Day 10
Oh, we are two sailors come from o’er the sea,
If you want to go away again, come along with me.
Once again, we are ferried across the Nile for today’s adventures.
Today, we explored Aswan’s West Bank riding that quintessential mode of dessert transportation: a camel! And while it was empowering to have almost a ton of camel meat pulsating between our legs, most of the beasts were leash-led by robed cameleers, curbing any impromptu camel racing ideas.
Our first destination was the Monastery of Saint Simeon. The fortress-like 7th-century Coptic monastery was first dedicated to the local saint Anba Hedra. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and dedicated to St Simeon. From here the monks–there were accommodations for 300 monks and 100 pilgrims– travelled into Nubia, hoping to convert the Nubians to Christianity. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by Saladin and his troops in 1173 and never rebuilt.
From the monastery, we camel-ambled our way out of the desert. Upon reaching a small Nubian village situated close to the Nile, we dismounted and bid adieu to our humpbacked Hondas.
Here, we were introduced to modern Nubian culture. We were given a tour of the premises before sitting down for a spot of tea. There were also colorful hand-made crafts and textiles available for purchase. (Rob bought a woven basket/bowel.) We learned that the ubiquitous blue color of the buildings helped to keep mosquitos away. And the handprints had something to do with evil spirits, either repelling them or inviting them. (I’m pretty sure it was the former.) And, just moments before we departed, our gracious hostess was kind enough to help “restyle” my headscarf which had come completely undone despite my futile attempts at repair.
Our return to the east bank and Aswan was aboard a felucca, the traditional wooden sailing boats of the Nile. Can’t leave Egypt without trying one. And our skipper gave us a little scenic tour rather than making a beeline for the opposite shore.
A view of Aswan
On our last night in Aswan, we went to the hotel’s roof to capture some panoramic views of the city just before sunset. (Also, the hotel pool!)
Egypt 