Aswan - Jewel of the Nile

We left Marsa Allam in the early morning, driving through the desert to the Nile Valley and down to the beautiful town of Aswan. Our drive was eventful as we had taken a road that is closed to foreigners, so I hid veiled in the backseat pretending to be asleep as Sara charmed our way through five roadblocks!

On the boat to Mango Island, on the Nile, where we stayed for the evening.


Felucca.


Ancient inscriptions still in perfect condition on the sides of rocks.


On the roof terrace of the restaurant, absolutely stunning!


The view to other islands and the West bank of the Nile.


Rachel and our breakfast!


Hibiscus plant that the karkade drink is made from.








Nubian village on the Elephantine Island.








Blood from the slaughter, to protect the house.




Spice markets in Aswan.






Dried hibiscus.




Rachel and I climbed the hill on the West bank. View looking down onto the beautiful Mango Island where we had stayed.




We walked along the dunes and rocks to a grand tomb that overlooks the city.

Camel Trekking in Wadi Gemal

We went a little further south down to the Wadi Gemal Protectorate where Sara used to be an eco-guide. Its an amazingly beautiful area which was once part of the old trade routes, as well as a source of rubys and other precious stones. Couldn't have asked for a better guide either :)

Three different types of houses from the different eras of occupation.




Camels waiting for the trip into the valley.


Surprisingly comfortable and tons of fun!




Camels belonging to local tribes that graze freely in the protectorate.




Camels, besides being incredibly stubborn, are exceptionally well adapted to the harsh desert environment. They have extra long and thick eyelashes that protect their eyes during sandstorms.





Each of the tribes has different markings for their camels and there are also different symbols depending on what the camel has been bred for - heavy carrying, racing etc.


Coffee beans roasted and ground for the best coffee, blended with ginger and other spices.

Rachel.


Sara.








Making delicious bread on an open fire from just flour, salt and water.




Dry plants in the river bed waiting for the next rains.




Camel racing!
















Sara makes getting up look oh-so-easy!
















Lunch in the canvas tents, just amazing.

Boys tring to get reception on their cell phones.


Sara and Rachel crazy in the mangroves.