Photography by Paul Dishman: Cruising down the River

My final blog on our trip to Egypt taking in the river cruise and stay in Luxor. Despite all warnings we enjoyed the cruise without mishap. It didn`t run aground, did not have engine failure and neither of us ended up with the runs!
So peaceful and so much to see. We did not get "templed out" as our guide Magdy organised the visits so well - every temple different and just enough detail / time to make a huge impact on us but now bore us! Quite how Egypt will continue to uncover the estimated 66% of remains still to be worked on in such times of economic hardship I don`t know but there is so much more than I realised out there.
What did I like best?

The boat (MS Sherry) might not have been the most swish on the river but as guide Magdy told us it remained his number 1 choice to work on because the food was superb throughout and with only 12 passengers we were outnumbered by crew by 3 or 4 to 1 I reckon. Great service and always with a smile. Yes we loved the temples but it was also nice to just watch what was happening on the river banks and relax and catch those great sunsets every night.
Great guide Magdy who was so attentive and at times we had a private tour with him and the two of us. So friendly and helpful
Met some nice people - Jo and Louise who seemed to stalk us around the temples despite being on a different boat and Winifred and Joe a delightful couple aged 86 and 83 who having travelled through Jordan and Israel were taking in the Nile before going home to Toronto. So many stories and such energy. Hope I am still travelling the world at 86!

Worst things

The pollution. Despite being dependent on the Nile for irrigation we were amazed at how rubbish was burned on the river banks and how much rubbish was floating in the Nile. None of the fish eaten in restaurants or on boats comes from the Nile - all from Lake Nasser as they are deemed contaminated. Only the locals fish and catch what they eat from the river. It was amazing to see young kids and babies bathing in such water.
The sellers meeting us off the boat. Desperation through lack of tourists meant a heavy presence and them never giving up. I had the classic of young kids reaching into my belt wallet under cover of 10 papyrus(banana leaf) bookmarks for sale. Of course it was already empty and open so had fun shouting "Bah" (finish) at them and seeing them run. Other mistake I made was when in the locks and having people on boats some 25-30 feet below trying to sell us stuff. Thinking I was clever I said "Yes chuck it up and I`ll look at it" - never imagining they would reach and get it though the gap between awning and deck. The guy should be in American football with his throwing arm - came straight to me and gave me the challenge of throwing it back and hitting a small rowing boat. Managed it - unlike a French guy on the other side of the boat who made the water!

But enough words and a few more pictures to tempt you to go!

MS Sherry

Head waiter, chef and Aziz our waiter and fervent Arsenal fan!

Our guide Magdy (left)

One of the many sunsets

Valley of the Kings lit up at night from our berthed boat

On sections of the Nile you see little strips of land created by the High Dam water management where farmers graze their cattle free of charge.

Another aspect of pollution on the banks

See the guy selling from a rowing boat - they never give up!

Our ship pilot - 15 years experience of the Nile

Despite low numbers the boat still put on a Whirling Dervish and Belly Dance show

Apprentice seller practising his words

Ali the 7 yr old shoe shine boy at the Winter Palace. We had no shoes on to clean so I tipped him for a shot.Not enough though (as ever) and he gave me as much aggro as any adult seller!