Farewell Khartoum

Khartoum has been confusing. Its image on the world stage is very poor and uninviting. Without doubt there are serious problems at governmental level that cause disquiet in the global community - for example, corruption on a grand scale. Other parts of the country are lawless and dangerous. In Khartoum itself there has been frightening civil unrest in recent years.

But we have found a great people, who are friendly and helpful. You will never be mugged for your possessions. The majority Muslim population are largely tolerant and rarely radicalised. Women seem to live very much more equally than elsewhere in the region.

The long list of caveats to be found on the web just do not apply in reality. Admittedly, we have been treated royally. But the lasting impression is of a place to which I would return with no qualms.