Gebel Silsila quarries and day in the life of Besaw Island

Early this morning we went ashore to the temple and quarries where huge sandstone blocks were cut by Nubian slaves and used to build great monuments and temples. Waleed explained how tall spires and monuments were cut, moved into a boat, then transported and erected. The temple at the quarry was lined with drawings of the many gods worshipped by the slaves.

A morning cruise brought us to Besaw Island, a village and farming community of 500. After the High Dam was built the land was no longer flooded. Egyptians settled there, built a village, staked out farm land and planted mangoes, bananas, and date palms. We walked through a village, visited a school, watched a women make sun bread, walked through Sayid’s farm land and learned how bananas were grown. Lunch was at Sayid’ house and we had lengthy conversations with his family.

Back on the boat we cruised. Late afternoon we watched the movie Death on the Nile — the very early one - and recognized many of the filming sites.

Tonight’s dinner was a barbecue on shore. The crew had moved tables, chairs, completely decorated dining table — even to candles in red onion shells and flowers. Delicious Egyptian foods, wine, singing performance by the crew. Very special