The boys and girls in the picture are from Sudan. From Wadi Halfa. The picture do not lie. They are part of a history that have had dark sides. One country with the challenges facing all in the west and in the very south. Rome was not built in one day and I see a country and a people who want to grow, who want peace, who have a way to go, but which has great potential ... I move a little in my dusty trousers, from street vendors, to bankers, stops by the fishermen and go back to where I sleep. I sleep where bed costs 2 Euros, and I believe in what I see. Long way to go and big potential. Sudan is the glass and it is not half empty but it's half full.

Before I went into Sudan, I asked a little to the right and left. After that I "googled";  "Travel + Sudan" (You try ) the answer was not good and it was from the U.S. authorities; something like "Do not go into Sudan." It takes a year to turn the whole story. Sudan is huge and the story is complicated. I can only write about those I meet and what happenes to me.

After two days I can report the following:

I have never seen anything like the friendliness and openness. I have never experienced five times during 24 hours, that I am not allowed to pay for my food and drink. They will offer.

It is rarely good! The people I meet, the stories they tell, all that remains, and the will to create. It is far from spotless marble and Aker Brygge in Oslo, but there is something in the wind from the north, and you can walk more safely on the road to Karthoum, than in some areas in Oslo. The people will build and they want peace. There is growth and there are opportunities. They are like the puppies in the picture. On the way out and up on stronger legs.

I will be right back with more from Sudan and I will weigh up the challenges that still lie in the country. We can also pass on us in all that has gone wrong, but now I'am goin to a football game. They love the sport. They have invited and I will not be allowed to pay the ticket ... ...

Bjorn Heidenstrøm. Looking for shirts to a symbol for the NRC. And yes! In west and south, there is much to do, but you can clearly see a big potential. The money you spend goes right away. To growth and help.