Rocking Out in the Desert

March 1, 2010


This is our third year in Sudan. We managed to make a new human but we haven't managed to visit one of the few places of interest that is readily accessible to the general public. The attraction in question is the archeological site at Meroe, which several hours north of Khartoum. (Click me for photos and more info about Meroe!)

So this past weekend, the three of us set out with our friends Jon and Marissa (not a couple) to finally see the pyramids of Sudan. After a few hours of driving we were stopped at a checkpoint. At the checkpoint we were informed that we did not have the paperwork needed to continue our voyage. One hour of discussion and arguing ensued between the unofficial looking officials and our bus driver. Ugh! T.I.A. The bus driver finally climbed back behind the wheel and did a U-turn. Sorry kids, no pyramids for you!

In the bus... waiting.

Instead, we drove into the middle of nowhere. We parked the bus behind some massive rock heaps in the desert and pitched our tents. We had been planning to camp at Meroe anyway, so we were prepared. We ended up having a pyramid-free blast in the sand! The moon was really bright. It was pleasantly chilly and we managed to take some crazy slow-shutter-speed photographs.

Setting up camp.

Rowan giving Jon a hand with the water.

Marissa's loving the desert.

Sliding down the dunes.

Desert roaming. Can you see the camp in the background?

What is that guy wearing?

Rowan likes to stay hydrated.

Look for our tiny, tiny campsite.

A closer view.

I mentioned slow shutter speeds. These are our attempts at "light painting" with a 10 second exposure.

Calley's Yin Yang.

My crazy star.

Jon is the winner with his cool face drawing.

Rowan hanging with Mom in the AM.

When it was all said and done, we didn't even feel bad about not seeing the pyramids.

-Ross