tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10285531157359863702024-02-02T16:05:11.631-08:00Limo To AfricaThe official blog of the Limo To Africa team for the 2008-2009 Plymouth-Dakar Rally.Mahkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295323301438530239noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-37813878278043303302008-01-30T11:48:00.000-08:002008-01-30T11:50:09.595-08:00More Photos<DIV><SPAN class=123154412-28012008><FONT face=Arial size=2> <DIV><SPAN class=123154412-28012008><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hi All - more photos here. Blog update coming shortly. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=123154412-28012008><FONT face=Arial size=2>In Bamako ! </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=123154412-28012008><FONT face=Arial size=2>Having great time, off to Timbuktu in a couple of days after limo repairs - need new rear shocks !!</FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88296296@N00/sets/72157603736900463/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/88296296@N00/sets/72157603736900463/</A></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=123154412-28012008><FONT face=Arial size=2>If the link doesn't work then the limotoafrica tag should get you there.</FONT></SPAN></DIV></FONT></SPAN></DIV>Mahkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295323301438530239noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-14606647914320686242008-01-30T11:40:00.000-08:002008-01-30T11:47:56.705-08:00Off to Timbuktu !Spent the past two days in Bamako working on new rear suspension for Vegas. Amazing process, working on dirt street with junkyard African mechanics. New customized rear springs via blacksmith, new rear shocks from a toyota - rubber inserts from who knows where. Job done three times over Africa-style. Better than ever. Off to Segou to Festival on the River tomorrow, then on to Timbuktu. <br />Rally organizers are planning a special auction for Vegas - hopefully will raise several thousand euro !<br />Off to dinner, xo<br />MMahkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295323301438530239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-42998946311121084442008-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:002008-01-29T12:21:44.770-08:00Direct updates...If you want to keep an eye on occasional reports from the Limo, please visit this page:<br /><br />http://www.pdcinfo.info/fieldreports/8502fr.htm<br /><br />These are text messages sent directly from Mark or Suna to the <A HREF="http://plymouth-dakar.co.uk/">rally site</A>.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-14502724093222148652008-01-28T04:39:00.000-08:002008-01-28T04:54:46.207-08:00In Bamako - More Photos<div><span class="123154412-28012008"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"> <div><span class="123154412-28012008"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Hi All - more photos here. Blog update coming shortly. </span></span></div> <div><span class="123154412-28012008"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">In Bamako ! </span></span></div> <div><span class="123154412-28012008"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Having great time, off to Timbuktu in a couple of days after limo repairs - need new rear shocks !!</span></span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88296296@N00/sets/72157603736900463/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/88296296@N00/sets/72157603736900463/</a></span></div> <div> </div> <div><span class="123154412-28012008"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">If the link doesn't work then the limotoafrica tag should get you there.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Mark<br /><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div>Mahkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295323301438530239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-1622323682834251522008-01-27T15:54:00.000-08:002008-01-27T18:51:10.193-08:00Report from BamakoThe team reports that they have arrived in Bamako, three days ahead of schedule and plan to head to Timbuktu in a few days. The limo required a minor suspension rebuild in the desert today but "that's just part of the fun."<br /><br />Roger and John in the London cab made it through, but sadly, the boys from the Isle of Man were forced to abandon their Land Rover after losing their rear axle in the desert.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-76293237598177596532008-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:002008-01-26T22:52:36.873-08:00In MaliTeam Running Amoc (the London taxi) has sent news that they've arrived in Mali after some hard going through the desert and hope to get to Bamako tomorrow. If the convoy is still together, Mark, Suna and Pinar should be in Mali as well.<br /><br />LATE UPDATE: The limo kidz report that they are almost in Bamako having spent a lovely night under the stars.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-20027568342947658322008-01-24T00:08:00.000-08:002008-01-24T00:11:19.090-08:00.mac web galleryPiles of pictures from the first half of the trip, very little editing. <A HREF="http://gallery.mac.com/payote#100024"> Enjoy.</A>Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-89408222204019851572008-01-21T02:28:00.000-08:002008-01-24T09:28:02.652-08:00Report from DakhlaThis text from Mark, Suna & Pinar:<br /><br /><code>Leaving Dakla now @ 6.30am in convoy with guide - off to the desert we go. All are in good spirit & Vegas is ready as she'll ever be.</code><br /><br />"Vegas" is convoying along with a few other teams: The London taxi piloted by Roger and John, the Land Rover Discovery driven by Juan (not pronounced like you think), Ben & James and The Farmers.<br /><br />ODOMETER: ????Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-32265179444995718092008-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:002008-01-22T05:05:03.441-08:00Sump/Oil Pan Protection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IbZSuUBtMgapFodFOeqGsFORXQ_sU8Cn-es4kKItO26CGueoxijgwCRhcaw0lLCmpLQsycNvKEzy4PVVEy_uHWQNgSEuYTXTDvPTh4q3pXDD5SQzm1wDOsxOrV8T0AZxVAMSIuY771A/s1600-h/Oil+Pan+Shield.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IbZSuUBtMgapFodFOeqGsFORXQ_sU8Cn-es4kKItO26CGueoxijgwCRhcaw0lLCmpLQsycNvKEzy4PVVEy_uHWQNgSEuYTXTDvPTh4q3pXDD5SQzm1wDOsxOrV8T0AZxVAMSIuY771A/s320/Oil+Pan+Shield.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158285398766961938" /></a>Here's a close-up shot of the oil pan rails Abdul added, following Mark's design. He did this in a about an hour. Looks vicious, and if it doesn't protect the oil pan, at least it will intimidate a few desert rocks.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-73859554918607104592008-01-20T21:08:00.000-08:002008-01-23T22:38:00.535-08:00Report from Essaouira<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOIDu5SjJDGGRuZC4k1-CViV5LN8KgS67FHvOpr9wHDipS2ZKSzwQ7tA433KYrnLkKo9m6MC9QXHOR5lDGwy6u1T-mAt2yx9LEjPF_MX5HhFblVLfiZld6ckDwhOaXjGJk1WusnWUEWI/s1600-h/Abdul.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOIDu5SjJDGGRuZC4k1-CViV5LN8KgS67FHvOpr9wHDipS2ZKSzwQ7tA433KYrnLkKo9m6MC9QXHOR5lDGwy6u1T-mAt2yx9LEjPF_MX5HhFblVLfiZld6ckDwhOaXjGJk1WusnWUEWI/s320/Abdul.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158283405902136578" /></a><br />After a day and a half in the Moroccan port city of Essaouira, January 20th found Mark, Pinar and Suna leaving Payo standing by the beach with Cynthia. They will be returning to work while the hardcore crew of three heads for points south. While in Essaouira we were able to find a terrific local welder/fabricator, Abdul, who modified the Hi Lift jack for us and added some reinforcing rail shields to the undercarriage of the limo to help protect the oil pan/sump. He also brews up a great mint tea, with not too much sugar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfExTbw4HcoB6veAEzoBrjgfYyWaUe3iFgc3s-AJGU7ZbvoKJjM5Dzll_CtTizWuJ3MDu_OccYOupKSJgqn1jqlnzZz_8VUoZmzqZuunbChMBIuf4PSy41H36-tVlSYc0Cpvrmj2I4mk/s1600-h/Abdul+in+Vegas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfExTbw4HcoB6veAEzoBrjgfYyWaUe3iFgc3s-AJGU7ZbvoKJjM5Dzll_CtTizWuJ3MDu_OccYOupKSJgqn1jqlnzZz_8VUoZmzqZuunbChMBIuf4PSy41H36-tVlSYc0Cpvrmj2I4mk/s320/Abdul+in+Vegas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158928485274060418" /></a><br /><div> </div><div><br /><br />By about noon on the 20th, Suna, Pinar and Mark were reporting that they were in 'Armageddon,' with wind-blown dust rivaling the kinds seen in the Nevada desert at Burning Man.<br /><br />From this point on, updates will be few, as the amount of cellular and internet access drops off until they reach larger cities again.</div>Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-66264779132780645842008-01-19T16:49:00.000-08:002008-01-23T11:06:20.245-08:00Wave-off in Essaouira<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyxy6YgyG7RZkB_3y4APyRc9RaqBs9VlsUhlCrcB8mNrKqgRMAYtM1gynvbWAYbzyEiAESeCZFwZCMzG5yUoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div>Mark, Suna, Pinar and Vegas head south. (Shot on my "still" camera since I'd handed the hi-def over at this point)</div><br /><br />ODOMETER: ????Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-50894763686698294162008-01-18T14:27:00.000-08:002008-01-23T22:32:36.342-08:00That's the signpost up ahead...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpKzcm91T68Zx8lm2o_uHInAm9QjIwvW57wY6M9-eqhACgQx6jyYCHoazPfbn2WobOukwTuV2UXBEScNC07jK2rjbIdDIV4FTBf_dEHPFhgPwivL5rNwPpSgPbPGj01sF-ttgPD4e1Nw/s1600-h/Essaouira+sign.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpKzcm91T68Zx8lm2o_uHInAm9QjIwvW57wY6M9-eqhACgQx6jyYCHoazPfbn2WobOukwTuV2UXBEScNC07jK2rjbIdDIV4FTBf_dEHPFhgPwivL5rNwPpSgPbPGj01sF-ttgPD4e1Nw/s320/Essaouira+sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158926363560216178" /></a><br /><br />This thoughtfully placed sign was located about 27km outside of Essaouira, right where two Moroccan gendarmes decided to pull us over. They then made Pinar get out of the car, Suna delete some photos she had taken and Payo consider shaving off his beard. Power trips aren't just for U.S. cops.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-5069454348026218072008-01-18T10:30:00.000-08:002008-01-22T19:29:24.022-08:00Not available for purchase in the souks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-jq40JQSVHnQRxFAJ-rXdPxi-VCopxiNJR7MDqfw2QYczzOps81hSx0kGsHXyA0cLrJvZLFr7ZhICxZNl3SBN8NiHspxWndVvlq4use-FUKBUy814qAAoKEkbZsEA15aFYtbxAVF6Fg/s1600-h/Vegas+in+Marrakech.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-jq40JQSVHnQRxFAJ-rXdPxi-VCopxiNJR7MDqfw2QYczzOps81hSx0kGsHXyA0cLrJvZLFr7ZhICxZNl3SBN8NiHspxWndVvlq4use-FUKBUy814qAAoKEkbZsEA15aFYtbxAVF6Fg/s320/Vegas+in+Marrakech.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158453542441633106" /></a><br />Here's a shot of "Vegas" in the Jemaa El Fna in Marrakech, just before we hit the road for Essaouira. At night the entire area at the passenger side of the limo is buzzing with food stalls.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-12946909576603719832008-01-17T04:43:00.000-08:002008-01-17T05:03:31.638-08:00Photos!!!Hey all, having trouble uploading lots of photos to the blog, here they are on flickr.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88296296@N00/sets/72157603736900463/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/88296296@N00/sets/72157603736900463/</a><br /><br />Having a great time, currently in Marrakesh, heading to Essa tomorrow. More photos soon....Sunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215270038598444059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-60730334760701013132008-01-16T13:59:00.000-08:002008-01-22T06:00:11.211-08:00"Vegas" and some fans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeT-bXHVUX7eSz6dw_CaCqIV3D9ChM882K1_jmmaFWJTJVJMpI9BOsVQKHN4ULTUIf1kRor5pTBL1XLbCc32Z17-4b3ZQH7IYEB75A0FhNr4NjmgesGu6Dzc4XOf2DakGOqHChY5q42c/s1600-h/Cara's+Class+no.2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeT-bXHVUX7eSz6dw_CaCqIV3D9ChM882K1_jmmaFWJTJVJMpI9BOsVQKHN4ULTUIf1kRor5pTBL1XLbCc32Z17-4b3ZQH7IYEB75A0FhNr4NjmgesGu6Dzc4XOf2DakGOqHChY5q42c/s320/Cara's+Class+no.2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158300396792759602" /></a><br /><br />As Suna mentioned, we headed out to meet the kids from Cara's class and talk to them about "Vegas" and the purpose of the trip. They were amazing, full of questions and energy. I have no idea how Cara handles them every day.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-79270017351871061612008-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:002008-01-22T06:02:02.637-08:00Reda & "Vegas"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxseXwMwmgNyIYBvRbP33Y-iO1ufSH86F_f5TZISSrKv2YKqyrLKQLX4tTYLV248fjBDX-NR2YujmsnN4DsmcH0tcoLzWEIBdL1QbmWVT7XgmbrsJWHeKi0IInOjgtsVAVtyRwsMia9M/s1600-h/Reda+%26+Vegas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxseXwMwmgNyIYBvRbP33Y-iO1ufSH86F_f5TZISSrKv2YKqyrLKQLX4tTYLV248fjBDX-NR2YujmsnN4DsmcH0tcoLzWEIBdL1QbmWVT7XgmbrsJWHeKi0IInOjgtsVAVtyRwsMia9M/s320/Reda+%26+Vegas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158300813404587330" /></a><br />Here's one of our hosts in Casblanca, Reda, looking like he might want to keep "Vegas" in town for a few more days.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-21746075219525184232008-01-16T05:30:00.000-08:002008-01-16T05:41:08.759-08:00EN AFRIQUE!Wednesday January 16th and we're in Casablanca. Steve (Payo), myself (Suna), Mahk (Mark), Pinar, and we will meet Cynthia in Marrakech tonight. Every day has been a different city or country, and despite taking a slightly more relaxed pace than some of our other rally mates, it still has blurred together a bit, waking up to new sounds everyday, not quite sure where we came from, where we are, but still focused on where we're going. <br /><br />Our chief rally mates to date have been Roger and John from Team Running Amok, two certified nutters who side car race in the UK, and three boys from the Isle of Man, a commonwealth country with official emblem of three legs joined together , meaning any which way you through an Isle of Man-ner they will land feet first. I'm sure that doesnt make sense but Google might be able to help you get the picture!<br /><br />Reports back from prior teams are that Mauritania is safe, more police on the road and friendly, reassuring people all along the way. So we'll push ahead. <br /><br />A few more hours in Casa and we're off. We enjoyed the generous hospitality of my dear friend from Japan Cara Warkentin and her Fiance Reda. We'll head to her school where she teaches English to talk about our little trip, do some fun games and let the l'il ones climb all over the limo. To date, we've certainly attracted our share of attention.<br />A bientot!Sunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215270038598444059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-40960804936026070152008-01-15T10:44:00.000-08:002008-01-23T11:05:33.590-08:00The Road to CasablancaWe parted company with Roger, John and the Isle of Man guys this morning - they are off to the Atlas mountains and we'll meet up with them again in Marrakech. We spent the morning in the Medina in Asilah and then headed off towards Casablanca where we'll meet up with Suna's friend Cara and her fiancé Reda.<br /><br />ODOMETER: 5948Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-77525381830349802252008-01-14T23:38:00.000-08:002008-01-23T10:43:24.211-08:00Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish ladies...We loaded Vegas onto the ferry Alacantra Dos for the 3 PM sailing to Tanger, leaving the Rock of Gibraltar and the continent of Europe behind. The distance from Gib to Africa seems so small that on a good day you can probably throw a rock across the Strait.<br /><br />Once we arrived in Tanger we spent about an hour getting processed through customs, with the help of a "fixer" who walks you through the 5 or 6 steps required. Passports stamped and paperwork cleared we were off towards the port city of Asilah, wehere we rendezvoused with Roger and John (London taxi) and the Isle of Man guys at the Hotel Sahara.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-39817114056304582812008-01-14T10:32:00.000-08:002008-01-23T10:36:51.758-08:00Wet early morningWe woke at 7 AM today to find the sky pouring down water on us, and a slight leak from the sunroof of the limo. After some quick rearranging of stuff, we hit the road to get down to Algeciras, stopping at a Carrefour for supplies, and at the local Feu Vert (Pep Boys) to get a replacement for our blown tire. Once we got Algeciras, we did some negotiating with a guy from the Acciona ferry line to get our tickets changed from Algeciras to Ceuta to the Algeciras to Tangier run.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-60185076002397471812008-01-13T20:24:00.000-08:002008-01-23T19:34:29.105-08:00The Southern Edge of Europe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizG-4ahgT4YcC1KAfaL-fqNcThbl6QzUcG7NGIEAs98dgsbvSXnYhcFKOgSpEfbNn4w65JaQJMdLbIFi-E23eaSzVumJ55KiqLmS7S8Si57ZkVrqcMyJUX7l0BpJRPslb6lr82Z9E4Yfw/s1600-h/Pinar+with+IOM+guys.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizG-4ahgT4YcC1KAfaL-fqNcThbl6QzUcG7NGIEAs98dgsbvSXnYhcFKOgSpEfbNn4w65JaQJMdLbIFi-E23eaSzVumJ55KiqLmS7S8Si57ZkVrqcMyJUX7l0BpJRPslb6lr82Z9E4Yfw/s320/Pinar+with+IOM+guys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158880866971649634" /></a><br />We reached Puerto de Sotogrande and our hotel, Las Camellias, around 8:00 PM. Whether by accident or design, there was an entire parking lot full of rally participants there to greet us as we pulled in. Beers and dinner were a great way for all the teams to mingle and chat and discuss the European leg of the drive. Everyone is in great spirits and we're looking forward to hitting the trail for Algeciras and the ferry trip over to Morocco tomorrow.<br /><br />That's Pinar with the guys from the Isle of Man team (James, Ben & Juan).<br /><br /><br /><br />ODOMETER: 5747Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-62239254403025471742008-01-13T15:11:00.000-08:002008-01-23T09:53:01.706-08:00Alhambra is not a city in Southern California<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1yGJvvMijcL7VlWUFgJvP0cKoZj9Js7_rXc-HxpY0FTSiwrs93KcwUGbpT_sbTeNULn4XD1RqCVmxK21oQG2996cfYihJ_klMquZKx_w05nDNEeQmlbTmFuuY_YYl-0kDH76OTW8Fpw/s1600-h/Granada+door.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1yGJvvMijcL7VlWUFgJvP0cKoZj9Js7_rXc-HxpY0FTSiwrs93KcwUGbpT_sbTeNULn4XD1RqCVmxK21oQG2996cfYihJ_klMquZKx_w05nDNEeQmlbTmFuuY_YYl-0kDH76OTW8Fpw/s320/Granada+door.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158506977183630930" /></a><br />The Alhambra is a complex of buildings; palaces, mosques, churches, fortifications, etc. set amongst gardens and placed, like a jewel above the city of Granada. It has the feeling of magic, and even in its most worn stones and faded decorations there is an incredible beauty. It's really a place you have to experience for yourself, but I've posted a <A HREF="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62648476@N00/sets/72157603778326002/">Flickr photostream</A> to give you a taste.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lessons learned: <br /><br />1. You cannot possibly enjoy everything at the Alhambra in under four hours. Plan on a week or more.<br />2. Turks think of their current president in much the same way that Americans regard theirs.<br />3. Sometimes the sky is as blue as it is in the photos.<br />4. Stonecarvers don't get paid enough.Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-77643387057817067762008-01-12T18:36:00.000-08:002008-01-22T18:57:51.772-08:00Party in the back, blowout in the front.Well, we had our first "incident" in the limo as we were making our way to Granada. We suffered a blowout of the driver's side front tire at about 100km/hour right as the sun was about to set. Mark managed to keep Vegas under control and guide her over to the side of the road where we were very quickly joined by the Spanish Policia, who set up some cones and directed traffic around us while we changed shoes. The tire was impressively mangled, the tread was gone and the steel belts had done some damage to the fender, but it all went very quickly and we were back up to speed in about 10 minutes.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxTtLndzTln6z3ES_m6NElTNFmwBMAANbDUaorcR8zNZSVNyePpZuaFknFNaBsNnn4sUeziS0S1zsbTKAuqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-33720558640822121862008-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:002008-01-22T18:54:57.702-08:00In Europe, it's called Google CrapsMore trouble trying to find our way out of a city using Google's directions, but once again, common sense, perseverance and a rudimentary ability to speak Spanish prevail!<br /><br />We left Madrid and jumped onto the A4, headed south towards Andalucia, with Granada as our target destination. The cabbies have decided to push on towards Gibraltar and we hope to catch up with them in Puerto de Sotogrande before the crossing into Africa.<br /><br />We are blowing past huge chunks of country without so much as lifting our foot off the gas and we all agree this really is no way to see Spain. We are all resolved to come back and spend a good amount of time in this amazing country.<br /><br />ODOMETER: 5546Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1028553115735986370.post-70466434659173410432008-01-11T23:33:00.000-08:002008-01-22T19:00:12.440-08:00The rain in Spain stays mainly in the London TaxiWe woke up this morning and did a little repacking of the limo to create extra space in the back, by moving the spare tires, sand ladders, Hi Lift jack and a suitcase full of tools and parts up onto the roof and the jerry cans onto the trunk lid. Now riding in the back is like riding in a limo.<br /><br />We hit the road for Madrid around 10:00 AM, just a bit behind the guys in the taxi, hoping to arrive there around 8:00 PM.<br /><br />We hit snow crossing the mountains at Somosierra and the rain kept up for most of the way to Madrid, which for Roger and John was a bit of a problem as the shed they are driving leaks like a leaky shed. Both of them had wet feet.<br /><br />Regardless, we all met up at our hotel in Madrid and officially added Pinar to Team Limo2Africa - she got off the elevator in the lobby as we were checking in.<br /><br />Tonight's dinner was at El Lacon with John's former colleague Rupert followed up by a sherry at a great, dusty old place called La Venencien. The resident dog there is an expert at eating olives and spitting out the pits.<br /><br />ODOMETER: 5448Payohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935541901524846458noreply@blogger.com0