Cruising up the Nile....
I have never been on a cruise. Not an ocean cruise. Not a river cruise. So this is another new experience for me.
We boarded our cruise ship, The MS Blue Shadow in Luxor set for Aswan. Along the way we will visit the cities of Edfu and Kom Ombo, for a total of 4 nights
I have discovered this is a very civilized way to travel, especially when it is 40+ degrees outside. We explore and do our tours early in the morning, returning to the ship for lunch. Then we relax on board during the hottest part of the day floating down the Nile with a cold drink or perhaps a nap. There is a large sundeck on the top level with a pool, sun chairs and a bar.
For me, it is spent downloading photos and catching up on my blog.
The MS Blue Shadow is 5 floors with the dining room on the bottom level, the lobby and some cabins on the 2nd level, cabins on 3 and 4 with a gift shop. And the sundeck on the 5th. There are 56 cabins and about 100 people on the ship, with a staff on 84 people.
It is late afternoon when we make our way up to the sundeck. Voices from far below on the water attract our curiosity.... below a small motor boat has moved alongside and tied itself to the side of the ship, riding in its wake. Two young men are standing on the bow of the boat waving table cloths and other merchandise at us. They are trying to sell their wares to the tourists on board. If they catch your attention the throw a plastic bag with some merchandise up onto the deck of the ship then proceed to barter for a sale. If you agree on the price you throw the bag back with money in it..... That is if you can actually throw accurately enough to reach the boat (which we could not!)
It is indeed a relaxing way to wile away a hot afternoon as we travel to our next stop. I think I have discovered a new experience that I will likely try again.... maybe a river cruise in Europe... anyone interested?
Come with me as we journey to the city of Edfu , locked in time where the main mode of transportation is still horse and buggy.
I have never been on a cruise. Not an ocean cruise. Not a river cruise. So this is another new experience for me.
We boarded our cruise ship, The MS Blue Shadow in Luxor set for Aswan. Along the way we will visit the cities of Edfu and Kom Ombo, for a total of 4 nights
I have discovered this is a very civilized way to travel, especially when it is 40+ degrees outside. We explore and do our tours early in the morning, returning to the ship for lunch. Then we relax on board during the hottest part of the day floating down the Nile with a cold drink or perhaps a nap. There is a large sundeck on the top level with a pool, sun chairs and a bar.
For me, it is spent downloading photos and catching up on my blog.
The MS Blue Shadow is 5 floors with the dining room on the bottom level, the lobby and some cabins on the 2nd level, cabins on 3 and 4 with a gift shop. And the sundeck on the 5th. There are 56 cabins and about 100 people on the ship, with a staff on 84 people.
The sky is beginning to turn a light golden color. It is starting to cool off slightly, although at this point cooling down means anything under 40 degrees. I sip a cold glass of wine and watch as the sunset turns the sky a deep golden color. Along the Nile farmers tend to their goats and cattle, small shanties made of stick and grass offer some slight protection. Here and their children frolic in the water.
It is indeed a relaxing way to wile away a hot afternoon as we travel to our next stop. I think I have discovered a new experience that I will likely try again.... maybe a river cruise in Europe... anyone interested?
Come with me as we journey to the city of Edfu , locked in time where the main mode of transportation is still horse and buggy.
I can almost feel the heat of the day by your description Colleen! And what a great way to shop for souvenirs. I hope the men were able to retrieve your money from the water (or was it returned items?)! I'm looking forward to hearing about Edfu.
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