Look at the sparkle in those eyes. This woman is simply beautiful and one of the greatest gifts in our lives. Happy Birthday Mama. (Photocred: @colourherhope_photography )
31 May 2019
28 May 2019
Elephantine Island and an Evening Boat Ride (Aswan and Luxor Part 2)
Despite the questionable accommodations, we all slept well (except maybe Mike who was sharing a twin bed with B and may or may not have woken up with a kink in his shoulder, oopsie.)
Breakfast was included. It was Egyptian style breakfast, which is great for us, we love it! I didn't get a good photo, but it includes fuul (fava) beans, fresh local bread, yogurt, jam, processed cheese triangles, tomatoes, cucumbers and a boiled egg. Also Nescafe was served, which we don't mind instead of fresh coffee.
Can you see glasses of juice in the photo? On the 'menu' it was actually called Sugar Juice, which is a VERY appropriate name for this orange drink. Whew! Thank goodness the glasses were teeny. Nobody needs much of that stuff! B's favorite thing to do was dip his bread in the 'juice', which just made a huge sticky mess. We had to put a stop to that, which then caused him to throw a big fit. Oh the joys of 'restaurant' meals with a little kids!
Since it was on the rooftop, it did have nice view. Our visit actually happened during a visit from the President, so on the remainder of our mornings in Aswan we were joined by a plain-clothed security guard who was watching the happenings in the streets below from this vantage point. We could spot other guards on other rooftops nearby. Interesting!
The streets near our hotel were also very interesting. Can you even call this a street? I'm not sure.
We set out to explore and headed for Elephantine Island, a Nubian Island a short ferry ride across the Nile.
The worn down boards of the boat were so lovely. I wonder how old the boat actually was? (Also, I was going to regret wearing sandals, but I didn't know it yet!)
The island has a charming map...
We located a museum on the map and wandered on our way. The island was quiet and very peaceful. And it's not large, so it didn't take long.
The Animalia museum taught us all about the every day life of Nubians. We were the only ones there.
There was a room of stuffed animals (not the cuddly kind!). B wandered in here (wasn't scared of the huge crocodile?!) and I overhead him telling a story about a bird and a crocodile that he was making up. This kid 'reads' so many books... his head must be swarming with stories. It was sweet to see his imagination go!
We finished at the museum and wandered further down the island. We needed a little break from the sun and found a place to stop for refreshments.
It was amazing how much cooler it was up where the breeze was blowing. A lovely little place.
We are definitely that tour-book-family. I love it!
There was a lot of old pottery around. At one point another visitor came in and was looking at it. He happened to be an archeologist and said that the pots were over a hundred years old because of the method that was used in making them. Cool.
Here's me... have to make sure I show myself once in awhile.
Someone got carried away collecting souvenirs and collectibles and decorations from around the whole roof...
Cardaday (Hibiscus) drink and local bread was served.
When we finished our rest stop and wandered on, we smelled fresh bread being baked. We investigated until we found where they were baking it...
And that was Elephantine Island! We headed back towards the Nile for the ferry.
Just before we returned to the hotel for a rest, the kids tried a treat from a little shop. The cakes and cookies here are endless! Fun to try new ones.
After a rest in the hotel, we headed back out for a boat ride on the Nile with friends.
This single seat near the driver was a special place to sit. The kids each enjoyed their turn.
There were some lovely sights and the evening was perfect.
It was fun to have the whole boat to ourselves. Also, very affordable.
We 'docked' (can you dock when there is no dock?) for a few minutes to check out some ruins on shore.
The kids loved going on top of the boat for a few minutes.
After the felucca ride, we walked down the corniche to have dinner at the mall. It was such a nice time with our friends. We returned back to the hotel in a horsecart/carriage (a common way for tourists to get around in Aswan) after dark and really enjoyed the lights of the city.
What a fun day of exploring. What a joy.
Breakfast was included. It was Egyptian style breakfast, which is great for us, we love it! I didn't get a good photo, but it includes fuul (fava) beans, fresh local bread, yogurt, jam, processed cheese triangles, tomatoes, cucumbers and a boiled egg. Also Nescafe was served, which we don't mind instead of fresh coffee.
Can you see glasses of juice in the photo? On the 'menu' it was actually called Sugar Juice, which is a VERY appropriate name for this orange drink. Whew! Thank goodness the glasses were teeny. Nobody needs much of that stuff! B's favorite thing to do was dip his bread in the 'juice', which just made a huge sticky mess. We had to put a stop to that, which then caused him to throw a big fit. Oh the joys of 'restaurant' meals with a little kids!
Since it was on the rooftop, it did have nice view. Our visit actually happened during a visit from the President, so on the remainder of our mornings in Aswan we were joined by a plain-clothed security guard who was watching the happenings in the streets below from this vantage point. We could spot other guards on other rooftops nearby. Interesting!
The streets near our hotel were also very interesting. Can you even call this a street? I'm not sure.
We set out to explore and headed for Elephantine Island, a Nubian Island a short ferry ride across the Nile.
The worn down boards of the boat were so lovely. I wonder how old the boat actually was? (Also, I was going to regret wearing sandals, but I didn't know it yet!)
The island has a charming map...
The little explorer knew just what to do...
We located a museum on the map and wandered on our way. The island was quiet and very peaceful. And it's not large, so it didn't take long.
The Animalia museum taught us all about the every day life of Nubians. We were the only ones there.
It was hands on and B got to use the grinding stone.
There was a room of stuffed animals (not the cuddly kind!). B wandered in here (wasn't scared of the huge crocodile?!) and I overhead him telling a story about a bird and a crocodile that he was making up. This kid 'reads' so many books... his head must be swarming with stories. It was sweet to see his imagination go!
We finished at the museum and wandered further down the island. We needed a little break from the sun and found a place to stop for refreshments.
It was amazing how much cooler it was up where the breeze was blowing. A lovely little place.
We are definitely that tour-book-family. I love it!
There was a lot of old pottery around. At one point another visitor came in and was looking at it. He happened to be an archeologist and said that the pots were over a hundred years old because of the method that was used in making them. Cool.
Here's me... have to make sure I show myself once in awhile.
Someone got carried away collecting souvenirs and collectibles and decorations from around the whole roof...
Cardaday (Hibiscus) drink and local bread was served.
When we finished our rest stop and wandered on, we smelled fresh bread being baked. We investigated until we found where they were baking it...
The bread was surprisingly heavy and dense. Not like the bread of Sudan. And of course they sent us away with a complimentary loaf.
And that was Elephantine Island! We headed back towards the Nile for the ferry.
Just before we returned to the hotel for a rest, the kids tried a treat from a little shop. The cakes and cookies here are endless! Fun to try new ones.
After a rest in the hotel, we headed back out for a boat ride on the Nile with friends.
This single seat near the driver was a special place to sit. The kids each enjoyed their turn.
There were some lovely sights and the evening was perfect.
It was fun to have the whole boat to ourselves. Also, very affordable.
We 'docked' (can you dock when there is no dock?) for a few minutes to check out some ruins on shore.
The kids loved going on top of the boat for a few minutes.
After the felucca ride, we walked down the corniche to have dinner at the mall. It was such a nice time with our friends. We returned back to the hotel in a horsecart/carriage (a common way for tourists to get around in Aswan) after dark and really enjoyed the lights of the city.
What a fun day of exploring. What a joy.
25 May 2019
So Smoky
No wonder our apartment filled with smoke yesterday. The neighbor grilled his Iftar in the indoor hallway. They have a balcony, so we are a little perplexed. Ha!
15 May 2019
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