Happy Easter from Aswan

We had hoped for a special Easter lunch or dinner at the Old Cataract Hotel, a classic hotel where Laila and her family stayed when she was last in Aswan. But apparently many visitors had the same idea. As we straggled u p to the gate in 40 degree (c) - 104 degrees (f) heat, the guard met us with a gold sign that said that all the "tickets" were sold out for the next two days. We begged, but the answer was no. So, our Easter lunch was shwarma sandwiches and coke at a street cafe. Lamb at Easter!

Our highlight yesterday was a 3 hour feluca ride on the Nile, from 3:00 until sunset. Our captian, Saied (AKA "Jack Sparrow"), was funny and knowledgable, having been a captain for 23 years. He told us about the sights, the many islands and tombs and old and new buildings, and also had lots of funny and interesting stories about his clients over the years. He offered a 5 hour trip to his Nubian village, lunch at his house with all of this relatives, and back again for today, but we didn't have enough time. We talked a bit about politics and the local economy until he said, let's talk about something happier. Here in Aswan we can really see the economic struggle. The people seem sadder and on the edge of anger. It's difficult, because they can't imagine why we won't spend all of our riches on their goods. Though most are very gracious, some have really expressed their frustration. Those times are very sad.

We leave Aswan in a couple of hours. We're taking the "sleep train" overnight and should arrive in Cairo early in the morning. We've enjoyed Luxor and Aswan, and will be glad to return to Cairo and the relatives, which now feels like our local home.

Laila just looked up temps, and looks like it will be 32 degrees (f) in Budapest when we arrive! My goodness. Send the down jackets!!!

Love from all of us,
Rinda