May Online Journal

2nd May 2008 - A friend of ours had offered us a day at the Sheraton to use the pool and relax for the day but when he booked it he arranged an overnight stay as well so we had the day at the Sheraton, a nights accommodation and most of the next day by the pool as well and thoroughly enjoyed it. After a tiring few weeks it was a much needed break and a chance to start on the tan which we have not had much time to work on up until now. The work that has been carried out at the Sheraton over the last few years has certainly improved it but it is disappointing the amount they charge to eat and drink there as it is too expensive for us to go there often. A small ice cream cone was 24LE (approx £2.25) and a can of coke was 15LE (approx £1.38). Not the sort of prices we can afford too often and that is not even mentioning the ridiculous prices for alcohol.

7th May - A day when the older boys did not have any homework to do so an opportunity for a bit of fun and relaxation so an afternoon playing on the computers and listening to music. I think the boys are fed up of asking me if they can go on the computers only to be told no as I need to help someone with homework or study for exams so they were surprised and delighted to have an afternoon of entertainment.

As with most children of this age they love to play but at least with the computers they are learning some valuable skills at the same time. They are also very quick to help each other and the older ones often show the younger ones how to do something and if not I get a chance to show them all how to do it.

I took my headphones along and they proved very popular with Ellissa being the kids favourite at the moment. It was funny to see the kids dancing to the music but not being able to hear it myself.

9th May 2008 - We have never travelled by train in Egypt so we decided to go to Aswan on the train and after all the terrible things we have heard about Egyptian trains we were pleasantly surprised. In just over three hours we arrived at our destination and quickly settled into the hotel so we could go out and explore Aswan. We wandered along the Souk and it is certainly not as hectic as in Luxor, the streets are much wider and less crowded and you are left alone much more so you actually have a chance to stop and look at things without the stress and hassle of Luxor. Part of me thinks it is because the streets are wider that it is not as easy for them to block your path but mainly I think it is just a much more relaxed atmosphere and as a result a much more enjoyable experience and it was good to see some different things on sale to those offered in Luxor and a definite Nubian influence.

After walking the length of the Souk we ended up where we had arrived in Aswan and decided to take a picture of the train station to mark the occasion. We walked back along the Corniche and there are many more open spaces and "parks" than in the centre of Luxor and this certainly added to the relaxed atmosphere. We also timed our visit badly as Aswans first McDonalds was opening so there were McDonalds flags and signs everywhere! They had even gone to the trouble of making McD's flags for the felluccas so the landscape was spoilt with the golden arches on a red background everywhere we looked. One good point about it is that is probably the most attractive McDonalds I have seen and an excellent location on the banks of the Nile but I would like to think that they could keep the flags inside the building and not everywhere you look outside.

We were staying at the Movenpick on Elephantine Island so to get to it we had to take a motorboat. A pleasant trip each time we needed to leave or get back to the hotel.

We had not really looked too closely at the room when we had checked in but it had looked good and we were eager to get out and explore but when we got back this time the crisp white sheets had something all over them and whatever it was was moving. With a closer look we found them to be ants walking across the bed. I then asked if we could change rooms and at first it did not look good as they kept offering to change our pillows (I think things got a little confused in translation) but after a senior member of staff had apologised we were moved from the nice room on the fourth floor to a very very nice villa on the banks of the Nile. Not only was the view from the room and balcony fantastic but the villa was far bigger and nicer than the bedroom. We will have to remember this and take our own ants next time! The photos below are the view from the room which we were very happy with but the ones below them are the views from the villa which was even better.


The Movenpick has a hideous looking tower at it's centrepiece which does nothing to improve the landscape but it does however give wonderful views and a nice environment when you are inside and looking out. We watched the sun set from the tower as slowly the sky darkened and the lights switched on all over Aswan.


10th May 2008 - An early start for some sightseeing and across the Aswan Dam to start and on to the Temple Of Kalabsha. The Temple was re-located to this spot along with other monuments from Nubia in order to preserve them. The setting is certainly good as the Island is full of interest and worth more than just a flying visit. Since it is on an Island a motorboat is needed to get you there and the few motorboats who were there seemed to be working together so an argument about price was bound to happen as they know if you dont use them you don't get to see the Temple. For a very short trip in the motorboat they initially wanted 100 LE and after a lot of arguing we eventually agreed on 50LE for the return trip.


The Temple was great and we were lucky to have the island to ourselves for the hour and a half that we were there. A highlight for me was the small Beit al-Wali built by Rameses II. The internal part has some excellent reliefs and colours and having the place to myself was very special.

There are also plenty of other historical items re-constructed here and each of them worth a visit.


Next on our sightseeing trip was a trip to the nearby High Dam.


The picture (above right) shows the luxury car we were driven about in so we were glad with the temperature rising to head back to Elephantine Island but not to go relax but for more sight-seeing and a visit to Aswan Museum and the excavations on Elephantine Island. It was good to finally go somewhere that I had studied as part of my course and although Jo quickly got bored at another pile of bricks (some with pretty pictures on them) I found them fascinating especially the sanctuary of Heqaib. I was getting more and more excited as I approached it only to find the gate locked and a large closed sign on it and with no guardians in sight it was obvious I would not be getting in even for baksheesh


By now it was hot and what better place to cool down and relax that the Old Cataract Hotel so we headed there for afternoon tea only to be disappointed as it has recently been closed for refurbishment and will be for the next two years! A disappointment so instead we went to the nearby Coptic Cathedral and it proved to be a lovely place to relax and cool down. Followed by a walk along the Corniche while we headed back to the hotel we saw a few things that reminded us we were in Egypt (it could happen nowhere else. Firstly scaffolding that looks like it will fall down any minute and secondly a rubbish tip where a building used to be.

11th May 2008 - Today was a day to relax after the previous days sightseeing so we relaxed by the pool for the morning and early afternoon and then took a relaxing felluca ride around Elephantine Island and the surrounding Islands. When we enquired about the price of the felluca we were quoted much more than expected and when we queried why the price was so high and was much more than we paid in Luxor I had to smile at the reply "but Aswan is much more beautiful than Luxor so the price is higher".

A late night visit to the Philae Sound and Light Show as the English version did not start until 10:30pm but it was great to approach the Island in darkness with the lights showing up the monuments and in my opinion a much better sound and light show to Karnak.
12th May 2008 - Our final day in Aswan and I got up early to visit the Tombs Of The Nobles while Jo caught up on some sleep. After a motorboat ride and a walk up the hill and I arrived at the tombs. I was under the impression that I was the first to visit the tombs that day but as the guardian approached the tomb to unlock it we found out that I had been beaten there as on the step to the tomb was a snake. (below right) If anyone can identify the species of snake please let me know. I am normally someone who avoids the guardians if I can but on this occasion I was pleased he was about. He quickly grabbed a rock and killed the snake and although I would have preferred to leave the snake where he was I can understand that a snake in a tomb where tourists were likely to visit later in the day was not a good idea.

After seeing the tomb of Sirenput I and Harkhuf I was heading to Sirenput II when the guardian spotted another snake, not as big this time but not in a position to cause a problem so this one was left alone. It was worth the risk of a snake-bite to see the tomb of Sirenput II with its wonderful colours and preservation.

Back to hotel and Jo noticed something in the Nile that was not there before and on closer inspection we found it to be a group of boys sitting on a rock. They waved and shouted and it was great to see them having fun and not even one request for baksheesh.

Our trip was almost over but still enough time to relax by the pool before leaving and a chance to take a few photos of the hotels new pet.

After a great few days time to head home again and we were glad we took the train. No need to check in hours in advance and a much more relaxed and stress free journey as well as being able to see the scenery as we travelled.

13th May 2008 - After the weekend off we were greeted on our return by another baby at Sunshine and he is tiny and look at the mass of hair his big sister has!!!!

16th May 2008 - Friends of mine were visiting Luxor today from Luxemburg so we had a chance to meet up briefly and show them Sunshine and the work we were doing there. It was good to meet up after nearly a year but unfortunately they were off to Aswan shortly afterwards so did not have much time.


19th May 2008 - Instead of our usual homework sessions with Sunshine we were asked to work a few night shifts at the hospital as two of the younger children were there with bronchiolitis. It seems so long ago since we did the night shifts at the hospital when we first arrived in Egypt.

20th May 2008 - Second night on the hospital night shift and good news that the boy was sent back to Sunshine during the day so only one to look after so a fairly easy night.

21st May 2008 - After the night shifts a relaxing day followed by a excellent meal at a friends house and home to try to get back into the routine of sleeping at nights
22nd May 2008 - An afternoon at Sunshine preparing for the boys exams. Its amazing how much they don't want to work but when I say that it will be done on the computer suddenly they are keen. A powerpoint presentation to improve their English and it kept their attention for hours. While I was busy with the English lessons Jo was at the other Sunshine Building putting the finishing touches to a "fund raising thermometer" to chart the progress of the fund raising to complete the new village. Many of the Sunshine children were keen to help which with thirty hands trying to do the same job is not always helpful and there are plenty of fingerprints to prove it.
31st May 2008 - John's birthday celebration (birthday on Monday but celebration early) and another excellent meal at Dean's Bistro. The Thai red curry was excellent and superb company made for a very enjoyable night with a quick drink at Murphy's to finish off the night. I took my camera but it was not until the end of the night that I realised I had not taken any photos.