Blogs from East, Sudan, Africa

Nakon 9 sati ne pre neugodne vožnje stigoh do tog dijamanta na obali crvenog mora. Naravno već na stanici su me čekala dva gospodina iz Sigurnosti za dobrodošlicu. Nakon pregleda dokumenata uputio sam se u potragu za hotelom. Iako nisam nigdje vidio nijednog stranca to se pokazalo ne baš lakom misijom jer su navodno svi hoteli bili puni. Kad sam konačno našao jedan ne prejezivog stanja odlučio sam se baciti u istraživane toliko hvaljenog grada. Na prvu nisam vidio ništa osim velikog brodogradilišta. No odlučio sam pričekati jutro pa se baciti u šire izviđanje. I tako sam na karti izračunao gdje bi trebao biti put prema „otvorenoj plaži“ i krenuo tamo. Nakon sat vremena hodanja po vrelom suncu i povremenog mahanja znatiželjnicima konačno našao kiosk s frižiderom da kupim hladnu Coca Colu. I ta Coca Cola ... read more

Travel within Sudan is never a straightforward endeavor. For one, the distances between points A and B are often vast, with little but desolate desert between. More of an issue, as a khawaja (foreigner), is that you must procure a travel permit – EACH time you travel away from Khartoum, specifying which part of the country you are going. And then there’s the limited tourist “infrastructure” once you get to point B – your, ahem, choice of hotels, for example, may be two tops. Which in turn means you often end up having to pay an exorbitant price for not so fantastic accommodations. There’s no real possibility of bargaining. Where else are you going to go, huh? So I have not done as much domestic travel in Sudan as I would have liked over the course ... read more

So, after three weeks of travelling through Sudan, it's time to head to Ethiopia. I'm a couple of weeks behind on the blog, and I'll try to catch up when I can, but here's a breif glimpse into the last few weeks. Although Sudan neighbours Egypt, there's a massive contrast between the two countries. For a start, it's a whole lot more relaxed this side of the border - shouting Egyptians, in your face, often after your dollar, replaced by softly spoken Sudanese, with a smile here, and a handshake there. Sudan doesn't really do big sights, attractions, or photo opportunities either, at least not compared to north of the border. Instead, the best part for me has the reception we've received from the locals. Whereas Egypt will take your breathe away, Sudan will win your ... read more

We left early in the morning and tried to cross the border on the 6th.. Previously, crossing the border usually will have to take 2 days.. 1 day's drive from khartoum to gadaref.. and another day's drive from gadaref to gallabat (sudan's border town), cross into Metema (ethiopian side) and then drive to Gonder.. The road from Gadaref to Gallabat is now tarred.. so that makes travelling much easier.. The journey to the border was still hot.. but as we near the border, we start to see some trees.. then taller trees.. and the architecture of the building changed from the Sudanese square buildings to the more Ethiopian round huts.. we arrived at Gallabat at 4pm.. but the customs office for vehicle is closed.. the officer supposed was at home.. so they have to call ... read more