7 May 2008

Day 67

Khartoum - Wad Medani (Nile Hotel)

266 km

SARAH: We were up early and at AWAB garage with our landies at 8:30am. Taco and Brenda had their clutch cylinder replaced and we had our vibration and leak on the right front wheel checked. The garage was clean and dealt only with landrovers. The mechanic seemed very competent and I was happy someone professional was having a look at our car. They couldn't find any cause for the vibration and the oil leak seems to be from a scratch on the ball of the swivel joint so we may have to live with the leak. The mechanic encouraged me that our car was solid and strong with no major problem so I do feel better. Four hours of work only cost us £40.

It was goodbye to Khartoum and we drover as far as we could towards the border. We can't actually afford many more days in Sudan since we are running out of US$. Arriving at Wad Medani, Bruce insisted we stayed in a decent hotel to help me get over my cold. The 30US$ Nile Hotel had aircon but was still pretty crummy with sagging beds and cockroaches.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SUDAN

1. Wonderfully kind people who will do anything to help you.
2. Travelling the bad road from Wadi Halfa to Dongola
3. Having great chai (tea) from the tea ladies road side stalls.
4. Meroe pyramids
5. Confluence of the Nile
6. Feeling so safe travelling
7. Fruit shakes and Willy burgers at the Blue Nile Sailing Club

LOWLIGHTS OF SUDAN

1. Expensive crummy hotels
2. Car trouble

SUDAN SUMMARY

Diesel:

Exchange rate: $1 = SP2

Beer: It's illegal

Border crossing: 1.5 days at Wadi Halfa in / 15mins out