Just a quick update to say we made it out of the desert…in one piece, just. After an astounding 3 days traversing dunes, sliding over sand bogs, chasing camels and driving down beaches in the Sahara, we arrived in Nouakchott the capital of Mauritania. No major breakdowns to report beyond ripped exhausts, broken axels, steaming radiators and burst cylinders. Dusty sailed over the dunes like a boat. We only got stuck in the sand a few times. What a trip.
Yesterday we drove to the Senegalese border where after hours of bargaining with the border guards, all 45 or so cars still in the rally were let into the country for the bargain price of 130 Euros each. A small price to pay to save sleeping in the car all night. The HIV AIDS tags are even more of a hit here in Senegal. We are in St Louis in the north of the country this afternoon where we have been followed around by gangs of hawkers and children all wanting a tag! We insist on everyone understanding the reason behind the tags and asking them what they know about HIV/AIDS before giving them out. This is sometimes easier than other times as unfortunately, the shiny silver necklaces are all some boys and girls can concentrate on…Language is a barrier too of course, hopefully by the time we get to the Gambia our discussions with people about HIV/AIDS will get easier.
More news of our expolits in the desert will follow, as we return now down the river to Zebrabar, a camping ground for travellers run by a Swiss couple where we are having a giant barbeque and party tonight to celebrate getting this far! Almost there now.
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