World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas
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Thursday 11 June 2009
Highlights: Felucca sailing, swimming in the Nile, sleeping under the stars on the Nile
Today was our day and night on the felucca sailing down the Nile. We spent most of the day sitting on the sides of the felucca enjoying the sights, the air and the Nile water occasionally hitting us providing a welcome relief from the heat. The felucca is a basic sail boat with no engines so the wind is extremely important from movement down the Nile.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Highlights: Visiting Abu Simbel, Night Market shopping
Today started with a 3 AM WAKE UP CALL. We had all agreed to go on the option tour to Abu Simbel, and this was done by linking up with other groups for safety reasons.
It took about 3.5 hours to get there. Abu Simbel has two temples, one to the great Ramesses II and a smaller one to his favourite wife, Nefertari. Ramesses II worshiped himself as a living god and had 81 wives and 154 children, he rules for over 60 years and is considered a great. After visiting the temples Stephanie said she needed her daily ‘molestation’ with the local stores, I was offered a long white shirt to sell her!!
We left around 11 am (when it really starts to get hot). Thank god the vehicles have air conditioning or we would surely die. Ahmed directed us to a favourite restaurant at which we had an incredible meal with huge serves; I couldn’t come close to finishing.
Every meal has a bread product and I’m sure I’ll be bigger by the end of the trip. After resting back at the hotel the group ventured back out to the market at night, which was much nicer with more people. We ended up having a few drinks and most of the group (but not me) smoking some local products that I believe would be illegal in Australia.
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Highlights: Local markets, Felucca ride down the Nile, small village visit.
Well the air conditioning on the train stopped during the night making it much hotter than desired but I survived in my single cabin. It was much harder on others who were sharing. Still a very comfortable train and I slept well, breakfast was good as well.
Monday 8 June 2009
Highlights: Giza Pyramids, Visiting Papyrus and Perfume Outlets, Overnight Train
We started with a 7 am wake up call, 7.30 am breakfast, a welcome to Amy and off we headed at 8 am to the Giza Pyramids. As soon as I got into the paid area I made the mistake of not ignoring a local and ended up with them taking my photo and demanding money. It was a lesson for not just me but the entire group. You basically have to be extremely rude to make your point, I suppose when in Rome do as the Romans.
Sunday 7 June 2009
Highlights: Sakkah Pyramids, Papyrus Museum
Today I managed to get to breakfast having not eaten breakfast yesterday after the feast from the multiple plane/lounge visits). I went for a walk and then broke all my travel rules by talking to a local resident and booking a private day tour. The guy had excellent references from other travellers so I took the risk and agreed to visit Sakkah Pyramids.
Nathan's Insights 