Going to Um Rwuaba and the training workshop with the POs and the local partner (see 'Days in the field (fast summary)'

On the way from Khartoum to Um Rwuaba... selling ice seems to be a good business. I am not sure though of the display method under these conditions (55C and direct sunlight), but apparently, it works. Notice the cutting device (talking about appropriate technologies!).











A couple of hours ahead, a cheese vendor. According to Shibby, the package standards were raised by the government. Now, they have to use these plastic buckets. Instead of... well, maybe, thinner cans?










Yes, you heard it well. Thinner cans! This is salted fish... I could not believe my eyes. It is packed in thinner cans. I opened one of those and saw the poor animals inside (no plastic bags). Maybe the gov should raise the standards here as well, shouldn't they?









Shibby (right) and Khalid (left) during the infamous 'sauna' training session with the project officers and members of the local partner Eid El Nil. They are explaining the PMSD approach. Hot but a very productive day.












A well-earned breakfast, which in Sudan is always taken late (around 11). This is the hibiscus project team (see pic below): from left to right; Tahir (Proj. Officer in North Kordofan), Asjad (PO in N. Darfur), Shibby (Markets and Livelihoods Team Leader in Sudan) and Khalid (hibiscus Proj. Manager). In the background, super Bakhita, she took care of us like no one. Everytime you saw her, you knew that something good was about to happen (food, tea, coffee, water, ... a smile).