16 November 2024

I remembered to look for the sunrise this morning, having been told it was especially brilliant at this spot on the Nile. So a number of us sat on the upper deck with cups of coffee and waited. It was worth it. 

Then it was off to the camel market. Camels are brought in from Sudan, where the economy depends heavily on the camel trade. Because of this dependency, the Sudanese try not to sell female camels to other countries, preferring to keep them in country for breeding of new stock. Still, as you will see in the photos below, female camels and their offspring, which are always sold as a package deal, do turn up in these camel markets. Once purchased, usually two or three at a time, the camels become either load bearers or camel meat for eating. Camel meat is very popular in Egypt, and, according to Hend, it tastes somewhat like beef. Unfortunately, we will not have a chance to try it. We traveled from our boat to the camel market via motorboat and pickup truck. The latter was very uncomfortable for me, because it had low roll bars and a low roof; I had to ride over bumpy, uneven roads with my head constantly bowed to keep from hitting the ceiling 

Later, after lunch, we'll go to a nearby beach for a swim in the nile. I'll add photos after I get back. 












The town of Daraw










The youngest trader, at only 13


The Camels resist being loaded onto trucks, so it takes several men to do it.









Most of us did not actually submerge in the chilly waters, but I did ask a fellow traveler to take my picture standing in the Nile.


Just had a peaceful cup of hot tea while reading in the Kindle as we cruise toward Aswan for our final night aboard.















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