Well, here I am in
Khartoum.
There were times in the last few weeks that I couldn't
imagine ever getting
here, so it was awesome to ride in here at twilight
yesterday.
My Egyptian visa problem solved itself on the
day I left when I was issued
with a 3 week extension. How ironic!
Firstly, thanks to Mahmoud Idries and Kamal Osman
for their help and
hospitality in Egypt and Sudan.
The ferry crossing to Wadi Halfa was uneventful,
but awesome to know that I
was on my way into the real Africa...
..and it started from the moment I arrived,
a dirt track from the boat and a night of sleeping
rough.
The following day I did a 180km desert crossing
on dirt track, a Danish
overland truck going in the opposite direction
was the only company I had
for most of the journey.
I had my first bit of running repairs to do in
the heat of the midday sun
and then discovered that my main water bag had
fallen off the bike when I
stopped for a late lunch!!!
I managed to hold down panic and came across a
small settlement about 10km
further on where I was able to refill my remaining
bottles.
The following day was spent in Abri, with the
local english teacher and his
family. It was interesting to look around a Sudanese
village.
They are all perched along the Nile, so one side
is lush green plantation
and the other is desert.
The people are very friendly, although it does
get claustrophobic being the
constant centre of attention.
Now I know what its like to be a filmstar, I'm
quite happy being obscure
thank you very much.
The last 3 days coming into Khartoum have been
the most intense and
challenging days I think I have ever experienced.
Incredibly hard to
describe, but the effort to get here has been
worth it.
For now, I think I'll spend about a week resting
and trying to find parts
for my bike before heading east towards Ethiopia.
Will try to send photos shortly.
|
