> Douz and Don'ts (ha ha).

Another week or two in Douz and my visa still hasn't arrived, despite the people being very nice and telling me that "immigration checks" will be finished tomorrow, inshallah. The novelty is starting to wear off this lovely little place - lots of people know my name, and I've even had a haircut and helped out at the till at the local souk! I decided to break the monotony with another cruise over the desert to Ksar Ghilane (the place with the hot spring), returning via Beni Kheddeche and Matmata.

What should have been a relaxing break turned into rather more, as I broke down en-route with a blocked main jet, or possibly watered-down fuel. After an accomplished and speedy repair I decided to drive the last 50km or so on the GPS waypoint, leaving the extremely sandy and rutted piste in favour of trackless scrub desert. The sun was going down, and I was expected in KG. Caning across the desert, it seems that my mobile went AWOL into the sand. I searched the next morning (following my tracks at 0530!) but didn't find it, so it will have to be my gift to the Sahara.

Uploaded 25th June 2004

Abdallah; call +216 98997032 or click!	The guys in Ali's Ally, making up some parts for me.	Leaving my card in the desert, Bir Soltane.	Nothing like an evening desert breakdown to focus the mind.
The coolest (and newest) pickup in town.	Boubaker and Fathi.	Getting some serious work done.	Andrea and Christian drove here in a vintage fire engine!
He insisted his name was Charles(!?)	Boubaker lookin' good on the XR...	But it proved a bit heavy!	Tahar the signwriter sorting my bike for me.

Click on an image to enlarge - click your back button to return.