G
Guest
Guest
John
I've done it a couple of times - just delays at checkpoints - and been shot
at once, and been threatened, been assaulted, the usual things...
Seriously, don't worry. It isn't a problem really, some countries in North
Africa dimly view independent travel, others see it as an excuse to make a
bit of dosh - I haven't been threatened with having to pay backhanders as
yet to get me out of any given situation. But I will say I swear by saying
'know the enemy as well as you know yourself' and stick to getting the
paperwork right - it doesn't cost much, just a bit of extra time; and then
there is even less of an excuse to stop you - some do it just to piss you
off, or a scare tactic, but it doesn't happen often, actually, it happens
very rarely.
I try and go as independently as possible, but I like to arrange that we go
in convoy as its the safer option. I have done it alone, but believe me, it
IS lonely out there, and ATEOTD you are solely responsible for yourself, as
there is no-one else to help you, and worse, you can't share your
experiences with anyone, that's why I prefer to join up with others along
the way. What I used to do is hover around other organised tour groups at
ferry terminals and make polite conversation - we're all in it for the same
thing really, so its good to talk! I've travelled in Libya and other places
on my own - the authorities were a bit nonplussed and incredulous but I had
all the right paperwork, and actually, being alone in the desert is a very
scarying life-changing experience - put it this way - its character
building!! challenging, upsetting, satisfying, emotionally draining, elating
all at the same time.
Yes I was scared s******s on at least four separate occasions, but I loved
thundering into a resort, dusty, smelling of diesel and oil, shedding sand
everywhere, with really bad hair...I think I learnt more about l'beast and
myself than in any time or place past, present and probably the future. I
wouldn't recommend doing it this way, but it made me what I am today - I
think its the process of knowing my limits and going above them; it outlines
pretty quickly whether you're a survivor or not. You have to be extremely
resourceful and self-sufficient in so many areas. I've had a few problems
along the way - mostly self-imposed, but you get over it, and the best thing
is you learn from it. And ATEOTD for me its the best thing since sliced
bread! I love it.
Join a tour, that's what I say!
Renate
(BTW I'm running mine from Spring 2007)
-----Original Message-----b
From: [Email address removed]
[mailto:[Email address removed]]On Behalf Of John Byrne
Sent: 09 November 2006 19:19
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: Re: [ELCO] Overland Spares
Hi Guys
Thanks for the info. So do most of you who travel to far off places usually
go with a tour company or a group organised by yourselves.
What are the pros and cons of going in an organised tour or on your own in a
group.
Has anyone gone just with their own vehicle and if so what are the pros and
cons. I think Jeff did did he not.
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
.
I've done it a couple of times - just delays at checkpoints - and been shot
at once, and been threatened, been assaulted, the usual things...
Seriously, don't worry. It isn't a problem really, some countries in North
Africa dimly view independent travel, others see it as an excuse to make a
bit of dosh - I haven't been threatened with having to pay backhanders as
yet to get me out of any given situation. But I will say I swear by saying
'know the enemy as well as you know yourself' and stick to getting the
paperwork right - it doesn't cost much, just a bit of extra time; and then
there is even less of an excuse to stop you - some do it just to piss you
off, or a scare tactic, but it doesn't happen often, actually, it happens
very rarely.
I try and go as independently as possible, but I like to arrange that we go
in convoy as its the safer option. I have done it alone, but believe me, it
IS lonely out there, and ATEOTD you are solely responsible for yourself, as
there is no-one else to help you, and worse, you can't share your
experiences with anyone, that's why I prefer to join up with others along
the way. What I used to do is hover around other organised tour groups at
ferry terminals and make polite conversation - we're all in it for the same
thing really, so its good to talk! I've travelled in Libya and other places
on my own - the authorities were a bit nonplussed and incredulous but I had
all the right paperwork, and actually, being alone in the desert is a very
scarying life-changing experience - put it this way - its character
building!! challenging, upsetting, satisfying, emotionally draining, elating
all at the same time.
Yes I was scared s******s on at least four separate occasions, but I loved
thundering into a resort, dusty, smelling of diesel and oil, shedding sand
everywhere, with really bad hair...I think I learnt more about l'beast and
myself than in any time or place past, present and probably the future. I
wouldn't recommend doing it this way, but it made me what I am today - I
think its the process of knowing my limits and going above them; it outlines
pretty quickly whether you're a survivor or not. You have to be extremely
resourceful and self-sufficient in so many areas. I've had a few problems
along the way - mostly self-imposed, but you get over it, and the best thing
is you learn from it. And ATEOTD for me its the best thing since sliced
bread! I love it.
Join a tour, that's what I say!
Renate
(BTW I'm running mine from Spring 2007)
-----Original Message-----b
From: [Email address removed]
[mailto:[Email address removed]]On Behalf Of John Byrne
Sent: 09 November 2006 19:19
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: Re: [ELCO] Overland Spares
Hi Guys
Thanks for the info. So do most of you who travel to far off places usually
go with a tour company or a group organised by yourselves.
What are the pros and cons of going in an organised tour or on your own in a
group.
Has anyone gone just with their own vehicle and if so what are the pros and
cons. I think Jeff did did he not.
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
.