Day 243 – Aswan
The sites of Aswan
Today, we woke up to an amazing breakfast at Abo O Rabi Guest House in the Nubian Village. From here, our host Abo, arranged a pick up truck and boat to cross the Nile River. Along the way is an ancient site called Tombs of the Nobles. We never had a chance to go here, but I will try next time we come back to Egypt.
Views from Abo O Rabi Guesthouse 
Amazing breakfast Tombs of the Nobles
According to our tour, we were going to Abu Simble today, but last night the company told us we would do that tomorrow instead. This was the first of many changes during the tour.
However, today we would just be checking out the sites of Aswan, which would only take half the day. We asked Abo for a recommendation on where to eat lunch, and he told us, Makka Restaurant. The food here was nice, and we later found out that, this is where tourists and wealthy locals typically eat. Our tour agency contact, Omar, met us at the restaurant and took us to the van, which was located on the main road.
Aswan High Dam
We got into a van full of English speaking tourists. Our first stop was the Aswan High Dam, which includes a Friendship Monument of Egypt and Soviet Union. Entrance is 75 EGP / $6.43 AUD per person to both sites.
In my opinion, the dam is not really worth visiting. You area able to get views of the Nile River on either side of the massive dam walls, but nothing more than that. The monument is nice to look at, but once again I feel like there are better things to do in Egypt.
Friendship Monument
We had a tour guide, who was spread across two vans. One van was the English speaking tour, and the second van was an Arabic speaking tour. Despite this, the guide seemed used to juggling, and he kept alternating between the vans and giving information as we drove.
Philae Temple
An hour before sunset, we arrived at Philae Temple. The temple has a 140 EGP / $12.01 AUD entrance fee per person. The temple is only accessible by a boat. The tour guide, took 25 EGP / $2.14 AUD per person for the return boat trip from the temple.
However, when we left we saw that there was actually fixed prices for the boats. Its actually only 17 EGP / $1.46 AUD per person when there is more than 8 people. There was definitely more than 8 people on the boat. It’s little things like this that keep disappointing me with people in the tourist industry. Especially as they shamelessly ask for tips at every chance.
My rant aside, the temple itself is amazing. Either side of the boat ramp is souvenir stores on the floor. Some of the items look really cool.
When the High Dam was constructed, there were several temples that were relocated as the water levels would change. This is one of the temples that was relocated and rebuilt. It was impossible for me to tell that its been rebuilt. It looks ancient to me.
The cravings on the sides of the temples are just incredible. And then inside, the jaw dropping architecture and workmanship continues inside. The inside of the temple was also “converted” into a chapel, during the crusades I believe.
After the amazing amazing amazing temple, we headed back to Aswan. Here we, were dropped off at the pier along the river where a waiting boat took us back to our Nubian Village. We were greeted by an even more amazing dinner. Abo had asked us in the morning if we wanted another home cooked dinner, and we had immediately agreed.
The chicken is amazing
Philae Temple and our guest house, is the highlight of our trip to Aswan, for now.