We were up at 3:00 a.m. to catch a convoy to Abu Simbal (a three hour drive to see a monument constructed by Ramses carved into the side of a rock face). When the Aswan dam was being built, the temples had to be moved to higher ground to avoid being flooded by the rising water. Many countries contributed money and expertise to have the statues and temples cut into pieces; and then, rebuilt on higher ground. It was an amazing engineering feat at the time.
We decided to go for high tea at the Old Cateract hotel. Later, we were joined by Diane, a fellow traveler from the USA. The hotel is elegant and beautiful. During the tea, we sat on the deck, and enjoyed the feluccas sailing up and down the blue Nile. The sandwiches and little cakes were delicious. Our server was a big Egyptian man dressed in the British idea of traditional dress for Egyptians.
Philae (Agilka Island) Temple of Isis
We spent a restful day sailing down the Nile on a felucca (small boats with triangle sail) which had a mother boat for food and washroom services. That evening we slept on the felucca under heavy blankets feeling warm and toasty even though the night was cold.
Skipper of felucca furling the sail for the night
After a restful day and night on the felucca, we are looking forward to our next adventure at Luxor.
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