On the final leg

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Bonjour,

We dragged ourselves away from the hustle of Cotonou on Tuesday and in two legs (first stopping at Abomey) are now in Parakou.
The journey north, facilitated by the now mandatory Peugeot 504, was without hassle (by African standards) and we soon remembered how different things are up here as the thick forests petered out into harsh, quite barren scrubland. Things are definately heating up with the hot, dry air doing little to cool the cramped interior of the 50 year old car (4 in the back, 2 in the fornt passengers seat). It will not be far north now until, like in Mali, the vegetation dissapears altogether and the harsh Sahel region will be back. The difference this time is that our plan is to push even further north and properly enter the Sahara - I think we are both simeltanously excited about seeing the reality of the place and dreading the 15 hour drive in the 40+C heat to the desert town of Agadez.
Still, that's a way off yet, tomorrow we head another 400kms north to the Beninese border town of Malanville then, after a night of sleep and recovery attempt the border crossing, over the river Niger, into Niger - satisfying logic I think.
We have enjoyed these two, smaller northern towns which are jammed packed full of more beaming, screaming, naked children and some geninely (i know - i was surprised) interesting historical remains.
Both happy and well enough - dodgy stomachs and the like and very much excited about Christmas and the associated meats.
A request form us to our appropriate Mums - can we please have sausages wrapped in bacon (A.K.A. pigs in blankets).
Love to all at home,
C and A. xxx

P.S - the digital camera was lost many months ago so anyone still holding thier breath for photos please don't - you'll suffocate.

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Comments

[mother hen]

a.k.a pigs
you can have anything you want to eat - a whole plateful of hogs in duvets if you wish. Sad about the digital camera, we've certainly seen some interesting portraits of you two. the Sahara sounds wildly exciting, but take care, won't you? love mum XX

[fairy godmother]

Grim reality
with your suductive talk of high temperatures, cramped cars and vomiting we've had a lovely night out at the Farnham maltings with your folks! the Freddie sound alike had a bit of a frog in his throat - but a good time was had by all. missing you maddly loving you lots a beintot. xxxxxx

[Chris' mum]

Pigs in Blankets on order along with Yorshire pudding, mashed potato and roast beef. Can't wait to serve it to you and hear of all your adventures. Live the dream for the rest of the trip - it's raining and blustery here, all my love mumxxx

[Claire]

Christmas excitment!
Hello my two travelling piggys. Its so good to hear from you both and to learn more about your exciting journey. It sounds like there is still alot that you are planning to do and it all sounds very exciting. I have become ridiculously excited about christmas and cant wait to have you back chris, missing you so much the way only a sister can, its gonna be the best christmas ever you wait and see! And sausages will be only the beginning. Take care you desert rats. Lots of love Claire xxxx

[Hazel]

Hi Folks, we're all looking forward to seeing you during the Christmas holidays. Perhaps someone should warn the pubs in Alton that the cousins are coming!!! Take lots of care and enjoy the rest of your adventure. Lots of love from the Hazel, Colin, Ali and Rich

[Rich]

Bored
How do When you back then, looking forward to getting nicely drunk with you folks on christmas eve and chistmas day, and new years... you get the idea

[Abbie and Viv]

Well done and merry crimbo!
Merry crimbo to both of you, you really do seem to have had an adventure and its been lovely to read all about your travels. Just a quick note from the old buggers at the Assembly to let you know we have been thinking of you and hope you have a lovely Christmas and a fab New Year!! love n hugs from Abbie and Viv