A family ritual for the past few years is going to Aswan towards end of year; cruising the Nile up and down in a folouka – with our music, fruits, nuts, drinks and books!
We only stop towards end of day in “Gharb Soheil” to eat delicious tajin food and get some tea. It took us time to understand the food system; because they eat very early if you did not book your “Wagba” you will find no food by end of day – so if you will eat in a local spot then reservation is needed. And no menu, most original nubian restaurant operate by you ordering one vegetable + pick between meat and Chicken and you get rice, salad, bread on top for free.
I learned about Nubia and its two languages “Kenzy” and “Fijiki” and its different history. I have always thought that Nubia is only in Egypt but it extended beyond to Sudan. The tribes of Fijiki who used to live by the Nile in a beautiful spot were forced to move out when the dam was built. They had to relocate to spots that had no water and most reminisce on this era. Two very famous Egyptians figures are from Aswan, and both are Fijiki: Mohamed Mounir (The King – who is a personal favorite of mine! ) and General Tantawi.
The king has a beautiful house now on the Nile, fame got him back a spot on the Nile! Tantawi who is a very respected local, plays a vital role to calm situation regarding the land allocation to the people who moved. Usually nubian are scared to talk politics so i will stop here:)
I became addicted to the mood of this trip, it has a meditation effect on me. The beauty of Aswan is beyond words; its original nubians are beyond nice and pleasant.
P.S. We have now two guys whom we call as soon as we land – the folouka guy and the chef Mahmoud – text me if you ever need their numbers, they are highly recommended! Staying or visiting Hotel Cataract is also very recommended.
I love the Ahmed Mounib song where he talks about the country of gold – most think it is Egypt while it is on the nubian part that they lost when they were forced to move, I am sure it was a breathless beautiful spot…
And since i mentioned Ahmed Mounib, here is my absolute favorite in his voice. احمد منيب ربك هو العالم