Enjoying Hotel Philae. The hotel is on the Nile River, all the luxury boats are just standing as apparently tourism only starts in October. Roger’s foot is very sore so Hassan, the hotel owner/manager has taken him to the local hospital for xrays. He has a fissure fracture below his big toe and doc gave a prescription for medicine and because of Hanan’s influence no bill had to be paid. Hanan has been so kind and helpful. Her service is great!
Everyone else went to the market, most shops were closed as it was Friday. The ladies had quite an awful experience. Jo-Anne was invited into a shop by a young man who was selling clothes. He showed a Muslin outfit and started putting it on, while facing you from the front the headpiece was fitted tying it at the back of your head he then does a groin push, whips the top over your clothes and tries to fasten that at the back whilst making his moves. Jo-Anne pulled everything off and ran out of the shop. Cheryl and Adri had a similar experience with the same guy. It is better to shop in groups. Other girls we met have also been sexually harassed.
In the evening we all went on a sail boat around the Nile. There are some beautiful buildings, of which a mosque that was lit up and looked as if it was made of see through shiny rock. We were served Nubian food, fish and lamb with a lovely tomato sauce and rice. They also serve Sesame oil on the side. It was very enjoyable. No news from the runner Kamiel if barge has arrived or in fact left with the vehicles.
The next morning Karmiel let us know that the barge had arrived and that the guys were to meet him at 12.30. Roger went to the barber to have his 6 week old beard removed. The barber also had a twisted nylon string between his hands and mouth like a “woer-woer” and removed hairs from his ears, nose, side of temples, above the eyebrows, this all brought tears to his eyes but he looks a new man. All that for R35.
Rudi, Adri, Ian and Cheryl went to Hotel Isis for a swim. R50 to get in, get a towel and a free drink. Their fridges don’t work so no ice nor cold drinks. Ice is not big in Aswan. Others visited the amazing Nubian Museum. Unesco and partners did an amazing job saving all the historical works from the waters of the Aswan dam.
Karmiel sent a message to meet at 14h30 and then another one not to meet as the barge had not been off loaded. We were to meet next day at 8h45.
We went out to the Seafood Restaurant. Amazing. Can recommend the Dorade, Tapilata, eel and calamari. Doug, Charl and Michael have enjoyed their KFC meals. We are excited to get going to Luxor.
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteWe religiously read the progress of the Team every week. It must be an experience of a lifetime. I can imagine the faces of those you are passing by when they realize/see it to be a group from the most southern country in Africa. Hope all is well with the cars, bikes, etc.. Travel well and safely.
We eagerly await the next travel report.
Regards,
Leon & Marietha Tromp