Khartoum Neighbours

The view of our neighbours' courtyard from our balcony

My husband and I noticed, while sitting on our balcony in the evening, that the elderly gentleman of the house opposite, was making a wardrobe. On Monday three weeks ago, I decided to visit him and the two ladies we'd seen in the courtyard.

I rang the gate bell while a number of customers at the shop in the street looked on curiously. Soon I was being ushered into the courtyard by a beautiful woman. With gestures and much arm-waving (I’m getting SO good with charades-lol!) I managed to convey that I’d like to speak to the man of the house. On her call of “Mohamed”, he appeared from the house next door. He spoke English and introduced himself and then the lady with us as Harda, his sister. He said his wife was out, but please would I come in.

Saire, Mohamed and Harda

Once inside Harda's home where a friend whom she introduced as Saire, was seated on a divan, Harda motioned for me to sit down. The women immediately wanted to know all about me: where do I come from, how many children do I have, where does my husband work. That day, our fourth grandchild had just been born. I explained this to Mohamed who relayed it to the ladies. They in turn, clapped their hands then leant over to pat my knee in congratulation.

Meanwhile Mohamed disappeared outdoors and returned within a few minutes with two bottles of Pepsi Cola. Harda brought out two wine glasses which Mohamed filled. He gave one to me, took one for himself and gave the remainder of the two bottles of Pepsi to the two women.

Mohamed and his wife, Zenab pose in front of the wardrobe he built

After chatting a while longer and learning several important Arabic words and phrases from these kind people, I asked if they would pose for a photograph. They sat on the divan opposite and at first they looked very somber. Lowering my camera, I smiled at them and dredging up a newly –acquired word to depict “happiness”, I asked them to daheka /laugh. Immediately their faces broke into wide smiles and I continued to click away amid much laughter.

As I started to leave, another beautiful lady entered the yard. Mohamed introduced her as his wife, Zenab. While greeting Zenab, I suddenly remembered the wardrobe that Mohamed was making. I asked them if I could see it. They took me around a shoulder -high wall to their home. After admiring the wardrobe and asking Mohamed if he’d make an item of furniture for me, they both posed in front of it.

When I finally left, they asked me to please come again.

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