Testing, testing, this is Africa calling...

It's official - I have the shiniest gearbox in all of Africa.

 

Mrs Blog and I collected Tonka, the trusty Series III Land Rover from Dr Eric the mechanic the day before yesterday in suburban White River (Witrivier to you, Hann).  Tonka was looking cleaner than ever, and very rakish with his new blindingly white wheel rims, new springs, new 'Safari' (whatever that means) shock absorbers, and spare wheel carrier.

 

Most important of all, Dr Eric had fitted the new gear box.  "It's the wrong colour," he said. 

 

"What?"

 

"It should be gold with what you've spent on it."

 

Nice one, Dr Eric. After meeting the doctor's neighbours, Harry and Michelle, a lovely couple (thanks for the red, I owe you a book, Harry), we adjourned to the surgery's back yard in suburban White River (Witrivier to Hann).  Over a beer to celebrate Tonka's recovery, the doctor's uncle (let's call him Leon, not his real name), mentioned that he was keen to do a road trip north into the heart of Africa.  He'd already spent two years in the Congo some years ago, he said.

 

"Were you working?" I asked.

 

"Yes."

 

Nosey former journalist that I am, I said "Doing what?"  Uncle L was a jovial man with a kindly demeanour.  Perfect uncle material, if ever there was.

 

"I was a mercenary."

 

Proof, Legion of Fans, if it were ever needed, that that I will never run out of ideas or characters for books set in Africa.