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Aswan is Egypt's southernmost town, the traditional gateway to Sudan and the rest of Africa. Splendidly located on the banks of the Nile. The Nile is at its prettiest here in Aswan as it flows around the palm studded islands and large boulders interspersed throughout the river. Originally, we had no intention of coming to Aswan, but after travelers and locals alike insisted that we should, we decided to take their advice. While there are many sights in and around Aswan, the principal attraction are the friendly Nubian people, the vibrant and authentic town, and, of course, the Nile.
Feluccas are the traditional Egyptian sailing vessel, crowd the Nile around Aswan. Indeed, Aswan is the most popular place to take a felucca voyage from one hour to several days. We stayed in Aswan for 3 nights and on two of those nights we capped off the day with felucca sailing on the Nile for 3 to 4 hours (costing roughly $10usd). Meet our Felucca Captain, Abdula.
The arid desert and dunes of the West Bank of the Nile (Aswan sits on the east bank).
The Mausoleum of Agha Khan, in sillhouette at sunset, on the West Bank.
On our train ride from Cairo to Luxor, and then again on the train ride from Luxor to Aswan, we met a couple from Stuttgart, Germany who had an itinerary much like our own. Sabine (to the left) and Jens were a fun, friendly pair, and during our first night in Aswan we enjoyed a great meal at a restaurant overlooking the Nile. We met up with Jens and Sabine again in Dahab, Egypt. Perhaps the next place that we will see them is in Stuttgart, as they have so graciously invited us to visit and stay with them.
Aswan has one of the most authentic and lively souqs (markets) in all of Egypt. Spices, as seen here, are for sale everywhere, as with just about everything else you can imagine.
Rich stands in the doorway of the Isis Temple at the Temple of Philae. Dramatically situated on an island that is now only reachable by boat, the Temple of Philae, together with its relief carvings and hieroglyphics, was remarkably well preserved.
The First Pylon, together with columns, at the Temple of Isis.
The Kiosk of Trajan at the Temple of Philae.
Return 2 Cairo with us as we visit this cosmopolitan city one last time before heading to the Sinai Peninsula.
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Sunset from the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel. A most
pleasant experience as feluccas make their way about the Nile.
Our
$13 a night room in Aswan had large windows facing the Nile, providing us with a
spectacular view.
