A while ago, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed for the ÖAW podcast “Hiccup: Through Time with a Hiccup”. This fantastic series invites academics to travel through different eras – from Ancient Egypt to the Byzantine Empire and on to the Early Modern Period. I myself chose the year 1454 BC on the Nile island of Sai in Upper Nubia – you can hear why in the podcast.

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to revisit the inscription of Nehi in Sai that was highlighted in the podcast. The whole experience was truly a lovely, nostalgic glimpse into the past – as I undertook the excursion with Sudanese friends and colleagues, particularly Huda Magzoub, who worked with me in Sai for many years.

Especially in these difficult times in Sudan, where war still rages in parts of the country, this trip down memory lane is also, for me, a glimpse into the future – we will all work together again in Sudan and help to preserve the cultural world heritage.

There are many urgent tasks to be dealt with, and I am very grateful to be able to spend some time here in this beautiful country with its rich archaeology and wonderful people.