Karima to Khartoum

After the trip in the open pick up through the desert I felt exhausted. I had 'ful' (a dish with beans) for dinner and went to bed right after. Next day I visited Jebel Berkal, the holy mountain. Eight people were sitting in the shade, five of them followed me to the museum, which was only two rooms big. When I had seen it, they closed it again and went back to the shade. Only one man came with me to open the temple of Mut, some minutes walking in the sun. He told me that he would close after me and then leave me alone. Since it is Ramadan he can't eat or drink and therefor must get back in the shade as soon as possible.

It was very hot indeed, but I naturally could not resist climbing the rock. Some hours later I made it back to the shade. More dead than alive I dropped into a chair. Hadn't it been Ramadan I surely would have been given tea and food, but alas... now I could only wash my face and hands.

After dark I went to find potatoes for dinner. Unsuccesfull and have a bad mood I was sipping a tea, while hoping the french would drive up the street. Not five minutes later they did! They stopped and greeted me heartedly. Anne-Cecile kissed the life right back into me.

Next day to Khartoum, in a minibus this time. Asphalted road most of the way, a relaxing ride. Halfway we stopped for I don't know what as suddenly someone woke me. I looked straight in Dani's face! They had passed me with the truck and he saw me in the bus. He offered me a ride with them. As usual I can't make up my mind fast enough and the bus is moving again. We'll meet again in Khartoum.

About Khartoum I will be short.... it's hot, it's dirty, it's Ramadan and it's no fun. I stayed in two of the worst hotels untill now, but got my Ethiopian visa. The only good thing about Khartoum was that I did meet the Austrians again. And two of the french too.