Egypt and Beyond * Installment 8
Part 2 * Isis, Kom Ombo, and The Dancer
The Nile River Cruise, Temples and Events Along the Way;
Beauty, Mystery, Adventure
Temple of Isis in Aswan (Philae Temple)
Our first temple of the trip was the Temple of Isis in Aswan (Philae Temple) which lies between the High Dam and Low Dam and it happens to be my favorite temple of the trip. What an amazing history this has. Hidden under water after the low dam – the first dam on the River Nile was built. As the building of the new High Dam began, so did the plans to raise this temple from the grips of this great river and set her once again on a site worthy of a Goddess.
Columns inside the Temple
The original site was set upon the ivory hill, and when choosing the new site they wanted to assure as similar a site as possible. As we floated up to the temple – (you go by felucca) you are fully aware that she is surrounded not only by water but security as well. It was exciting as we stepped onto this hilltop of ancient times, Helder and Miguel as excited as we were. It was however disappointing to see the damage done by the Coptics – desecrating the figures (see photo) and carving in the Coptic symbol throughout the various areas of the temple, but oh what a site this was. So, cameras in hand, we began our adventure as told here in photos.
Oberon, Helder and Zaina
Kom Ombo:
This beautiful temple can be seen from a distance when sailing in. A double temple, Kom Ombo was built as two separate temples. One part is for the crocodile God Sobek and the other for the God Horus. Imhotep is found in a relief and considered a God who, during the Greek culture was named the Father of Medicine – and it is medical instruments that are found in reliefs at Kom Ombo. It is believed this was a temple for medical “pilgrimage” for people seeking healing.
And Here I am
Resting Up Against a Column
Red Hot - Head to Toe
I almost didn’t make it out of the ship for this adventure. I was completely exhausted and looking for some catch up time, but, what had I come to Egypt for? How could I possibly miss even one piece of this magical trip? So, I put one foot in front of the other, grabbed my hat, sunglasses and of course water, and off we went.
Inside Kom Ombo
Later in the afternoon, after the excursions, Oberon and I
had decided to take a walk through the merchant shops just off the dock. These little closet merchants are
strategically placed close to the ships that are docked (double, triple and
quadruple docked by the way – so you get to walk from one ship onto and through
another – visiting all the gift shops along the way – score).
Merchant's Row
So, Oberon and I bartered, giggled, bought some more gifts for friends and family (I believe Obei was on a trek to find her Stephen just the perfect shirt). As we were nearly back to the ship, Oberon was stopped, physically as several merchants attempted to relieve her of more of her money. They were so forceful that I couldn’t help but push hands away and clearly declare her (and quite loudly too) as “MINE”. What a hoot this was. One of them muttered “magnoona” (crazy girl) to which I wagged a finger and in Arabic told them I was not crazy, but rather MAD. (same difference right?). Oberon and I giggled our way back through the docked ships to our own leaving the merchants standing, with open mouths (no doubt after the crazy Americans).
Mummified Crocodile
at Kom Ombo
Bits and Pieces:
Floating by Day or Night - - !
Sometimes you float the Nile by day, sometimes the boat is undocked after passengers go to sleep and you then float the river night, to wake up at the next stop. Some of the time floating the Nile by day we spent lounging in the little cabana area on the top deck. Helder, Miguel and I took to the sun for a short time, drink in hand, as we watched the land go by. It is surreal to be there – watching the land and people go by. As we passed by the fertile farm land, we watched children at play – jumping into the river, women laundering clothes and hauling the days wears to/from the market and so many animals. What an adventure it was.
Evening Belly Dance and Dervish Show
Oberon and Zaina Dancing
These cruise ships offer a night of dance in which passengers are encouraged to dress up, wear galibaya or hip scarves and join in the fun. For our evening there was a small band, a belly dancer and Dervish show. We lounged back and watched the show (Helder, Miguel and I quite comfy here) and when the dancer beckoned – most of our group happily joined in. I think it cased a bit of a stir with passengers as most of us are not novices, but rather well trained dancers and to the poor dancers surprise we somewhat took over the stage to cheers from friends and passengers alike. What fun.
Dervish Dancer
While the Dervish show was not the caliber of what we had seen at the caravanserai in Cairo, our performer was quite good. He was very entertaining and had a great sense of humor as he sat on a couch arm, twirling his skirt over the heads of a few lounging dancers.
The Group of Nile Revelers
This was a fun evening, and a much needed energy release for the entire group.
Next, Part 3 and Continuing the Cruise: