STA Explorer Cut to Africa, aka the fair mannered Adam, has made passage from Dakar to The Gambia.

The trip is covered in three posts, the first documenting his last night in Les Mamelles, Dakar. Details of making friends with all sorts of locals are included as well as his thoughts on the new Radisson Hotel and a monument commissioned by the Senegalese government. Having already been bitten by the temperamental beast that is transport though, the last night in Dakar was an early one, in preparation for travelling the following day.

And the early night was a sensible idea; especially considering the actual journey itself was given an entire post – nine vehicles in a 14-hour journey. The many legs of this epic movement of Adam and his pals is relayed in all its glory, even the painful final stages,

“This van must’ve won some award for being the most cramped – 30 plus people as well as about five kids and luggage. Not very comfortable, but we were pleased to be in the twilight of our day’s journey (3pm). Then the van broke down. Barney was nearest the door and got out to help push - quoting Cool Runnings; ‘One for the rhythm’ etc.”

Cool Runnings, brilliant! Finally though he did make it to Janjanbureh in The Gambia, where once again Adam made friends with the locals. He also enjoyed watching wild monkeys stealing food and took on the hottest chilli ever…

Read all about it on his blog Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride.