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!

Papers, Perfumes, Pavement and Passenger

Continues from The House of wonders, Culture and Generations-Egyptian Museum

Well, we’ve reached the end of the first day in our Egypt tour. Now only three things have left behind-Papyrus, perfumes and the passenger train to Aswan.

At first, our guide took us to Papyrus shop, where they methodically show the papyrus formation.  I remember repeating the method of Papyrus making for my history exams in school days. Here, in this shop, I decide to enjoy the show, leaving behind its intricacies. (For those who wish to know more about Papyrus making, here is a useful link ).

The Papyrus stems looked similar to a wild bush grown in the coasts of Kerala. The Papyrus plants were artistically potted in many places of the shop. Beautiful paintings designed in fine Papyrus sheets adorned the walls. There were many paintings in different hues and shapes. Most of the paintings were taken their inspiration from ancient mythologies. (I learnt later that you can see only the side face of the portraits in Egyptian paintings.)

The Egyptian jewellery section in the first floor was famous for delivering pendants with own names in hieroglyphics. However we had a constraint for the money and got a silver pendant with Shreya’s name in it.

My head was bustling as we headed to the perfume shop. All I wanted to do was to sleep than continuing the trip.  Yes, at times we have no choice but to continue the rhythm. 

As expected the perfume shop was filled with fragrances but, thankfully not to the painful state. We were seated on cushions with a perfume consultant to attend us. I never knew that perfumes are there for other purposes than body care. For example, fume a drop of lotus fragrance in water for peace; a drop of rose extract for harmony; apply the rose extract for confident beauty; vanilla can serve as a welcome; papyrus and some other extract for physical pleasure etc. It was like sitting in Tilo’s¹ shop in California.

Even 100 ml of these specially brewed perfumes were highly expensive. We bought the smallest bottle of lotus extract and still fume the drops at home on special occasions. Trust me; the fragrance is as rejuvenating as said.

Though we bought the smallest bottle, our consultant was very friendly and jovial. After having the hibiscus tea offered by him, we came out. There was still 2 hours prior to our departure to Aswan. It was time for our guide to leave and he showed us into the Four Seasons mall where we can take refreshments. As we bid good bye to him we really felt like parting with a friend.

Enjoying the Evening Nile

The refreshments at the Four Seasons really did me good. It was then; we wanted to explore the evening life at the Cairo pavement. We stood at the banks of Nile and sat on the benches, just to see the foreign lifestyle flowing in front of us. We felt so relaxed and in high spirits of the day that passed.

Soon our driver came along with Ameer to take us to the Cairo Railway Station. Curiously the station looked similar to the ones we see at Bangalore. Sreejith smiled at my comparison and said, “Let’s see.” 

Metro trains in high speed passed us as Ameer told about his family, the party they are having at home etc. Our train came on time and Ameer left us with a wish that he would meet us again after 5 days. 

We entered the train and I was just felt myself in a movie. The door opened to a corridor with red carpet. We were ushered into a private room with a small cupboard, fixed bunk beds, wash basin and a lavatory. Wow, I have never traveled in this much luxury before.

However, I never had much time to marvel these. My feet was tired so as Sreejith’s! After a quick Egyptian dinner, we were ready to drop down. Shreya wanted to play but, we first put her to bed. I don’t even remember touching my pillow that I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

1.    1.   Tilo is the protagonist in Chitra Divakaruni Bannrjee’s novel The Mistress of Spices.  Tilo helps the customers to find love, harmony, peace and joy in life with the different qualities of spices.

Continues in Into the Lap of Nile