Ciao Sudan

With only 12 days in Sudan, i have clearly not been able to give the country full justice. It has been refreshing not to be hassled by beggars (most especially after Ethiopia), and although few people speak any English, those that do, have been warm and welcoming. Actually, even the ones that don’t! Again i am touched by the hospitality of Muslims. The government might not welcome tourists, but the locals certainly do. I have tremendous admiration and respect for the Nubians - some classic hospitatlity indeedy.

Another major hassle is the lack of accessing money across the country. Whilst ATMs are to be found, they are only good for local accounts. Bring enough US$s to last the trip and change money on the black market for better rates.

Travel has clearly improved, most especially with road conditions in the North, although the red tape imposed by the government remains a bit of a put-off.

Boasting more pyramids than Egypt, incredibly, i have seen just a small handful of Western tourists.

I have particularly enjoyed the falafel and shwarmas available in many places, and the delicious fresh fruit juice.

shwarmas rock

The coffee, although fresh, is often spiced with either ginger or cardamom which is somewhat of a disappointment for my own tastes.

The likely North/South divide and the continued problems in Darfur – Sudan will never be the same again.