Cars!

Having been in the Sahara Desert for over a month, we are now used to the sand, the sun and the children with stones. Communicating with only body language is not a problem anymore, and the dark nights are now our friend with its big moon and bright stars.

Yet, we are all still dependent on cars when going further than our little community of Buccra. Finding a car is can sometimes be difficult, and having to depend on someone to drive you to the internet place makes you feel like a teenager again. On the other hand, our mothers are just as dependent on these timeworn vehicles, and whenever a big shop needs to be done, the family jump into one of the old Landrovers.

Most cars need an extra push by the strongest men in the neighbourhood in order to start, and despite me being very strong; the masculine sort is never a girl. If the difficulties with starting the car weren’t more than enough, I have yet to experience a door which will open by using the door handle only. Every car has its own trick, whether it is pulling a string or kicking the door. However, and perhaps by luck or magic, we always end up where we were destined for.

Now, the roads in the desert aren’t necessarily the best. To speak frankly, the highway in the desert is nothing more than tracks from previous cars and its’ comfort level can be discussed in length. A car ride is simply not only a journey; it is better described as an up-side-down roller coaster and the inside of a washing machine at the same time. First time I entered my uncle’s car, my host-sister carefully showed me the handle which I could hold on to. You would think that driving in the desert is straight forward- literally- however avoiding all the big rocks makes the Sahara Desert more like the west coast of Norway. So, if you ever wonder a about how Rally Dakar with Petter Solberg would feel like, have a go in the Sahara Desert first.