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Travels in Africa

Egypt

Goldenmaggot
2005-09-06 18:47:52

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Kitchener Island. This is a botanic garden where all kinds of tropical Asian and African species grow together. This island was given to Lord Kitchener for his exploits in the Sudan. I was very hot here but quite pleasant under the shade of the trees.

Returning to our boat we had a very pleasant ride up river towards the dam. The boat was having to weave from side to side of the river due to the shallow waters. We sailed almost as far as the old dam where we landed to visit the Nubian village. We were welcomed and invited to wander in and out of one of the houses. You got the feeling of very friendly people who were always smiling. The rooms were about 12 feet by 10 feet and the family had very few possessions. They cooked by calor gas. We were then seated in one room where we were offered either hibiscus or mint tea. I tasted both of these and they both tasted like hot water! The very pretty girls then brought out some jewellery and things they had made for us to buy. I bought a black and gold necklace. There were also some brightly painted wooden dolls. These Nubian people had had to come and live here as their homes had been flooded by the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

On the way back to the hotel we saw lots of herons, some pied kingfishers and two Ospreys, there were a lot of other birds that I didn't know the names of. We were now sailing with the flow of the river and were very soon back at the Cataract Hotel.

The next morning we flew to Luxor and stayed overnight at the New Winter Palace Hotel. This hotel is in a good position for visiting places in and around Luxor and we would have like to stay here longer.

We flew back home the next day from Luxor. The departure lounge at Luxor is nothing like large enough for the volume of people that are now using it. So many people miss out Cairo and fly straight to Luxor now.

Egypt is a great holiday destination. The Egyptians have a great sense of fun and humour.And we have always enjoyed our visits here.