Hi Linz,

So sorry I missed you - have read your blog entries previously and actually just rereading them 2 minutes ago when I checked on HU for some info update - didn't realize you were in Luanda - would have saved me the idiocy of trying to get a valve cover bolt manufactured/repaired/whatever in Luanda.

Am trying to get fired up for the next section and your descriptions and pics have really helped.

Ferry from Kinshasa into Brazza today obviously sucked, but after an hour of trying to find the Hippocampe have finally arrived - an absolute oasis and frankly can't believe my luck - am camping in the pool room so with my mosquito net I will be fine sans tent.

Olivier and Catherine has been great, and had dinner with Lester and Flip (the South African cell phone tower installer guys - you may have met them) - they may help hunt down a tent tomorrow and I will hit the Rue De Chinois as well, and I love cockroaches - they are delicious.

I need to hunt down a real jerry can as well as apparently a 5L jug that used to hold washing soap will most likely leak out gasoline all over your gear bag, as I have fondly discovered.

And FYI for anyone else taking the solo ferry crossing - The Congolese now know that - 1) the international "money" sign of rubbing fingers together in California means "what time is it?" and there is zero comprehension of giving money outside of Christmas, Hannukah, and (of course) Arbor Day 2) Cigarettes have been outlawed in much of the US so no Americans carry them 3) We really don't understand any French and our English is very, very, very different to what anyone in the Congo knows. 4) The African "I'm hungry" belly-rubbing sign in America means "Are you hungry?" and you should always then say "yes!" then ask the Congolese to buy you something.

I will try to hit the tough sand in one day, but if I spend more time trapped under my bike than on it like I did in Northern Angola, it may not happen.

Thanks for all the advice and help from everyone.

-Matt
African Downshift