Throughout my first month or so in Khartoum, I have been fortunate to be working
with such great friends and colleagues, who have introduced me to the various
expat clubs and societies which exist in the city and invited me to various
events. The strict shariah law and cultural differences which exist in Sudan, can make
life boring (or even lonely) for an expat, especially if used to the vibrant
night life found in most western cities. However, once part of the expat community,
any visitor to Khartoum
should find there are plenty of opportunities to socialise.
I have found the key to enjoying life in Sudan is to
network at any opportunity, join any club going, and develop a wide range of
contacts. This is why I joined the Hash House Harriers, mentioned in an earlier
blog, which incidentally was cancelled this week due to a sandstorm which
engulfed Khartoum.
I did take some photos, but obviously they don’t show a great deal! Needless to
say, it was extremely unpleasant outdoors and running with the Hash in those
conditions would have been unwise.
Another club I joined in my first month is the Khartoum
Caledonian Society, which meets in the British embassy once a week for Scottish
dancing and liquid refreshments. It will come as no surprise that Burns Night
is the main event in the Caledonian Society calendar, but celebrating it last
Friday night may be more of a surprise. I think security was the main reason
for the months delay, although perhaps it was just on Sudanese time! (In Sudan,
everything and everybody always runs late). Traditionalists will however be
pleased to learn there was the obligatory ‘piping in the haggis’ and poetry
readings, as well as witty (or should that be tedious?) speeches by various
dignitaries, including the ambassador. I had the impression the coalition goverments austerity measures may have affected the event too, as my portion of haggis did seem rather small! Never mind, the dancing which followed
dinner was great fun, even if I did feel a little underdressed compared to all
those in kilts and/or dinner jackets.
The first half of term also ended this week with the PTA
school bazaar, which was a well attended event with music, a fashion show,
children’s races, market stalls, and of course lots of food! (I tried some
Malaysian food which was available at one of the stalls). Unfortunately, I had
drawn the short straw with the ‘helping out’ rota, and found myself supervising
the extremely popular children’s races from 3pm until 5pm – in the heat of the
day!! Children paid 2SDG to enter various events including the sack race and the egg and
spoon race.
I am now looking forward to a weeks holiday, and am planning
to visit Port Sudan, which will be my first experience travelling outside
Khartoum. A full half term report will follow next week.