For a little variety today, we commuted by boat rather than bus and navigated an Aswan, Nile River inlet to dock near a Nubian Village. School was in session, so my wife distributed our gift of writing supplies. These kids apparently by law have to study in Egyptian schools but preserve their own language and customs through classes in their village. I also got to hold a tiny Nile crocodile and sampled more dry bread. As is the case at each site, we then walk the gauntlet of aggressive vendors, the most unpleasant experience in visiting Egypt.  

We next boarded a Viking bus to another small watercraft, once again pestered by persistent vendors along the way. This one carried us to the Agilkia Island Temples of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, built around 370 BC. It was another group of structures relocated through UNESCO funding because of flooding due to the Aswan Dam project. We concluded the morning with a visit to the Papyrus Institute and purchasing a piece of custom artwork depicting an Egyptian wedding scene. On and off and on the bus, we went before drifting off for an unexpected afternoon nap while the Viking Ra took us up-river for yet another Temple. 

In this case, it was a short walk to the Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two triads of deities: Sobek, his wife Hathor and their child Knonsu; and Horus, his wife Tasenetnofret, and their child Panebtawy. Both Sobek, the Crocodile, and Horus, the Falcon, are two of ancient Egypt’s primary gods. The highlight of this Temple, in my opinion, was the Crocodile Museum, with their mummified remains. It was time to move on to Edfu on this incredible journey.