One of the best ways to visit some of the ancient sites of Egypt is by cruising along the crystalline waters of the River Nile, and this was where we were headed for the next leg of our adventure …
Although today was scheduled a rest day, a chance for us to catch our breath and attempt to process some of what we’d experienced so far, I was excited to check out of our Aswan hotel for our Nile River cruise. Not only would this provide a great opportunity to enjoy the high frequency waters, but also to commune more with my fellow Priestesses and really get to know them. For this and many reasons, our Nile cruise will always hold a very special place in my heart and one I will never forget.
We were driven the short distance to connect with our private Dahabiya boat, which was moored up on the bank alongside several others of varying sizes. And it was beautiful! Not a featureless, floating hotel, like some of the larger cruise boats, but a small, traditional wooden sailing boat that oozed character and charm. Dahabiya comes from the Arabic word for gold, dahab, and not only are they among the most beautiful boats sailing on the Nile, but they provide the most authentic way to experience the river and its incredible sights. And, aside from the crew, we were lucky enough to have our boat completely to ourselves!
Aptly named ‘The Flower of Life’, it literally couldn’t have been more perfect for a group of traveling Priestesses. There was sacred geometry everywhere, including its namesake Flower of Life patterns on the wooden flooring of the deck, one also having within it the Eye of Horus. The cabin doors were decorated with blue lotus flowers, some of the door handles were of the God Anubis, and there were Ankh symbols everywhere! In fact, there were literally ancient Egyptian symbols in some shape or form everywhere we looked.
The top deck was open and arranged with comfortable seating areas, a long table and chairs for dining, and a food prep/drink area. We made ourselves at home straight away!
It wasn’t long before we left our mooring, and although we were initially pulled along with the help of a tug boat, there were other times we were entirely reliant upon the power of the wind against the boat’s large, billowing sails. This was the most relaxing time, without the chug of the motor, although it did get surprisingly breezy on deck! Not that this was unwelcome after the intense heat of the last few days. In fact, it was all just perfect, and I felt super grateful as I took in the passing scenery and the sight of the sun sparkling like diamonds on the crystalline waters. Definitely a very chilled day and just exactly what we all needed!
After taking some time to meditate up on the top deck, I went down to my cabin to journal, just as the sun was beginning to set. All I could hear was the gentle hum of a generator and the lapping of the water against the side of the boat and I remember thinking how hypnotic it was.
I finished my journaling and returned to the top deck just in time to catch the end of the beautiful sunset. The sky was now a burnt orange and the final rays of the sun had created a runway of colour across the surface of the Nile. I was so glad not to have missed it!
The evening was spent with my Sisters, sharing a delicious vegan dinner before gathering in circle to pull oracle cards, chat and sing together. A perfect end to a relaxing day. And when it was time to turn in for the night, I returned to my cabin and fell asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat, listening to the sound of the lapping water, and with visions of Divine Mother Isis, the Eye of Horus, scarab beetles, and Merkaba stars continuing to fill my mind …
To be continued …
