Heron on the Nile
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  Displaced People Friday Hideaway Fri 29 Apr 2005  

Fri 29 Apr

Self
Self
Manaahill had drawn me a map and said come see me Friday. At 11am there's a power cut in Shuhada. I try calling but her phone is not available so I go anyway. She is surprised to see me, but I think flattered that I have come. Her youngest sister Ghada is very pleasant and slightly more confident in her English. We talk nonsense for a while and then they bring me fatoor, breakfast on a tray, breakfast just for me which I proceed to devour in front of Manaahill, two of her sisters and her father. Soon the father leaves for Friday prayers and after talking more nonsense they suggest I "take my rest" a wonderful Sudanese custom of inviting your guest to have an afternoon nap. I am happy to take the hint and be on my way, but it seems they mean it literally. In fact I have a few hours on my own in a comfortable, airy room.

Evidently while I've been resting they've said their prayers, done the week's washing and prepared more food. Now I've stirred the girls return with ghada - the afternoon meal. Again it is just for me. Again, they sit and watch, and fuss a little. We continue to talk nonsense.

Manaahil
Manaahil
The light is gorgeous but Manaahill declines to pose for pictures. Instead she takes one of me looking very pleased with myself and very relaxed. In the end I persuade her to be photographed through the burglar bars of a window - I feel it's symbolic of her situation in general and our relationship in particular.

At about 8pm their brother, the breadwinner, returns from work. The girls tease me that he will be angry that I have been here in his house with just the women for hours and hours. He will kill me they tease. Of course he's charming and welcoming and speaks English confidently but I sense after a hard day's work he has better things to do so after half an hour I excuse myself and get on my way.

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