Northern State
The Republic of the Sudan
February 6, 2020
Northern State is the heart of Sudan, the heart of ancient area called Nubia.
The Kingdom of Kush ruled in Nubia from 785 BCE to 350 CE.
The Kushites have bequeathed to us their ancient Meroitic languages and their cultural and religious traditions.
Karima to Meroë
Northern State
The Republic of the Sudan
February 5, 2020
I must cross the desert as I travel from the pyramids in Karima to the pyramids in Meroë.
The children are curious and pleasant.
The scenery is inspiring.
Karima
Northern State
Republic of the Sudan
February 4, 2020
Not far from Karima and Jebel Barkal, the weather-beaten, yet charming royal pyramids of Nuri slowly reveal their hidden history and under-water treasure.
Owing to the effects of the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser in southern Egypt, the underground water levels of the Nile have risen and drowned the hidden chambers of the Nubian pharaohs and queens in northern Sudan.
The SCUBA-equipped underwater archaeologists gather buckets of mud from beneath the pyramid as they search for any evidence of the buried rulers. The buckets are carried up from the base of the structure to other scientists who laboriously and patiently sift and discover.
National Geographic has published an article about the watery tombs.
Sudan continues to be a challenging and fascinating land for both determined scientists and curious travelers.
Karima
Northern State
Republic of The Sudan
February 3, 2020
Dear Friends,
A solitary geological oddity, clearly visible from every direction, Jebel Barkal rises from the flat tan desert floor into the cloudless desert sky. In the morning, my first glimpse of the mountain is from the south as I approach the site after a northbound 400-kilometer (250 mile) ride from Khartoum. In the twilight I observe the now darkened mountain from the west as I cross the Nile to El-Kurru.
Barkal Mountain is considered a “Small Mountain.” With a flat top, it’s only 98 meters high (322 feet). Apparently for the younger set, an easy climb.
Khartoum to Karima
Sudan
February 2, 2020
On The West Road, Bayuda Desert, Sudan
An all-day drive. Destination: Jebel Barkal. The Barkal Mountain.
Expect the unexpected in the desert.
Omdurman
Sudan
February 1, 2020
Welcome to the Nubian Wrestling Arena in Omdurman, Sudan
The rules of Nubian Wrestling seem simple enough.
The object of the match is to throw your opponent to the ground to win the match.
A match can end quickly.
There is a time limit. There may be no winner.
