THE MALLS OF KUWAIT

If you love shopping (I don't) in malls, Kuwait is a shoppers paradise. The most high end shops. The malls themselves are built with only the finest, most expensive materials - brass, marble floors, stainless steel. Much of the time, the stores seem empty - but I know that Kuwaitis are late night shoppers.

SKYLINE OF KUWAIT

The skyline of Kuwait has changed a great deal since I was here 3 or 4 years ago. With the interesting architecture , it almost seems as if they are trying to compete with Dubai. - but they have a long way to go.

IBRAHIM

If you are ever in Egypt, you must spend some time in Aswan -about 1000 km up the Nile from Cairo. You can take a Nile cruise , fly, or take an overnight sleeper train. Please give Ibrahim call 0122373505 from within Egypt or 011020122373505 from the US or Canada. He is a felucca (Egyptian sailboat) captain, but he is so much more. He can help arrange accommodations - especially on Seheil Island - he can arrange a small (modern) house or live on a houseboat on the Nile. Ibrahim speaks very good English, and he is extremely honest. And if you're lucky, he may invite you to his village to eat in his home.

ASWAN

It was in the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan that Agatha Christie used to write some of her mysteries. It is currently under restoration.


The water in the Nile is much cleaner than in Cairo. In fact, there are 2 beaches, and you can see clearly deep into the water.

The photos of Aswan speak for themselves. It is truly a beautiful and relaxing city despite its 3 million population.

THE NUBIAN VILLAGE

My friend Ibrahim brought me for supper at his meagre home. In my next posting, I will include info about Ibrahim - if you ever want to visit Aswan, he is the man to set you up with accomodation, felucca rides, etc.

Tourism is way down even here in Egypt - everyone's hurting.

This Nubian village is located on the island of Seihal, about 8 km south of Aswan in the middle of the Nile. You can get to Aswan from Cairo by sleeper train - about 12 hours. Or fly - 1 hour 20 minutes. Driving a private car is not recommended due to bandits.

It is truly like stepping back into Biblical times. Such a simple way of life, yet the people seem so happy. Narrow , sand streets, mud houses, with the odd power line as the only connection with modernity.

SLEEPER TRAIN TO ASWAN

After arriving in Aswan by 13 hour night train from Cairo, I spent 2 day and nights on a houseboat just south of Aswan by Seihal Island. I was out of this world. Induded here are shots from the houseboat. The cost - $35 a night including a huge breakfast , thanks to my friend Ibrahim - more on him later.

NIGHT TRAIN TO ASWAN

All the trains in Egypt are filthy - and the sleeper train is no exception - OUTSIDE - inside , a pleasant surprise. I got a single compartment - clean blankets and sheets, temp control, sink and vanity. It was a long ride - 13 hours - 970km- slept well - here are a few of the shots along the way. The land is very green for about 1 or 2 km all along the Nile - then just desert. Excuse the shots - taken through dirty windows.

CAIRO THRU PHOTOS

This is the main court house on the Corniche right across from the Nile

PRYRAMIDS AT GIZA

Pictures can never do justice to the scale of the pyramids.

Not until you are standing beside them can you truly
appreciate their enormous size. It was extremely windy today, but the sun was shining. Very few foreigners there - mostly Egyptian school children. The constant harrassment from Egyptians selling postcards, camel rides, - you name it - never ceases. You just have to tune it out. I read in a magazine the other day - when you come to Egypt, you must leave all expectations outside. This is so true, otherwise you will be very frustrated with the way of life and of generally doing things.