Into the Lap of Nile

 Continues from Papers, Perfumes, Pavement and Passenger

We must have slightly opened the window curtains on the previous night since the morning sun’s rays crept into our little cabinet to wake us in the morning. After being fresh, we opened our window curtains and started enjoying our Egyptian breakfast.

The countryside looked so much similar to our own Kerala, contributing date palms for coconut groves, corn fields for paddy fields, camels for cows and much more. Occasionally we got the glimpses of Nile shining silver in the sooth rays of morning sun. Workers were already in the field, beautifully arranging the red and ripened dates.

Our breakfast tasted so delicious with these splendid views. How much I longed for the morning to halt for long only for this mesmerisation. However, soon the announcement came for reaching the Aswan station. We waited along with a couple in our next door room at the sun lit red corridor.

The couple in our next door room was from Spain and on a six months’ honeymoon to various places. We got down at Aswan and soon said Good bye to each other. Our travel guide took us to the schedule Nile Express Cruise, one of the luxury cruises on sail in the Nile.

Into the lap of Nile!

As we entered the cruise, all of a sudden I had a feeling of concord. Here we are in the lap of crystal clear Nile in a luxurious cruise. It was like living a dream that I had long yearn for!

After the check in formalities, welcome drink and fresh hot towels we were soon shown into our well set room. Our room overlooked the Aswan outside and we soon drew our curtains from the outside world. 

We were about to unpack, when we got the call from the reception. Our visit to the High dam and temple of Philae, which had been scheduled for the next day, should be completed the day itself. The cruise is sailing on the same night and not according to the previous plans. They gave us half an hour to complete our lunch and bath. We hurried to the maximum yet reached half an hour late.

The half an hour delay caused us to forget our plan to visit to high dam. Fatima from the Nubian village was ready to assist us as our guide. On the way, she took us above the high dam and the lower dam just to have glimpses of both. The view was fantastic. 

Across the High Dam

Sitting in the car that drive across the world’s longest river, Fatima told us the story of high dam. It took 10 years to complete the construction of this dam, which determines the life of Egypt. We never knew until then that the river Nile is constituted of two rivers-the White Nile from Sobat River Bahr al-Jabal and Blue Nile from Ethiopian Highlands. 

The first dam of Egypt was constructed in 1889 and raised in 1933. However the man made dam was not able to behold the magnificent Nile in 1946. The work of the high dam was thus started by the mutual help of Soviet Union, in late 1950s. After the relocation of approximately 1 Lakh natives from their homes, reconstruction of historic places and overcoming many other hurdles, the dam got finished in 1970.

Though many resources of Nile diminished with the construction of the dam, it had played a major role in curtailing the annual floods and subsequent damage. The dam also serves as a major source of Egypt’s power supply. The high dam also ensured a smooth sail in the river by keeping a constant water flow!

As we drove above the dam, the view was majestic. The Felucass fluttered on the blue waters on the distance as white dove across the blue sky. Wonderful are the hands of men who captivated the enchanting nature on hold!

Continues inTemple of Philae-A Temple for Love!