Getting to know the people of Egypt is equally as magical as the ancient architecture and history. Wandering around the Nubian neighborhoods was a great way to observe the locals at work and at play. What follows is a portrait gallery of faces in their familiar places:
This man is paid to remove wrinkles. His cheeks are filled with water, which he sprays across a bolt of cotton fabric. Now he’s ready to run his foot across it with a scorching hot iron.
Finished products are then delivered to the fabric merchants, who specialize in either female or male colors.
The town tailor likely receives an order to design a proper galabeya…
or a pile of pillows and textile merchandise.
For pillows and mattresses that flatten or sag over time, it’s time to visit the wool fluffer, who will beat the filling until it’s been rejuvenated.
Busy mornings are usually followed by a bite to eat.
some shopping…
or a smoke.
It’s safe to say that locals feel more secure, when they’re protected by the guard on patrol,
or washed by the man who prepares your body for burial.
The school bus may not be yellow,
but it gets the kids to school on time…
where they are very receptive to strangers with cameras,
which is more than I can say when the tables are turned.
Streaming thru America 
Nice “Faces of Upper Egypt”…especially the boy holding the lamb…and the rest of the kids!!
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Thanks, Sophi. Yes, the kids were very welcoming. It’s no accident that we were there to visit. The village school is sponsored by Viking!
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Really beautiful photographs of Esna and enjoyed the descriptive comments about village life. Nat Geo quality! Bob & Brenda
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Thanks, guys. It sure brings back lots of memories.
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That is so cool. The photo reminded me of the shepherd piece in my mom’s nativity set. Or something you’d see in National Geographic! Such innocence in both their eyes.
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These are fantastic photos, especially the boy with the lamb over his shoulder.
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Funny story about the boy. He was my shadow in the neighborhood as I moved around taking photos.. He used the lamb as a prop to get my attention and his picture taken. He got so attached to the lamb that he wouldn’t put it down.
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