Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
"Shu fi? What's up?
I'm Ahmed -- a fisherman from Aswan, Egypt. Like many here, me and my family rely on the Nile River for our livelihoods. Usually, tilapia is our most common catch but every once in a while we'll land a giant Nile Perch, which can get as big as 200 kgs (440 lbs)! That's a monster fish... It will be nice to get a break from the boats for a little while and travel the region with you.
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Where should we start? How about the site closest to my home! I'll meet you there."
Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza
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"These must-see monuments are indeed impressive and iconic of ancient Egyptian culture. How many funny poses can you see tourists making with the Sphinx? I found at least two, heh. There are always so many people here... You have to fight your way through crowds just to see the pyramids. I'm really hoping the tourist/pyramid ratio will be different at our next stop."
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"Renown for its clear waters and thriving reefs, the Strait of Tiran separating the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula is a diver's paradise. Hammerhead and Tiger sharks are often found swimming in the strong currents of this natural channel. Just look at all those bright fish and corals! Maybe we'll see some of these creatures painted on the walls at our next site?"
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"After seeing the raiding and destruction of the Old Kingdom's grand tombs and pyramids, the pharaohs of the 18th - 20th dynasties (1539–1075 BCE) opted for a more covert design by digging deep tunnels into this narrow valley, or 'wadi' as we call it. The outsides are hidden and plain but the interiors are lavishly decorated with hieroglyphics and riches. Can you find the scarab beetle? Some say they symbolize immortality, resurrection, transformation, and protection of the dead... but I don't know much about all that. I'm more of a small town, rural kid -- our next stop might feel more like home to me."
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"This important dam was built in the 1960s by Egypt's revolutionary leader Gamal Nasser to help control flooding and provide hydro-electric power to the valley. While it's nice not having to fear the annual floods or droughts, the dam also traps fertile sediment from up river so it can't replenish the soils in the fields downstream. Some farmers and scientists are worried about the longterm effects of soil depletion and over-dependence of fertilizers. Maybe we'll meet some of these farmers and ask them when we buy some local produce and goods at our next destination."
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"The pyramids of Giza are bigger, yes, but these Nubian pyramids in the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kush are far more dramatic, if you ask me. In Giza, you are surrounded by people and the city, but out here these pinnacled monuments stand resolute in a barren sea of dunes. And there are so SO many. In this small region of northern Sudan there are over 200 pyramids -- that's more than all of Egypt combined! It sure is hot out here though.. Let's head up in elevation to find a nice cool place to take a break."
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"Nestled in the heart of ancient Omdurman city on the western bank of the Nile opposite Khartoum, this bustling maze of covered stalls and colorful shops is one of the largest local markets -- or souqs -- in all East Africa. You can find everything here from spices and handicrafts to street food, clothing, and antiques. Maybe we should get some giant catnip for our next stop, haha."
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Canyon near Jabel Marrah, Darfur​
"Isn't it amazing how the harsh Sudanese deserts and tall volcanic mountains can create such tranquil natural sanctuaries like this one? The last known eruption in these mountains was in 1500 BCE, creating the Deriba Caldera -- which is now a lake and year-long source of fresh water. In the summers, these kinds of sheltered watering holes are welcomed respites from the hot sun. The water sure feels good, huh? How about we dive right into our next stop?"
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Local Village in South Kordofan
"Many people in Sudan still lead very traditional lives in small villages such as this one. The whole community will work together on daily tasks like tending crops and caring for animals. A lot of them have no electricity or running water so they store their food in underground storerooms, like the one in the center of this village. It might be a simple life but they seem happy to me."
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