Aswan 29 January. Clear sky, very cold morning warm later low 20s

Very early start this morning, up at 3.45 for a 4.30 departure. As we leave the city there is a security check just before you hit the desert proper. There is quite a convoy of buses and it takes almost 30 mins to get through the check point. At about 6.30 we pull over so we can watch the sunrise. It is a spectacular sight as the sun rises above the desert. Back on the bus there are only 9 of us, one chose not to go and two are sick. We try to sleep but it is difficult, it is a large bus so we can all spread out.

We eventually arrive at Abu Simble at 8.15 and we have to be back on board by 10. The original site was discovered in the 1860s by a local named Abu Simble. When word spread and others wanted to view/excavate the temples they were told to go to the village in the area and ask for Abu Simble. In the 1960s when the Aswan dam was being constructed, the dam would submerge the temples as it filled. It was decided to dismantle the temples and reconstruct them above the water line. They were moved 600 metres from their original site and 200 metres higher. An incredible engineering feat in itself. As the temples were carved out of a mountain, they could not move the mountain, so they built two concrete domes and then covered them and rebuilt the rock face.

The two temples were built by Ramses II, one to honour himself and the other in honour of his wife Nefretati.  It was Ramses attempt to project himself as a king and a god. They are incredible structures.

We depart Abu Simble at 10.30 and are back at our barge by 1.45.

At 4 pm we have a Felucca ride on the Nile river. We head off in a very light breeze and have a lovely sail for 75 mins.

I feel like I am starting to come down with a virus. Bit achey round the eyes and starting to develop a cough and raspy chest. So far there are three who are ill and I will make four. Started the cold and flu tablets, the early morning starts probably don’t help either and tomorrow we have a 7 am departure so will be up at 5.45.


Did not go to the Nubian show after dinner not feeling up to it.

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