After refueling our aircraft and securing them for the night, we were taken to the famous and beautiful Old Cataract Hotel on the Nile for our one night stay. This hotel was like a second home to Agatha Christie who came here to write some of her famous mysteries. One of her more famous books was Death on the Nile made into two movies. She stayed in what is now the old Old Cataract Hotel which is still here and still available for lodging and still maintained in the charm to which it was accustomed at the very end of the 19th century and most of the 20th century. At some time into the 21st century, a new wing had been constructed that has a grand elegance but in a more modern vein. Our rooms were in the modern wing. From our 5th floor double veranda balconies we had views of the Nile looking west with some of its dam-made tributary canals, old sail boats, gorgeous palm trees, and a wonderful sunset that evening. Below us we had shaded pool areas with cabanas and patios surrounded by exotic landscaping.
It was fun to explore a bit of the old hotel with its high ceilings, classic Victorian hall chandeliers and art work. Next visit, we would like to stay in this wing.
Sam's wife, Beatrice, ever concerned about my and other's welfare, went shopping and bought some clothes for me to help hold me over until our A box's arrival in Nairobi. (Because of the cramped space in our cockpits, we could only carry small backpacks so all we really had were toiletries, one change of shirt and pants and sleepwear. I only had my tall lace up boots for flying. Beatrice loaned me here sandals for evening wear.)
Some views from our balcony.
The old Old Cataract Hotel as seen from our balcony. Some of the hallways in this hotel are very long. There weren't many guests staying in this wing so it was very quiet and, frankly, a little spooky to someone with a vivid imagination.
The new Old Cataract Hotel extension. Somewhere in the evolution of architecture, rounded shapes became scary to architects, and boxy vertical and horizontal lines meant "modern", I believe.
The rooms were spectacular.
This is where we had cocktails in the evening and breakfast in the morning.
View from the breakfast verandah.
Commerce in the streets of Aswan on our way back to the airport.
A "tank of sorts" parked in an entrance to one area of the Aswan Dam. The man posted on top of the vehicle is pointing a machine gun out at the street ...'just in case'.
Some women in burqas waiting at a bus stop. I wondered what their conversation might be about.
Staggered taxiing at Aswan enroute for Abu Simbel. Cedric and Alexandra are in front of us. We all got accustomed to our "group formations": the Tiger Moths bunched together, the Stampe and 3 Travel Airs hung together with the Bushcats bringing up the rear. The Waco and Bucker stayed close, and the Pipistrael was usually ahead of the pack. The helicopters did their own thing, and the Caravan was always high and fast ahead.
Some views enroute to Abu Simbel.
The rock of these hills is fragile. In short time -- geologically -- they too will turn to sand.
Just to our left on short final approach, you can see the rescued Abu Simbel monument in its 'new' home above the flood waters of the Nile.
We arrived in Abu Simbel at 1607. Sunset was on its way. We went to our hotel which is a large Nile river boat and had a restful evening.
Pixie and dad Brett after arrival at Abu Simbel, school children welcoming us with song and dance, Nick and Waco owner Fabian with two greeting city officials, and two ladies bearing papyrus scrolls for us with Egyptian designs to welcome us to their city.
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