So: that's it. Seventeen weeks ago, we gingerly stepped out of the
Casablanca train station into some dismal rain. Tonight, reluctant salvoes
of thunder sound over Accra and the rain struggles through the thick air
onto our Salvation Army dormitory. I think it may have rained twice in
between these two outpourings. I used to believe in portentous things, but,
no longer. This is probably just a sign that we didn't choose the rainy
season to traverse one of the hottest regions on earth. Some memories will
crystallise, others may alter entirely.
The days will put a distance between us; West Africa and I. For the most part, she has reminded me how much I have forgotten; French, dealing kindly but firmly with harlots,
reconciling the lottery of different peoples' lot in life. What I can say I
will take with me is the skill of brevity. Not because it is abundant,
rather because it is the one thing needed. From the grandest overtures to
the lowliest chores, let them be brief in Africa. For, how else can we hope
to extract the real feelings of things if they are anything more than
fleeting..
As she did not mark our arrival, so shall she be similarly aloof as we take
our leave. Yet, somewhere in the midst of the wailing, tinkering landscape,
there may be someone who is smiling, as they remember the antics of two le
blancs on their southern foray.
And, for my part, that is more than I could
hope to leave with those who dwell in these lands of the setting sun.
Below is the motion version of the West Africa leg! Max volume suggested. Pass on to anyone and everyone!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl6Qay9NTJI
THE WAY
Casablanca train station into some dismal rain. Tonight, reluctant salvoes
of thunder sound over Accra and the rain struggles through the thick air
onto our Salvation Army dormitory. I think it may have rained twice in
between these two outpourings. I used to believe in portentous things, but,
no longer. This is probably just a sign that we didn't choose the rainy
season to traverse one of the hottest regions on earth. Some memories will
crystallise, others may alter entirely.
The days will put a distance between us; West Africa and I. For the most part, she has reminded me how much I have forgotten; French, dealing kindly but firmly with harlots,
reconciling the lottery of different peoples' lot in life. What I can say I
will take with me is the skill of brevity. Not because it is abundant,
rather because it is the one thing needed. From the grandest overtures to
the lowliest chores, let them be brief in Africa. For, how else can we hope
to extract the real feelings of things if they are anything more than
fleeting..
As she did not mark our arrival, so shall she be similarly aloof as we take
our leave. Yet, somewhere in the midst of the wailing, tinkering landscape,
there may be someone who is smiling, as they remember the antics of two le
blancs on their southern foray.
And, for my part, that is more than I could
hope to leave with those who dwell in these lands of the setting sun.
Below is the motion version of the West Africa leg! Max volume suggested. Pass on to anyone and everyone!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl6Qay9NTJI
THE WAY
Some Numbers
Monies raised to date: R20,100
Mileage: 10,148kms
Time on the road: 17 weeks
Modes of transport used: 13 (Car, Bus, Sept
plus taxi, train, minibus, bush taxi, donkey cart, horse cart, cattle cart,
pirogue, camel, bicycle, moped)
Countries visited: 6. Morocco, Mauritania,
Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana.
Occupied territories visited: 1. Western
Sahara.
Countries in rebel hands on our departure:
1. Mali
Countries hanging in the balance despite
our departure: 5
Names called: My friend, toubab, toubaboo,
le blanc, le blanche, playboy, French military, Tellem, Texan, obruni, yova,
asshole
Evangelicals accosted by: 6
Known convertees: 1
Proficiency of handling local transport:
a)
Before arrival of our mothers:
91%
b)
After arrival of our mothers:
17%
very lekker scottish. thanks guys for keeping us tuned in. more about the 'known convertees' later i hope ;)
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