As we're obviously non-locals, we always get endless offers to cross the Nile on small motor boats whose owners try to make a living by taking people across. On both sides of the river, we are constantly propositioned. We never take them up on their offers.
I love everything about taking the public ferry across the Nile. There are generally three boats crossing during daylight hours and always one waiting on both the east and west banks. The system runs 24 hours a day. Usually a ferry crosses every fifteen minutes, but they switch to a half-hour schedule late at night. As a foreigner I pay double the Egyptian price but it's only two Egyptian Pounds for a round trip. That turns out to be almost exactly equal to a United States quarter.
I like boarding, waiting to depart, and the ride itself. I also enjoy watching the other passengers a lot. I especially love it on a day like today when the sun was strong and the water appeared very blue.
