> Merry Christmas One and All
Day 83, 8495km, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Sat here in a dusty internet cafe with sweat running into my eyes from the effort of typing, it is hard to believe that the UK is covered in snow, people are gorging themselves on mince pies and mulled wine, and men are desperately trying to buy last minute Christmas presents from local petrol stations. Blogs are likely to be few and far between over the festive period as Helen joins me for a more relaxed ride down to Accra, Ghana, visiting a number of charity projects along the way. Having said that, with 2 weeks to cover over 1000k, it could prove to be quite a relationship tester!! Little does she know that Christmas dinner is likely to be a bowl of rice and sauce by the side of the road! I am eagerly awaiting her arrival tonight and have been able to use the time wisely in sorting out some accommodation that for once has clean sheets, toilet seats and no adjacent beats. I have also been able to obtain a Benin Visa. Thankfully my brown hair and 6’ 3" stature were deemed suitable for someone wanting to visit the country so I now have a full house for West Africa!
Anyway I just wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas from Ouaga! Thank you for all the fantastic support and your unbelievable generosity in making donations.
Comments:
Seasons Greetings to you, Rob, Helen!
Hello, from Cape Town!
We have been following your progress with interest and admiration, Rob! Kirsti gave us your website.
My niece is on a Goldfields mine neat Tarkwa - if you are going anywhere near there, let me know and perhaps they can give you a bed or meal! I know she flew up with very little luggage but a whole lot of meat!
Well done for the great progress you have made - your very own Dakar Rally!
Love,
John and Jan Stamper
26th Dec
Rob and Helen,
Trying to finish kids Xmas book in 4 days was enough up hill for me. Whilst gritting my teeth to keep going I thought of you peddling on and on with increasing admiration! What determination and discipline, Rob!! Must be great having Helen with you. Happy cycling both.
Fond love, Jen and Dave.
Happy Christmas
Rob and Helen we wish you a very happy Christmas and safe journey to Accra-hope Helens Bike has arrived --Continue to follow your great adventure daily .all in Cape Town wishing you well -Jen and David
Mery Christmas
Hay Rob, have a fantastic African feral xmas. Tom has given me his flat to use for a week in Brizzel while I work at the shelter - it's going to be full on. Respect from all at IR and from the loony Boocock.
Crimbo
Keep up the good work mate, you seem to be flying! Bet you are looking forward to a bit of company over xmas. Hope you have a good one....don't forget to ask for cranberry jelly to go with the rice.
All the best my friend, your blogs are a constant source of interest / entertainment, so keep 'em coming.
Rico
Seasons Greetings
Rob
Merry Christmas!! Hope you guys have a great time! Will sure be thinking of you and your great journey that still awaits! Good luck on the present hunt-I'm sure you can rustle up something with some natural resources, failing that...have you considered trading in a malt loaf? ...
Merry Christmas Buddy
Hey Bud,
Merry Christmas from Mazza and me. So proud bud, try and enjoy some R&R with Hels Bels. The capital of Burkina Faso was always the favourite pub quiz question and now you've just biked there.... nuts.
Enjoy it buddy and Danny & i will see you down there in a few months. We're going to put our fat bods on a training programme... Fun and games.
take care x
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Happy Christmas Rob...will have a drink for you in the Indigo Palace on Christmas eve. Christmas day football is not going to be the same without you there!! Hope you find some festive celebrations in Africa!
xx
Xmas present
Here's hoping the petrol station choices in Ougadougou are better than those over here! Enjoy the Xmas saucy rice. We'll be toasting both of you come the day. Cheers Pops xx






