Day 4: Afternoon Aswan : Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, Visit Nubian
Museum
<<<<Back to Morning
at Abu Simbel and Flight Up from Cairo and then back to Aswan
Holiday Tours meets us at Airport
Back In Aswan we were met by the representative of
Holiday Tours at the airport, his name was Ahmed. He settled us
into the hotel and explained the local itinerary. He also commented
that we had a very big program, lots of things listed. We showered,
got organized about laundry and set out to go to the Old Cataract
Hotel for tea. This will be our longest and most challenging day,
not much sleep and running on the excitement of being here.
Holiday Tours put the car and driver at our disposal
to run us around that evening even though we were supposed to be
on our own. Very kind of them.
If you are not a guest at the Cataract they charge you a cover
charge of 85 EP per person. That keeps the sightseers out!
We were told several times by people on the way up the entrance
drive that the fee would be required. I supppose they don't let
outsiders even enter the hotel if the don't look like they can pay.
The hotel is beautifully restored. We intended to watch the sunset
from the terrace, but it was too hot and we retreated into the bar.
Tea at the Old Cataract Bar
We were somewhat ignored in the bar as they didn't usually serve
food in that area but a huge Nubian waiter in a magnificant red
uniform took pity on us and set up table settings and took our order.
We had club sandwiches, beer and water, and desert, altogether about
40 EP more than our vouchers, but it was an amazing experience walking
along the terraces taking pictures and sitting in the gorgeous interior
watching the light and color change on the walls as the sun set
outside.
Up the Hill to the Nubian Museum
We then walked to the Nubian museum. All up hill and by way of
rather adventurous steps. We were tired, but determined, and it
was worth it!
The Nubian museum is new and wonderful. Well-planned with exhibits
on all things Nubian with cultural exhibits as well as ancient items.
Beautifully presented, and in 2007 you could take pictures.
There is security everywhere, and there are metal detectors at
all site entrances. It's a real hassle stripping off the cameras
etc. as you enter. In the Nubian Museum they did it twice, but hey,
who can argue that there is too much security! We really enjoyed
the museum, but were very tired. It is on the top of the tallest
hill in Aswan and the feel of the warm/cool air of the evening as
you stood on the outside courtyard listening to the call of prayer
was wonderful. Our driver took us back to the hotel.
The Nubian Musem is a tribute to the People and Nation of Nubia
which was mostly innundated when the High Dam was built. Their national
culture is portrayed as well as some beautiful statues, mummies,
etc. from ancient times.
When the dam was built many Nubians were relocated to the islands
along the Nile below the Dam. There is a Nubian village on Elephantine
Island at Aswan and another one on Sehel Island which we are scheduled
to visit. The Nubian culture has become a facet of Egypts culture,
and exists side by side with it.
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