day 93

We're in Southern Sudan just outside Juba. the border crossing was confusing and expensive, much like Zambia although we hear it gets much worse further north. officials were mostly friendly (except military) and Worldcup Soccer talk still breakes the ice well.
The locals were equally friendly and people helped us through the formalities without asking or even accepting some form of payment, which was refreshing. the road is atrocious (already since Gulu) and Joel lost the rear propshaft on his Land Rover. to our rescue came a Zimbabwe-based de-landmining company (TDI) who is currently working on the road (well, next to the road) in preparation for paving it, scheduled for 2012. last night we stayed with the team at the their base camp on the side of the road. a great bunch of guys. while Joel and their mechanic tried to fix the Landy we were getting advice on life in Southern Sudan, the do's and don't's, the highlight of which was "stay on the road. don't even think of going for a pee in the bush..." Apparently they are finding so many land mines still that the proposed construction date for the road will be pushed back a few years. no luck on the Landy and Joel continues in front-wheel drive at 30km/h. the road to Juba is littered with broken-down, shot-at and abandoned trucks and vehicles, including a tank. after another gruelling 100km we arrive at TDI HQ just outside Juba. everybody here is really helpful and most guys want to come with us on our journey. However so far it seems our proposed route is not going to be possible but we're working on an alternative which will take much much longer and takes us to western Sudan (but not Darfur), a way which is apparently safe and possible. we're still checking other options as well, like taking the barge from Juba/Bor to Malakal on the Nile. Oh-yes, i forgot to mention that at the Sudan border we collected a passenger, [i won't attempt to spell his name] , who is at school in Gulu but is going home for the holidays in Bor. we gave him a lift to Juba from where he will find his way further by bus. right now i'm sweating my arse off in the dust. today apparently is very mild and we're to expect temperatures +40°C from here on out. we'll probably stay here at the compound until Monday as apparently we also need to get some stamp from the local authorities and tomorrow is a public holiday. we will update as soon we know where to next. i still can't believe we're actually here...(a convoy of military- and UN trucks drive past)