:confused1: The first post by chapati said he was driving to Gambia from Western Europe, so it would be logical to assume he was going via Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. All 'French speaking' countries but it would also be quite appropriate to use the phrase in question.
I think Moggy's advice is quite sound :thumbup1:

Don't want to get embroiled in an argument but I must admit as a fluent French speaker, whenever I'm in Morocco, Mauritania etc I do use the odd Arabic phrase that I know, including I'm ashamed to say 'hamar' - donkey which is the biggest insult going but only ever used once with a despicable character in Morocco.

If I'm at home in France, I rarely use Arabic (got a couple of Moroccan friends) that seems logical to me. But as someone else mentioned the French like to hear spoken French, as in Morocco, they appreciate a bit of Arabic.

When in Rome ... but French will be easier to learn I'd think!

Kira

It couldnt be clearer - the question was about French. Not Arabic. That means
French, not Arabic. I suggest you reread the post and realise the guy was asking about French, not Arabic.

French, not Arabic. He asked about learning French and someone suggested that he speak Arabic. Can you understand that? Please?

Repeat after me - French, not Arabic.......yes? well done!!!!

Geez, someone needs to switch to decaf.

hahaha....I am travelling from the Netherlands. I think it saves a lot of hassle when speaking French. Can anybody tell me about corruption level at the diffent border crossings. I have calculated corruption into my budget (like 150€, but I am a newbie as my status is at the moment on this website as well). It will be Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Marocco, (western sahara), Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Gambia.

I think some Arabic is fine but French seems a little easier. In Marocco people speak Arabic but that is the Marrocan dialect and not standard Arabic (which is different). Salam Aleykum is understood though. I am not in any rally or challenge. I don't have a moneytree or something in my garden.

Thanks guys....

As for a bribery budget - please DON'T give anything. Holding your ground and politely but firmly saying 'NO' will work.

If you give money it makes it harder for the rest of us who might be following behind you. I have successfully crossed those & other borders in W.Africa without losing a cent to corrupt officials.

Kira

You are actually the first one I heard about this. Because at the end they all want a "present". Or did u wait like six hours at every border crossing. I never did the journey before so I only have some knowledge when it comes to different sources on the net and books. If it is what you say, I am very glad.

Good idea! What brand will you use?

espece de cornichon! and good roads!

Mr Clarke - what an unnecessary contribution. Please chill out will you?

Is it true, that in Mauritania, pastis (like Ricard but then a local brew) is only 2€ per bottle (0,7 ltr). Its probably terrible to drink with warm water but atleast its something at the end of a days driving:D

No need whatsoever to bribe, unless your documents are less than complete or you need a special service. Be friendly and say no, you won't have to wait any longer than anyone else. It's better for the rest of us and long term it's better for the country you're driving through.

Senegal (I hear) might be a special case.

Senegal is indeed the worst bordercrossing (that's what me is told). Especially the bordercrossing near Rosso. Do you think there is a difference between motorcycle and passenger car in this regard? would a border attendant ask a bribe to someone in a car quicker then a motorcycle driver? I really heard that many cardrivers on this route had to pay bribes in order to pass the border. I hope I am wrong. Because if it happens I would not wait several hours with nasty border attandents, I would pay!

Senegal is bad & has a reputation. Two things to point out though:

1. President Wade has just re-won the elections; he did realise the problem of not allowing cars more than 5 years old through/into Senegal. According to a Spanish guy I know who's got a 25yr old Unimog he's going to be more lenient on this law - so watch this space!

2. Don't use the Rosso border crossing; it gets worse every year.

3. Chapati - yes I was VERY serious about not giving any cadeaux - it does lead to problems for others and could lead into problems for you. You'll also find in W.Africa there are a lot of police road-blocks - if you start giving out at one then you'll find yourself very poor at the end of the trip!

Kira

abusive
 

For those of us that do speak French, Caminando's last post is both offensive and uncalled for and hopefully the moderator of this thread will find an online translation and take this and other posts off. Seems a little unnecessary to use that kind of language on the forum. We are all trying to do the same thing at the end of the day which is to travel to wonderful and interesting places.

Caminando, don't be a Sissy
 

You were afraid to tell "**** You or **** Off" (pick the one you like) to brclarke in english. You wrote it in french so he would not understand and then added "Good roads" after that to kind of hide the previous comment.

Wow, you look like a though guy !!!

Patrick

Pick the one that suits you!, kartofflen kopf!
Actually you have a dirty mind. I dont.

Tot siens!


And - Good roads! You naughty boy! Please try not to be rude and confrontational. It's not necessary.

(no French there, is there?)

"Wow! " (LOL)

PS I'm not at all afraid. Why do you try to provoke? XXXXX!!!Love ya anyway! Cheer up!

Vive le Quebec libre!