There are over 600 cruise ships that sail the Nile. Most of these ships are small, 100 or fewer passengers. The Tosca, my water-going home away from home, is such a ship with space for about 80 passengers.
The Tosca is older and was supposed to be headed for a facelift when an unfortunate fire destroyed its replacement. Under the thoughtful leadership of Sameh Elsayed (the cute guy you see here),
the Tosca pulled together all its resources and greeted 71 travelers from all over the world to include this Unseasoned Traveler and my Traveling Companion. As mentioned, the Tosca is older, and it has a sort of Agatha Christie Murder on the Nile atmosphere.
A dedicated Tosca crew did everything possible to keep all passengers happy, healthy and safe.
A special invitation to visit the captain on the bridge inspired great confidence.
These Nile waterway experts have lots of experience. Our captain, on the right, and his co-captain, seated, have decades of river time. They dress in their traditional Egyptian robes…soooo cool!!!
Food is an important part of any voyage, and a voyage on the Tosca is no different. The head chef had everything under control with feasting for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
And if you want to stick to you dietary program….well, no problem.
Life aboard the Tosca is all about hospitality, but quickly, simply hospitable relationships begin to resemble more friendly ones…. as with our new friend, Ehab.
The shipboard entertainment was awesome….and exotic…music,
dancing….
even a whirling dervish…quite amazing to see.
And we were lucky enough to have a pair of charming cobras visit the Tosca dockside. Did I really say,”Lucky?” My brave Traveling Companion took the photos below. Thanks, Bruce.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
My personal space on the Tosca afforded me countless opportunities to see fabulous views of the Nile; the Nile River is the real star of this floating junket.
It blew my mind every time I thought of Cleopatra and Ceasar making their way up and down this river so long ago. She took him on a river junket so they might experience her kingdom together….what a romantic notion to ponder while looking at a Nile sunset.
Jackie's Junkets 
Jackie,
That looked like such a lovely time. Looks so peaceful while still being exciting. What a great pairing.
Hugs Candy
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I, Candy….It was fun to see Paul on the screen on Friday…tell him I said so…sailing the Nile is amazing…worth another trip
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This boat looks pretty darn nice considering your apprehensions about it. I would love to see some pictures of the ruins you passed along the way– next post perhaps? Can’t wait!
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Hiiiiii, Ellen….yes…I wish I had not complained so very much….I like your idea for a post
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I am intrigued to see more of Ahmed’s home country. I’ll have to ask him if he or his folks have traveled on the Nile River.
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Ahmed is Egyptian…and he lives there…..hummmm…I will have to ask him…thanks, Betsy
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What an amazing journey and voyage through history. Ah, the food, the food looking delicious and so well presented. Thanks so much for sharing and allowing me to experience distance locales with you.
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Thanks Jackie – I travel through your eyes.
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Hi, Grace….I have not seen you around the blog of late….happy to have you as a traveling companion…in addition to Bruce.
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Sometimes pictures can be worth a 1000 words (although your words were great too!). Stunning. Transporting. Thanks!
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So true about 1000 words..gonna play around with that idea
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Jackie, You have more courage than Marian and I to travel during COVID. Nice pictures and a pleasure to receive your notes. Rich
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Rich…I got back just before this virus business started….so these are post junket posts…..hahahaha
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What an amazing cruise ship! I didn’t even know cruise ships this small existed.
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Yes, Diane….and these small ships are all over Europe. I have been on several.
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My 2nd favorite post. I would love to take that extraordinary trip sailing down the Nile! Beautiful.
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi, Brenda…I am thinking of going back when the new museum opens up in 2021…it was a great trip.
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Thank you again for these messages, I always feel inspired by both your words and pictures. They are like a mini-oasis in our troubled world. Take care, Marilyn.
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Hi, Nice to hear from you…you might be interested to know that you are in the company of visitors to my blog from Egypt, France and the US for today. Earlier this week, visitors from China, Canada, Germany, France and Egypt popped up on my “stats” map….very exciting for me. Thanks for visiting the blog.
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You need to take part in a contest for one of the best websites online. I am going to recommend this blog!
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You could certainly see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
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