Nubian Pyramids

Today we drove over to the Nubian Pyramids, build in the 3rd century BC. That's before the Egyptian pyramids were built. They are about 2 hours drive North of Khartoum, along the Nile. It was such a cool trip; here are some pics:

We took one of our 4X4's to get there. Can't get there without one.

On the way there we came across some "mountains" of black rocks that looked like they were put on top of each other. Really cool.

A typical house in the Sudanese country side. This one has been abandoned, but is still in decent shape. The middle coloumns hold up a roof, usually made of palm leaves. It is totally opened in the front, and that is where they sleep. For some reason, the chosen color for the doors is a beautiful baby blue. The house is actually built of dried mud from the ground underneath it. With heavy rain, it may melt back into the ground, depending on how well it's built. But they never last through a complete rainy season, so they have to be rebuild every year. Nothing to loose but time (which is abundant in this part of the world). Even the land it is built on doesn't really belong to anyone. Here is how it works: you find a land you like. Spill water on it so you make mud to build your home. Live in it for a year. Repeat. So while the US have their trailer homes, the Sudanese have their "Just add water" homes.

And this is how the back yard looks. Pretty spacious, hey. Plenty of room for the kids to play.

This is a pyramid next to me. If you look closely (at the pyramid) you will see the pharoah like drawing. Really cool!

This is one of my favourites. Asfar the camel was my transportation. He was a grumpy old bastard, but we got along fine. We had conversations and all. He's cool.

And of course, the pyramids. There are about 50 of them, all various sizes and all with their entrance facing West.

Will I go again? Sure! Especially to see Asfar again.