SAFGA & LUXOR/THEBES  (day 105)

SAFGA the town it self is nondescript except that it is a major working port, exporting phosphates & minerals. There is not a lot of history in SAFAGA. At this time it is trying to become a major tourist destination on the RED SEA. Nevertheless, given the ongoing political uncertainty and Putin not allowing any Russian airplanes to land in SAFGA, currently, the tourist industry is not particularly healthy, about 1/2 to 3/4 of the hotel beds are empty.

Also, due to the political unrest our tour buses were escorted by soldiers maintaining a convoy system to LUXOR. In  addition to the convoy there were speed bumps and road blocks all of the way, I am not exaggerating, every 5 minutes for close to 200 miles. Safety is important, it is somewhat unnerving, however, to see machine guns on the roads and in the streets. The men holding them did not look any to friendly either.

LUXOR on the other hand has some magnificent ancient sights. Apparently, there is no where else that you can feel so close to ancient civilizations.

THE  BEAUTIFUL NILE RIVER

A SOURCE OF SWEET WATER FOR THE  ENTIRE COUNTRY
Unfortunately the water in the RIVER NILE is being depleted
Improving irrigation practices and countering the demographic explosion are some of the most commonly cited actions to be considered, as well as reducing the use of pesticides and improving sewage and waste disposal systems to prevent contaminating the limited water supplies available.”

FERTILE FARMLANDS ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE

THE CONDITION OF ONE OF THE MAN MADE CANALS BEING FED BY THE NILE

LIVING CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

BRICKS ARE MADE OF MUD AND HAY

OVERPOPULATION

FARMERS RELY ON DONKEY DRAWN CARTS

It truly looks like the people who populate the countryside are living in centuries past...The interest thing is, however, that almost every home has a "DISH" on the roof?

MEN CHOOSE TO WEAR DRESSES BECAUSE OF THE HEAT

To be continued...