All over...

Mark

17 Jan 2009, Bamako

The last few days as we drove across Africa to get to Bamako (where our cars are to be auctioned) we have been overwhelmed by the kindness, happiness and joy in the hearts of the African people with whom we have met. The problems with the car have proved a double edge sword. On the one hand our stops to tweak and repair in remote places have seen us surrounded by children and adults alike who have sung with us, laughed with us and gone out of their way to help us. It is not a one off. Neither is there any other motive than to enjoy the company of strangers and make them feel welcome. For all their material poverty they are rich in goodwill and human kindness and we have so much to learn from them. The flip side of these problems is that, having made it to Bamako we have made the difficult decision not to do the extra 2000km to Timbuktu and back lest we do not make it back to sell the Trooper. But we are both agreed that the memories we now carry and our experiences with these people that have resulted are far more meaningful than a trouble free trip to Timbuktu.

Reader Contributed Comments

1    7 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

Well Done and congratulations. A friend once told me that once you had been to the heart of Africa, your heart would always remain there. Just think of all the good the money you and Shaun have raised will do. You both should be very proud of your achievement. Enjoy your remaining time there and looking forward to seeing you later this week. Geri xxxxx

17 Jan 2009 | Shirley Mclaughlin (dave att mclaughlin161 dott freeserve dott co dott uk)

Can echo Geri's sentiments and just 2 say that their are 2 little people at home who can't wait to " squash Daddy"

17 Jan 2009 | Geri (gschuch att orange dott net)

2000 Euros for Super Trooper? Fantastic result! What a success you both have achieved, Who would have thought that a wreck found in a small field in Bath could bring such rich reward for Africa. Well done!!! Geri xxxxx

18 Jan 2009 | alex (alexchapel att btinternet dott co dott uk)

Fabulous - well done! The whole adventure has been so exciting to follow and we are SO proud of you. Can't wait to see you again - do we get a slide show of snaps to watch - we could provide some crisps and lager as refreshments! When are you back? Alex and Ian.

19 Jan 2009 | Jim McKee (james dott McKee att mod dott uk)

Congratulations. Brilliant to hear you have arrived safely. We are looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing the photos when you get back.

19 Jan 2009 | Jim McKee (james dott McKee att mod dott uk)

Congratulations. Brilliant to hear you have arrived safely. We are looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing the photos when you get back.

19 Jan 2009 | Chipster (crowder dott sarah att hotmail dott co dott uk)

Amazing, what clever fellas you are, I look forward to hearing all about it when/if you ever stop having so much fun and get back to the UK!

20 Jan 2009 | jane, sian and aonghas (janefelicity1973 att hotmail dott co dott uk)

Well Done, to be fair I didn't think the 'jeep' would do it, She served you both well! Sian and Aonghas both cheered loudly when they knew you had done it, though Sian was disappointed that you didn't go to Timbuktu! A truly worth while cause, hopefully your adventure will have highlighted this particular charity to many....

05 Feb 2009 | Harriet Hebblethwaite (troublethwaite att hotmail dott com)

Fantastic, well done mate!! I have to say there were times (before you set off) that I thought this couldn't be done, but I've gladly be proven wrong!! I've really enjoyed reading your blog and following your fantastic adventure into the desert, and now look forward to seeing some more pictures. Additional sarcasm and inter-service banter to follow in a personal email to Shaun!!