[p]pjr4728
[s]
pos: 19 6.455n 37 20.320e
sp: 0
h: 0t
d: 12/04/19 18:33 GMT+0200
In Suakin, Sudan, where we have been for a couple of nights and about to leave tomorrow via some island and coastal mainland Sudanese stops, on our way to Egypt.

It's a little bit surreal here.. The place looks like (I imagine) Hiroshima (buildings) once did... Old Suakin, which we are anchored next to, has barely a complete building standing and even 'new' Suakin, frankly, doesn't seem too different! Compared to Massawa, it is also (or at least appears to be) v patriarchal, with not many women on the streets.

However, despite the differences and obvious poverty, the people we have met are, as usual, very welcoming and v v proud. Had some good street food and the oddest market find was Vimto, which I thought they only sold in Yorkshire! But lo and behold, it's very popular here too.. and throughout Arabia.. Go figure!

There hasn't been any sign of the coup we've heard has been happening, coincidentally (beyond a lack of any Internet access and a few police hanging around yesterday, equiped with the odd automatic weapon or tear gas gun.. and smiles). Whilst borders are apparently closed to air and land travelers, us privileged sea goers have had no worries whatsoever and this has had to be the easiest stopover yet for formalities, diesel etc. ....Relaxed-as!
TTFN

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