TEA PLANTATIONS

Dear Friends,

This area of Kenya is famous for its great tea plantations. I hope to visit the plantations this very afternoon. I am the guest of Rev. John of the Methodist Church of Kenya. I am staying at his mission station out in the wilds about 10kms out of town. It is idilic. You should see this beautiful countryside if you ever get the chance.

We are travelling around the locale by Rev. John's motorbike. Me riding pillion. It is fun.

Best Wishes

Andy

PAULA RADCLIFFE TRAINING in Kenya

Dear Friends,

I found in the newspaper that Paula Radcliffe is in Kenya at this time, for winter training in the Rift Valley, east of where I am in Kericho.

If she had been on my route I would have gone in search of her. She is a great admirer of Kenya and its people.

Best Wishes

Andy

TWO SPEECHES IN ONE MORNING

Dear Friends,

I delivered two speeches this morning, Tuesday 31st January. First to the CHEPNGOBO Methodist church congregation and then shortly afterwards to the pupils of the ITOIBI PRIMARY SCHOOL. I am getting quite comfortable with this public speaking business. I can even make my audiences laugh. Looking forward to the Northwich slide shows.

Best Wishes

Andy

NOW A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Dear Friends,

I am now a motivational speaker. I was invited to address the 12 year old pupils of ITOIBEI PRIMARY SCHOOL as they prepare for their forthcoming exams. I spoke for about 8 mins. I told them the 'picking up the ball and running with it' story and I read out the 'dreams come true' poem given to me by Nanna Riley.

It went down well. I got rounds of aplause and cheering. I have said before, I love these African children and they love.

Best Wishes

Andy

WISE WORDS FROM MY FRIEND LAWRENCE

Dear Friends,

I collected these words from my friend Lawrence Ibuuri. thus:

*The greatest architect and the most needed in hope.
*Be sure you are right then go ahead.
*Sincerity and truth are the basis of every virtue.
*Hospitality is an expression of devine worship.
*Lord teach me the way my soul should walk.
*It is man who makes truth great, not truth that makes man great.

Best Wishes

Andrew

WALK SOFTLY

Dear Friends,

When you are at the top you must tread carefully when you walk among those at the bottom. Advice to G.O.

Best Wishes

Andrew

PHOTOS EQUATOR EXPEDITION

A BATTLE LOST, A WAR TO WIN

Dear Friends,

I was not, at this time, successful in my quest to meet Lord Delamere or Tom Cholmondley at Soysambu Ranch. However I did meet a fellow who took my ASAP/Equator flyer and my business card and said he would present them to Lord Delamere.

After leaving Soysambu I had a bit of a slog to reach Nakuru. 30kms in hot conditions along a busy road. I just got my head down and faced it.

I am now staying with Rev. Julius of the Methodist Church. He is another fine man and a great Kenyan. He gave me a signed copy of his book 'Dependable Receipts - Devotions and Meditations for your soul'.

Tomorrow I hope to get some kind of view of the thousands of Flamingoes on the lake near this town. I will then push on toward the objective of Kisumu.

Best Wishes

Andrew

I HAVE REACHED NIAVASHA by Matatu

Dear Friends,

I have reached the town of Niavasha in search of Lord Delamere. But I dont think he is here. I must move north now to Soysambu Ranch to test my luck. Another warm day.

I dont think the Sgt Major was kidding me re. the Camel Spider.

Best Wishes

Andy

IN SEARCH OF THOMAS CHOLMONDLEY

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow, God willing, I will set forth for Naivasha in search of Thomas Cholmondley and his ranch. Will see what I find. Thomas is the descendent of Lord Delamere, of Delamere Forest fame. To make faster progress to my horizon objective of reaching Kisumu I must take a matatu in the morning.

Nayharuru is a fine town. I have found an excellent hotel. 1,000 ksh (8 pounds) for B & B. On suite + TV. Restaurant with balcony view on to African life on the street. I had dinner of chicken & chips.

I have now taken 1,200 photos + maybe 20 mins of video footage. Still a lot more work to do. We are only 12 days into the Expedition.

Maybe, God willing, I can reach Nakuru by tomorrow evening to keep me on schedule for Kisumu.

Best Wishes

Andy

THREE EQUATORS ON ONE BIT OF ROAD!!

Dear Friends,

Today I found three Equator signs on one bit of road. I think people just stick them up anywhere for business purposes. However I think I was at the real Equator. I paid 300 shillings (2.20 pounds) to see the water test of the Equator line and to receive a certificate of proof. On the exact line the water did neither turn clock-wise or anti-clock-wise.

I did, in the words of the poet A E Houseman, for one brief time 'wear the turning globe'.

Best Wishes

Andy

KENYA AND DON QUIOTX

Dear Friends,

Where else but Africa could you wander down the street with a sword hanging at your left side as I do. I have a genuine Masai scabbard to carry it. Soon, God willing, I will be among the Masai tribe. I think they will heartily welcome a man who carries a sword as they themselves do. I am growing to love Africa with a passion. I look forward to meeting the Masai warriors in their glory. This trip is so good that my guide books are excess baggage to me. I have yet to consult them. Wilfred Thesiger's My Kenya Days is a good guide to use.

Best Wishes

Andy

ROSS - A DRAMATIC PORTRAIT in anticipation

Dear Friends,

In June 2012, God willing, we are going to witness something quite amazing in Northwich. The people of Northwich will come to know of one of Britain's greatest sons. T E Lawrence, 'Lawrence of Arabia'. It is my hope that people will flock from miles around to see this marvelous tribute to a great man. If he were alive today, with the aid of the E-mail and the mobile telephone, he would quite simply come to dominate the very World itself. We honor and treasure the dear memory of Lawrence. Come to see 'Ross - A Dramatic Portrait' at Northwich Memorial Hall in June 2012. Opening night Tuesday 19th June 2012.

Ticket Prices:

Adults 7.50 pounds

Concessions 5.50 pounds.

Best Wishes

Andy

IT IS NOT ABOUT THE BICYCLE

Dear Friends,

It is not about the bicycle, though I love my Galaxy bicycle. It is about following dreams. The bicycle is a wonderful tool to that object that I found many years ago. It has, and will, take me to all the corners of the World, God willing. I was 18 when I got my first adult bicycle. 21 when I got the Dawes Galaxy which is fundamentally the same machine I have with me today here in Africa. My first significant cycle was to Chester and back. It began from those small beginnings. I have cycled from Northwich to Manchester and back at least 50 times. A round trip of over 40 miles. I used to cycle to Manchester, go to the theatre, and then cycle home for midnight. I will keep cycling for ever. In the summer I will be heading to Iowa for the World's greatest participant cycling event: RAGBRAI. That is how far a bicycle can take you, if only you desire it enough.

Best Wishes

Andy

A YOUNG LEADER! HAHA

Dear Friends,

I once read that Rt Hon? George Osbourne MP in his earlier days attended a young leader's conference in America. Osbourne, a leader! What a joke. He could not lead a sausage at the breakfast table. Go where you belong Mr Osbourne.

Best Wishes to my true Friends

Yours Andrew

THOMPSON FALLS

Dear Friends,

Today I had the privilege to see the Thompson Falls just outside Nyahruru. It was heaven to witness. I took photos and film footage. I relaxed a little for a half hour resting on the grass. They have tribesmen mocked up for the tourists. I will wait till I visiting the Masai later.

Best Wishes

Andy

VISITING THE THIRD WORLD! OUT ON PATROL WITH THE POLICE!

Dear Friends,

With my very ears I once heard come from the mouth of Rt Hon ? George Osbourne MP in 2001, I believe, that he said he had visited the third world that he had been out on patrol with the Cheshire Constabulary. Mr Osbourne, I have visited the third world too, I have tramped in the third world in Nepal, in India, in North Africa, in the Middle East, in the poorer areas of East Africa. From your privileged vantage you have nothing to offer. Mr Osbourne I spent 10 years patrolling the streets and town centres of Northwich & Winsford, with the Cheshire Special Constabulary, while you were tucked up in your bed in your fancy house. I stood at 2 am in freezing conditions in the town centre of Northwich. Mr Osbourne you have nothing to offer. Mr Osbourne you take a 5% pay cut and expect us to admire you. In this country decent working men & women are taking 25% cuts. You would be greater heard if you walked the walk. Mr Osbourne you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. You know nothing of what it is to struggle. Go to where your like belong.

Best Wishes to my true friends

Andrew

KARMA CAMELION

Dear Friends,

Today, I held in my hand a little green Camelion. It was beautiful. I thank God for my life.

Best Wishes

Andy

HE WILL RUE THE DAY

Dear Friends,

I was once insulted by the PA of the Rt Hon ? George Osbourne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer. He will come to rue the very day, the very hour, that he insulted me and my family name. God willing.

Best Wishes

Andy

PHOTOS - EQUATOR EXPED - JAN 28th 2012

GOD'S CREATURES

Dear Friends,

The other day I was talking to the Sgt Major at BATUK in Nanyuki. He told me of dangerous creatures. The Black Mamba and the Spitting Cobra. He told me of Scorpions eight inches long and of the Camel Spider which has a span of six inches. The Camel Spider will inject you and anaesthetise you and then it will eat your very flesh. It can jump and it will run after you, seeking to remain in your shadow. God willing I will not meet these creatures on my travels.

Best Wishes

Andy

A HARD JOURNEY FROM NANYUKI TO NYAHURURU

Dear Friends,

It took much longer than I thought to reach Nyahururu. I have been on the road for two and a half days. It has been rather hot. But the rewards are magnificent. 130kms. The map said 94 kms.

Last night I camped for free in the Police compound at a small town 30kms east of Nyahururu. The Police were very kind and brought me a mug of hot tea. It was a fine camping spot. In the night got a bit cold and I shivered somewhat.

Best Wishes

Andy

THE FORCE IS WITH ME

Dear Friends,

Yesterday when trying to find internet I met a retired Police Commissionaire. A fine and wise man. He has great regard for the British legacy to Kenya, law, education, infrastructural and modern civilisation. Thank you so much Commissionaire for your generous words. I am in touch with the entire Kenyan Police Force. I have made contact with the Police Commissionaire in Kisumu. The force is with me.

Best Wishes

Andy

TONY BLAIR - 'A JOURNEY' - HAHA

Dear Friends,

Tony Blair called his 'autobiography' A JOURNEY. He does not know the meaning of the word. A journey from privilege at Fettes public school to extreme wealth. What nonsense. Let him come with me if he wants a journey. I would no more read his book than wipe my backside with sandpaper. This man who spends a million pounds on a vanity world tour only a week or two before he leaves office. This man who insults Parliament by resigning as an MP the day after he finishes being Prime Minister. He did not deserve a standing ovation he in House of Commons. My way would have been a resounding raspberry to him and his charming wife Cherry.

Best Wishes

Andy

I HAD A BICYCLE IN AFRICA

Dear Friends,

My cycling in Kenya has now passed the modest 100km barrier. Next target is one hundred miles and so on. I began serious cycling yesterday. I set off from Nanyuki in direction of Nyahururu in company with my friend Bishop John of Nanyuki. John had a single speed heavy duty African bike but he led the pace. John kindly cycled with me for 35kms. We had lunch of sweet pineapple, the real thing. Crossed 20 kms of farm land of a weather road before reaching the tarmac. I gave John water and a little money to get him home to Nanyuki. When I reached the tarmac there were some farm workers, one took great gulps from my water bottle and then offered me a woman. I had to decline the offer.

After the initial prospect of staying at a lodge for 2,000 Shillings I found a motel room for 200. I had a clean room and hot water.

We now have links in Kisumu and the glimmer of a chance to meet Grandmother Obama. Will see. That is days away. I now have a generous line of contacts within the Kenyan Police Service.

I still have 50 kms to cycle today to reach Nyahruru. It is fine here.

Best Wishes

Andy

I HAD A BICYCLE IN AFRICA

Dear Friends,

My cycling in Kenya has now the modest 100km barrier. I began serious cycling yeasterday

ON EXPEDITION FROM NANYUKI

Dear Friends,

Today I set forth from Nanyuki to Nyahururu. It is 90 kms away. Its a hot day so I may not reach there by night fall. Will see. After Nyahururu I will take a matatu to Naivasha and try to find Lord Delamere. Then I will be on route to Nakuru, then Kericho where there are tea farms and then on the Kisumu on Lake Victoria. Kisumu is the ancestral home of President Barak Obama. His Grandmother lives in an area of Kisumu, know as Kogero. God may allow me to meet her.

Best Wishes

Andy

AT THE EQUATOR WITH BISHOP JOHN

Dear Friends,

I am in Nanyuki as the guest of Bishop John of the Methodist Church. We have just been to the Equator. I stood with one foot in each hemisphere of the Globe. A triumph. See photos above taken not one hour ago.

Best wishes

Andrew

WITH THE BRITISH ARMY in NANYUKI - A triumph

Dear Friends,

Today barely one hour ago I was with the British Army in the town of Nanyuki. I met the Sgt. Major Carl and the Major. Both splendid men. I was with Bishop John. We were given lunch in the canteen. I had pasta. Then the Sgt Major gave us a tour of the camp. I loved it. If I were ever young again I would join the army and come to Kenya. The camp was BATUK UNIT (British Army Training Unit Kenya). 'Cap badge' or Unit: Infantry (across the board); Royal Engineers; Royal Logistic Corp; R.E.M.E.

We were at the base from 12:15 pm till 2:30 pm.

Best Wishes

Andy

IN SEARCH OF LORD DELAMERE

Dear Friends,

I am now in search of the descendants of Lord Delamere.....Any clues or advice welcome. Tomorrow I will be in Nanuki near Mt Kenya.

Best Wishes

Andrew

WITH BROTHER LAWRENCE IN MERU

Dear Friends,

I have reached Meru town. I will be staying with my good friend Lawrence, brother of Rev. Duncan. I came here from Isiolo by matutu. Tomorrow I will be in Nanuki with the British Army, God willing.

Best Wishes

Andy

A LIFE OF MY OWN CHOICE

Dear Friends,

I am living the life of my own choice. It has been a tough road, but I took the road not travelled and for me it made all the difference. Paraphrasing Wilfred Thesiger and I believe Robert Frost.

Tomorrow I will reach Nanuki and visit the British Army.

Best Wishes

Andy

GETTING TO KNOW THE BISHOP

Dear Friends,

I am getting to know Bishop Joseph of Isiolo very well. He is a very fine man. If I get back to Nairobi early by any luck I will return to Isiolo to do some work with the little children. Maybe bring then a football.

Shortly I will take a matutu to Meru town to visit Lawrence.

Best Wishes

Andrew

BE DEFIANT

Dear Friends,

They will say it is impossible, they will criticise you, they will do you down, they will laugh at you, they will ignore you. But never be defeated by them. Let them go to hell or where ever. Believe in yourself and never forsake hope. Victory is at hand. Follow your dreams.

Best Wishes

Andy

I AM BECOMING A GREAT AFRICA MAN

Dear Friends,

Give me a few more days and I will have this vast wild land in the palm of my hand. Tomorrow I will take a Matutu to Meru town where I hope to stay with my friend Lawrence, brother of Rev. Duncan of Northwich. Next day I will bus to Nanuki to visit the British Army. God willing.

Progress on Ross - A Dramatic Portrait is going well. Volunteers are coming forward. Thankyou all for this.

Best Wishes

Andrew

ON SAFARI WITH THE BISHOP

Dear Friends,

Today I went out on Safari in the Samburu National Park with my friends Bishop Joseph & Rev. Alfred of the Isiolo Methodist Church. What excellent company they were. I saw:

Girafe

Baboons

Monkeys

Elephant dozens of them.

Zebra

Secretary birds

Antelope

Gazelle

Orynx

Warthog

Dikdik, I think they are called. Very small antelope.

Ostrich

Sadly, we could not find the Lions or Samba. Another day, I hope.

Best Wishes

Andy

MY KENYA DAYS by Wilfred Thesiger

Dear Friends,

My guide in Kenya and Tanzania is the book: My Kenya Days by the great 20th Century explorer, Wilfred Thesiger. He died only a few years ago at over 90 years of age. He loved to be amongst the tribes. They are still here in all their glory.

Best Wishes

Andy

MY CUP FLOWETH OVER

Dear Friends,

I can hardly believe what is happening. I am living a dream. My cup floweth over.

Today we are off on safari to Samburu Nation Park to see the wild animals. If I am lucky I will face the lions and become know as Andrew - The Lion Heart - Wright. Will see.

Best Wishes

Andy

A TIME WILL COME

'A time will come when you will listen to me.' Quote of AW 1997.

Best Wishes

Andrew

PHOTOS of the journey

BABA ZHENIA

Dear Friends,

I have been dubbed 'Baba Zhenia' by the people in Marsabit.

Best Wishes

Andy

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA MEDAL ??!!

Dear Friends,

I was wondering if I might be fit to be nominated for the 'Lawrence of Arabia medal' ?? It would be for my expeditions: 'In the Footsteps of Lawrence' in Syria, Jordan & Israel and 'Across the Equator to Zanzibar' (IF I live to tell the tale). Also noteworthy my researches in to 'Aircraftsman Shaw in Northwich - March 1934' and my production of 'Ross - A Dramatic Portrait' at Northwich Memorial Hall in June 2012.

One to think about.

Best Wishes

Andy (On Expedition in Kenya).

BACK FROM MISSION TO MARSABIT

Dear Friends,

The bus just got into Isiolo from Marsabit. An 8 hour wonderful journey through the arid lands of the north. I once again met the Samburu tribes people. They are so beautiful and handsome.

I saw camels :-). Many camels :-). I will come here again to go camel trekking. I will be 'Lawrence of Arabia' or 'Andrew of Kenya', as of my dreams. I can get a camel or two for perhaps 150 pounds sterling each.

The journey from Marsabit was 280 kms. Mostly on gravel & sand. I think I can cross the Serengeti or maybe the Masai Steppe by bicycle. God willing.

Now I will go to my friends at the Methodist Church in Isiolo.

Best Wishes

Andy

PHOTO me at the Crater

COME UNTO ME LITTLE CHILDREN

Come unto me little children of Africa. I love you and I think you love me too.

Today I am in Marsabit in northern Kenya. My visit to Marsabit has been hosted by Benson and Mworia of the Methodist Church. They have been very kind to me.

I am lodging at the Nomads Trail Hotel. Great value at 1,200 shillings for B & B. It is centrally located near to the bus station.

We went on safari in the outlying districts. We visited to Catholic Mission on the hill above town. I became a preacher and Sayer of prayers for the first time.

We then went 10kms to the north on the road to Moyale to see a great Crater and to do some filming.

Before returning to Marsabit we handed out some biros to the little children of the road.

I set out on the 8 hour bus ride to Isiolo at 8:00 am tomorrow morning.

The bandit problem in northern Kenya is much overdone. There is only inter tribal fighting over water and livestock issues. I have felt totally safe in northern Kenya and I would advise that travel here is not a problem.

COME UNTO ME LITTLE CHILDREN

Come unto me little children of Africa. I love you and I know you love me.

I have found no place on earth like Kenya, it is extraordinary.

I am in Marsabit today. Mworia and Benson of the Methodist Church in Marsabit hosted me. I have been lodging at the Nomads Trail Hotel in the town center. A fine place to stay if you are ever in these parts.

The bandit problem here in northern Kenya is overdone. There are only tribal disputes and occasional fighting over water and livestock. I have felt on danger to myself in this area.

Today I went to the Catholic Church on the hill above town where I was made preacher and Sayer of prayers. I met the Sister.

When it is not so dry Elephants, Cheetah and Hyena roam these parts.

Later in the day we drove out to a big Crater 10kms on the Moyale road. Here we did some filming of cycling in the desert.

COME UNTO ME LITTLE CHILDREN

Come unto me little children of Africa. I love you and I know you love me.

DRINKING BLOOD WITH THE SAMBURU

Dear Friends,

I am back in Isiolo after a daring mini expedition to Archers Post seeking the British Army. Instead of the British Army I found the Samburu tribe. The Samburu are semi nomadic now living by cattle and goat herding. They are the most beautiful people. With them I am now a hero in Archers Post. I have friends among the Samburu.

I drank blood and milk with the Samburu. They drew the blood from a goat's neck before my very eyes. The goat lives.

I saw the little children of the Samburu in their school house and sat in on their maths lesson. In the future it would be great to help the children of the Samburu, they are very poor materially but rich in spirit and goodness.

I am now in Isiolo. Tonight I will take a bus to Marsabit. A 10 hour ride. Maybe I will find evidence of Wilfred Thesiger in Marsabit. Will see.

After Marsabit I will come back to Isiolo by bus. Then with the Methodists I will arrange a short safari into Samburu National Park.

After the safari I will go to Nanuki to visit the British Army HQ and to stand on the Equator line. This before pushing on to Kisumu to get a cargo boat down Lake Victoria to Tanzania.

Best Wishes

Andrew

PHOTOS EQUATOR EXPEDITION

PHOTOS - EQUATOR EXPEDITION

TURKANA & SOMALIS around ISIOLO

Dear Friends,

I am safe in the good hands of Bishop Joseph and his colleagues in Isiolo of the Methodist Church.

My day started in Meru with a four mile walk in the company of my new friend Lawrence Ibuuri, brother of Rev. Duncan of Northwich.

We had breakfast then we went by car in search of Monkeys and Elephants on the road north of Meru. Sadly we found no Monkeys or Elephants. It was too early for the Monkeys and we found only Elephant dung by the road. On the journey we stopped and I sampled maize beer and khatt leaf.

Then I cycled 25kms to Isiolo where I met the Methodist bishops and leaders. We had lunch together. I did some filming and photographing.

We then drove out into the bush where I met the Turkana and the Somali tribes people. I adore the little children of Africa and they love me too. I am admired here and I love the people back.

God has given me courage in abundance and hope to use it for the common good in times to come. I was born to make this very journey and to meet these great people in East Africa.

Tomorrow evening at 8.00pm I will take a night bus to Marsabit, an eight hour journey.

The weather conditions are ideal.

Best Wishes

Andy

A BRAND NEW DAWN in KENYA

Dear Friends,

I have spent a wonderful sojourn with my new friends in Meru. Off to see the monkeys.

Then will cycle to Isiolo.

Catch you later.

Andrew

A PRINCE IN KENYA

Dear Friends,

I am safely in Meru town after a six hour bus journey. I have landed in the finest country it has ever been my pleasure to visit. I am photographing like mad. God willing, I will make Northwich proud in East Africa. I am staying with Lawrence, brother of Rev Duncan, here in Meru.

Tomorrow I will cycle to Isiolo. I will meet monkeys for the first time. This place is a joy. They love me here and I love them too.

Nest day I will try to get a bus to Marsabit and achieve glory.

I have been here barely 24 hours and already I have been in the national papers and 30 mins ago I stood on the Equator for the first of two times on this Expedition.

Best Wishes

Andrew

FAMOUS IN KENYA ALREADY

Dear Friends,

Ive been in Kenya for 15 hours and already I will be in the national newspapers. The National Media. All Expedition and charity details will be published in Kenya. In the UK the national media is so up its own backside they haven't got a clue. Ive never seen such dismissive arrogance from any person as that displayed by the news desk lady I spoke to at Channel 4 News.

Kenya is God's own land as I expect the whole of Africa to be.

Just going to get lunch then Im heading to Meru and then Isiolo to meet the Bishop.

This morning I saw a big tree with many Storks resting on the top. It was wonderful.

Best Wishes

Andrew

OBJECTIVE TODAY - MERU town

Today I have decided that I will try to reach Meru. A town north of Nairobi. I will travel by bus company 'Kensilver'. In Meru, I hope to meet Lawrence, brother of my friend Reverend Duncan of the Northwich Methodist Church.

I am just about to get my gear sorted for todays expedition to Meru.

Had a fine breakfast of fruit, pancakes, omelette, toast and coffee.

Andrew - 7.15 am Tuesday 17th January - guest house, Nairobi

BROADCASTING FROM NAIROBI

Dear friends,

As you can see I am making new friends all the time. Here is a photo with one of the very beautiful Emirates stewardesses. I am now a big fan of Emirates. God willing, they can take me anywhere on my globetrotting expeditions in the future. Their service is superb. They take bicycles for free. They also have a service to Durban which I hope to use.

I am now in the safe hands of the Kenyan people. They will not let me down, I know it now for sure. They are very handsome people. I think we will grow to love each other over the coming weeks.

I am staying at a good guest house near to the airport. In the morning I will meet my friend Zippy, manager of the guest house. I will then go to the city centre and visit the offices of a big national newspaper, get refreshments and then I will get a bus direct to Marsabit or just as far as Meru. If I go to Meru I will stay the night with Rev. Duncan,s brother before going to Isiolo and catching a bus on to Marsabit in the north.

Best Wishes

Andrew (would-be King of Africa).

EXPEDITION: Jack of all trades, master of all.

ACROSS THE EQUATOR TO ZANZIBAR cycling expedition:

ANDREW WRIGHT: Expedition Leader; medic; interpreter; photographer; film maker; media specialist; chief cyclist; public relations; diplomatic adviser; writer; researcher; accountant; financier; map specialist; navigator; logistics expert; advisor to the Leader; promoter; media specialist & all round good egg.

THAI FOOD IN DUBAI - EQUATOR EXPED

Dear Friends,

I have just eaten my first ever Thai meal. It was one of the finest, most tastiest meals I have ever eaten. Dubai is a truely excellent airport. Very friendly helpful staff. No rif raf here. Goodbye Ryanair & Easyjet. Service is what matters, not treating people like cattle. I will definately use Emirates again. They have a service to Durban in South Africa. From Durban, God willing, I can get to Lesotho with the help of Emirates.

Remember the charity the 'African Support & Assistance Project'. View: www.asapnet.co.uk
Donate by text or by cheque to John Reilly ASAP Treasurer at: Mid-Cheshire College. Make cheques payable to: African Support & Assistance Project.

Best Wishes

Andy

EQUATOR EXPED. REACHES DUBAI

Hello, it 10.15 am Dubai time,

I am safely in Dubai at the airport. All is in order. Emirates is now my prefered airline. Excellent service. I hope to use them to get to Durban later in this year of 2012. Had a good conversation about religion with my adjacent passenger. It helped to formulate my ideas. I have a long wait here at Dubai, seven hours. Will reach Nairobi at 7.15 pm local time.

Interested parties please focus all attention on 'Ross - A Dramatic Portrait' at the Northwich Memorial Hall. Opening night: Tuesday 19th June 2012. Tickets will soon go on sale via the Northwich Memorial Hall's own booking system.

Best Regards

Andy

EQUATOR to ZANZIBAR - UNDERWAY!!

Dear Friends,

I have sucessfully passed through security at Manchester Airport. Ever lasting glory is beckoning in East Africa. I thank God that I am able to tackle the project. We will have a lot of fun together on this great journey. Flight to Dubai is delayed by a half hour. Then I have a seven hour wait in Dubai. Good for a kip I sholud think.

This afternoon I had a splendid send off from my neighbours and friends. I travelled aptly with 'Andy's Taxi Service'. And it was a good service too.

Best Wishes to you all.

Andrew

ROSS - A DRAMATIC PORTRAIT

It is looking very likely that at long last, after long endeavours and rejection that my dream of seeing the Sir Terence Rattigan play 'Ross - A Dramatic Portrait' will be reality. Ross is based on the life of the hero 'Lawrence of Arabia'. It will be staged at Northwich Memorial Hall on the dates 20th June to 24th June 2012. Northwich Memorial Hall has hosted both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in its past. I will be the Producer of the play. A great lady called Brenda Spencer will be the Director and my friend John E Goodier will be the Stage Manager. The production will coincide with a big 'River Festival' at the Northwich Marina on the Weaver. Interested parties are invited to come to Northwich to see 'Ross - A Dramatic Portrait'. Demand for tickets is expected to be high.

DESERT ISLAND DISCs - Andy's music

For a time there was the glimmer of an idea that I might appear on a 'Desert Island Disc' style show for Cheshire FM radio. So with this in mind, I made the following selection of music to accompany me on this desert island thus:

1. 'Dont Cry For Me Argentina'. For Argentina read Great Britain. Remember the Falklands.

2. Pavorotti - 'Nessun Dorma'. This is what I was listening to when the grape picking season finally ended in the early autumn of 2009 in the Beaujolais region of France.

3. Chuck Berry - 'Memphis, Tennessee'. One of the greatest songs ever written. If I can only choose one record to take to the island, this would be the one.

4. 'Rule Britania' or 'Land of Hope and Glory'. In honour of the greatest country on the face of the planet.

5. Elvis Presley - 'At the chapel, where people are of one accord'.

6. Amy Winehouse - 'Rehab'. The voice of a Goddess. I found her only after her sad death last year. This song has personal resonations.

7. Dean Martin - 'Napoli'. I have been to and seen Naples two times.

8. The Drifters - 'Saturday Night At The Movies'. I may have seen a thousand movies at the cinema in my time.

BOOK choice beyond The Bible and Shakespear is 'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' by Eric Newby.

LUXURY ITEM - Photo album of family and friends.

THE BUSH TELEGRAPH - ASAP Reference

Today was an important day for the Equator Expedition. The Northwich / Knutsford Guardian photographer came to Mid-Cheshire College to record the event. There are now official photos of the Expedition preparation. The Guardian will publish next week.

Here is 'The Bush Telegraph' of January 2012 is featured above. Double click to enlarge for reading.

Message to Ian R.

Dear Ian,

Glad you like the Israel photo. You may use my e-mail address: andywright8117@hotmail.com

Many thanks

Andy

FLANDERS cycle tour - summer 2011 - photos

FLANDERS cycle tour - summer 2011 - photos

EQUATOR EXPEDITION ITINERARY Latest

THE EQUATOR EXPEDITION projected itinerary by ANDREW WRIGHT

1. Taxi from home to Manchester airport Terminal 1. Fly to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport with Emirates on 15th Jan

2. Arrive Nairobi at 19:15 hrs, collect bicycle, and to be met by driver from 'Nairobi Airport Stop Over House'. Guest house Tel No. 254 722 787 182 Stay at guest house for the night of 16th Jan.

3. Find bus station for direct bus to Marsabit in northern Kenya.

4. Reach Marsabit. The great 20th Century explorer Wilfred Thesiger spent a long time in the Marsabit area in his later years, living among the Samburu tribe. Possible meeting with the Methodist Church in Marsabit (no exact contact at the moment). Possible meeting with the British Army who have a camp in the area. Northern Kenya is an arid area confounded by drought and famine. There is also the 'Turkana' tribe in the area.

5. Start cycling south on the main road. If there is no food or water I may take a lift on a bus or private truck. Will see.

6. Reach the Equator. Stand with one foot in both hemispheres.

7. Move south and then west. Mt Kenya National Park area.

8. Cross the Aberdare mountains by bicycle.

9. Move west to Lake Victoria.

10. Cross into Tanzania by one of two road crossing points. Or, take ferry down Lake Victoria from Kenya to Tanzania.

11. Cross Serengeti National Park, probably by bus. It is unlikely that the park rangers will allow me to cycle across the Park.

12. Move east towards Kilimanjaro.

13. Possible climb Kilimanjaro. Mt. Kili. is over 5,000 mts high. The guide fees to climb the mountain are $500. It will take at least five days for the trek if I go ahead.

14. Move toward Dar es Salam.

15. Travel among the Masai tribe.

16. Ferry from Dar es Salam to the fabled island of Zanzibar.

17. Possible ferry to Pemba Island.

18. Ferry to Mombassa in Kenya.

19. Make contact with the Methodist Church of Northwich charitable project near Mombassa. My contact is from Rev. Charles Makonde (UK tel: 01606 44613). The contact is Hero Ole Saitoti, a young Masai tribesman. His local phone no. is: 0711561041. The Project and time in Mombassa will probably be two or three days.

20. Take the night train from Mombassa to Nairobi. Travel second class.

21. Reach Nairobi and do some sight seeing.

22. 11th March take Emirates flight EK722 to Dubai and thence on to Manchester to reach there on the 12th March.

23. Cycle or take train home to Northwich.

24. Hero's reception in Northwich for AW ;-).

25. Meet with JR for de-brief of Equator Expedition.

SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM 1935 Edition

Today, Sunday 1st January 2012 I went to visit Dug of the Mid-Cheshire Footpath Society. I spotted on his shelves this 1935 edition of the 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom'. What a beautiful treasure to own. What a great surprize to find.

Seven Pillars of Wisdom