f***ING HELL!!!! (15th June) today was not dull in the slightest – I’msitting here very tentitavely and quite uncomfortably shall we say. lets start at the beginning… we set off at 10 this morning: my first ride in Brenda (apparently all their trucks are names after dead rocks stars – don’t ask!!!). I put my bags in locker 13 – read on and make up ur mind: lucky 13 or the more common unlucky 13 – and settled myself down ready6 to go. the guides are gray patrick and ferdy, they are all really really nice! today was basically due to be a driving day… we only really made one stopat a LOVELY little wine farm. the weather had turned lovely by this point, really sunny and hot etc… the place was sooo sweet and beautiful. there were lots of trees everywhere with oranges and lemons and all sorts. the sun was coming through the trees making dappled effects on the floor and a little river and quaint bridge and a kids playground were there and even some peacocks to top it off… we didn’t have time to do a tour or anything but some ppl paid to go and do some tasting – I as I don’t like wine decided against that and just absorbed the sun! when the others came back we had a really nice lunch prepared. tuna mayo, lettuce, toms, cheese etc etc so we made ourselves lots of lovely sandwhiches and we sat in the sun gobbling them up! the washing up was done in 2 plastic bowls filled with water from a pump – well cute! it was really cool seeing how the bottom of the truck turned into a kitchen (even though I didn’t actually see that much of it! we blah blah on we drove and the sunset began… I swear the sunsets are so gorgeous and last about 30 mins! we carried on driving – I was plugged in 2 my music and suddenly I felt the truck swerve and break and I was thrown sideways and saw that there was something resembling a large reindeer on the road then BAM! there was the loudest thump and jolt of the vehicle and I got thrown to the side as we swerved. then all I remember was screaming louder higher and with more terror than I ever have before in my life… I didn’t kknow what was happening. I could here things shattering and bumping and feel myself falling. it was only when ythe truck came 2 a halt that I noticed slightly what had happened. I was lying on the floor at the front of the truck in between 3 metal walls. I was completely disorientated, sore and scared. everything was a total mess, vif ilona and myself were on the floor, the others had managed to brace themselves better. once all of us were on our feet agfain the truck was filling up with smoke so we were opening all the windows. it was pitch black and until the torches came out we couldn’t do anything!!! I got out of the truck (v slowly and with difficulty) and saw the state of it! I’ve never in real life seen anythinmg like it!! it was the cab bit, had broken off, was rolled over, crushed completely, glass shattered etc etc… it was a MIRICLE that everyone was safe and survived seeing as no one had seatbelts. ilona and I were at the time hurting most so gray sent us off to the clinic with this citizen to get seen to… I had to travel in the back of his trailer as there wasn’t any other room. I was FREEZING wrapped up in a sleeping bag and shivering. we got to the clinic and were examined… It was sooo weird to see how much more primitive it was. they did a v quick check over and gave me a painkiller jab in the arse exactly where it was most painful! I could go on but its prob very boring and its all a bit hazy! eventually we got back to the accommodation and were reunited with our fellow travelers… as for me I am just battered and bruised and will be black and blue for a week or so but no permanent damage… a policeman came round while we were eating, a really nice meal by the way, and we had to give a statementfor insurance etc etc! then BED!!!! I don’t know whats happening now in terms of everything but right now I’m going to try and get comfy and get some sleep! night night I’m really having the African exp arnt I lol. lotsa luv m xxxxxxxxxxxxxx