. It was actually the cult of Isis! Built 690BC the cult lasted until 550AD

we had to a boat across. There are many and they take turns to get people.

due to the heat I thought I'd better be careful so went to the coffee shop. June had been here before. I had a hamburger - wonderful and it had a toasted bun! And lemon juice with mint. Perfect.

Following that we were able to get into our hotel. It's on an island. Movenpick Aswan. Very impressive. We get ferried across. Constant traffic backwards and forwards.

A shower, a rest then an explore.

see the bird?

In the evening we went to a Nubian village for a home cooked dinner. I had not heard the word before I came to Egypt. They have black skin but narrow features. More Arab.

https://isac.uchicago.edu/museum-exhibits/history-ancient-nubiaOLD

https://www.sharm-club.com/egypt/traditions/nubians

a wedding in the square. All the village gets invited.

see the baby?

We had A3 course meal. Lentil soup, meat dishes and baklava for sweets. No alcohol of course but a bottle of water. I think hibiscus tea too but I'm not mad in that.

Home to bed. Some are getting up at 4 to go to Abul Simbal. A ? of rock cut temples. I chose not to go. Coralie put her name down but cancelled. Mohamer was not impressed. Nor apparently was the bus man.

Instead I had a lovely breakfast in the patio overlooking the water, packed my bags and we met a bloke who took us and the luggage to our new residence - the MS Premium. A lovely drive to get there

A photo off the net. It really is impressive. Rooms are great. The pool would be lovely if it wasn't 45°. Unbearable in the sun. Aircon is so cold we nearly freeze. I have mine turned off and it's still cool.

The food wonderful. Lots of vegetables - salads and cooked and pickled. A roast at each meal and fish. Also soup and sweets. I'm taking care!!

We went for a twilght sail in a felucca. A sailboat. It was magic and there was some wind so good sailing weather. They are very broad so stable.