Taxi to Bamako

We're in. Both we and the taxi passed all the tests they threw at us. We feel like the poor relatives though. The taxi seems to be the only 2 wheel drive vehicle in the rally. All the others are huge 4x4's kitted out to the teeth with winches and satellite phones, distress rockets etc. Our F & M picnic hamper and assortment of Tesco plastc bags seem a little inadequate. Feel as if everyone is thinking OK, joke over - where's the real vehicle.
We caused quite a stir at the press launch and were interviewed by a scrum of TV and press reporters. Must buy the Budapest Times tomorrow.
Trish has adopted a team of three Swedes who I'm sure are too young to be travelling on their own. She wouldn't let me talk to the Hungarian beauty queens.
Party tonight thrown by the Hungarian Dakaar team whoever they are. Rest day tomorrow then off at 8.00 am on Saturday.