Today started with a cruise up the Nile on a little boat that was like the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. It was very charming and even had fringe. We went around lots of small islands and little boats, which reminded us of Antarctica sailing around icebergs. There was lots of wildlife along the sides of the river, we saw camels and horses, lots of birds, and small villages on our way to a Nubian Village.

At the Nubian Village, we met some salesmen outside the boat who were not aggressive and were very patient with us, which was nice, and we climbed up into a beautiful Nubian house. It had sand floors in the courtyard to keep snakes out, small bedrooms, a rough kitchen, and a great view of the river from the top. Here, we had tea and homemade bread and had a chance to shop or get henna painted on our hands. They also had pet crocodiles in wells in the courtyard. Knowing the story of David’s friend, who was eaten alive, we were all respectful around the crocodiles.

We had tea and homemade bread with the Nubian family and toured their home. It was absolutely lovely from there. We visited the nearby school and counted in both Arabic and English with them. I led them in the reprise of “The Wheels on the Bus!” We went to Philae, where there was a Coptic church made from an Egyptian temple, and filled with Egyptian hieroglyphs and signs, some of which had been turned into the iron cross. It was a beautiful island that we visited in great light.

Next, we went to our ship and up (sorry, down) the river toward Kom Ombo where there was another gorgeous temple. We could just walk there from the ship and again, we hit the perfect sunset lighting in the face of the temple. More great stories. See below.

No fancy show. We’re still waiting for a belly dancing exhibition, though— wondering if Viking does that sort of thing. More hilarity tomorrow. Good night.