GeneralThe Scariest Moment is Always Just Before You Start

The Scariest Moment is Always Just Before You Start

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

When I was young I would pore over National Geographic magazines and dream of adventures like this — train hopping through the Sahara Desert on one of the world’s longest trains.

I had dreamt of the oceans, of the sand, the loud clattering noises of the train, the cold, the wind, the scorching sun. The unknown smells and sounds of the desert, and all the discomfort that goes with it.

That visceral experience was exactly what we got as we slithered night and day through the vast uninhabited desert, sleeping on top of Mauritania’s infamous iron ore train. Our unconventional 700km journey took us right through the Sahara to reach the coast, where we were hoping to find a place of forgotten shipwrecks and unknown surf.

From Nouakchott we worked our way through the interior, on what can barely be described as roads. On one particular day the weather conditions take a turn for the worse and a desert sandstorm begins to form on the horizon. I had stopped to take some photographs and before we knew it, the wind picked up considerably and it started to rain.

Within minutes, the sky darkens and the winds increase to what we guess is around 150km/hr. The stinging and blowing of the sand act as sandpaper and is so intense that I feel like my exposed skin is starting to come off.

We quickly find ourselves pinned to the side of our truck, as we try to find some shelter and reprieve. When the wind dies down and we are finally able to climb back inside the truck there are pieces of shattered glass everywhere. Our back window has completely imploded and the interior is soaked. Our guide, who had been waiting for us in the back seat, has cuts all over his body from the glass. As the storm settles we resumed our journey north through the desert, anxious to find the next unexpected turn of events.

Latest news

Is Harris really a Socialist?

Donald Trump has called Kamala Harris a Marxist, Communist, Socialist and Fascist amongst other things. Is this just another...

Now the riots are over, we need far stronger communities

In the days since the UK faced pockets of racially motivated rioting, it has become commonplace to depict the...

The Southport tragedy has brought out the worst in us

More protests planned over Southport stabbings Local mosques to take safety precautions after far-right backlash against Islam and Muslims Counter-protests are...

UK Election: What are the key Parties pledging?

With just over two weeks to go until the General Election, the politicians have set out their stall this week....
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

Celebrating Three Years Of Impact

We recently took an organisational break at The Common Sense Network to explore the last three years. We looked...

Donald Trump found guilty on all counts in historic criminal trial

A jury in Manhattan, New York reached a verdict in the criminal hush money trial of former President Donald...

Must read

Is Harris really a Socialist?

Donald Trump has called Kamala Harris a Marxist, Communist,...

Now the riots are over, we need far stronger communities

In the days since the UK faced pockets of...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you