We got the train to Aswan at 12.30 AM. No beds but air-conditioning and airplane chairs. Everything goes smooth. The goodbye at the Sun Hotel is warm, and the streets are quiet compared to the day. Tischa sits next to the window. We hope to catch a glimpse of the pyramids as we pass by, but the night is dark, and soon Tischa falls asleep. I am used to stay asleep with one eye open, as Asia has always been an unsafe place for sleepy tourists. Every move and sound makes me look around, and check if Tischa is still asleep. The morning starts early as the sun rises at 6. I was hoping to see some of the country through the train windows, even while everything passes so fast, and it is impressive. From the landscapes to the farms, the camels, donkeys, groups of women in shawls, the river Nile and the many unfinished buildings.

Tischa Ghappy with Flower Clown Ronnie

Our story on his web site:

   The heat starts to build up. I get into a conversation with a guy from the States, who is not afraid to tell the man who asks him where he is from, he is an American. The man says; 'Ah! Bush! Great!', but the American replies with disgust about Bush. I try to make a photograph, and the American tourist asks me if I made it. W get in conversation, and he is the nicest guy. Together with his girl he travels through the east while making a video about making fun objects with balloons. He is a clown!   

Our story on his web site:

Tischa Ghappy with Flower Clown Ronnie

   Tischa, slowly waking up, gets a show from Ronnie, or Flower, the clown. Not only she is ecstatic, but you should have seen the faces of the Egyptians on the train. One after the other change into kids, with balloon flowers and balloon guitars in their hands.   

Tischa Ghappy

  The tricks he shows puzzle everybody. It is a feast and everybody is enjoying. We get into conversation and decide to take a hotel together. There is not a situation he is not making a show with his balloons, and while I am used to be at the middle of attention, I have to make place for this artist. The Egyptians are in aw, no matter how serious, they melt. Tischa is in heaven to travel with a clown on vacation.

Tischa Ghappy

Flower Clown Ronnie.

Our story on his web site:

   We book for a trip to Abu Simbal. We have to wake up at 2.45 to get the private minibus to Abu Simbel. We can sleep in the minivan. Ronnie has bought 500 cards to send to all kids. We are going to put the address stickers, stamps etc on the cards in the bus. Ronnie does a lot for kids in trouble. He just visits orphanages and hospitals and gives free shows. The man is a saint. He got this trip for free from the orphanage director, and after today's show at the hotel we are included in the thankfulness of the people, and get our trip back to Luxor at a discount. Well... Some story. 

Sana

Feedback on ShanT's web site

Sana and Tischa

   After settling we went for shopping in the little alleys. As friendly Cairo was, as aggressive the local shop keepers are. Although I found one store selling original artifacts from ancient Egypt, a Numibian guy with a very interesting air runs the shop, most shop owners are rude in getting you in their shop. One called me like a dog, ordering me to get in. Amazing. What a nerve!

Shoe polisher

Aswan shopping alley

Aswan Barber

Aswan hands craft man

   We get out to the main street and while tired, decide to take a chariot through the night of Aswan. Tisha in front holding the rains steering the chariot, is glowing in the dark. She is so happy. The driver asks us where to go, as if we would know, and we send him into the city. The trip is great. We enjoy the freedom, the running horse, and stop by some shops.

   We return to the hotel and the driver starts to bug us for more money. He lies about the price we agreed, and we get into an argument, destroying a lot of the good feeling. Tischa is untouched by all this, and is slightly elevated gliding along. After some change at the bank we return to the hotel. Tisha up in bed, me into the local Internet shop for this days review.