It took us a while to get out of Khartoum since getting Diesel is a problem right now (only on the black market or waiting in a queue that seems to not move at all). The rough goal was to go to Al-Ubayyid (or Al Obeid) and via Kosti back to Khartoum.
We looked for some mountains as a means to find a point of interest along the way. However, we didn’t do more than a short walk there and set up camp. For me we set up camp always quite late so that there is not much time to enjoy the area and the next morning we leave again so early. So why look for a nice space in the first place?
On the way we learned how to make bricks. Well, how Sudanese do it. I did make some earlier but this time I am only posing 😉 The material is made out of clay and frankly cow shit mixed with water. After it is dried out it gets stacked in a pile and burned.
We did spend 3 nights in Al-Ubayyid and again the market and people where the highlight for me. Yes, we did visit some churches (Christian and Koptik) and even tried a museum but you won’t find any pictures of that.
We were able to see a Nuba wrestling and being the only white people we were part of the attraction (and even advertised with). Do not expect things to start on time in Sudan. It starts when it starts and in this case when the other team arrives. But it was quite a show! I couldn’t help wondering how cool it would be if one of our group would know how to wrestle and compete. I think that what have been a blast 😀
A word to a very negative side of Sudan (and all the countries I have visited in Africa so far). In the west, we don’t have a solution for our plastic garbage. We lie into our faces pretending that recycling is the solution. Other than maybe giving us a good feeling it is not (less usage is). And it is worse here. They have no solution for it and no waste management and on top use plastic heavily. In every shop you get a plastic bag no matter what tiny bit you buy. Lots of food is packed in plastic bags (even juices). You’ll have a hard time finding garbage bins. It is just thrown on the ground without a second thought about the environment and you can see it everywhere.
As tourist I am not part of the solution but adding to the problem. In no other continent I drink as much coke as here. I am happy if I find it in a glass bottle but that is the exception.
If for no other reason, I would like to see Rwanda. To my knowledge, they are not allowing any plastic bags and even control you at the border not to bring any in.
I found quite interesting how Tamarind is produced. We managed to sneak into a factory and get a tour. First sesame is cleaned, then heated and pressed. And in another step cooled down and mixed with something I don’t remember the name. And of course we bought a pack for each of us. Ah, the last picture is kind of the same but the manual process 😉 He is producing sesame oil.
From Al-Ubayyid we drove to Kosti and then up along the White Nile to Khartoum. The last night on the road was also a really good one. We set up camp quite early and thus had some time to enjoy the site alongside the river. And yes, a bath we took and hoping there are no crocodiles 😉 I jumped in the next morning as well and it just confirmed (again) that I would like to live besides water. I’ll see when this will happen.
I am never as observative, happy and have talked as much about the consistency of my bowel movement than in Africa 😀 Without going into too much details here 😉 it has its ups and downs. But then again, I am not following the rule “cook it, peel it or leave it”…
We arrived in Khartoum 2 days ago. Since then we took it quite easy. Some of the girls received a hena tattoo and I went into a barber shop. Today we watched the confluence of the blue and white Nile. It was not as spectacular as I thought it will be. Other than that there is not much to do at 40 degrees. Except…but wait…I’ll come to this at the end.
Today we received the result of the Corona tests we took yesterday. They came very fast within 18 hours (something Germany cannot do). It cost us around 27 USD. We all are negative and able to fly. I am ready to leave. It’s not that I have to run from here but I have seen a lot and I’m also happy to go home. Which is a very nice feeling. And I am already looking forward to some things happening this weekend. However, not looking forward to the panic mode in Germany. On arrival I have to go into quarantine for 10 days, which I can shorten if the test on the 5th day proofs to be negative as well. I am planning to do this and have in fact booked an appointment already.
So why the title of this post? Yesterday was quite an expensive day. While walking around the market and buying even more incense I received a date as a gift. I guess you can imagine where the story goes from here. Biting in it I managed to lose part of one of my teeth. FUCK! I was angry but in the end acceptance always kicks in. Just breathe through it and hope for the best (in my case that my dentist can fix it 😉 ).
Thank you for being my travel buddy this time and all the positive feedback. Sending you all lots of love and hope you stay safe and healthy…and always try to find some joy 🙂
Love,
Matthias
PS: I realize that during this trip I shared many more pictures than usual. Please forgive me but I found it very difficult to choose 🙂
Hi Matthias!
So glad to hear about your trip!
You seems happy, together with the sun on your face – suits you well! Happy and handsome!
I’m really sorry about your tooth, but I admire how you’ve decided to accept it and move on. I’ve got my finergs crossed for you, I’m sure it will work out well with the dentist.
I was looking at one the 1 of the pictures and I was wondering how you’ve managed to get a clean shave, then I read about your trip to the barber, explains it all!
However, looking at the amount of plastic pollution in Sudan, it really saddens me. I just can’t understand how we, as human race, let this happen, how can we be so disrespectful towards our Mother Earth. I read an article not that long ago, about an African woman, who has her own business manufacturing bricks using plastic. I think that if we’d really want to, we can get rid of or at least re-use plastic smart.
Anyways, have a safe journey back and I hope we will be able to talk soon!
Lots of love, Marta!
Hey Marta, great as well from this side to hear from you Yes, I was happy most of the time during this trip and the rest are normal downs. That’s life
Actually, I cut the beard myself but the barber did a good job and it was just a different experience getting it done here.
Yes, we need to collect the plastic we have and find smart solutions for it (I’m sure they exist already) and also get to use less.
Sending you a big hug and will chat with you soon