Memories of Egypt

 

Memories of Egypt

It was in 1963 that my husband and I escorted our first tour to Egypt, a three week Nile Cruise from Cairo to Aswan on the MS Kassed Kheir, which used to belong to King Farouk. We had an interesting mix of passengers from a Lord and his Lady to a builder with his wife.

We met up and introduced the passengers. All went well until my husband approached her Ladyship, who said very haughtily ‘If you wish us to enjoy our holiday, Mr Bales, do not introduce us to the other passengers.’ Slight setback, but everyone mellowed as the Kassed Kheir cruised along the Nile and the magic of Egypt started to cast its spell. For me, that magic has never faded. Having just returned from a working week in Cairo and Aswan I still leave with sadness and start to plan my next visit.

Every year we returned to Egypt, sometimes with the family and always included Aswan for a relaxing few days at the Elephantine Island hotel, where there is a swimming pool and a Health Club, where Mamdouh gives an excellent massage. Take the ferry across to Aswan to bargain at the colourful souk where you will find in abundance everything from colourful spices to Egyptian cotton. Visit Philae Temple, which like the famous Abu Simbel was moved to a higher island to escape being flooded, and the ‘new’ High Dam, beyond which lies Lake Nasser. Do not miss sailing on a felucca, particularly at sunset. An early rise is necessary to see the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel built by the great Pharaoh Ramses II and not to be missed. In Cairo we stayed at various hotels over the years, smaller Egyptian hotels in the early days before the International hotels became interested in Egypt, but I think our favourite was the historic Mena House hotel, now run by Oberoi in its superb position, facing the Pyramids. The Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of history, which is good to visit before embarking on your onward journey.

Is it surprising that I am still fascinated by Egypt?