Tuesday
It is the last day of 2019 and we have spent it on the Nile, moored at Aswan as well as cruising down the river. We are on our way to Luxor…
We had a relatively good night, although it was interrupted by diesel fumes and the drone of a nearby generator that throbbed mercilessly through the quiet night. Mike eventually found how to turn on the air conditioner and we slept more peacefully after that.
This morning we had a most leisurely breakfast, after which we went to the High Dam of Aswan. This is a Hydro Electric plant built in the 1960s in collaboration with Russia.
Back on board we were welcomed with a hibiscus tea. We relaxed until 1pm when a delicious lunch was served. The food is very good.
Soon after 2pm, we were unmoored and set off up the Nile in convoy with several other riverboats. It’s like our experience through the Suez Canal – the surroundings are similar – the ship was just bigger. It’s a pretty busy river – some of the Nile traffic…
A Felucca…
The banks of the Nile…
David reading an appropriate book for the occasion!
What does come to mind is the wonder at all this river turned to blood – it was the first plague recorded in Exodus. Tomorrow we go to one of the great temples thought to belong to the Pharaohs. I’m keen to see this and imagine Moses approaching such a place to ask to let the Israelites go.
We have just got in from having a festive new year dinner. Lots of food and the whole serving team sang and danced and thumped their drums. The party is due to go on long into the night. I may have a little nap and wake up in time to see 2020 arrive.
I look back on 2019 with some awe. We never believed we’d get as far as we have done with the build. That will dominate the coming year.
1 Chronicles 16:25
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.
These are the days.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂
Gym:
10662 steps.
Braces:
1 year, 48 days