The Nerd's Eye View

Yipee! Would you also include pictures...already read most of the blog...I do have foggy memories of spending some summer hols with my grandparents..of their almost fanatical indoctrination that we do everything the sudanese way no matter where we are, and despite their love of Sudan, they gave it up to be with us. Thanks to them we can speak arabic and had a wonderful upbringing.

Well I can't guarantee pictures (both from shame and just generally not having a lot of photos from that time) but I'll do my best.

As to your grandparents, it's fantastic that they made sure you speak Arabic. The fanatical indoctrination is pretty much the MO for Sudanese upbringings.

Thank you! And you know what...I bet even though we are strangers, we are probably related in some bizarre and out-of-this-world way. :)

In that typical Sudanese way, of course! Everyone is related, it's a wonder there's any trouble in a country where everyone is your cousin :)

It's me again...this is really sad...but I think I am your bloggy-stalker...if such a thing exists!! I was just thinking...how did this happen? Here I am a perfectly sane person,laughing and wiping my tears at a lot of what you write(friends' comments included) and looking forward to more...especially on my long, painful, working schedule, in between bleeps, screaming women, blood & guts...goodness...I realise how much I miss a good laugh and that many of the people around me are painfully humourless (none of them family, thankfully!)..which reminds me of why i love this blog...you sound just like my brother..warts n' all.

I'm really gratified that you are enjoying my writing. It's great feedback!

I guess you're a doctor then? I find most doctors to be humorless and rather full of themselves. Luckily I am only one of those things :)

I have to agree with your assessment of doctors - those lost souls, wondering the corridors of pain and suffering (mostly their own!) I am lucky enough to be neither humourless nor full of myself...my only misfortune is that I am a doctor ;)
So Mo, still waiting (rather impatiently)for the next blog!!

Patience doctor :), this is a hectic week and in fact I'm writing this from the airport on my phone. Don't worry, you'll get your posts

Hello Strange Doctor,
When was your last visit to Sudan then? Sounds like you might be due for a visit :).

Hi Mo! Thx for getting back even though you are travelling! Take your time and please don't feel under pressure - I am embarrassed at my thoughtlessness. I keep forgetting that nearly everyone has a hectic life, not just moi! If its any consolation I am writing this on my phone too, after my house was cleaned out one night, two weeks ago, while I was at work! Have to get a new laptop - any recommendations from the pro?

Hi Mazzaspring, well was in Sudan in November 2004 for 3 days. My mum had gone over and got very sick so I went over to check on her/fly her out. What I didn't know was that she was genuinely sick but from over-partying!! Seriously! She was delighted to see me and spent the 3 days I was there dragging me from one wedding to another, one dinner to another etc! Needless to say I was worn out but glad to see her having fun. She was so happy she didn't even mind that I was in jeans all the time! So yes, I think about visiting but none of my immediate family are there at present.before this visit I can't even remember when I was last there - maybe in the early 80s as a kid I think.I have been trying to interest my sister in a visit but she has made herself clear on that one - noway!

Hi Hind,
Well that trip in 2004 sounds a lot like my trip in Christmas of 2008. I hadn't been back for a while myself. It was pretty amazing, family were around all the time, and I got to see lots of old friends and make new ones, like the Lo here ;).
I would totally recommend it. In Sudan, third cousin twice removed is immediate family..I'm sure you'll have someplace to stay :). Pity your sister isn't up for it, but Sudan can definitely be grating sometimes ;)!-Mey

Hind, so sorry to hear that you got robbed! That's terrible news! I have lots of advice about computers but it depends on what you want to use it for. Sight unseen I'll say you should get an apple Macbook, since they are so stable and generally neat. Email me if you have more questions [lofatmo (at) lofatmo dot com]