A Day in a Nubian Village, Aswan

On Thursday, I spend the entire day in a small Nubian village in Aswan, right on the banks of the Nile. Our guesthouse is located directly by the river and even has a small swimming pool. From the second-floor balcony, there is a beautiful view across the Nile, where a new bridge is under construction and the opposite riverbank stretches into the distance.

For breakfast, I choose an omelet, beans, and cornflakes with yogurt—simple but filling. The pace of life here feels calm and unhurried. The village itself is colorful and lively. Nubians are known for their brightly painted houses, and even the local restaurant stands out with its vivid colors.

For lunch, I order a whole chicken with rice and a drink for about €8 (plus a €1 tip). The restaurant also has seating right by the river, though that area serves only drinks. Nearby, goats are being herded and men are busy with their boats along the shore, adding to the authentic riverside atmosphere.

The village streets are narrow and car-free, with three-wheeled open “taxis” and even camels passing through. The dark-skinned Nubians are descendants of the original inhabitants of the Nile Valley, and there is a strong sense of cultural identity here.

After sunset, the air becomes pleasantly cooler. In the evening, a large group of locals gathers at our guesthouse to celebrate a birthday. At one point, they even watch photos of the birthday child on television together, filling the place with laughter and cheerful noise.

It is a peaceful and genuine day—simple, colorful, and full of small, authentic moments by the Nile.