Aswan, Egypt

After a 14 hour overnight train ride  (982 Kilometers south of Cairo) we arrived in Aswan. Like Cairo, Aswan is rich in temples, history and culture. Located "north" on the Nile River, it has been a main city for transportation of import/explort and electricty as it is home to the largest damns on the river. We first went to visit the damn - yup, it was a damn, but it did help to create Lake Nasser, the largest man made lake in the world. Then we got on a boat and went to visit Philae Temple. I wish I could recall who or why the temple was built, but to be honest, after 5 straight days of Egytian History lessons, the only thing I know for sure is that none of the temples are in the original locations or the original forms. Most have been replicated, restored or relocated because they were distroyed, erroded or sunken under sand or water. Although I never expected for everything to be entirely orignal from thousands of years ago, I was hoping for more authenticity (I guess one could say). This particular temple was on an island half concealed by water, and half defaced during the crusades. 

The next morning, we had to wake at 3:30 am for a 3 hour drive through the Sahara to the Abu Simbil Temples. The interesting thing about this drive is that the government has created a convey to keep tourist safe. All tour groups and busses have to register, then everyone drives together through the desert with a police escort in the front and back to make sure that everyone arrives safely. Let's be honest, no one wants to get a flat tire and end up stranded in the Sahara.... When we arrived at Abu Simbil, we got another history lesson. This temple was again consumed by water so it has since been relocated and recontructed. Originally, the two temples were built for a narsisistic King and his less important wife. We were not allowed to take photos inside, as UNESCO is working to preserve what little is left of the hieroglyphics and carvings on the wall. However, it is exactly what you would picture thinking of Egypt. That night, we went on a Felucca ride down the Nile River for sunset and ate dinner at a local restaurant with the other girls.

 Jen and I also went to the market where we endulged in buying spices, teas and more Egyptian Cotton. The market was lots of fun! Although some of the people were still a bit pushy and aggressive, they were mostly funny and welcoming. The men of the shops kept asking us, "how many camels" so ask us how much we were worth to marry.. it was funny! We also recieved several marriage proposals and cheesy pick up lines. My favorite, a man said, "Hey, I think I know you. I have seen you before.... do you know where? In my dreams!" I had to give him a high-five and a gander in his shop!