Adventures in Louga: A Journey to Remember

Day 4 - April 16

As we embark on what was supposed to be a simple 3.5-hour drive to Louga, our journey quickly transforms into an unexpected 6-hour adventure. The sun beats down relentlessly as we travel deeper into the desert heat, I begin to notice the absence of street signs, stop signs, and street lights. It leaves me wondering: are there any rules to the road here?

The roads are a lively mix of horse-drawn carts, motorbikes, cars, cattle (yes, cattle!), and the occasional goat. It seems there’s an unwritten language of honking and maneuvering around other vehicles. With the Louga gals in one car and the Louga guys closely trailing behind, we pass the time with engaging conversations and deep belly laughs, making every minute of the long drive enjoyable.

During a bathroom break, an unexpected encounter occurs. As we walk down a path, who else but Victor charges up the steps to a hut, only to disturb a swirling swarm of bats that dive around us. Leave it to Victor to want to pose and take pictures in such a chaotic moment. Who is this man? Fearless? Adventurous? Perhaps he possesses a bit of superhero charm!

Victor calling the bats

After making our way back to our drivers, I find myself longing for this adventure. Finally, we arrive at our destination, where the weather app registers a sweltering 101 degrees. Monsour and Osmund are there to greet us at the hotel. A hotel? Well, as Julie quips, it does have four walls and a working AC in the rooms!

Once we drop off our belongings, we venture out to a local spot for some delicious chicken yassa and tea. After satisfying our appetites, our energy starts to fade, and we slowly make our way back to the hotel to gather around the pool for a debriefing session. But wait—where's Victor? Who lost Victor…again?

Just as we start to worry, Victor makes his grand entrance and takes a plunge into the pool, startling the bats that begin circling our heads once again. Could it be that Victor is secretly Batman? Only time will tell!

As we wind down for the night, our excitement builds for the first day in the schools tomorrow. This adventure is just beginning, and I can't wait to see what awaits us in Louga!