Having finally solved the issue of the troublesome engine we were instantly plagued with another, perhaps, more serious problem. At 3000m above sea level you become more than a little reliant upon your brakes. Alternatively, if you too happen to be experiencing problems you may have to place your trust in your weakening right leg.
Having spent the past three months sat in a car we are not needless to say at peak physical fitness.Thankfully we were able to dig deep into an unknown reservoir of latent strength thereby enabling us to apply an obscene amount of pressure on the brake pedal, which on occasions enabled us to encourage a little action from the unreactive brakes.
The steep mountain roads were thick with dust and plagued with hairpin bends, however, these were the least of our worries. Our main cause for concern was the unpredictable nature of the herds of animals, which littered the horizon.
Initially we assumed that we would be aided by the shepherds who appeared to be expertly leading their prized processions toward the weekly markets, however, we soon realised that they possessed even less road sense than their animals. Upon hearing a blast from a nearby horn they lurched – without looking – to the safety of the grass verge leaving their animals to wander freely.
This reactive method may appear to be an act of self-preservation but instead places the shepherd in question in even more danger. In lurching to the verge they fail to consider in which lane the vehicle is travelling and therefore needlessly place themselves in the path of almost certain death.
Jim will you fix it for me to broadcast your road safety advert to the shepherds of Ethiopia?
