The Magic Of The Nile Mesmerises Malaysian Visitors

Aswan is 1,000 kilometres from Cairo.You can take a train or plane to Luxor and then take the 4 nights and 5 days River Nile cruise to Aswan and then back to Cairo by air or land", a staff at a tour agency in Cairo told potential visitors to Aswan and Luxor, two other famous cities for tourism in Egypt.Dalia Khayrat has been working in the tourism industry for more than four years and does her best for her clients.

Her pleasant personality makes first time visitors to Egypt happy and satisfied besides convincing them to take up a package with her travel agency."The train trip to Aswan takes about 13 hours and the cost for a sleeping berth space is US$60 one way", Dalia went on to quote.The train makes its way to Aswan at 8 pm and arrives at its destination the following morning, in time to catch the cruise which opens its doors at 12 noon every Friday in Aswan.

THE ORCHESTRA

The Nile River cruise provides a wonderful avenue to experience the wealth of Egyptian history and culture.So more than 30 Malaysians were on board the Orchestra cruise liner for a four day cruise on the Nile, including the writer herself, from 17-20 Dec last year.The Orchestra has more than 60 rooms and its restaurant located on the lowest level, serves different cuisines four times a day.

Settling into the twin sharing cabins on the ship was an interesting moment for people who have never stepped on board a ship of five decks.The cruise checked in its passengers on a Friday at noon in Aswan but only set sail the next day around 1.30 in the afternoon. This enabled its passengers to go around Aswan on Friday night and enjoy the town on their own or with the pre-arranged tour guide.

The arranged tours would certainly include highlights of the Aswan High Dam, either by night or by day, the lake Nasr, the temple on Philea island and the unfinished Obelisk, just to name a few.For those interested to buy a souvenir or two as well as some Egyptian cotton, visiting the Egyptian bazaar, the Nubian market and other small shops in and around Aswan by horse carriage is their choice.

However, since the weather was pleasant, cool and dry in the winter months of December, walking around with a few stops to mingle with the locals is a good option to consider as well.The Orchestra was originally a 4 star cruise liner but due to its long service on the Nile and probably over used, it was reduced to only 3 star in 2010.

"You are very lucky to be passengers of the Orchestra, especially if you have made bookings just recently. We are fully booked every week. My company is leasing this ship with its crew and maintenance staff. We just take care of the F&B and the operation of the ship according to schedule", Ahmed, the manager told passengers from Malaysia.

THE CRUISE

A Malaysian, Zakaria Omar, who has traveled on cruise liners to Phuket and Singapore though not pleased with what Orchestra had to offer found the Nile mesmerising."The Nile is a great experience, an eye opener especially when the water level drops at the Watergates after Esna, 100 kilometres from Luxor. A great experience there", said this smartly dressed gentleman.The temples at Kom Ombo island and that of the God Horus in Edfu were interesting and a sight to behold.

"There are so many temples to visit here in Egypt. We visit them and get to understand about their history, interesting and a real eye opener. All this while we used to see and hear about them from magazines and the television documentaries aired occasionally. Now I have seen them in person. Intriguing and a life-long experience", said Siti Halija, a teacher from Kluang, who was accompanied by her husband on the visit to Egypt.

THE MAGNIFICIENT TEMPLES

The Kom Ombo temple by night was certainly a beautiful sight.Packed with visitors from more than 10 ships stopping for the 2 hour visit, nightfall by 6 pm enabled the historical sight enthusiasts to experience a lighted visit.The temples were mostly divided into various sections, namely the open court where common people were allowed to enter in the ancient days.

then came the inner court I and II where the Pharaoh's and their Queens would present their gifts to the Gods.The walls of these temples have beautifully hand drawn hieroglyphic on them, narrating the story of the Gods and Kings in the era they were built and dedicated to.

THE NILE EXPERIENCE

The 200 kilometre stretch allocated for the Nile experience was a very interesting one. Visitors not only got to see the historical remnants left behind by the great Pharaohs along Nile but also the life of its people living along its banks, not much different from the ancient days.

There were many people fishing for a living in small sampan-like boats along the river near their villages which were all green. The water from the Nile is used to irrigate the farmlands.Sugar cane is planted in large patches alternated with grazing fields for cows, goats and camels. Donkeys are seen in abundance on farms and on the streets, burdened with goods on its back or pulling carriages behind them, led to the market and trading areas by their owners.

"Hey look, there is a donkey stranded on that island-like stretch beside our ship. Must have been naughty", Aziz Md. Aris, another Malaysian on the cruise, pointed out from the top deck prompting the kids running on the deck to stop and take a look.With the cold wind blowing strongly on the upper deck as the ship moved forward to its next destination, the Orchestra had her passengers sitting up in the open to enjoy the half bright desert sun.The view was breathtaking.

Enjoying the Nile in the dim sunlight, green banks along the river and the refreshing cold air, while waiting for dusk to fall was surely a pleasant experience to cherish.And watching the sun set in the most beautiful setting, while basking and sipping coffee on the top deck, it is surely a breathtaking and enchanting moment to remember and share forever.

Source = bernama