Aswan

During my stay in Aswan I Visited the following Places:

    Philae Temple                                

    Aswan Town & Bazaars                 

    Coptic Monastery of St. Simeon  

The Philae Temple (The temple of Isis) was constructed in the Ptolemaic times and had amazed visitors for many centuries

The Cult of Isis flourished throughout the roman empire well into the Christian era, it is said that Isis civilized the world by instituting marriage and teaching women domestic arts. 

After the building of the first Aswan dam this was one of the structures that was moved piece by piece, this took eight years. The new island was the nearby Aglika Island, which was landscaped to match the original site. 

Good Points 

A Very pictures temple in a great position on the nilr.

Bad Points

It is a shame that we can not see the temple in its original location, it seems strange to know that it was rebuilt in the twentieth century.

Rating: 7/10

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Aswan Town & Bazaars

Aswan is Egypt's southern most cities with a population of approximately 150,000; any visited should be beware that temperatures can be in excess of 54C in the summer.

The city is well known for its bazaars and there are some good bargains to be had, but at the same time there is some real cheap a tacky goods for sale, so beware. 

The river front and the west bank are very picturess. It is possible to organize a visit to a Nubian village on the west bank to see and maybe eat with the Nubian people this is well worth a trip.

Good Points

Their are some good souvenirs that can be bought at the bazaar's but beware of cheap and tacky goods.   The city had a very beautiful setting on the Nile, and a small boat trip around Elephantine Island and maybe to the west bank is one you will not forget.

Bad Points

Some of the sellers in the bazaar can be very pushy to westerners; it is always good to be very firm in declining an other of goods. 

Rating: 6 / 10

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Coptic Monastery of St. Simeon 

The best way to get to this monastery on the West Bank is to get a boat across the river and then rent a camel. A camel can be rented from the Nubians who are based very near the landing sight and will cost approximately £E35 (£7), that is a return journey and the camel guide will probably ask for a tip at the end of the trip.

The Monastery was founded in the seventh century and rebuilt in the tenth. It was originally dedicated to a saint called Deir Anba Samaan but was later used as a base for Christianity. It was finally wrecked by Selah al-din  in 1173.

Good Points

The camel ride is good fun but a bit scary for a first time rider. The local custodian who lives on his own at the monastery is a good guide, although he is totally mad and makes very amusing animal noises during the talk he is very informative. All-round very interesting and well worth a visit.

Bad Points

The Camel guide may be a bit pushy for a tip at the end of the day and will probably say that what you give them is not enough; it is best to be firm here and have only a set amount to give them.

Rating:  8/10

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