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Saturday 14 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6:30 am and there is a traffic jam on the M25, how typical is this? This morning marks the first day of what is planned as a month long trip round Egypt. Originally I only started to look at going here because I wanted to get some sun and do a spot of diving in the Red Sea. Of course, then I did my research and discovered how much more there is to see and do there, and decided to join an organised tour for the first couple of weeks to see all this other stuff, then leave the group in Dahab on the Red Sea coast where I figured I could hang out and get that diving done. So what was to follow was two weeks of intensive travel, a lot of the sights of the ancient country jammed in here, all arranged by the friendly folk at Imaginitive Traveller - just get up each day and follow the gang on todays route - how hard can this be?! Read on for the details... what the trip dossier promised, and how things really panned out.
This first day was just a prelude for me... the tour itself wasn't due to get underway for real until Monday. Luckily enough I was met ontime by a rep. and managed to negotiate immigration and customs, and soon enough was marvelling at the traffic mahen on the way into central Cairo. Nothing much else to do this evening except take in a pretty hearty meal on the rooftop bar of our hotel and chill out there with a few fellow travellers, expecting to be able to make an early start the next day. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 15 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 1, CAIRO - Arrive in Cairo and check into your hotel. No Meals ARRIVAL For details of arrival transfers or making your own way to the tour meeting point, please refer to the Egypt Country Dossier and Pre Departure Information booklet which will be issued upon booking. TOUR BRIEFING Once all the members of your group have arrived, your tour leader will gather the group together for an introductory briefing. This briefing usually takes place after breakfast on Day 2, and will provide you with a broad outline of your trip and also give you some useful tips for your stay. OK - so this wasn't really part of tour, which didn't have any planned time in Cairo. Decided to go and check out some of the old town, and after breakfast found myself puzzeled as to why the hotel doorman said a cab to Khan Al-Khalili would cost 10LE, but on the way back I should only expect to pay 5... hmmm... only later did I figure out it was because on the way there the cabbies would be giving him a nice backhander for pointing me in their direction. Tip number one: find your own cab outside any hotel. So this lead to a nice argument with the cabbie on my exit on Sharia al-Azhar, made a little worse by the fact this didn't look anything like the place I was expecting to get out, and the cabbie couldn't show me where we were on my map. Still - no problem I thought and began to walk in the direction of the big domes and stuff I wanted to see. I later discovered that I should have been walking in the opposite direction, figured this out after 10 minutes ambling down some very empty, narrow streets without seeing another tourist looking type but instead passing many locals, crates of chickens, pidgeons and the like, and under some decidely dodgy looking scaffolding. Oh well - backtrack to the original dropoff point before crossing the road in the right direction and finding Midan Hussein and the Kan al-Khalili bizare. Nice enough to wonder through, but this place did seem a little quiet, perhaps this was too early in the day or something? Still, was an interesting enough introduction to Cairo and it was getting a little warm now so decided the hotel pool would be a much better place to be and tried to hail a cab for my return. This really is a very strange system... all the cabs have a meter, but nobody uses them, make a deal when the cab stops and try and get them to stick to it. Got into another very battered vehical (erm... looking like a 1960s Fiat) and made the deal for 5LE (ah... my bargaining skills becoming honed already!). I was joined in the car by a local who hopped in after waving at the driver and uttering something I think was along the lines of, "Hey... is this pommie tourist paying to go downtown? How about I come along for free?". To which the driver gestured the OK and said something which was possibly, "Sure thing, and the sucker thinks 5 is a good price for this trip!"
Another madcap Cairo cab trip followed... only briefly interrupted by a flat tire, which the driver proceeded to change double quick. My fellow passenger decided this was his cue to exit though and prompty wondered off into the oncomming traffic in search of another free ride. I thought about doing the same, but then I guessed that if you get a flat the last thing you need is your fair ditching you too so stuck around and completed the journey with this guy. Was dropped outside the Egyptian Museam and made the short (erm... OK, 40 minute?) walk back to our hotel, where sure enough, by this time the pool was looking exceedingly good! Lazed around by the pool for a while before walking back out into the city and round to the Cairo Tower, apparantly the second biggest attraction here (after the Pyramids). Well... it's a nice enough view from the top, shame about the effect of the smog though.
Back to the hotel after this for dinner and a first introduction to the tour guide and a few other passengers. Ah... this lot seem OK... had a few beers and another dinner on the hotel roof with them just to double check. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 16 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 2, CAIRO - A guided visit to the Great Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza. Overnight train to Aswan. Approx. 14 hrs train journey. CAIRO With a population of about 18 million, Cairo is the largest city in Africa. It is a city that is constantly bustling with activity and noise. Most tours include some free time in Cairo and there is no shortage of things to do. In addition to the obvious sites, you may wish to spend time wandering through the bazaars in search of a bargain or the perfect souvenir. You may prefer instead to go out to Giza and ride Arabian horses in the desert near the Pyramids or, if it is not included as part of your tour, make the journey to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid. You'll find that, despite being very much a Middle Eastern City, Cairo is quite modern in many respects and has a wide range of shops and restaurants offering as wide a variety of cuisine as you would find in any major city. GREAT PYRAMIDS & SPHINX The Great Pyramids at Giza, the only one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World' still standing, are undoubtedly one of the highlights of any visit to Egypt. Our Egyptologist will explain the history of these massive tombs and you will have the opportunity to go inside the Great Pyramids of Cheops (not for the claustrophobic). You'll also see the Sphinx near the base of Chephren's pyramid. Cool... so we get to see the Pyramids today? Had brekkie and met up with a few stragglers that didn't make the meeting the previous evening. Although the food in the hotel was mighty tastey, the stomach wasn't a happy bunny this morning. Damn! After only a couple of days and I have been hit by the curse of the Nile. Oh well - the show must go on as they say so popped some pills and headed off to the Giza Plateau.
Yup - these things are very big. Ventured inside the marginally smaller Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren). Not quiet as expected, it was actually hotter and more huid inside the structure than outside. After only a short wonder to the centre and the burieal chamber (erm... 2 stories high, about half the size of a squash court?) we (myself and a few others who chose to do this little extra) were all rahter hot and sweaty and I must admit I was quiet relieved to get back out into the 40 degree 'coolness' outside!
After a few hours in this sun returning to the hotel and getting back into that pool was sounding really good. We returned via a whistlestop tour of a papyrus 'museam' (aka. one of thousands of places selling what has to be said, is very nice artwork on this ancient paper), most of the group headed of for an optional couple of hours in the Egyptian Museam but I'd heard you needed a lot more time than this and headed for that pool instead. Later on, had dinner in a one option cafe... I mean... there was no menu, it only served one dish (of beans, pasta, rice and tomatoe like sauce), the only decision to make here was large or small... oh, and Coke or Fanta. Very nice all the same though. After a quick stop in a 'supermarket' (aka. corner store) for some snacks for the train trip it was off to the station for the long ride down to Aswan. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 17 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 3, ASWAN - Arrive in Aswan and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is free. ASWAN Aswan is Egypt's southernmost city and, for many visitors, the most enjoyable. At Aswan the Nile is at its most picturesque, with golden sand dunes coming right to the water's edge on the west bank and scores of white sailed feluccas gliding around the islands. The people of Aswan are predominantly Nubian and much more African in appearance than other Egyptians. They are generally cheerful and friendly. Aswan's bazaars run almost the whole length of the town, with one long, winding, street crammed with shops and stalls of all kinds. The best time to explore the bazaars is in the evening when you'll find them at their busiest with the streets full of activity. For those who have seen enough historical sights, spare time in Aswan is usually spent in the bazaars, sailing around the islands in a felucca, relaxing by one of the many swimming pools or perhaps, taking afternoon tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract hotel. Staggering off the train into 40 degree plus heat and blinding sunshine was a pleasant relief from the tourment of the train. Hmmm... OK, so perhaps 'tourment' is a bit of an exageration, but it has to be said that although the carriage looked mighty comfortable (big reclining seats, aircon, etc.) at first sight, some poor design in the footrest department (like - they are in just the right place to smash into my shins every 5 minutes and can't be removed) and overzealous airconditioning (amazingly this was so cold a number of us got out our sleeping bags!) meant that this trip was, for me at least, an excercise in sleep deprivation. Oh well, never mind and all that, all part of the fun, and off to the hotel we went. Aswan turns out to be a lot more relaxed than Cairo (in the 'people hastling your for money at every turn' stakes). Wondered the bizare looking for some desert garments (I wanted long sleeved, white cotton shirts to keep the sun off) but found nothing.
Almost considered a Galibau (sp?) and hacking the bottom off it. This was pretty interesting because I really didn't want the item, but the storekeeper I was talking to just didn't understand, and down came the price. After many exchanges of, "You don't understand... it's not the price, I just don't want it!!" I had to give up and walk off, but not until his garment had dropped from 140LE for one, to two for 40LE! Wow, shows what can be achived here I though. I was just about to give up when I spotted something almost perfect... nice shirt, but with short sleaves. No problem to this particular store keeper as he offered to rustle me up this item in a couple of hours, with long sleave and an adjusted collar size. Sure enough, two hours later on my return I walked away with a couple of fine shirts for 65LE the pair.
This evening took the group to Elephantine Island for dinner in the Nubian village, on the roof of a local's house. Nice food, but still feeling a little iffy. The trip there was great fun... not only do the Nubians act as local ferry operators, but a number of them taking us across to the island had brough along drums and the like and turned up the entertainment here, getting everyone on the Felucca up and dancing around to the infectious rythm. Not quiet as noisy on the way back, but just as well as night had fallen and we were harassed by the local river police. This sort of thing seems like par for the course here in Egypt and a bit of a corruption in our midst. Hit the sack around 11ish I think? The sleep deprivation continues though - it's a 3am start tomorrow for a side trip to Abu Simbel. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 18 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 4, ASWAN. A free day allows time to visit the impressive Temples at Abu Simbel. ABOUT THE SITE Built by Ramses II in the 13 th century BC, the temples at Abu Simbel are among the most impressive in all of Egypt. On the site are the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of his favourite wife, Queen Nefertari. Originally built into a rock face overlooking the river Nile, these temples were destined to be submerged beneath the rising waters of Lake Nasser until a UNESCO project dismantled and rebuilt the temples on a new site some 65 metres higher up. Both temples are extraordinary, and you can clearly see how close they came to being submerged, by the watermarks around the base of the statues. As well as the spectacle of the ancient temples you can also see how the UNESCO project rescued the temples and moved them to their current location. Wow! This place is well worth the 3 hour each way trip from Aswan.
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Thursday 19 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 5, FELUCCA CRUISE - A morning at leisure. This afternoon board traditional feluccas and commence our voyage down the Nile in the company of local sailors. NILE FELUCCA CRUISE Feluccas are traditional sailing boats that have been used on the Nile for centuries. Originally introduced by the Romans these simple boats provide one of the most romantic and relaxing ways to see one of the world's greatest rivers. They have no motor or modern conveniences and are almost totally dependent on the wind, occasionally helped along by rudimentary oars. The itinerary of the cruise is not rigidly defined, except to say that we will depart from a certain point (usually Aswan or Luxor) and sail for a specified number of days. If the wind is favourable, we should reach our destination within that time, if not we may pull up short and complete the journey by road. For the duration of the cruise we suggest that you take off your watch and pack it away, time doesn't matter as we travel when it's light and stop when it's dark. During our cruise we make regular stops to visit riverside temples, villages, sandy beaches and for toilet purpose. Each felucca carries between 5-10 passengers, depending on its size. The deck is covered with mattresses and cushions and you will sleep sardine style across the boat. Please note that bedding is not provided, so should bring a sleeping bag and sleeping sheet with you. You willalso need to provide your own towel during the cruise. A canopy can be erected for protection against the sun during the day or as protection against wind and dew at night. If winds are really strong it might not be possible to sail at all. Each boat has a crew of two sailors, one captain and one deck hand. As well as being experienced Nile sailors they are also responsible for food preparation- offers of help are welcomed - and occasionally for impromptu entertainment. Most of the sailors have been working with us for many years and know how to look after our clients. The direction of the felucca cruise is south to north, which is with the current and against the prevailing wind, which is ideal for a tacking course. Before boarding the feluccas, your tour leader will give you a short briefing on safety procedures and essential do's and don't for the cruise.
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Friday 20 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 6, FELUCCA CRUISE - Our route takes us to the Temple at Kom Ombo which you have an opportunity to visit. KOM OMBO We have the option to visit the temple of Kom Ombo. It has the distinction of being the only temple dedicated to two gods, Sobek - the crocodile headed god - and Haroeris - a falcon headed god similar in appearance to Horus. Located just a short walk from the river, the temple contains some impressive reliefs. Also of interest is a collection of mummified crocodiles and a well-preserved nilometer, used for measuring the water level in the river.
Ah... what with the little incident with the mast and some unfortunate winds we were running a little late at this point. Still, we are on 'Felucca Time' which is even more flexible than the standard 'Egyptian Time' - no worries, we'll get there when we get there. Meant plenty more time taking it easy on the Nile.
Moored up in the middle of the night, I don't really know where, but there was another Felucca here too and we were treated to some more traditional Nubian entertainment on the river bank.
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Saturday 21 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 7, FELUCCA CRUISE - Continue sailing towards Edfu. This morning we actually made it to Edfu, after a very early start and a long time drifting with the current (very little wind today, compared with the gales just yesterday).
So after our quick stop at Kom Ombo we fall back onto the deck of the Felucca (well - all that walking around is a big change after just lying down for 2 days!) and begin to drift down the Nile once more.
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Sunday 22 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 8, EDFU - LUXOR - Disembark from the feluccas at Edfu where there.s a chance to visit the splendid temple of Horus. Transfer to Luxor and check into your hotel. This afternoon we take the horse drawn carriages for a guided visit to Karnak Temple. Approx. 3 hrs driving. EDFU Disembarking at Edfu we have the option to visit the temple of Horus before we are transferred to Luxor. Horus is the legendary son of Isis & Osiris and is most commonly depicted as a falcon headed god. By Egyptian standards this temple is not old, dating from Ptolemaic times, but is very well preserved and gives an excellent example of how these temples were laid out. LUXOR Despite its historical importance, Luxor is actually quite a small town, though it has grown considerably in recent years with the boom in tourism to Egypt. In ancient times, Luxor, known than as Thebes, was the most important capital of ancient Egypt. Today the whole area is littered with ancient sites and the remains of a glorious past. Within the town itself is Luxor temple and the massive temple complex at Karnak is a short ride along the corniche. With free time in Luxor the more active people hire bicycles and ride to see sites not included in their itinerary. These could include the Nobles tombs, the Ramasseum or Medinat Habu on the west bank or the well maintained Luxor Museum on the east bank. The Movenpick Hotel, on the southern outskirts of Luxor, is famed for its ice cream and travellers have been known to spend hours doing nothing but relaxing and sampling the wide assortment of flavours. Others are content to stroll through the bazaars or relax by one of the many hotel swimming pools. KARNAK TEMPLE The temple complex at Karnak is one of the most extensive in the world. Unlike most other temples, Karnak is not the work of just one pharaoh but of many, each trying to outdo his predecessor in architectural achievement. Our Egyptologist will take you through the site pointing out features of particular interest. Especially impressive are the massive columns of the hypostyle hall. For those who wish, there is a sound and light show held at Karnak every evening, with an English performance almost every day. The show is unlike other sound and light shows in Egypt, instead of sitting throughout the performance you walk through the temple as the show progresses. If you only intend to see one sound and light show in Egypt, this is probably the most impressive. Another deviation from plan here, but if you ask me this all added to the spirit of this trip. Of course, we were running a long way into 'Felucca Time' by now and had pulled up a long way short of Edfu. To make it the rest of the way we clambered into a couple of ute's (erm... covered pick-up trucks) and blasted down the country lanes (or is that desert tracks) into Edfu and hopped out at the Temple of Horus.
Gotta admit, this was was, for me, the most impressive temple here. It was massive and in perfect condition. Still - we're not done on the temple trail for today and it was into the next vehical of the day (at least this one had doors, windows and aircon!) and off to Luxor.
Time to dump the bags in our 'campsite' (yes - as the room Seb. and I were allocated was accessed through what was more like a building site!) on arrival in Luxor before getting out once more into the town for some food. Lunch done - on to the Karnak Temple (in rather cheesy horsedrawn carridge - not my choice I have to say).
I'd have to say that I was slightly disappointed (shock!) with Karnak. I'd been looking forward being dazed at the size of the massive columns and the like, which it has to be said was incredible. The whole site was very large though, and we didn't really have time to explore properly, and because of the complex's massive dimensions the place had a bit of an 'untidy' feel to it (compared to the other temples we'd visited which seemed so neat and organised) having parts of monuments scattered all over the place. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monday 23 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 9, LUXOR - HURGHADA. Ride to the Valley of the Kings on sturdy donkeys. Our route back takes us past the Colossi of Memnon. The afternoon is free. This afternoon we catch the convoy from Luxor to Hurghada. Approx. 5 hrs driving. DONKEY RIDE We rise very early (around 4.30 am) to cross the Nile and meet up with our donkeys and 'donkey men'. Once everyone has been allocated a donkey we ride approximately 7 km to the Valley of the Kings. The ride is terrific fun and it takes just over one hour to reach the entrance to the Valley of the Kings. After visiting the Valley of the Kingswe rejoin our donkeys and ride over the hill to a cliff overlooking the Nile Valley. From here, depending on your tour, you will either visit the funeral temple of Queen HATSHEPSUT (Deir El Bahari) or the workers village (Deir El Medina). We then ride back, past the Colossi of Memnon to the river - this will take approximately 45 minutes. VALLEY OF THE KINGS The Valley of the Kings is a vast necropolis where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were entombed. This period included some of the best known pharaohs such as Ramses II, Seti I and of course Tutankhamun. One of the most exciting archaeological discoveries of all time was that of the sealed tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun by Howard Carter.The tickets allow you to visit three tombs and the tour leader will be able to recommend the best tombs to visit. RED SEA The Red Sea with spectacular coral gardens and fish life is renowned as one of the world's great diving locations. Years ago it was a place only known to diving enthusiasts and had very few visitors. In recent years Egypt has come to realise the potential the Red Sea and it's coastline offers for tourism and development has been extensive. There are some excellent beaches to be found along the coast and the water temperature is always pleasant for swimming, even in winter months. Thankfully we got to rest in this morning, leaving for our donkey rendevous around 5:30am. Like the horse drawn carridge the previous evening, donkey riding was something I wouldn't really have chosen to do - in the case of this donkey ride I was happy to have been proven wrong - it was great fun.
As seems to be becoming obvious without having to say so, the ancient Valley of the Kings was again amazing. Having grabbed a three tomb pass, as if were, we were escorted around the first two with our guide (from the previous day at Karnak). As with the pyramids one would think that being inside a shady sandstone hole would be cooler than the baking desert sun, but one would be wrong. Again it was very humid and stinking hot, and I couldn't help but wonder if all this humidity could be good for the tombs - I think the toursit board here should seriously consided investing in some de-humdifiers! After the viewings it was time to trek up to the top of one of the valley walls to meet the trusty group of donkeys (which had been led away when we first arrived at the valley) for the descent back to Luxor.
We came, we saw, we... erm... got back on our bus for the 5ish hour drive to Hurghada. The Red Sea might have spectacular coral gardens and fish life, but I'm afraid we weren't going to see any of it today. In fact, there was no time to do much at all here aside from have dinner in a local sea food restaurant and nap for a couple of hours before the drive round to Sinai. The more crazy in the group (that's all but three of us) decided that two or three hours sleep was worthless and stayed out until the bus left in what sounded like a pretty cool club. Sorry to say though, clubs are clubs and three hours sleep in a bed is worth 20 on a bus, and on reflection I'm pretty glad I made this choice.
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Tuesday 24 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 10, HURGHADA - SINAI . Early start for a long driving day from Hurghada crossing the Suez canal through Ahmed Hamdy tunnel to Sinai and continue to St Catherine. Overnight in St Catherine. Approx 12 hrs drive. ST CATHERINE'S MONASTERY Although it is not the oldest of Egypt's monasteries, St Catherine's is one of the richest and most visited. It is a beautiful Medieval fortified monastery located at the foot of Mt. Sinai, allegedly on the site of the 'burning bush'. The Monastery houses possibly the richest private library in the world and the oldest known copy of the bible, but regrettably these are not open to the public. In fact, visiting hours are very restrictive and unpredictable, though our tours will go inside whenever possible.
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Wednesday 25 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 11, MT SINAI - SINAI TREK - Rise early to climb Mt. Sinai (optional) then return and prepare for a trek with local Bedouin. The trek starts with a tough walk across the sand with wonderful views of the Gouna Mountains. We then enter the secluded White Canyon through narrow openings in the mountains. There's time to stop for photos and to enjoy the tranquillity of the Canyon before continuing to Ein Khoudra Oasis for the night. Approx. 1 hr driving to trek start point. Approx. 4-5 hrs walking. MOUNT SINAI Whilst at St Catherine there is the opportunity to ascend to the summit of Mt. Sinai to view the sunrise. This means a very early start (about 3am) and involves a strenuous uphill walk of about three hours. In winter, weather conditions could be so severe that it is not possible to make this ascent. TREKKING The mountains and valleys of the Sinai High Range offer spectacular scenery, clear air and the opportunity to meet the local people of the area. The trek included in this trip is graded B - moderate and consists of a mixture of long and short walks, ranging from 4.5 to 6 hours walking per day. The trek is lead throughout by Bedouin guides and an Imaginative Traveller Tour Leader. The trek will not take you to high altitudes (the maximum altitude will be 2,285 m), so this is not an issue for consideration. Everyone can walk at his/her own pace and though there is physical exertion, it is sustainable. Although no previous trekking experience is required for this trip, there are some steep ascents and descents, and long stretches of walking on soft sand which can be tough on your legs. Therefore you require a good level of fitness. The more physically fit you are, the more easily your body will adapt to hiking in the Sinai. Please note that this trek must not be used as a way of getting fit - you must be fit before starting this trip. Footing can be treacherous, so we recommend that you bring hiking boots with ankle support. Porters carry all camping equipment and personal luggage, with the aid of camels, leaving you only with a small daypack to carry. Our porters will also take care of all other necessary tasks, such as setting up the communal camp and cooking meals. Most food is fresh and we try to limit tinned or dehydrated food. Our camping accommodation will be in large communal Bedouin-style tents. Basic equipment such as sleeping mats will be provided, but you will need to bring your own sleep-sheet and sleeping bag. As we are trekking through some Egypt.s most remote regions, please be prepared for very basic washing/toilet facilities. Our tour leader will carry a comprehensive medical kit throughout the duration of the trek.
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Thursday 26 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 12, SINAI TREK - This morning we start by walking along Wadi Rum, and into Sugar Canyon through a series of narrow passageways. There.s time to explore here before heading to Naqb Mountain. Our trek today involves walking on soft sand, with some ascents. Later in the day, we trek along rocky mountain passes. All this is rather tough on the legs, but you will be rewarded with some stunning views! Overnight in the beautiful Wadi Ghazela. Approx. 6 hrs walking.
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Friday 27 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 13, TREK . DAHAB - We take a short walk to meet our bus. After bidding farewell to our Bedouin guides, we transfer by road to Dahab where we will stay in a beach campsite. You may choose to relax, swim, or snorkelling amongst some of the Red Sea.s beautiful marine life. Approx. 2 hrs driving. DAHAB In some circles, Dahab enjoys a reputation as the place to visit in the Sinai. This claim might be a little exaggerated, but it is certainly a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. There is a relaxed pace of life, long sandy beaches, waterfront cafes, and tiny bazaar offering a selection of souvenirs.
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Saturday 28 September 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What the dossier said: Day 14, DAHAB . A whole day to relax on the beach or do some swimming or snorkelling. Also it is a chance to enjoy some diving. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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is an unfinished pavilion by the water here at Philae.
