The Algerian Consulate

Nina has a shiny Algerian visa in her passport - oh yes, Sahara here we come! The two cheery guys at the Algerian consulate took one look at me armed with my letter from the Polisario and did some hand motions somewhat akin to running and laughed, before asking how my training was going and ernestly warning me to drin...k lots of water and take sunscreen. Thank you for your kind concern messieurs consulate clerks.

New Year Novelties at the Gym

After an extremely snowy Christmas hiatus, filled to bursting with copious amounts of delicious mummy food and daddy red wine, the ice is finally thawing, the essays are aaaalmost done, and the focus is returning to Saharan exploits. I joined the gym this morning. Yes, for the first time in my life I spent 15 mins on a "cross training" machine - now I know what one is. I even know that I burned exactly 120 calories in the process and watched Countdown on the personal TV screen as I flailed about attempting to look like I knew what I was doing. Anyway, all is not lost, I am booked into a personal training session, all included in my shiny gold membership - John the friendly instructor looked amused but encouraging when I told him of my plans to run a half marathon in less than 2 months. He has faith. Lets hope he's right. Off to negotiate the Algerian consulate on Thursday for the visa - we're on our way!