I make my way far into the
North East corner of Guinea-Bissau, aiming for a very small border crossing,
near Kandika. I’m getting good at dealing with the corrupt Police around here,
though I’m not prepared for the officer who confronts me in the middle of the
town of Gabu. After spotting me he scrambles about to put on his uniform and
cap, then runs over and starts yelling at me, demanding my paperwork. The
yelling and demanding continues for at least ten minutes, something I have not
yet experienced. I really have no idea what his problem is, I suppose he thinks
he can intimidate me – he is a very large man after all. As usual keeping my
cool and playing dumb and polite wins through, and eventually the shade and a
comfortable chair are a better use of his time than berating me.
In the morning I discover a
barge has recently washed away, and after a small decor I find my way to the
other border crossing in the area. The patchy pavement ends here, and I
actually use low range 1st gear in the half mile of no mans land between the
two ropes and logs strung across the road. For the first time on the whole
trip, I am asked for a Carnet de Passage– an
international customs document for the Jeep I don’t have.
After some back and forward it’s decided I can
sort it all out in the nearby regional capital of Koundara, so after a quick
stop in immigration for a passport stamp on my visa, I continue with no
paperwork for the Jeep – something that feels a little strange. Soon after I’m
stopped by Police who are much more interested in my driving in flip flops than
my lack of paperwork. Quickly throwing on my shoes brings about a round of
smiles, and I am allowed to continue on my way.
Read the rest of Dan Grec’s update at the following link:
http://theroadchoseme.com/into-guinea
And check out his journey on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theroadchoseme/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroadchoseme
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dangrec
