Aswan, Egypt – Mini Me Boats!
Once you venture south of Cairo after checking out the Pyramids (even inside them) and down towards Luxor and Aswan in Egypt, you will most likely see sights like the unusual Unfinished Obelisk.
After this, it’s almost mandatory to take a Felucca Cruise on the River Nile near Aswan to check out what’s doing on Lake Nasser.
A Felucca is a traditional style, leaky wooden boat that’s actually a nice depature from the normal chaos of Egypt, including some of the Worst Drivers In The World.
However, this Nile Cruising isn’t that unusual – but what is are the numerous ‘mini-me’ boats you will see on the Nile.
Like these:
It’s actually a group of kids who paddle (using their hands) out to the Tourist Boats, literally ‘Singing for their supper’.
They come up to whatever boat that you are in, ask your nationality, and then will sing a song from your country, and in your language.
For example, if you’re French, you’ll hear ‘Alouetta’. These entrepreneurial kids seem to know a song for every nationality that visits the Aswan High Dam. And they do it all day.
Unfortunately, this is what some people have to resort to just to make a living to put some money on the table.
More Aswan, Egypt Stuff
So if you’re in Aswan, Egypt, check out the Singing Kids of the Nile.
Check out more at Building World Landmarks – Aswan High Dam.
Hello there,
My wife and I are Americans traveling to Turkey next month and are considering a side trip to Egypt. Our itinerary would take us to Cairo, the pyramids, the White Desert, and on a dahabiya cruise down the Nile. Can you give us any insight on your experiences while there post-revolution? We are of course concerned about safety and overall atmosphere. We are enticed by the thought that there are currently few tourists in Egypt, and also excited to experience a newly revolutionized country. Did you feel safe throughout your trip? Did you experience any concerns? Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Kiley and Yasemin
[Reply]
anthony Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
I can’t speak for myself – I went to Egypt in 2002. Like most of those things, the riots aren’t directed at travellers. Things have probably settled down since, but I don’t know what the word on the street is. Try something like Lonely Planet Thorn Tree or another forum like that.
[Reply]