The Dark Continent

I have just tried, and failed, to work out how much it would have cost to mount an expedition for six Europeans into the African interior in 1860. Starting from Zanzibar, and travelling by way of Mombasa, with suitable numbers of bearers and askari, total travel time there and back, six months.

I am not sure whether it is google that has let me down, or my lack of imagination in search parameters.

I'm tired now, and I'm going to bed. If anyone has ideas for suitable resources, I'd be pleased to hear...

The Dark Continent

I have just tried, and failed, to work out how much it would have cost to mount an expedition for six Europeans into the African interior in 1860. Starting from Zanzibar, and travelling by way of Mombasa, with suitable numbers of bearers and askari, total travel time there and back, six months.

I am not sure whether it is google that has let me down, or my lack of imagination in search parameters.

I'm tired now, and I'm going to bed. If anyone has ideas for suitable resources, I'd be pleased to hear...

Too Many People...

Well kids, I don't know what I will be doing tomorrow, but I do know what I shan't.

It is one of those weekends. London will be full to bursting point as both Live 8 and Gay Pride kick off. Oh, and let's not forget Wimbledon either. Tomorrow is the women's finals and the men's semi-finals. And then there's all the general gubbins that goes on anyway in a bustling metropolis such as the Smoke.

Don't events organisers ever speak to each other?

I think that there are only two other weekends they could have picked to ensure maximum frustration for the average punter, and they would be Carnival weekend at the end of August, or the last full weekend immediately prior to Christmas.

I have instituted a personal exclusion zone which includes all areas within six miles of Charing Cross. This neatly allows me the option of going to Finchley if I want, but rules out the centre of London and the West End.

I wish all events and all attendees well. Have the time of your lives; enjoy the entertainments on offer. It will be busy, crowded, hectic and frustrating.

I'll probably stay in bed.

Too Many People...

Well kids, I don't know what I will be doing tomorrow, but I do know what I shan't.

It is one of those weekends. London will be full to bursting point as both Live 8 and Gay Pride kick off. Oh, and let's not forget Wimbledon either. Tomorrow is the women's finals and the men's semi-finals. And then there's all the general gubbins that goes on anyway in a bustling metropolis such as the Smoke.

Don't events organisers ever speak to each other?

I think that there are only two other weekends they could have picked to ensure maximum frustration for the average punter, and they would be Carnival weekend at the end of August, or the last full weekend immediately prior to Christmas.

I have instituted a personal exclusion zone which includes all areas within six miles of Charing Cross. This neatly allows me the option of going to Finchley if I want, but rules out the centre of London and the West End.

I wish all events and all attendees well. Have the time of your lives; enjoy the entertainments on offer. It will be busy, crowded, hectic and frustrating.

I'll probably stay in bed.