October 18

Aswan

The worker bees at Kato Dool on their way to work.

This was supposed to be a down day in the program. Down day it was. This gave me three photo opportunities, two that were not expected before the trip.

I have been made to feel like a king, because of the fact that I returned to my home. I must admit that all members of my family here have been gracious and have listened to me tell absolutely everyone who would listen, the same story.

“I was born in Masr el Gedida (Heliopolis), in 1954. The family moved to Canada in 1964 and this is the first time I have returned to Egypt.” All this in my broken Arabic. Every single person, from vendors, hoteliers, crew, policemen, kitchen staff, drivers, tour guides and any other I didn’t capture on this list was moved - considered me an Egyptian, their eyes lit up and a hand went up to their heart and said something similar to “You lit up Egypt and have made it a happier place with your presence.”

I was speaking with Donna about how moved I have been. Even now, as I write this sentence, tears are welling up in my eyes. There is a certain proud and sentimental guy inside me who has been deeply, deeply touched. This trip has been indeed special. I know I am repeating myself, I truly think this trip has been one that has touched my soul deeply.

The photo opportunities

The desert - harsh and beautiful at the same time.

I woke the sun up again to walk up the road from the resort. As you will see for yourself. It is a desert. Today was a scorcher. Aswan was supposed to be cooler and fresher air than Cairo, it didn’t deliver on either. I think my wtf weather app described it perfectly.

I stayed at the resort, photographed the staff and had “the” dreaded nap. I was awakened by Chris who summoned me to the pool because Monique used her magic touch and sold a young lady on the idea that I would photograph her and her friend. Needless to say, I was there as my friend Bob May would say, “faster than a spooky the cat” Boy was I glad I did! It eventually turned into full fledged photo shoot of two very willing models. That was so much fun as this was something else I had done in the past. Now I want to do more. If you know of models looking for portfolio creation, let me know.

The third photo opportunity was with the willing staff at the hotel and especially the chef and kitchen staff. There was only one decline of a photo opportunity, precisely why I ask first.

The desert walkabout

The hotel and its staff

Diana and Christina

The road to the Nubian village and the village

Photo of the day

I have developed a habit of writing between two and four AM, sleeping when I can, fortunately, I go to bed early. There will be time to sleep when I get home. I’m signing off for the day now.

I will be seriously looking for photo opportunities when I return home. Maybe even for a fee. I am finding that not needing the money from photography is liberating because I do what I want and when I want. This is especially true when an opportunity presents itself.

Most of the images in this blog are reduced dramatically in size. I am working on something special for down the road and in the not too distant future to show off the people and country of Egypt.

I am basically retired now thanks to David and Bellwether. The official announcement is imminent.

The completion and launching of the book, “The Passion and Purpose of Ordinary People” and accompanying book tour. The tour and speaking engagements in Ontario and beyond is being formulated. There is a lot of follow up and content creation yet to come.

Learning to promote and sell the book, photography website, calendar and prints is an upcoming challenge and activity I am looking forward to tackling. There will be a twist that I have not finalized just yet.

I will be devoting time to my charities of choice - Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation, LUSO and Indwell.

Retirement will be busy.