Aswan to Doma
Bussed back to Aswan and got on Doma boat. Same 17 people, a great, fun bunch. Neat boat, with decks front and back and with seats to sit in the sun. First deck had thick cushions, in bright colors to sit on and lean against, with small table in front of them, with both sides open. Bar and counter for buffet meals at one end. We helped ourselves to beer or pop, tea or coffee. Eighteen small rooms and two bathrooms downstairs, again I lucked out with my own room for the three days we spent on the boat. We travelled slowly down the Nile taking in all the sights and the weather was beautiful.
We had a three-man crew of great Arabs. At night they tied up beside farms right out of bible days with their water buffalo, goats, ducks and chickens. Kids all lined up as we tied up. We gave them candy, cookies and the main thing they wanted was a pen. We all wished we had brought loads of them. Shane went ashore and videoed the little village as we watched from the boat. Villagers and us howled as we watched him taping a huge tethered water buffalo as it broke loose and started chasing him. It was a friendly buffalo and all it wanted was to lick everyone. He took some great pictures; the captain steering the boat with his feet; scenes and ruins along the way, etc. When we left in the morning the kids would hold on to the lines and try and stop us from going. It was such a relaxing time after our very busy schedules. Sadly left the Doma for Luxor and checked in a nice hotel. Luxor is a lovely town near the Nile. It was fun shopping and good cafes.
Day 15
Karnack Temple
Next was a town near Karnack temple and hundreds of beautifully colored horse drawn carriages that tourists rented to go sightseeing. We all took the carriages to the Karnak temple. It was a very impressive, with rows of lion statues on one side, sheep on the other side…again with broken noses.
These ruins covered 640 acres and we had an Arab lady guide that spoke good English and told us the history of the place. Really enjoyed the sunny day and sitting on the ruins and listening to her. I went into one of the buildings on my own and watched a German tourists taking flash pictures. Signs everywhere not to take flash pictures and the Arab had also warned us. The little Arabian guard tried to take the camera from around his neck and it got ugly as four big Germans started to gang up on him. The little guy stood his ground and kept telling them to stay back. He finally ripped the strap and camera off the tourist and ran out of the room with it. Later saw the police take the film out and give the guy back his camera and gave him heck. I admired the Arab for standing up to the arrogant bunch and told him so. He was pleased.
Had one other run in with the guards with one of our bunch. It wasn’t his fault as it wasn’t posted but one of the Dutch boys started climbing steps outside the temple. Suddenly two guards ran after him and grabbed him and said they were taking him to the police. He broke away from them and ran out of the place. You don’t fool around in these countries. We went back to the hotel to get our luggage and had an hour’s flight back to Cairo. Enjoyed seeing the scenery out the window. The desert is so different and the sunsets are incredible. Had last dinner at Cairo hotel with the bunch as some going in different directions the next day. We all exchanged addresses and promised to keep in touch.
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