It's hard to think it's Christmas time; the weather here in Sudan gives no hint of the festive season. There's not much in the way of decorations. Radio stations play the same old Arabic and American songs. Shops are not especially busy or frantic. There are no holly berries, sprigs of mistletoe or office parties.

Yet, in a way, it feels like we are closer to the traditional nativity scene: A hot, dusty country where donkeys are used for transport (though I'm yet to see a pregnant woman on one), shepherds wearing tea-towel like headdresses and occasionally we see camels mounted by turban-topped undoubtedly-wise men.