Nouakchott

They said it would be dangerous and that we should stay away but so far Mauritania has exceeded all expectations - friendly people and plenty of military around to make us feel safe. Getting through the border at Noadihibou was painless thanks to a guide called Mullai who saw us through the bureaucracy. He then drove us to an auberge where they had a sit-down toilet and hot showers (bliss). We bought fish in the market and cooked it in their kitchen and then met a real cool dude called Dahid who for a price next day took us to a national park where we swam in the sea and ate lovely fish in a house near the beach. We all four slept in a Bedouin tent that had iron pegs - vital since we were exposed to gale force winds. The journey there was partly off-piste which called for the first use of the 4-wheel drive. After showering the following morning in the dark still with the wind howling, we set off for Nouakchott, Mauriania's capital. We drove straight to the Mali embassy and processed our visas within hours. Nick took Beast 1 to a mechanic friend of Dahid who fixed an overheating problem. Malvena took Ben to an eye clinic where he was diagnosed with conjunctivitis and got drops and ointment. I was left to cleam out Beast 2. We are headed for Senegal tomorrow with amother guide who will ensure a smooth passage through the border. We will await news of the Mali border situation before heading west. Ben has told us that he has bought beer for us tonight as a treat. I happen to know that it is non-alcoholic but he doesn't know I know. It'll be fun playing him along! Apologies for typos - I'm writing this on my Blackberry.