Egypt is a land of mystique and enigma, with one foot firmly anchored in the past and the other seeking a secure foundation in the future. Egypt is home to a treasure trove of colossal monuments. The construction techniques for some are known, but to this day, many others remain shrouded in mystery.
Little could the Pharaohs have imagined that the tombs and massive architecture they built—with the backbreaking labour of their faithful minions—would, thousands of years later, draw millions from around the world to stand in awe of their accomplishments. Where did these people come from and how did their civilization rise so rapidly? This is one of the many mysteries that makes Egypt utterly fascinating and calls you back time and again.
The Pyramids on the Giza Plateau are the only structures remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They are so massive that they can be distinctly seen from space. Then there’s the mighty Sphinx, the largest monolith statue in the world.
Of course, Egypt is more than huge monuments and beautifully painted funeral art still visible on tomb walls after thousands of years. Mysteries abound, with the River Nile the greatest of all. The Nile flows out of Africa, north into the delta at the top of Egypt, until its nourishing waters come to rest in the Mediterranean Sea.
Felucca
There are many ways to travel the Nile, and each one offers a uniquely different experience. As a special treat, we were invited for a breakfast cruise on a felucca, a small sail-driven single-operator boat. The morning dawned bright and beautiful with a clear blue sky and gentle winds—perfect sailing weather.
Our felucca was awaiting our arrival with a table set with linen and china and a 5-star breakfast of fresh squeezed fruit juices, hot coffee, fresh-from-the-oven pastries and breads, platters of cheeses and meats, fruits, yogurts, and cereals, and a waiter at the ready to serve us. We pushed off from the dock and the wind caught the sails as the helmsman deftly tacked to and fro while we enjoyed our meal, the warmth of the sun, and the company of our companions.
Dahabiya
For an extended visit on the Nile with stops along the way at the temples of Abydos, Dandara, Luxor and Karnak, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the High Dam at Aswan, there are dozens of luxury Nile cruisers to choose from.
Or you could do what I did, and enjoy the Nile from a Dahabiya, a boutique sailboat that is like a private yacht. Dahabiyas are some 50 metres long under sail power. The downside is that when the wind is not blowing in the right direction, you must be pulled by a tugboat which unfortunately is powered by diesel fuel.
