The Mission:

To drive in an old banger from Plymouth to Dakar and then onto Banjul, across dodgy terrain dodging dodgy drivers.

Why did I agree to do this, and why am I going with someone else's girlfriend?

Importantly, what is my girlfriend going to say when she finds out?

Why oh why? I don't even like camping, and the idea of camping out in the desert instead of spending Christmas at home with my family and friends seems a rather daft idea.

Maybe its just because I have a sense of adventure and I do care about the (im)balance in the world, and want to do my little bit to help.