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Time is still flying! We are here just over a
week now - winding down is hard! We have been on the go for so long and
believe it or not we miss driving in Mollie!! We are waiting for prices
etc re shipping her home and as soon as that is sorted we will be able to
arrange our travel date home too. Meantime we will try and rest and
readjust to a 'normal' routine again!
Our overwhelming impression of the trip is one of
contrasts - between countries and within a country. This includes
climate, landscapes, roads, transport, people groups - much poverty and
need.
Did we enjoy the journey? Basically,
yes.
Would we do it again? Yes!
Would we do anything differently?
Yes!
Like what? Put air springs on Mollie.
Put an electric fan to cool the engine. Use broader tyre if it's not the
rainy season. Travel overnight on the ferry to Tunis and have a cabin to lie
down!!
What were we least prepared for? Heat from
the engine which made our feet extremely hot and swollen! Lack of
conversation due to engine noise and the need for concentration all the time
while driving. Desert heat and wind and cross winds for a large part of the
trip. Culture in Muslim countries. Toilet smells. Number of people
in Ethiopia.
Any highlights? Many!! Visiting my
uncle's grave in Italy. Roman ruins and mosaics in Libya. Driving through
the Blue Nile Gorge in Ethiopia. reaching SA!
What was the worst experience? For me sea
sickness. Gorodi road (bad bad words!) Also when we were stuck in
the sand in the desert in Sudan. For Stephen driving on the dirt roads
especially N Kenya but some of Sudan and Ethiopia was pretty hair-raising.
The police escort in Egypt was very stressful. The incidents when the cyclist
and young lad nearly hit us was scary enough too.
What was most frustrating? Having to return
to Khartoum to get visa for Ethiopia! Constant insect bites! My
camera - by the time it switched on the shot I wanted was past! The
"yoyoyoyo" in Ethiopia.
Any amusing incidents? Plenty! One was
in Wadi Halfa (Sudan) going in the taxi to meet Mollie - every so often the tune
'London bridge is falling down' would play. We all thought it was
someone's mobile phone and we searched everywhere for it. Seems each time
the driver put his foot on the brakes the tune played!! The lad who washed
himself in the rain water off Mollie when we were stuck at the bridge in
Ethiopia and then thanked us! One of the Lodges we stayed in in SA
was deserted when we arrived. A local lady told us the manager had gone to
town and just make ourselves at home and help ourselves to what we needed!
Thankfully the manager turned up in the morning before we left - it was a lovely
place!
What was most interesting? Too many
things/people to write it here! Kijabe was great to visit.
Ballykajoni is a real wonder. Kedesh is also an amazing
place.
Any disappointments? Yes, very sorry not to
see Mt Kilimanjaro - the cloud was down and completely covered it. Not
being able to visit F.A.M.E. in Kenya but Kijabe made up for it.
What did we find strange? No women obvious in
the Muslim countries and segregation of men and women. No toilet paper or towels
in many hotels. The witch doctor drumming all night.
Were there any luxuries?
Few! For me the feeling of the clean soft down duvet in
Khartoum after the experiences in the desert was bliss! For Stephen it was
drinking cold water in the desert - he said it was like nectar!
What did we learn? The big thing was a total
and utter dependence on God for everything - He protected us and provided
for us every day. Another big thing was to be patient. Each day to be
thankful.
I hope this has at least whetted your appetite to
ask more questions when you see us! I can feel the enthusiasm as I write!
To all of you who have prayed for
us, supported our journey and followed with interest - thank you. We
look forward to getting home soon and will be happy to share as much as you want
or can tolerate!
I also want to put on some pictures but that might
have to wait till I get home!
Will keep in touch and let you know travel plans
when we know them!
night night
God Bless
Stephen and Hester
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