September 21st, 2004
Drive to Asyut via Abydos. Heading North from Luxor we stop off to explore Abydos Temple. The national shrine to Osiris is at Abydos Temple. Moving on, we arrive at the major university town of Asyut with overnight hotel and breakfast at our Hotel.
Driving along the Nile in a convoy
Wake up call this morning is 6:30 a.m. and breakfast was ready for us by 7:00 a.m. We're on our bus by 7:30 a.m. with our entire luggage and then drive over to the Convoy meeting area. We waited a short time for our departure shortly after 8:00 a.m. then we were on our way on yet another beautiful sunny day.
Lock along the Nile
One of the many locks along the Nile that help the boats get up river.
Bus tour along the Nile
Over the next few days we travel along the Nile by bus seeing some of the valley.
Nile valley
These donkeys are used to operate a water pump to irrigate some of the fields.
Nile valley
We are traveling on the West side of the Nile heading North.
Nile valley
Some basic harvesting underway along the roadway.
Nile valley
The land is being flooded before seeding the new crops.
Town along the Nile
We drive through many checkpoints that seem unnecessary since we were already escorted by the tourist police. But, this is the way things are done in Egypt. Stayed mostly along the Nile and seen a lot of the green valley going through many small towns. We slowed down to a crawl as most of the roads are not in the best condition.
Along the Nile
The fertile goes much further inland in some areas.
Nile valley
Many palms trees along the road ways.
Along the Nile
The children were always quick to give us a wave as we traveled through the area.
Popular transportation
We see many people getting around on donkeys.
Abydos Temple – Our first stop today
Pulled into Abydos by 11:00 a.m. and we had about an hour and a half in the temple area exploring it on our own.
Abydos Temple
Bus tour along the Nile – Abydos Temple – Front steps – Another hot day.
Abydos Temple
There has been some damage to the carvings over the years.
Abydos Temple
Housing built right up to the temples.
Abydos Temple
A view of the bus parking area from the temple area.
Abydos Temple
Modern day temple built within the houses.
Abydos Temple
Many people are trying to sell postcards to the tourists.
Drive to Monastery
We are back on the bus by 12:30 with most of us eating a light snack that we bought yesterday.
White Monastery
We drive over to the White Monastery for our next stop. Arriving by 1:45 p.m. it was a short visit and an explanation by one of the local monks.
White Monastery
Walking around inside with my group
White Monastery
It was built in modern times.
White Monastery
Another perfect weather day along the Nile
White Monastery
Inside the church a few pictures were allowed. This is a Christian church built within a mostly islamic country.
Back to the bus
On the way back to the bus we find many interested children checking us out.
Bus trip along the Nile
Bus tour along the Nile – On the bus heading to Asyut – Local gravel truck.
Driving to Asyut
Driving through some of the remote regions along the Nile.
On to Asyut
Leave around 3:15 to Asyut taking us less than 2 hours which was much less than expected. By this time we had our own personal convoy, they would follow us very closely for the next few days. The Tourist Police would be leading and following our air conditioned bus. At times there were more police than tourists in our group which was 23 including Sala.
Bus trip along the Nile Valley
We see many children working in the fields.
Driving in the Nile Valley
Many women are dressed in this fashion.
Driving in the Nile Valley
Some of the side roads going off the main roadway.
Small Village
A typical scene as we travel through the small towns.
Bus tour along the Nile
A typical sight as we drive through the towns; men sitting around having turkish coffee.
Along the Nile
There is no shortage of vegetable stands, they are set up everywhere.
Check into the Assiyut Hotel by 5:00 p.m. and it was straight up stairs to the bar for a beer which is the same brand pretty much anywhere we go, Stellar. I was feeling much better and a few beers were over due at this time. We met in the lobby around 7:00 p.m. for a short 10 minute walk to a local restaurant. Tourist police followed us there and back keeping a close watch over us. Apparently some trouble against the tourist over the last while in this area so it was for our protection. Chicken curry and large water for 30 pounds, pizza was had by many but I continued having much of the local food. We stop for a few snacks at a local shop for tomorrow’s lunch. Large water, chips and chocolate bars adds up to 4 pounds. Stayed up late having a few more beer with my group and it was apparent my health was better.