h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Had a surprise visitor today. Someone I hadn't seen for a good 10+ years. He's been living in California for the past 15+ years. We were at university together and used to do treasure hunting in his car. We were a terrific team and won almost all the hunts, so we had to set a few to give other people a chance. I think we only lost two.

He's lost a little hair and gained a little weight, but otherwise it was as though the intervening years never happened. It was really good to see him and we had a good chat. He's off home again tomorrow. Although he brought photos of his three children, he forgot to bring one of his wife, who I haven't seen for ages as well.

What a lovely treat!

It's nice to read that even people living in California pile on the pounds and lose hirsuitness! You'd never know it from television.

He isn't fat! Just a bit heavier than he was, and much less hirsuite!

And yes, I agree with you.

It must be nature.

In 1996, I emerged from a dyssentry-ridden travel experience weighing less than 65kg. Trousers I'd had from two years previously fell off my waist without undoing any of the front-fastenings. Now I'm close to 80kg pushing the limits of my 34" trousers. Hair's still on 'though my face is certainly more MOONY than before.

Ooh! Where was that? I can remember being in Africa and two of our party getting dysentry - one so bad that he had to be hospitalised.

I can't imagine my trousers falling off without undoing the trousers - I'm too curvy for that (small waist, biggish hips)!

I bought a 1982 Type 2F LandCruiser (the one that looks like a Willy's Jeep) in Botswana in 1991. It took me four years in Botswana and Swaziland to get it ready for the trip to Europe, when I finally left in December 1995. Christmas in Gonorazhou (near Chiredze), Zimbabwe, New Year in Mulanje, Malawi. Events took their toll, and I sold it Eritrea. Arrived in Rome (by plane) one fine Saturday evening to find no beds available in the whole city. Caught the night train to Venice instead. Woke up in Venice to discover it was Easter!

Gosh, you have had an adventurous life, havent you!

Were you travelling alone?

I saw your statement about climbing Kilimanjaro. I am somewhat envious despite the mountain sickness. We spent three days in Moshi(?) and never saw the mountain.(cloudy).

I was not alone. I was travelling with a pre-Old Spice partner. The rigours of close confinement exposed the flaws.

PS. It could well have been and FJ45 Landcrusier with a Type 2F Engine - that feels better.

Yes, it was Moshi. I spent two weeks on workcamp there (although five days of this was taken up in climbing Kilimanjaro). A lot of my photos have the mountain on them - it dominaated the area. My strong memories are of crickets singing and frogs croaking, as well as the streams of African children who came queueing up for our water standpipe.

We then spent a further two weeks with a family - or in my case billeted at a girls' school.

One day, I'll climb it properly. I either need for young 'un to grow up, or find a travelling partner and someone to look after him, which in theory I have. Oh yes, small matter - I need enough for air fares, accommodation and guides, etc.

Hopefully, it won't be too far away.