Day Five - Lazy Day and Felucca Ride

We had agreed to spend the day with Barbara today. We met up in the lobby at around 10am and then left the hotel.

Who was waiting for us outside? Our good friend Saymon! For the love of God, would this man not leave us alone? Sabine hurried past so I spoke to him and told him we would not be needing him today, and no, we didn't want to go to the West Bank today, and no, we wouldn't go with any other calesh driver, and so on and so on. Eventually I managed to get away and hurried after Sabine and Barbara who, by this time, were making their way rather rapidly down the street.

When we were out of site of Saymon we got in a taxi and went to the shops and cafe's/restaurant along the Nile. This area is where the Nile cruise ships start out from and stay when they are not cruising. There are some shops here which are hassle free! You still get asked to come in and take a look but there is none of the constant pressure to part with some cash. We took a look around some of the shops and then went to the chemist. I had forgotten to bring shaving gel with me and thought it was about time I had a shave. We bought shaving gel and hairspray for my wife and nearly died when the bill came to over £8.00 sterling!

We then had lunch at the Metropolitan Cafe, a really nice cafe/restaurant which is where the New Year's party we were going to was being held.

After lunch, Alla, Barbara's Egyptian "friend" came and I decided I would like to take a felucca ride on the Nile. I figured you can't come all this way to Egypt and not take a trip on the Nile or put your hand in the water and touch the lifeblood of Egypt.

Alla and his friend got the boat ready and we went for a pleasant hour's sail. There was one point where the wind changed direction while nobody was paying attention. The boat lurched perioulously over to one side but luckily did not capsize. I thought this was great fun. I've loved being on boats all my life and what better place to mess about on the water than here!

After our hour was up we went back to the shore, had another drink at the Metropolitan and then headed for the souk's (bazaars). Having an Egyptian with you helps a little as you don't get pestered as much. It still happens but at least they don't chase you down the street!

I can honestly say I've never seen so much rubbish being sold to tourists! I'm pleased to say that the items Egyptian Dreams sells are of a much higher quality than the junk being sold in the souk's of Luxor.

After spending the afternoon in the souk I was tired and wanted to go back to the hotel.

Tomorrow was an early start as Luxor Travel were picking us up to take us to the West Bank for a visit to Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut's Temple!

Day 6 (Part 1) - Colossi of Memnon >>