Our two captains were Ahmer and Hisham. They were really nice and friendly... really strong too as they had to really pull on the sail and the ropes and the rudder as well as lift the drop-keel out of the water when heading near shore. Hisham was the one who cooked - really yummy meals!! Ahmer was the main captain and driver.
Before we even left Aswan, we had to wait ages because the police took ages to give our paperwork. When they finally had approved it all (over half an hour later... we played cards on the boat) we were sailing again peacefully and enjoying the sights. All of a sudden a police boat stopped us and there was a drama. Later when we were talking to Ahmer he told us that they were wanting money!!! Ahmer said " I work for my wife and children not for the police!" So then the police boss had to come in a little inflatable and sort everything out and let us go. We liked Ahmer even more when he didn't agree with the bribe!!
The nights were sooooo cold that I wore four layers of clothes and yet I was still freezing. I woke up at least 5 times in the night so the 2nd night I got another blanket so I could stay warm.
On the second day Ahmer taught me how to steer the felucca. I could easily turn without any help after a few minutes... tho' mum didn't trust me much! :o) I could pick up heaps of speed as we were going with the wind.
Things we saw:
* boys riding donkeys on the shore doing work.
* groups of boys playing soccer on land.
* lots of cruise ships driving past irritating mum cos of them spurting out fumes!!
* houses made of mud bricks and rocks.
* huge barges being filled with sand from the nile.
Things we did:
* Hisham and Ahmer taught us to play dominoes - they are very good at it!!
* we were taken to Ahmer's wife's village and to his village and met his wife and gorgeous baby daughter (7 months) and other relatives.
* At Ahmer's mum's house mum braided his nieces hair into a fancy style. She was about 4 years old and loved mum after that and kept sitting on her lap.
* we were watching TV (western shows like "Friends" with subtitles OR dialogue in arabic!!). Anyway, Ahmer's mum randomly started spraying us with cologne!! mum said maybe we smelt! no shower for 2 days! :)
* Ahmer then took us to a wedding and we saw a lot of old men praying (during prayer time). After that they put out heaps of HUGE speakers and therewas a DJ. As the music came on it was really really loud and we were freezing - we forgot all our jumpers - so had to leave! Also mum was feeling weird cos she was the only female there! But they were all very welcoming and friendly. btw they all smelt like that cologne! so maybe it's a tradition.
* I had 7 cups of tea in one afternoon and evening!!
* On the second night we saw Nubians playing drums and singing around a bonfire for tourists in another boat. cool beat!
it was a bit sad to say bye to Ahmer and Hisham!!
the beautiful feluccas of Aswan
our little music man tries to get a tune out of a traditional instrument
Bob Marley is all the rage! :)
Hisham on the ropes
Ramesh helps Ahmer steer
such cool scenery travelling in this slow zig zag way
Restful! Our bed during the night and our 'couch', play area during the day
visiting Ahmer's village
The boat boys at sunset
visiting Ahmer's extended family - niece and nephew
getting her hair braided!
The boys covered up like mummies on a very cold morning!
never ending games of dominoes! :)
New friends!
I can imagine what it must have been like, those two days on the river... and I would agree that it is probably the most relaxing way to see a day go by
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