The
best way to sail the Nile is by Felucca. The Arabic word Felucca
means boat. 
And
it is not more complicated than that. The Felucca is a sailing boat, made
of wood. It has a flat bottom and the keel may if needed be lifted up. One
great Latin sail is attached to a mast at the stem. A man can single-handed
sail the boat. In southern Egypt most of the sailors are Nubian. They are
dressed in the galabiya, the comfortable Egyptian shirt, reaching
to the feet.An
Egyptian proverb says: "the one who voyages the Nile
must have sails made of patience." If Allah wills it, the wind will
come and give speed for your journey. If the river is flat calm, you must
wait in patience. You cannot force the Nile. We were lucky. A light breeze,
sometimes enhanced in strength, drifted us across the river. The crossing
was silent and restful.
First published: Monday 20th May, 1996.
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