The Mausoleum

Absolutely loving Aswan. It's the complete opposite of Cairo: it's peaceful, small, charming and there is no traffic!

On my flight, I found Maryum who was also headed there for work, coordinating an ambassadorial visit that AKF is also a part of. It was a great coincidence. In the same row there was a family from Canada, who was so excited to hear our American accents. We got to chatting and found out they are also Ismaili, here to visit the Mausoleum. It was so awesome to see and meet other Ismailis.

SMS Mausoleum: The most serene place I have ever visited, absolutely beautiful! I took a boat ride across the Nile, through several islands and was dropped at the bottom of the hill by a white villa, the Imam's private residence in Aswan, which is currently being renovated. Rumors are the Imam will come to Egypt once it's finished.

After climbing to the top and entering, the tomb keeper had me light incense and recited numerous verses from the Qur'an concluding with recitation of salwaat. Even though it was 100 F, it was very breezy and cool inside. The structure was built completely by hand within 18 months; the detail carved into marble is truly a work of art and resemble tombs and burial stones from the Fatimid times.

On my way out, the tomb keeper showed me previous guest books with signatures of the Imam, his sons, and other family members. Pretty cool.

On the agenda for tomorrow: Nubian Museum, Nubian Village, Phalae Temple, High Dam and the Obelisk.