Having finished visiting the areas listed in our itenirary, my driver and I stopped here for items needed at the Guesthouse where I was staying. It was hot, crowded, and chaotic here. We bought some kitchen supplies, fresh fruits, vegetables and freshly baked breads. What a way to experience the local vibes!

At first I was hesitant going to a crowded market in a country that is not perpetually stable. So I thought to just clench my body and hold onto my pockets a little tighter. But you know what, you will get glances just because you look different from the common townsfolk, but the vibrancy of the markets at night just gives off some unique magical vibe. It's kind of like the spirit of the city.

One block away from the River Nile and an amazing 2km long market opens up. While it is a tourist market, with some good haggling, you can get most things at Egyptian prices. A pleasant find that tantalised the senses.

This is a nice market with lots of options. The vendors are not especially pushy (at least they weren't when we were there in early evening) and the shops have everything you might want in terms of inexpensive (not necessarily Egyptian made) souvenirs and it is interesting to see the variety of things that are on sale. A stroll through the market while you are in Aswan is worthwhile. Early evening when it is a bit cooler is a good time to go.

Newly covered with open wooden roofing that make it a delight to walk through, the Spice Market stretches for almost 2 kilometers near the railway station. Not too touristy and the various spice displays are beautiful to look at. As an Australian it was lovely to view but, of course, not something we would tend buy to take home. It was a nice walk though and I liked the ambience.