Stayed on the Nile outside Aswan for a few days at Adam’s place (a large Nubian house in an enclosure). Here I met Aamer who I helped in cutting the Bersim to feed his animals. The food here was excellent with lots of fresh fish from Lake Nasser. More problems with the Land Rover, I tightened a Jubilee clip where diesel was weeping and it snapped! Luckily I had some wire that sealed it while I got a taxi to Aswan to get a replacement (and some spares!). Also the oil seal on the differential started leaking too.
Diesel is ridiculously cheap here, only 6 pence a litre!!
Travelled along the Nile through small villages on the way to the Red Sea coast. Has some good snorkelling at Marsa Alam before moving on north up the cost to El Quesir where it was too windy for snorkelling, the visibility was bad and the current and waves too strong. On the way we stopped at a police checkpoint where the senior office stroked my back and took my hand and tried to lead me away! When I indignantly said “No Way”, he then asked for money! This behaviour is all too common with Egyptian men, I have now been propositioned 3 times!
We met a very helpful guide Mohammed near El Quesir who invited us to his house where we had endless tea and an excellent lunch. We also met the extended family who were all very friendly. We stayed outside his house for the night and ate in the local coffee shop. Unfortunately got another puncture here, it turned out that a previous repair in Malawi had given up.
Met up with Blanca & Mark and Tom & Janet in Luxor at Rezeiky camp where the food was excellent and we tried smoking the various Sheeshas (Honey, Apple and Mint!). Also tried the local whiskey called John Waler (in a bottle remarkably similar to Johnnie Walker!). Mark & I tried fixing the diff leak here but it proved too difficult and needs a specialist. Managed to get a black-eye in the process when the spanner slipped! I should stick to calculators they are less dangerous!
Visited Medinat Habu temple, the tombs of the nobles and Karnak temple.