Nile Cruise 1989

25.4.89:

By way of a pat on the back for starting up the Ra's Gharib plant on time against expectations, Total offered the team an all expenses paid cruise on the Nile. For us it also included 3 nights in the Cairo Meridien, my flights from Glasgow and an overnight stay in the Skyway, a THF hotel. I booked my KLM flight out with Trailfinders which went via London, Amsterdam and Istanbul. Wanted to get Total the best deal!

26.4.89:

Christian at the airport to meet me with a car and driver; our room was spacious with fruit and flowers, a three person sized bed and a balcony overlooking the Nile.

 

Martine, Christian's colleague, who was based in Cairo, joined us for dinner. As the only communication from the site was ship to shore radio that was strictly controlled, she often acted as our go - between.

 

27.4.89:

 

There was a car to take us to the airport for our flight to Luxor where another car took us to the Sheraton cruise boat, "Anni" in time for lunch. 

Found ourselves at the same table as Lucy, a Belgian and Ada a French Canadian, here with our guide. 

 

In the afternoon we visited the Temples of Luxor

 

and Karnak with our Francophone guide. For once, being in the minority had its advantages; there were just 4 of us!

 28.4.89:

 

6am start for the Ferry to take us to the other side of the river to visit the Valley of the Kings and of the Queens. 

 

Visits to an alabaster and papyrus workshops followed. 

 

During the afternoon we sailed to Esna and dropped anchor for the night.

 

29.4.89:

 

 Walked to the Temple of Khartoum. 

 

Sailed to Edfu . . .

 

here we took a horse drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus . 

 

Relaxing sail . . .

to Kom Ombo.

30.4.89:

Visit to the temple of Horus and Scobele, the crocodile god. 

 

Time at a Nubian market 

 

Sailing to Aswan. 

 

 Visited the High Dam 

 

and the temple of Philae on Agilkia island.

1.5.89:

 

We left the group as we had a 40 minute flight to the awe inspiring world heritage site of Abu Simbel. It was a short visit but because of a problem with the flight schedule, we missed a sail in a felucca in Aswan. 

No regrets; we already had our heads and eyes full of the sights that our relaxed sail up the historic River Nile had brought. Sometimes I just can't believe my luck.

Transfers were laid on for our return to the Meridien. Christian was not best pleased to find that we had a twin room. " I've spent 4 nights in a cabin in a small bed and I am not going to do the same here!" Reception understood he wasn't kidding and we were given one with a huge bed again! 

2.5.89:

Had breakfast in our room, which came on a trolley complete with flowers and domed serving platters . A real touch of luxury. 

 

Putting aside the pollution (!) it was a pleasant day for having a wander around Cairo. Spent some time and money in the Sherezade Perfume house and had a beer at the Nile Hilton. Stayed at the hotel for dinner and had a great view from our balcony of the firework display laid on for the opening of  the Sheraton hotel across the river.

3.5.89:

An early morning, uneventful flight back home.

Merci Total for such a treat. Outstanding sights, great experience, faultless organisation that brought a touch of luxury and a far cry from work and everyday life.