Alexandria to Aswan

Tue/Wed 14-15 Sept - A leisurely drive to the coast delivered us to the sunny city of Alexandria, our home for the next two days.  After exploring the Greco-Roman catacombs, we were taken on a tour of the brilliant UNESCO-funded project, Biblioteca Alexandrina (for me a personal highlight, because I LOVE libraries. I can hear Jamie in the background saying "nerd").  This new library replaces the ancient library that once stood here, and is now the second largest library in the world.

Being by the Mediterranean blows away the dust & grime of Cairo & we rewarded ourselves with a fresh seafood dinner.  The following morning after visiting Qaitbey Citadel which not only stands on the site but is partially built from the blocks of the Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria, we walked along the gorgeous Corniche & sat on the terrace of the Sofitel & people-watched.  In the afternoon we headed for Cairo to board our overnight train to Aswan, 900kms to the south.

Thu/Fri 16-17 Sept - Arriving in Aswan, we visited the Temple of Philae which has to be approached by boat.  This temple was saved from the creation of the High Dam by moving 40,000 blocks & pieces to a higher island. A remarkable feat.  It was a very early night for all, as we had a 2am wake-up call.  Abu Simbel is best seen at sunrise, and it is accessed either by a very long bus ride or a 30-min plane ride.  Luckily for us it was a short trip on Memphis Air to see the great temple of Rameses II, and the four colossi that guard the entrance. This was another site that was saved from the flooding of the river Nile to create Lake Nasser.  At lunchtime we were back in Aswan & boarding our river cruise for the next three days.

Sat/Sun 18-19 Sept - Cruising is a great way to see this part of the country, as you can lounge on the sundeck, dip in the pool & watch the ancient scenery pass by.  The blocked toilets & constant diesel fumes are not exactly conducive to enjoyable travel, however.  The cruising is interspersed with temple visits, such as the Temple of Horus (Falcon-headed god) at Kom Ombo, and Edfu Temple.  However there is a distinct possibility that "temple-fatigue" will soon set in...