Tag Archives: Africa
A shrine, a power station and three (female) astrophysicists
I’m doing a little trip, on my own. Archaeo-man’s off to Africa, archaeo-ing. Me – I’m making a pilgrimage. It begins well. A leisurely start – mug of tea, dipping a biscuit. Gazing out of the window at the birds … Continue reading
‘To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive’.* Really?
June. Winter in the southern hemisphere. The year 2011. A man walks into the bar – yes I know, I use it too often. But there’s a reason. Besides the fact we’re often in the bar, before you say it. … Continue reading
In which bravery is rewarded with a carrot, but not a pear
It rained in the night. What is it about us? This is August, the southern hemisphere’s winter, the dry season. It seems wherever we venture in the Northern Province we act as rain-bringers. Last time it was at a rock … Continue reading
Naked bathers, stone tools, the eleventh tuna sandwich and the last straw
Rising with the sun I slide out of our tent feet first, past the sailcloth ‘Ratbags’ containing all our (present) worldly goods. At the far end of the campsite stand three women, calling at us. They lapse into silence and … Continue reading
Five have fun in Africa. A lost work by Enid Blyton?
‘Africa 2013. Countdown to the Rains.’ ‘Africa’? Just, ‘Africa’? OK, so it’s a common form of shorthand. But not one you find in Europe. I mean, imagine it, ‘Europe 2013: snow’s on its way. Join us as the ski season … Continue reading
Halfway to nowhere. Part 1
The calls of night-jar and owl punctuate the stillness of the hours before dawn. Four in the morning and the man who lights the fires under the hot water boilers has been and gone. I lie, wishing for sleep, knowing … Continue reading
The song I know of Africa (who doesn’t know one of me)
Is that a humming sound? Hum becomes buzz. An insect passes by, unhurried. Buzz fades into hum again – and the insect vanishes. A bird on creaking wings utters a plaintive call as it crosses the glinting river and heads … Continue reading
MEMOIRS OF A HUSK 