Visit to Aswan

Advice, information and discussion about Egypt in general.

Moderators: DJKeefy, 4u Network

User avatar
carrie
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 4910
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:46 am
Location: luxor
Has thanked: 1860 times
Been thanked: 2885 times
Contact:
United Kingdom

Visit to Aswan

Post by carrie »

Just returned from a visit to Aswan where I had a brilliant time. Not my first visit to Aswan but my first time staying on the west bank there.
We set off early, very early in the morning and took the east bank road, en route we made a detour along the Marsa Alam road and visited a small temple that had been built by Seti 1, I think it was called Kness or Knuss, Glyph will probably put me right on the name, hopefully. We had to leave the road and go across the desert to the temple that is built into the side of the cliff face. When we got there found the guardians in a state of excitment, they had just discovered an asp, snake then beheaded but writhing about for ages afterwards. After telling them how impressed we were with their bravery the guardians agreed to open the temple to let us look inside. Only small but some of the carvings were magnificent and quite a lot of colour left. There is also remains of a well that had been dug and a Roman fort. Apparently the temple had been built by Seti to give thanks for his men finding gold nearby thus providing him with the where withal to built Abydos. Then tea with the guards a nice chat about where we came from, where we were going, where they lived, did they stay in the small house that they had there overnight, where did their water come from. We were invited to go into the house. Spotlessly clean metal mugs hanging from the roof by a string. Little wooden shelves high up on the walls with their belongings. Dicka's on which to sleep all in all a very happy visit. We all said we would hopefully see them again.
Backsheesh handed descretely over and off we went on our way. More later.


User avatar
Ruby Slippers
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 476
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:14 pm
Has thanked: 216 times
Been thanked: 334 times
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Ruby Slippers »

Not too much later, hopefully, Carrie! Lovely to read and I can't wait to read more! :up
User avatar
carrie
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 4910
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:46 am
Location: luxor
Has thanked: 1860 times
Been thanked: 2885 times
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by carrie »

Part 11
Our journey continued and after a stop at the bank, pharmacist and supermarket we made our way over the old dam to our hotel. My room was lovely with a small balcony looking out over the river and sand dunes sweeping down to the river. I had the same feeling I had as a child when I saw a piece of pristine snow and wanted to run over it and leave my footprints everywhere. After lunch which was, to die for, it was explore time.I was determined to climb to the top of the hill and slide down the dune. Well what hard work, every step was an effort. The calves of my legs were burning, I ended up on hands and knees crawling up the the sand as far as I could then gave up the effort before reaching the top. Walking in deep sand is almost impossible but I had fullfilled an ambition to climb a sand dune. Coming down was much easier, slipping and sliding down is much easier coming down rather than going up. Below me were about twenty camels I envied them their easy progress through the sand.
We then went and sat by the waters edge and I found some nice black pebbles and amused my self throwing them in the river. Tired by now and needing a shower and a rest before dinner we started to wind our way back to the hotel. On the way there here come the camels again, one stoppped to have a poo at the side of me and only then did I realise where these nice black pebbles I had been playing with had come from. Oh dear, never mind.
Shower, little sleep dinner and we were ready for off again. We wandered through the village and my friend found a coffee shop that was showing football on the TV. Oh he was delighted. Our hotel had no TV but did have Wifi. Well we left him there and found somewhere that we could have a drink without the football, the man who owned it had four huge crocodiles, well they looked huge to me, he wanted to know if we wanted to touch one. No thank you. Nice coffee there for which he refused to take any payment and it was time to pick up our friend on the way back to the hotel and time for bed.
LovelyLadyLux
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 3253
Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2009 2:27 am
Has thanked: 559 times
Been thanked: 1591 times
Canada

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by LovelyLadyLux »

nice black pebbles
:))) :))) :))) - not AT - WITH ;) ;)

Sounds like a lovely time. Did you take photos? Would love to seem 'em if you did!

Aswan is a place I've never made it to "yet" and one day I do intend to walk those streets and explore the dunes.
User avatar
Ruby Slippers
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 476
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:14 pm
Has thanked: 216 times
Been thanked: 334 times
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Ruby Slippers »

I left my heart in Aswan nearly twenty years ago- and it's still there! Can't wait to read more, Carrie. :up
LovelyLadyLux
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 3253
Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2009 2:27 am
Has thanked: 559 times
Been thanked: 1591 times
Canada

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by LovelyLadyLux »

@ Ruby Slippers - I've never made it yet to Aswan but want to go. What was it about Aswan that attracted you so strongly?
User avatar
Ruby Slippers
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 476
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:14 pm
Has thanked: 216 times
Been thanked: 334 times
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Ruby Slippers »

If you ever get there, LLL, you will know! Most people disagree with me and prefer Luxor, Cairo or the Red Sea etc. but for me it is and always will be 'Aswan forever'! :up
User avatar
HEPZIBAH
Luxor4u God
Luxor4u God
Posts: 12116
Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2006 9:15 pm
Has thanked: 1600 times
Been thanked: 2601 times
Gender:
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by HEPZIBAH »

I've only spent two brief visits to Aswan but on both occasions it has impressed me as a much more bright and colourful town. It seemed cleaner and just generally more looked after than Luxor. I've felt the whole atmosphere lighter and I also believe that stretch of Nile to be far more beautiful and interesting. I keep promising myself a proper visit there, spending at least a few nights and taking time to walk around, away from the Nile as I would in Luxor. I must get round to doing it some day.
Image Experience is not what happens to you;
it is what you do with what happens to you.
-Aldous Huxley
User avatar
Brian Yare
Royal V.I.P
Royal V.I.P
Posts: 2566
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2008 4:11 pm
Location: Worcester, UK
Has thanked: 720 times
Been thanked: 647 times
Gender:
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Brian Yare »

The temple is (at) Kanais - it is quite a long drive east from Edfu. There is good rock-art nearby.
User avatar
carrie
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 4910
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:46 am
Location: luxor
Has thanked: 1860 times
Been thanked: 2885 times
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by carrie »

That's it Brian that is the name. On the rocks near the temple but higher up is the first image of an elephant I have ever seen in Egypt. I had no idea that ancient Egyptians used Elephants which apparently they imported on special boats from further south in Africa. Will write more about the visit to Aswan later and try to upload some photo's.
User avatar
carrie
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 4910
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:46 am
Location: luxor
Has thanked: 1860 times
Been thanked: 2885 times
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by carrie »

Before we left for Aswan we had spoken about what we wanted to do there, since there was no agreement then the best thing was to do what we wanted without anyone getting offended or feeling left out. So next morning one went off to visit a friend another wanted just to doss in the hotel and two of us to sail the river for an hour or two then go on to Elephantine Island. After another huge breakfast off we went. The river at Aswan is spectacular the wildlife along the banks, the birds some of the beautiful homes coming down to the Nile. Mohammed Monir if you ever read this and fancy an old European wife I will be quite happy to marry you and take care of your home in Aswan. Not holding my breath for an offer. We asked the motor boat driver to drop us off at Elephantine and come back when we had finished. A teeny weeny problem at the ticket office with a guy who was insisting that he accompany us. Then he and his friend asked us to take their photo, no problem with that but when they wanted us to get in the photo with them and they put their arms around the shoulder, no no no. I don't want you to touch me. No hard feelings and off we went alone.
On our wanderings we were lucky enough to bump into a young American man, got into conversation with him and he was part of the German team who were working on the Island and had been doing so for the past 40 seasons. He was a mine of information and made our visit so much more interesting and the site more understandable. He has been working between Cairo and Aswan for four years and never yet visited Luxor, I found that amazing. He did say though that he only had one day off per week but was hoping to vosit Luxor before he returned to the USA. Well after about four hours wandering round there trying to make sense of a site that was inhabited for thousands of years it was time to make our way back to the hotel and a late huge lunch. Think I must have put on pounds.
Another walk in the afternoon one of my friends decided to visit the local barber where he had a shave with a cut throat razor. Brave lad.
Bac k to hotel again and after a siesta and shower more food. Then explore more and bed.
Up bright and early next dayto go into Aswan, we had heard that above the Aswan Museum is a display of madern sculptures in an open air museum, we searched and asked but couldn't find it so gave up. Never mind maybe next time. Then into Aswan for a little retail therapy.Great shops in Aswan especially the large sports shop.
We went to a coffee shop next to which was a boy selling cigs so off I toddle to buy my drugs of choice. Asked the price and he told me three times what I pay in Luxor. I looked at him in amazment and told him this. Two old chaps who were sitting in the coffee shop started to laugh and told me to give him a smack, I explained that I couldn't possibly do that because he was only a baby. More laughter and I got my two cartouche at the price I wanted. Then had a chat with the two old chaps. I have no problem talking to the elderly people here in Egypt, no hidden agendas with them they just want to pass the time of day. So with a Goodbye Haj off I went to rejoin my friends.
Next probably the most important part of the trip a visit to McDonalds to use the loo, always nice clean toilets in McDonalds, Aswan I noticed is full of adverts for McDonalds. Next a walk along the Corniche where I found an excellent garden centre. Asked about my poorly lemon tree and nearly bough a lovely fig in a pot but decided it was too heavy to carry. Another day more than half over we returned accross the river to the hotel.
We had been told that there was a very private beach near our hotel where we could swim so off we went, after yet more food. Very quiet no one about so in I went. Cold but invigorating water, I decided to stay close to shore and have a little swim. Turned round when I thought I had swum far enough and could I get back, however much I tried I couldn't make any headway. The current in the Nile is very strong even inshore. So waddle back upstream.
Sat on the beach and was fascinated watching a fish about three inches long that had scraped a shallow depression in the sand at the bottom of the river, He/she was lying in this hole and everytime he saw another fish out he dashed and chased them away. He was not trying to catch them just scare them off. When he returned he inspected the sides of his depression. I don't know if there were fish eggs in the hole that were being protected or if it was a he, he was trying to attract a female to his home. Must have sat there for over an hour watching him, doesn't take much to entertain me, then because we were sitting quietly we were joined by four of the fattest most beautiful looking ducks. Stood on the sand having a wash and brush up and chatting to each other all off a sudden great quacking and sqwaking and off they went.
Back to the hotel for a shower and change, dinner, more food. We were informed that a group of 21 French people had arrived after a trip on a dahabia and they were going to be entertained to a Nubian evening, we sat on a terrace that overlooked the place where is was to be held and settled down to an evenings entertainment. Well after a bit of arrangeing and rearranging the French the show began, a singer (not bad) then a belly dancer who did her best to get the French women up to give it a go, no luck. Then the men, I must admit I prefer to watch men dance they usually are so graceful. So another day over off to bed.
User avatar
Grandad
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 444
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:13 pm
Location: SE England
Has thanked: 75 times
Been thanked: 163 times
Gender:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Grandad »

Lovely story of your Aswan trip Carrie. :up

Like RS, I am also very happy when in Aswan. It always seems more industrious and less touristy than Luxor. And a relaxing trip by motor boat or felucca around the cateract is most enjoyable. A great new museum there too. :)
Grandad :gg:
User avatar
Ruby Slippers
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 476
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:14 pm
Has thanked: 216 times
Been thanked: 334 times
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Ruby Slippers »

Carrie, almost opposite the new Nubian museum is a hotel called the Basma. Usually, this is where you can see the modern sculptures. Well worth seeing and the view from the hotel terrace over the 1st cataract is also worth stopping for a drink to see. Enjoying your visit along with you! :up
User avatar
Brian Yare
Royal V.I.P
Royal V.I.P
Posts: 2566
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2008 4:11 pm
Location: Worcester, UK
Has thanked: 720 times
Been thanked: 647 times
Gender:
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Brian Yare »

carrie wrote:That's it Brian that is the name. On the rocks near the temple but higher up is the first image of an elephant I have ever seen in Egypt. I had no idea that ancient Egyptians used Elephants which apparently they imported on special boats from further south in Africa.
A challenge for you. Find the elephant at Dendera. I have never seen this hieroglyph elsewhere. As a clue, here is a picture:

13038
User avatar
Dusak
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 6190
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 2:29 pm
Location: LUXOR
Has thanked: 3241 times
Been thanked: 3812 times
Gender:
Thailand

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Dusak »

Pity that you missed the opportunity to see the open air sculptures, well worth a visit with plenty of water as its hot atop those rocks. With the museum on your left as you start to drive up hill I think it was the second turning on the same side that leads you straight to the top. I found a sculpture from my home town of St. Helens. They have a giant hippopotamus there with its mouth wide open, nearly ruptured myself climbing into it for a photo. :sk
Life is your's to do with as you wish- do not let other's try to control it for you. Count Dusak- 1345.
User avatar
Ruby Slippers
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 476
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:14 pm
Has thanked: 216 times
Been thanked: 334 times
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Ruby Slippers »

Sounds as though they've moved them. Thanks for clarifying, Dusak! :up
User avatar
carrie
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 4910
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:46 am
Location: luxor
Has thanked: 1860 times
Been thanked: 2885 times
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by carrie »

End of story.
Next morning we were due to leave Aswan and head off back to Luxor, on the way we decided to visit a small Isis Temple in the middle of Aswan, we walked round the outside and just as we approached the entrance the strap on my shoe broke so I was limping along one shoe on and one shoe off. We went to the entrance to be told that visitors were not allowed into the site. I pointed to my shoe and the guards let us in sat me down and argued about the best way to fix the shoe, meanwhile my friend was taking a few sneaky photos without the bars around the site spoiling her shots. Just then a young man turned up, another American, he was working on the site but was not an Egyptologist but an expert in medieval ceramics, apparently they had found a lot on the site and he was there to try to identify them. Nice chat with him, shoe repaired with a piece of wire, clever lot these guards, invited to have tea which we declined, many many thanks and off we went.
We returned by the east bank, the desert road and about three quarters of an hour out of Aswan the strangest sight, hundreds of dead camels and donkeys all over the desert. They looked as though they had just been taken there and dumped. All dried up but not seemingly eaten by any wild animal, they all looked intact.
Journey continued after that without any futher incident until we decided to stop for a drink at a small coffee shop in the middle of no where. They had the most gorgeous tasting honey for sale there, the man said it was local honey, not from a factory so stocked up on that.
On wards to home and our adventure was over.
Been back a few days now and still missing Aswan, beautiful beautiful Aswan, the east bank so much more cosmopolitan than Luxor the West bank spectacular, the river well what can one say about the river in Aswan. I loved the place before and am even more in love now. I don't think it will be long before I am off on my travels again.
User avatar
Ruby Slippers
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 476
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:14 pm
Has thanked: 216 times
Been thanked: 334 times
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Ruby Slippers »

I'm insanely jealous, Carrie, but at the same time so happy that you too found the beauty and peace of Aswan, like I did all those years ago. It is the one place in all the world that I feel is 'home' - if that makes sense. Reading about your trip has really made me feel homesick. :cry:
User avatar
Yildez
Top Member
Top Member
Posts: 854
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:59 am
Location: Datca, Turkey
Has thanked: 2891 times
Been thanked: 495 times
Gender:
Turkey

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by Yildez »

Carrie, start planning a return visit! January, maybe? Carrie and Yildez on tour!!!
User avatar
carrie
Egyptian Pharaoh
Egyptian Pharaoh
Posts: 4910
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:46 am
Location: luxor
Has thanked: 1860 times
Been thanked: 2885 times
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Visit to Aswan

Post by carrie »

Can't wait Yildez, not too long before you come back here again. You will love it there.
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post
  • Trump's Visit !
    by Who2 » » in General Discussions and Rants
    24 Replies
    2080 Views
    Last post by Adamantium