Guestbook

Please add a comment to my guestbook

1. Hi Neil. great to hear from you. i lost your Mail Address as well. hope you are doing fine and gt back safe. i am still in CHmeleon in Windheok, live here now. got a beatiful home. still working in the Township, but i am head of the depatment now.

   otherwise life is good here. planning to go to SA though next year. we will see.

   hendrik( crazy doctor)

   my Address: hendrik.wuebben@yahoo.de

   hendrikwuebben0@gmail.com

   hope to hear form you

   (Posted on 2009-08-09 09:37:00 by Hi)

2. HI Smithy

   Well done in making it back to the U.K !! What a trip ! a great acheivement. well done mate!

   Now for the good bit , you need to have a wee wash ,a meal ,possibly a sleep and then get yer arse back oot in the taxi. Now there is no time like the present . Never mind border crossings, passports , Africans, and all that crap, just get yer money bag oot, yer breif round yer neck and fire away into the wild world of diversions and the numerous roadworks of Edinburgh.

   Please dont be under the illusion now yer back that everyone will speak english , wrong !!!!! Polish and Chinese is the order of the day however not many africans here and the ones that are, are on pushbikes. Remember if you pick one up charge them for the pushbike 20p !!!! and cash up front. So you have all that to look forward too !! Bet you cant wait !!!!

   Saw an article in the newspaper some guy is thinkin of going from Alaska to the most southern tip of South America on a motorbike next year and looking for someone to go with him, so I emailed him and gave him your number. I also thought I would myself enter into the spirit of this travelling lark so with that , next week Im going to drive the taxi from Balerno to Portobello non stop mind you without having a ciggie or a coffee. Thing is, can it be done ????

   
   
   

   Well done again Mate !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   (Posted on 2009-03-31 15:33:00 by george)

3. Hi Smithy

   (Posted on 2009-03-31 15:01:00 by george)

4. Hi Neil

   Glad to hear you are on your way home. The streets of Edinburgh are missing you and your taxi . You may think border crossings are hard in Africa !! Try going from the west end to the east end in the city centre of Edinburgh. Granted we dont have wild animals and the heat, but we do have people who insist they know better than the road planners and fly up one way streets on a regular basis and at speed !.

   I do think that you should consider taking your time through some of the countries with nice weather because today in Durham its cold and the rain is bouncing of the pavements.

   As far as the footie is concerned I have no interest in the scottish stuff but let me tell you Newcastle could be relegated and Man U got beaten by Fulham 2 nil on Saturday so its going to be tight at the top but more of a bottom squeeze at the bottom of the league for us Newcastle fans. By the way have seen Micheal (sick note) Owen on your travels coz I havent at St James.

   I take it your bike has performed well coz you dont mention that much. All that preparation you did before you went must have paid off. Well done Neil.

   I havent seen the Evening News yet, I will see it on Friday when I go back to Edinburgh hopefully that will raise awareness of your trip.

   Right Im off now , to do some planting in the garden sad but there you have it.

   Take care Neil but more than anything enjoy yourself

   George

   (Posted on 2009-03-26 09:22:00 by george)

5. Well when are you likely to be back then? Surely a breeze thru Morocco and then Europe? Party on 25 April in Glesca? BTW re the earlier message Hibs may have beat Hearts with a flukey goal and a dodgy ref but its still 108years since last Scottish cup win...and counting. Website almost there....pity music isny...

   (Posted on 2009-03-24 20:38:00 by Nelson)

6. Hi Neil,

   Is it just me or are you looking slimmer. Keep going and you will be able to get into those 44 inch jeans when you get back. Seriously - you are doing a great job, keep going and there will be a big drink when you get home (Although I won't buy it for you obviously!)

   Leslie continues to send love and hugs

   Take care

   Gordon

   (Posted on 2009-03-19 18:35:00 by Gordon)

7. Hi Neil

   Glad to see you are in one pice (kind of). I've enjoyed reading your exploits so far and learned many interesting facts like Africa can get hot and the roads can be dodgy.

   Life in Edinburgh drags on - basically a series of dramas around trams, tram works, tram delays, tram cost overruns, and so on.

   Hibs even beat Hearts 1-0 on Saturday which proves the world has gone mad.

   Hope the rest of the trip goes well, mate

   Peter

   (Posted on 2009-03-19 13:21:00 by Peter O'Malley)

8. So which country is it next to get to Morocco? via Algeria or Mauritania? Both sound pretty dodgy and according to the CIA website (yes it does exist) are known to sell people as sex slaves - so you should be alright there then unless business has been affected by the credit crunch? I suppose if you get thru there and into Morocco which must be comparatively ok then its boat over to Spain and back to civilisation (apart from going thru England)? I assume wi-fi is 'patchy' at the moment?

   (Posted on 2009-03-10 10:14:00 by Nelson)

9. Great to hear you have got your bike back & are on your way again enjoy the rest of your trip .

   (Posted on 2009-03-07 18:24:00 by Kev)

10. Hi Neil

    Glad your on your way again mate!!!

    Saw the photos of the elephants and stuff, looks a bit like Pilton on Sunday afternoons !!! So you didnt see any big cats!!!! nevermind mate thats the last thing you want is havin your arse chased half way across Africa by an angry Lion. Your too old for that shit.

    Bet you wouldn,t have any probs with these border guards if you where doing 60 MPH with a big angry lion 100 yards behind you when youre aproaching their dopey check points.

    So maybe an idea is wind one up just say "edinburgh zoo for you my man " that should do it ,then go like the clappers in the direction of the check points. Remember to scream ZULU as loud as you can as you fly through them that will confuse them and the lion will be history as well.

    There you go another handy hint brought to you from one who watches all the animal programmes on Sky.

    Hope things are going well for you Neil take care

    (Posted on 2009-03-06 10:35:00 by george)

11. Have you got your bike back yet or are you just walking home...or shacking up with Isaac?

    (Posted on 2009-02-23 21:49:00 by Nelson)

12. Hi Neil

    Now that you have found a new job driving taxi,s in Africa,at what point do you want me to ship your taxi over and where is the change over going to be???? I cant beleive you go on a trip to get away from work and you decide "theres a good idea I will drive a taxi make a few bucks while I wait on my bike"

    Nothin much happened this week Neil, however I managed to walk Megan without fallin on my arse,,BONUS.

    Had a look at Accra on google earth,big place lots to see I would have thought. Bet your itchin to get back on your bike now and get going.

    You will be pleased to know Im getting ready to get on the train and head up to Edinburgh so this is a shorter message than usual.

    Great to hear from you and I hope things go better for you this week!!!!!

    George

    (Posted on 2009-02-20 09:55:00 by george)

13. tell the Angolans to stick their mines up their arse....

    or you could say you were a good friend of the 'queen of hearts' Princess Di who is but de candle in de wind..

    (Posted on 2009-02-03 08:19:00 by Nelson)

14. Dear Mr Davidson Smith

    I do hope things are going well on one's African Safari, and the weather has been kind to you.

    I have been reading your journal on the internet and have very much enjoyed your tales of adventure.

    Things here in Edinburgh are going extremely well, and I hope to hear from you soon.

    George

    (Posted on 2009-01-24 11:23:00 by George)

15. Enjoying your exploits. Never heard of fettling before but sounds like something interesting for a wet Sunday afternoon. Hope to see !! you soon

    (Posted on 2009-01-21 20:40:00 by Peter C)

16. I dunno how close or far away you are but apparently on the BBC news it says it's all kicking off in Congo with Rwandan troops and tanks - probably best to avoid that methinks?! I'm about halfway thru the Long Way Down series (oh and young Neil advises me that McGregor played Obi Wan Nobby and not Skywalker - or something like that) and they certainly had a few comments about the heat? No wi-fi yet then...?

    (Posted on 2009-01-20 18:26:00 by Nelson)

17. Hi Neil,

    I have just been reading about your first few days on the road. The empty campsite followed by the boy racers and lorries gave me a laugh! I can bet you weren't!

    Hope your cooking skills improve.

    Love Vicki

    (Posted on 2009-01-14 11:49:00 by Vicki Welch)

18. hey there neil

    was listening to boogie in the morning while eating my breakfast this morning and heard all about your escapade. just looked it up and can confirm that you're an absolute maniac but a brave one at that. best of luck and have a great time. will track your progress along the way. might wanna stock up on chafage creams... seriously!

    best wishes

    abby

    (Posted on 2009-01-13 13:40:00 by abby)

19. Neil,

    let me know when you get an internet link and send me a message. I bought the full series of The Long Way Down in the Fopp sale so am watching your trip in reverse - although I know that Luke Skywalker and his tosspot English mate took a different route. Got the new Mac set up and there ain't no 'system overloads' now!

    N

    (Posted on 2009-01-13 13:15:00 by nelson)

20. Dear Neil

    Getting thebike shipped over was cheating, you were supposed to ride the damn thing ALL the way!

    Hope it's going well anyway and you not saddle sore!!!

    Love Lisa and baby Julian xxx

    (Posted on 2009-01-13 11:45:00 by Lisa McKie)

21. pps oh I see now, I looked at the rest of the website...doh! Good luck

    (Posted on 2009-01-10 07:55:00 by Nelson)

22. ps who the F is Kev? Is there something you are not telling us?

    (Posted on 2009-01-10 07:51:00 by Nelson)

23. Saw the pix from Hazel. Here's an Afrikaans phrase you might need? 'nie seermaak my onderkant ...'

    Hope all going well and you have lots of clean pants with you. By a bizarre coincidence there's a guy running thru Glasgow at the moment with a spear doing a Scotland to Capetown run? New Mac delivered yeterday and in midst of set up (not easy with files to be transferred). By the time you get back triple concept album will be complete + you will be influenced by 'world' music. If you see any wildlife with bigger teeth than a dug nash it in the opposite direction! If you are near any rivers watch out for things that swim up yer jap's eye? jings crivvens help ma' boaby. Will try your other e-mail address to see if you have access tho' I would guess there's not much wi-fi around. You need to get some music on the website...maybe 'In Zaire' or 'the lion sleeps tonight' or....will think of others. Sleep tight and don't let the ferocious predators bite...Nelson. PS you need to see the new Frankie Boyle DVD -it's fantastically non-PC!!! see if you can pick it up from the local shop......errr

    (Posted on 2009-01-10 07:47:00 by Nelson)

24. hope that you are looking after yourself neil. looking forward to hearing all your tales. alison, nelson and neil xxx

    (Posted on 2009-01-09 10:03:00 by alison mcfarlane)

25. Hey up Mate. Hope you had a good trip down and are finding your feet(and the bike). It's bloody freezing here, -12 night before last. Sure its a bit warmer where you are. Keep safe. Speak soon.

    (Posted on 2009-01-07 20:29:00 by Dave H)

26. Hi Neil

    Just wishing you all the best with the trip & dont forget if you need a bed when your passing just let me know . Good luck & have a great trip .

    (Posted on 2009-01-06 21:26:00 by Kev)

27. Hi bud, keep safe and we will look forward to seeing you on your return. Hope you arrived safely and in good spirits. Bon Voyage!

    Iain and Roberta

    (Posted on 2009-01-06 19:58:00 by Iain F)

28. Hi Neil, hope the weather in South Africa is a heck of a lot warmer than it is here. Remember to keep your blog going to keep us amused. Thinking of you. Love Vicki x.

    (Posted on 2009-01-05 22:11:00 by Vicki)

29. Hi Neil,

    We are looking forward to seeing you in Jan/Feb. I'll email you with mobile numbers so we can hook up when you hit Luanda. If you need any advise we'll try to help where we can, but you will be doing the bit that we never got the chance to do last year before you see us so we are only really of any use North of Luanda. Let me know which visas you are picking up and I will find out where the embassies are before you get here.

    Safe Travels

    Linz and Dan

    (Posted on 2008-12-18 19:42:00 by Linz and Dan)

30. Louie Greeff 2008.10.30 08:00

    Hi. I have done trips throughout Africa too many times to remember. If you help and advice, let me know. One thing I noticed is you don't mention a jerry can?

    I would also advise not taking tyres with as the roads you will be going on are fine.

    I would also postpone until after the rainy season, especially the tropics and would suggest a much nicer route.

    I am an established author on African travel (unfortunately 4x4's). You can peruse a copy at the RGS (EAC section) as it has a lot of tips. I am busy getting a motorcycle guid out around Jan/Feb for our TV series. Some info on my website www.beyondxtreme.co.za

    I have been riding for 42 years and still riding as we plan on doing a 6 country (one month trip) for RAM (Riders Against Malaria).

    Take care,

    Louie

    delete

    Tom Welch 2008.10.22 21:22

    I'm really envious of you guys and absolutely gutted I had to pull out but business commitments and all that, have made it impossible for this one. It’s only a temp postponement you realise, once you lads have all the experience (carnet, visa’s, prisons, electrical failures etc..) you’ll be experts so I’ll join you next time! Take it easy and remember it’s a journey and not a race. All the best, Tom.

    delete

    Ventrider1 (Gordon) 2008.10.11 22:03

    Hi Kev

    Looks like a real great trip, wish i could a long one like that.

    Poland is as far as i have been to but that was good to.

    Do take care and enjoy your trip.

    delete

    Chris & Niki 2008.9.27 19:12

    Hi Kev good on you mate we're kin jealous however if you're coming to scotland you better drop in for a cuppa. Good luck on the trip to both Niel and you, and have a safe one.

    (Posted on 2008-11-01 08:50:00 by neilds)