Hi all,

We had a slight difficulty with customs on the border of Mauritania and Morocco as they wanted a 10 Euro import tax for our car. When I asked for a reciept they got really upset. I did have a Carnet which they weren't happy about.

We then had a policy of not giving any gifts, we got stopped every few miles and they said , "Nice mobile phone." I agreed, smiled, shook some hands and carried on pleading poverty (Which was true).

We never felt threatened in Mauritania, the people were great. Always trying to be as helpful as possible and even giving us directions etc. I wouldn't venture into the desert without a GPS (Car) and a back up one (Handheld). However, I wouldn't every say we felt alone.

We pulled off the new desert road and drove about 2km to park up for dinner and while we sat having some soup a nomad came walking by and we shared some food with him. He was very grateful. So it was almost impossible to be alone. Even while going for a wee someone woudl walk by.

However, we stuck mainly to recognised roads and routes as it was out first time in the Desert.

Andy

P.S. It rained and rained in Janaury of this year. I am trying to organise going back in early 2008. I suspect I will not be able to get 7 weeks free before then.

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I came, I saw. I ran for it.