Swenson completes her tour of Sudan with stop in Karima

(Editor’s Note: Sabrina Swenson, a 1986 graduate of Postville High School, is the daughter of Erma Swenson and the late Marlin Swenson. A world traveler, Sabrina is sharing her experiences in Sudan. Printed below is the third of a three-part series.)

I woke early and in the morning light took a look in the mirror to find 25 mosquito bites on my face. I looked like a spotty teenager! They must have been super stealth, because I didn’t hear them buzzing at all. I quickly got dressed and headed out to look for my driver. He was already up chatting with the owner, sipping tea. He smiled at the sight of my spotty face, but didn’t mention it. As a coffee fan, I bring my own instant in case none is available. And so, I sat down and had a couple cups and asked exactly where we were going to get breakfast. A short while later we said goodbye to the Muzn Beach Resort. No goodbye of mine was ever more hasty.

We went in search of breakfast and after finding some, continued on to Nuri. The largest and oldest pyramids in Sudan can be found in Nuri. Although I loved seeing these, they simply couldn’t compare to the larger collection I saw at Meroe. Still, they were impressive.

We continued our drive until we came to Karima. Jebel Barkal is the highlight in this town. A small mountain 321 feet in height, it houses the Temple of Mut in it’s belly. It’s dedicated to the Egyptian sky goddess and contains well preserved paintings. Also, at the base of Jebel Barkal are the ruins of the Temple of Amun.

The following morning we headed out looking for breakfast as once again, my local hotel didn’t serve any. We came across a typical tea house. Basically, it’s an informal set up outside, although this shack did have a roof. It’s comprised of nothing more than a few plastic chairs and tables and a woman who will make you tea to your liking in tiny, little glasses. Again, being a coffee drinker, I simply asked for a glass of hot water and made my own brew.
When my driver and I sat down there was no one present but the tea lady. Upon my sighting, however, several men came over and had a seat and starting chatting with us.

Read the full article in the August 23 edition of the Postville Herald.