Egypt – Part 4

Before you read further, I have to announce that I am really broke. So, I would appreciate if anyone out there is kind enough to introduce a part time job, or even a tuition assignment. Your kindness will be reciprocated, and I might even be kind enough to treat you to a feast, if I can afford it. =)

Since my arms are suffering the after effect of playing Nintendo Wii the entire afternoon yesterday, I will be keeping this entry short and sweet.

I shine...

On the forth day in Egypt, we arrived at Aswan. I had not read up about this city previously, so I had to pay extra attention to Ibrahim’s introduction. Aswan is located in southern Egypt and has a touch of the African atmosphere.

What are they looking at??

The first site we visited was an ancient granite quarry. On first look, they looked like ordinary rocks everywhere. But in fact, granites were important building materials in ancient Egyptian time. Today, granites are still considered important for building industry all over the world, and right now, I am stepping on granite in my very own house!!!

The unfinished obelisk

If you think we came all the way to Aswan just to see some shattered rock, you are wrong. Rocks can beautiful if we shaped them, and erect them all over the world. Most obelisks in Egypt and around the world originate from this quarry, but among them, the most famous is the unfinished obelisk that still lies in the quarry today.

The huge huge crack, enough to put me inside

I brought home this small pieces as souvenir

The unfinished obelisk had offered unusual insights about the ancient stone-working techniques and the cravings on erected obelisks everywhere else are evidences of their hard work. However, plans for this particular obelisk had to be abolished when a super large crack on the surface could not be ignored.

Granites are quite cooling, for Egypt’s standard. Even after hours of intense heat, the heat from the ground is still bearable as compared to cement. That’s is why stray dogs are enjoying their nap on the cooling floor and tourist like me, who have not seen dogs for days, took a snap with them.

Posing with dogs

After leaving the dogs alone, we headed towards the high dam. There are 5 dams in Egypt, 3 small and 2 huge ones. High dam got its name because if you jump off the dam, it will take 3 minutes to reach the bottom. Yes, I am kidding.

It says - High Dam

Dam high

Hydroelectricity

I told you granites are cooling...

Most people have the misconception that Egypt is all about sand, sand and more sand. But in actual fact, Egypt has plenty of water!!! So much water they have to build dams. Just 2 dams alone are sufficient to provide hydroelectric energy for the entire Egypt. Amazing??

We dam it!!!!

Ramdom nice building

After the brief visit, we took a boat ride to the temple of Philae. The temple was originally submerged under water for the crocodiles and fishes to admire. One sunny day, the government of Egypt decided that their marine lives have had enough of the temple and shifted it away from the river to the present site. They cut up the temple and took 6 years to move the entire temple, block by block, to the present island of Isis.

Same pose - coincidence

On our way to Temple of Philae

Initial site of the temple

It's new location

Water level was that high!!

Disfigured

The temple, like all others I had visited, had clear evidence of invasion. Crosses were everywhere, and the gods were disfigured. However, it is still possible to tell which is which.

Disfigured in 1841

Cross

More cross

Recognise some of ur mathematical symbols??

Isis carrying Horus on the chair

Isis with wings

We had a short break back on cruise, before we geared up again to battle the sun. This time, we sailed around in the traditional felucca. Felucca is basically a boat that is powered by wind energy. We made merry onboard but after that, it was business time. I bought 2 bracelets made from Sudan wood. Nice and cheap.

The sail

However, the wind was too weak to carry us anywhere. And we had to literally jump into another motor boat in the middle of nowhere, to take us to our next destination. This time, it is an optional tour to Nubian village.

Jump boat!!!

Bye bye!!!

I was there!!!

It was on this trip that I learnt the most. The way children survive, the way the villagers make a living, the truly (almost) undisturbed village life. What is more astounding is that the villagers not only keep tortoises and camels as pets, they even had crocodiles within their living quarters!! And when their pet crocodile pass on, they mummified it and place it in their backyard.

He sang well and we gave him money

Off he went to target another group of tourist

Another younger kid came along and sang the same song

Water from Nile river taste good!! Forget about the pee and all...

Deserts are beautiful

Camels taking a stroll in a distance

Nubian village

Dead crocodile, mummified for 2 months

Crocodiles as pets

Buddies forever!!

Hibiscus Tea taste sour

Tortoise around the house

Camels are tall, don't believe??

Or am I short??

I love this picture!!! Camels are very gentle

Wooden camels

In the houses, the floor is just sand, with tortoise strolling leisurely down the aisle. Near the side door, they places overly priced handicraft for sale. As I was randomly snapping away outside the house, a young girl came up to me to introduce herself. I thought she was just being friendly and started a light conversation with her. And before I knew it, she said my cap was nice and asked me for it. By the way, they can speak very fluent English.

I want a diamond ring that is so bright!!!

Leaving Nubian village

After I had shaken her off, we moved back to our cruise for dinner and a belly dance show onboard.

That's what we eat everyday, lots of meat....

We love the chefs, but the 2 beside me are in love as well!! *wink

Initially, a man came along and started spinning. He was fantastic!! He kept spinning and turning for a good 15 minutes without losing balance when he walked off the door. I was anticipating for the belly dance show since the first part of the show was so good. To our disappointment, the belly dancer cannot shake. I mean, she cannot shake… at all.




I think she needs some shaker fries…