The tour members board a felucca to sail around Elephantine Island to Kitchner's Island which actually is right behind the hotel! They sail past the Aga Khan Mausoleum where many nobles are buried and then tour the botanical gardens. They walk through the gardens and then get on another transport boat to return to the far end of Elephantine Island to the Nubian Village and School. The village is one of thousands that were moved when the original Aswan Dam was constructed in the early 1900's. Its residents are descendants of the families that were moved at that time. After a full morning of touring, the group returns to the hotel.
By now I am feeling better so we join some other tour group members around the pool and have some lunch. I have mushroom soup that rivals any mushroom soup I have ever had ... delicious! And remember this is the place where we had pizza and burgers and club sandwiches earlier in the tour, so that's what everyone else had again! Meanwhile lots of other folks join us, some to swim, some to eat, and the morning's tour is analyzed and commentated!
After lunch we do some shopping in the hotel shops (one door sported an Obama bumper sticker ... everywhere we went Egyptians called out "Obama" to us! :) ... and buy a carryon bags for the treasures we are accumulating and walk around the beautiful grounds. Though high tea is being served in late afternoon in the 13th floor lounge and restaurant, my tummy just isn't ready for sweets so we take another nap! After another enjoyable dinner we visit the 13th floor and its 360 degree windows restaurant and appreciate the night lights of the city.
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