Monday, January 26, 2009

Saharan Adventures



How to even start... The past few days have been a definite adventure! We took a 12 hour iron ore train straight into the middle of the Sahara on Friday. From where we had to catch a truck heading inland a bit through the desert. This truck in the end (a Toyota pickup) had 14 passengers with Holly and I holding on for dear life on all the luggage in the back (including a goat strapped to the side). With so few people living in these parts everywhere we go we have to setup bush taxis (and try to share with others to reduce costs). We ultimately made it to an Oasis town called Chinguetti where we were able to go on a Camel adventure into the deeper Saharan dunes to our own private Oasis for an afternoon. The sunrise and sunset over the dunes and the Sahara are indescribable. Today we had a few bush taxi rides to make it back to the capital of Mauritania, Nouakchott. Along the way we encountered two independent flats with only one spare on board. Thankfully another similar car came by shortly after that we could get a spare from and continue on. Once we get a chance we will try to upload a few more photos, unfortunately the connection here is marginal at best.

Jon

6 comments:

Unknown said...

It is good to here that you are riding around in a Toyota. That way you can get anywhere, without having any problems. haha

That sounds like a great time Jon. I can't wait to see the pictures.

Good luck Jon on your travels.

Bobby

The Barretts said...

I don't think that this type of travelling is for me. I feel stressed/tired just reading this!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you guys are having a great adventure!! Thanks for keeping the updates coming...it is very interesting to read.

And I agree with Sarah...not the type of travelling for me!!!

Anonymous said...

sounds awesome! Dakar is a crazy crazy city!!! So full of contrasts! Can't wait to see the pictures!!

Jon Barrett said...

Bobby... I guess it wasn't the trucks fault, but we did have a flat the other day in a toyota truck. Got fixed really quick as we had two spares with us.
Sarah... I agree... you really would not like it... Holly is being a great sport though and putting up with me.
Hannah... Yeah, Dakar was great as we could buy a few things we were craving... Felt a bit sketchy at night???

Anonymous said...

Jon, I'm obviously way out of the loop, but...who is Holly???

-Cary