When the mind wonders off – part V

The first two visas on our priority list were Sudan and Ethiopia. I thought the Sudan visa would be more difficult to obtain, for they demanded a letter of guaranty from the Slovenian embassy, but they said they’re not giving them out. Needing that paper I decided not to come out without something in my hand, so at least I got a certificate my passport is not falsified, which had nothing to do with my demand. At least it had the original Slovenian embassy seal on it, which I thought was the most important. I added this paper with my application and after a day and $100 I got my visa. We filled the waiting time by visiting the sights like the famous Egypt museum, went to see the pyramids and got lost in the streets of one of the most densely populated African cities.

I could go on entire page about the Ethiopian visa, because Slovenians should get the visa in the embassy nearest to our country (which is in Rome). There was no exception here, so I had to take a flight to Rome to get my visa there – and return to Cairo. Just what did we Slovenians do to Ethiopia to deserve that?

So finally we were ready to cross the first boarders in Africa. With that assurance we went on to see other attractions of Egypt, like Luksor and its temples.

Although the convoys should be obligatory, we went through the desert by ourselves. There were many control points where they checked our documents. Some invited us for tea, and some just to chat in the shade. The nature was beautiful, although sandy, but surrounded by high and sharp peaks. A hot but nice ride.

It’s hard to describe the feelings you get at the temple of Carnac. It’s decorated with numerous details you find on every pillar. You need to know though, that most of it is in ruines, yet it still gives you such a mighty feel.

Next we went up the Nile and the contrast along the river is fascinating. The fields and other areas joint to the river are full of vegetation and in many colors, but just a few meters further sand and deserts (where the houses stand) begin, for the real desert meets the Nile.

We were stopped at many check points, but were able to continue on our own. At each check point they called the general, who always let us through, forward to Aswan. There we got the police escort, for attacks on tourists were still possible. We never felt any danger, but better safe than sorry.

After a rough rise we stopped for dinner with a view upon Aswan and enjoyed a shish afterwards, with some tea and home made cookies. The sunset view with the Nile all around us already felt too picturesque.

On our way back, the taxi driver let me drive a part of the way! We drove the Peugeot 405, from 1969. Excellent stuff. The car had no AC and when we complained about the heat, the driver told us, it’s still ice cold in comparison to Sudan. I was hoping he was exaggerating.