Day 81, 2011/07/21 Khartoum to desert near Atbara

Day 81,  2011/07/21 Khartoum to desert near Atbara 

Dave and Naomi, need to sort out their Syrian visa so,  I am off to the internet cafe again today. With my blog almost up to date, I am left with nothing really to do but surf and catchup on some reading. 
I return early to discover that both Dave and Naomi have managed to secure their Syrian visas. We decide there and then that, another night in Khartoum is no longer and option and that we should make an early start by leaving immediately for Moroe and Atbara. Needless to say, it is hot and the putting on the gear is not fun however,the thought of finally getting out of Khartoum is simply too overwhelming and none of can resist. 
The north is heavy laden with trucks and buses so we do not make much head way before night overcomes us and we are forced to setup camp near the side of the road. We decide to stop very close to the road since, there is loads of very thick beach sand which would make my life a nightmare. While waiting for the sun to set, a pickup truck arrives with a number of armed military guys on it. They immediately confront us and want to know what our intentions are and, why we stopped here. The guns are at the ready, so it is a little nerve racking. With our broken Arabic, and their broken English, we eventually explain to them that we intend to bush camp one night and mean no harm to anyone. After consulting our passports, they are appear far more relieved and the mood changes drastically, to the point where they actually become apologetic for disturbing us. It is amazing what the correct attitude can get you in life, regardless of the situation.