Khartoum
Some Sudanese cyclists that joinred the convoy in Khartoum
Khartoum is a city with anywhere from three to five million persons … no official census and nothing planned for the near future. The city is very nice … hectic, but nowhere like Cairo. It seems like a real large bustling Harare crossed with Umtata. Lots of little Tuk-Tuks and lots of flashy modern cars around. Hyundai and Toyota still predominant vehicles. Out in the desert we had nothing besides Toyota Pickups, buses and trucks – trucks both as buses and for goods.
There are some modern buildings and some decent, yet numerous dilapidated roads and buildings all round. There is a noticeable air of wealth and spending on basic luxuries – food, restaurants, cell phones, cars, electric equipment – apparently more noticeable over the last few years as the wealth off the oil has been expanded.
The Blue and the White Nile come together here and this abundance of water has resulted in lots of greenery and beauty. The city is very clean and quite calm in general. Shop assistants are all very friendly and helpful … and although they don’t try to rip us off on each purchase as in Egypt, I’m sure they crank up their prices a little here and there.
There are some modern buildings and some decent, yet numerous dilapidated roads and buildings all round. There is a noticeable air of wealth and spending on basic luxuries – food, restaurants, cell phones, cars, electric equipment – apparently more noticeable over the last few years as the wealth off the oil has been expanded.
The Blue and the White Nile come together here and this abundance of water has resulted in lots of greenery and beauty. The city is very clean and quite calm in general. Shop assistants are all very friendly and helpful … and although they don’t try to rip us off on each purchase as in Egypt, I’m sure they crank up their prices a little here and there.
