Aswan Egypt - Aug 16, 2009

We arrived in Aswan at 9am today. Let's just say I think we where all glad to get off the train. Finally saw the nile from the train, it was what I expected, papyrus along the side, with donkeys and people working in the field.

The population of Aswan is 200,000 so just a smidgen smaller than Cairo. We spent the day chilling and catching up on sleep before heading to the night markets.

The late arvo we took fluka (small boat) to Aswan botanical gardens for an hour. It was pleasant sail with little kids no more than 8 paddling in their boat near us trying to jump for the ride. A couple kids managed to hold on and started singing to us, but not without a tip!!!! The island was peaceful but the sickening to see the state of the cats. Very skinny, they where crying for attention and food. There was nothing to give them, so I'll try and remember to send some biscuits over.

We headed to the night markets in horse and carriage, much like the ones Harry Potter travelled in, one of the movies. Our horse struggled to carry us in, not because of the weight!!! but he had injured legs and was upsetting to see him in this state.

We arrived at the markets and spent the night haggling, it was fun to do, and funnier to watch my friends give it a go, as they've never had the opportunity before.

Returned back by horse and carriage, didn't make the horse take us back to hotel given the state, so we walked as a group.

The running joke for us whilst in Egypt is that us girls need husband to detract the attention of the Egyptian men. Bronnie (was Ash's mistress) whilst Kirsty and I stayed went alone, that was until last night. Dodger, our resident artist on the trip took us under his wing. He has three wives, me, Kirsty ad Bronie. We decided it was only fair that dodge have us for two nights at a time with a day of rest for him on sunday. Apparently, he wants 5 kids from each of us!!! Not so keen on that many. Keep you posted on my new husband!!!!