Day 95, 9412 km, Nkawkaw, Ghana

Possibly my greatest pleasure on the road is derived from eating vast quantities of new, exciting and tasty foods and making such stops are essential motivational milestones during the day. I have therefore been very troubled over the last week by a complete loss of appetite & dodgy stomach. Not only can I not afford to lose any more weight but I am more concerned about the longer term ramifications on my chances in the 2010 National mince pie eating contest. I have therefore taken a course of antibiotics as it seems likely that, like Helen, I have giardia. Thankfully Helen is better & more determined than ever to battle through the humidity and get to Accra by Tuesday. Tonight has been a lesson in the difficulties of camping wild in rainforest surroundings and we ended up pitching on a sloped cocoa plantation with countless tropical insects for company.

Today’s political biscuit: Peter Mandelson - a pink wafer - Only ever called upon in times of emergency, when memories of their last sickly outing have faded, the packet never seems to get finished and lurks in the back of the cabinet year after year. The enjoyment of their immediate sweetness is quickly tainted by their artificial flavour and lack of nutritional goodness. Barely palatable even in moderation, the pink wafer’s time must surely soon be up!