Day 5 - aswan

granite quarry

high dam

philae temple

essential oils shop

last night on the cruise

Our last full day on the River Nile cruise was a blast. In Aswan, we visited the granite quarry, the second largest dam in the world, and Philae Temple. We also celebrated our group’s last night together and had great fun.

granite quarry

All the rocks the eyes can see are rose/red granite.

They started cutting this massive obelisk, but it cracked in the middle, so the unfinished obelisk is still in place until now.

They look like regular brown rocks from afar, but the rose granite pattern can be seen up close.

The small rectangular holes are cut, wood pieces are then placed in them, then water is poured in to them to make the wood expand, and the expansion then cracks the entire rock.

Ashlyn had another episode of bloody nose. We were admiring the rocks while trying to stop her nose bleed.

This granite quarry is known for having an unfinished obelisk in place. The unfinished work provides clues on how they quarried granite in the ancient days. The red/rose granite is abundant in this area.

high dam

One side of the dam is the River Nile, the other side is the man-made lake.

Lake Nasser, by the High Dam, is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. The girls are here with our new friend, Jagroop Gill.

River Nile, the longest river in the world, flows through 11 countries. The High Dam here is the world’s second largest dam, and is the reason the River Nile no longer floods Egypt.

philae temple

We've arrived at the port to get to Philae Temple.

Hopped on a boat to the temple.

The temple was moved from Philae Island to Agilka island in Aswan.

Shadows of four weird looking Egyptians. One appears to be holding a cell phone for the selfie.

Beautiful sunset.

Our new friend Joy Patel and his parents, part of our awesome group.

Philae Temple. This impressive temple was at risk of being flooded due to the construction of the High Dam. UNESCO helped moved the entire temple, block by block, to this new higher island.

essential oils shop

So many choices. People in our group say the prices are about half of those in the U.S..

There are many fancy bottles to hold the essential oils.

We got an interesting introduction to the various types of essential oils they sell. It's not for us though.

We visited a massive essential oils place. They had over 250 different scents, the choices were dizzying. They even have the “essence” of name brand perfumes like Chanel and Hugo Boss, but without the alcohol.

last night on the cruise

We had a blast celebrating our last night on the ship. We will miss our new friends!