At Aswan

We arrived today at Aswan. In China, after 3 days on a ship, I was happy to get off, but this cruise was so much more enjoyable, luxurious that we all wanted to commit mutiny and stay crusing up and down the Nile. But, here we are at Aswan.

The weather has increased its intensity, and is now 80F or more. Our hotel, the New Cataract, has a great view of the river and islands that comprise the waterfront here in Aswan. This is a destination for a bunch of people - the are all here. I had no idea that this was such a popular place. The little river harbor is crowded with Nile cruise ships, and feluccas. It appears, when one is in a felucca and at the mercy of the wind, that the folks "driving" the boats are using similar tactics as the drivers on land. Just point in the direction you want to go and hope everyone else gets out of the way.

We visited Philae Temple, which is dedicated to Isis (you can see someone else's pix at that link). We were there for the evening light show. It was interesting to hear the story of the temple, and Isis, and hear quotes from Anthony, Marus Aurelius, and other Greeks/Romans who also came to Aswan and remarked on their visits to this temple. The best part was when we were in the middle of the temple, they turned out all of the lights, and you could see the stars overhead. And then hearing the cricket.

The hotel, the New Cataract, is part of the Old Cataract - the place that Agatha Christie stayed when writing Death on the Nile. Its a restored early 1900s hotel - very nicely done. A big plus is the espresso machine in the cafe. First one we've seen in a week.

Up at 4am for a flight to Abu Simbel. Camel ride day after next.