Wednesday, 5/29. Hot. Very hot. Tours are comprised of moving from one shady spot to another. I’m surviving, but my Ramadan effort went down for the heat and one other reason.

Early flight from Cairo to Aswan routine. Bused across the Aswan Dam, which should not be confused with the High Aswan Dam. The former was built by Britain in the early 20th century. We’ll see the High Dam in a few days. Arrived at a boat landing to cruise over to the relocated Isis Temple. Long talk about the Isis myth, which in the heat was overlong. Buildings were interesting. For some centuries it was a Coptic Church with minimal modifications. The island has cats. Boated over to another island for lunch. I was still fasting, but the food looked very good. Boated back to shore and proceeded to the hotel.

Five Star Hotel! The best one I’ve ever stayed at. Churchill was a regular. Agatha Cristie was too. Part of Death On The Nile was bested on it. Walls are filled with famous guests. Room is huge, view is fantastic. We stay two nights. Pool was great. I was suffering from dehydration a bit and I was in a five star hotel with custom named cocktails. Out went my fasting. Later we went to the market. Yawn. However, as we were leaving there were cloths being laid out on the alleys with dishes set out, in preparation for sunset. Some already had food out, but no consumption yet. Our dinner was off-site in a less than fancy restaurant. Delicious flatbread stuffed with a thin layer of beef. Very, very good.

We’re not actually doing that much touring, in part due to prior reviews that criticized the hectic schedule (and high heat). I con’t argue with the concept. But just looking out from my balconies (yes, two!) is enough to sense Egypt’s history.

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