2015 Motorcycle trip from West Wales to West Africa and back.
My first camp in the true African bush went well. I had all my limbs in the morning and I slept soundly. That is after I put earplugs in, before that every rustle of the wind woke me up.
The ride today was pretty much as the rest of Senegal; hot and dusty. There has been a gradual change from salt production and green trees near the coast to charcoal production and more arid conditions inland.
Gambia is… I could write so many things here but the reality is I cannot do the people justice in anything I write. I have been welcomed by smiling faces wherever I go, and want to come back; and I want to bring Scouts from the UK so they can get some of the energy that has been given to me over the last few days.
The culmination of my time here was this evening when the Gambian National Scout band have me a personal marching display (I have videod it) and tonight when we had a campfire Gambian style (African music and drums) when I definitely felt like guest of honour.
JERRE JIF
(Thank you)
Today has been a welcome break from the hectic schedule of the last few weeks. Omar took me to the local beach and the contrast between what the tourists see and what the people live is noticable. But what was also noticable was the lack of tourist. Probably because it is early in the season but the fear of ebola has had a big effect on tourism throughout Africa. The fears are unfounded and staying away from places like Gambia because of that fear is like not going to Spain.because of a problem in Scotland. (more…)
Today has been about getting run over and meeting people. Omar took me to the bank, the phone shop (Internet now working) the market and to his family house. I have also met the teachers at the little trees skills training school that are hosting me, and a lot of local Scout leaders. To get about I have been using public transport, an experience in itself.
Just letting everyone know all is OK – I will be doing blogs for these days tomorrow – Teasers: – I nearly met the president of Senegal, I slept near some lions and went for a walk with them this morning – as in walking alongside them like you would a dog, I crossed into Gambia, met some Scouts, had my own personal concert from the national Scout band, met the incoming chief commissioner for Gambian Scouts… And there’s more!!!
John
This will be a long post but bear with me, it involves a scam, an arrest and me being separated from my passport and bike by the Senegal river.
I left Steve early yesterday morning (thanks again for your hospitality) for the Senegal border and Rosso. Described by other travels in endearing terms such as the armpit of Africa and the most corrupt border in Africa. I have been dreading this day since early in my planning and on the ride down I felt like a lamb going to slaughter.
Distance: 230km
To get a Senegal visa the procedure is to pay online and then take a confirmation email to the border and deal with everything else there. Despite several unsuccessful attempts to do the online bit overnight I decided to go to the Senegal embassy in Nouakchott and do it there.
Problem 1 was that my satnav did not recognise the address, ok I will ask around. Problem 2 was I went straight to the busiest part of town and everyone and their dog was trying to run me down, beg from me or try to sell me something. I soon realised that red traffic lights mean stop off you feel like it, drive on the wrong side of the road through the junction of you do not feel like stopping.
Distance 560km, Western Sahara to Mauritania
Well I did these things:
1. Woke up in a tent on a warm sandy beach.
2. Rode my motorbike through the Sahara desert
3. Crossed the tropic of cancer
4. Exited Morocco and braved their customs
5. Crossed no mans land, a 3km stretch of wasteland between the borders littered with discarded vehicles and surrounded by land mines.
Distance: 470km
Last night somebody on the HUBB confirmed that the Mauritanian visa was available at the border. I have decided to go for it. If the information is right it saves me three days in Rabat, if the information is wrong I will have three days travel down there plus three days to travel back to Rabat plus another three days to travel down again. 9 days! I have heard from several sources so i think the risk is worth it. All this because of a puncture!
Distance: 110km, Start Kanitra, Morocco, End: Mohammedia, Morocco
Today started very well with the best cup of tea I have had since leaving the UK and a tasty pancake breakfast courtesy of Bob and Ellie. Thank you for giving me a good start to the day and for your donation to Street Child.