5th June 2010

Had a lazy morning watching a Chinese movie with Katie interpreting, funniest thing ever. We are leaving the motel at 2pm for 2 nights on a felucca which is a traditional Egyptian sailboat of the type that has plied the Nile for centuries. Our first stop was to Kitcheners Island - this is a botanical garden and it was very pleasant to stroll between the trees after spending 3 days in the desert.

The felucca was a unique and cultural experience, however facilities whilst on the boat were very basic. For meals the boat was steered to the shore where the Nubians did the cooking as the group helped with the preparation. Toilet stops were also on shore where an obliging bush provided cover! There were no washing facilities other than a quick dip in the Nile but sleeping under the stars whilst the Nile laps quietly beneath, was a magical experience.

6th June 2010

Continued sailing up the Nile towards Luxor relaxing and catching up on some sleep. The sunrise and sunsets were brilliant. It was lovely sleeping under the stars.