Day 14: Going Home

It is finally the end of my journey. I have come a long way, all the way from the hot temperatures in the desert region of Libya, across the tropical region of Niger, to tropical Mali. Thank you to all who have been reading my blog entries, and goodbye. :)

Day 13: Rescued...Almost?

 I wake up...in a bed. I look around, and find that the nomadic tribe of the Fulani had found me blacked out, and treated me. (I also realize I had missed one more day, due to my black out, which I apologize for.) Although I can't understand their native language, I guess they are beckoning for me to rest, as they too, can tell I am very ill. After resting for a while, I try my best to explain that I NEED to survive on my own. They show me the way to Mali, after mentioning it, and I thank them and leave. After passing by large escarpements, or steep cliffs, I finally reach Mali. I await by the destined checkpoint for the helicopter's arrival.

Day 11: Completely Lost

Yesterday, the terrorist group had stolen all my equipment, including my compass. Without it, I have no sense of direction, or in other words, completely lost. I wander around aimlessly, quite sure i'm not going to make this journey. Suddenly, I heard the sound of rushing water. Could it be? Yes! I found the Niger River! Being the third longest river in Africa, it went by many names, depending on the local tribe you spoke to, such as  "Egerew n-Igerewen" meaning "rivers of rivers" in Tuareg, and "Orimiri" meaning "great water" in Igbo. I quickly refill my water bottles, and press on. Later on that day, I feel much better, as I have finally had water. However, my stomach still isn't satisfied, and once in a while I stop and vomit, even though nothing comes out. I realize I am very sick, and I need medical attention right away. The loss of direction doesn't help either, and I soon black out.

Day 10: Al Qaeda Attack

Previously on the night of Day 8, I was awoken by an infamous terrorist group named Al Qaeda. They have been spread through Africa, and received lots of attention in recent media. They seemed to be tired and no better off than me, but ransacked me of all my water. Afterwards, they left me with nothing but empty bottles, but decided to leave me with just a pen as a joke, forcing me to record notes without a notebook. I am currently writing all this down onto the sides of the empty water bottles and my hands. I start to feel hopeless, hungry, tired, and thirsty. Barely having enough strength, I fall asleep under a Mangrove tree for some shade protection.

Day 8: West Africa

Prolonged periods of rationed, unsatisfying camel meat are completely gone, as I now have absolutely no food, and only 1 bottle of water left. I had to use some water earlier to rinse out my wound, which still stings, just not as bad. I head into  the northeastern region of Niger, entering the tropics, and after a few hours, notice different climate, tropical. It isn't as hot as it was in Libya, but now feels very humid, and many plants are starting to appear before me. I also get my first glimpse of animal life in Niger, including giraffes and hyenas(which are especially common in northern Niger). As for my meal, I settle on some gourd plants I picked along my way, which is a tasty fruit similar to melon.

Day 7: Bit In The Hand

Sorry I haven't been able to write for a few days. Earlier on the night of Day 4, a deathstalker scorpion bit my hand while I was sleeping. I woke up and wasn't able to go back to sleep. The Deathstalker scorpion, which you can probably tell from its name, is very dangerous. It causes severe pain, and maybe even death. However, on Day 6, I was lucky enough to stumble upon Citrullus Cologcynthis, or Alkhad. The Tuareg people used this fruits' special milky sap to cure stings from scorpions. I gathered as much as I could and I now feel good enough to write again.

Day 4: Meeting a Camel

I have been walking for days, and the heat has really gotten to me.  The Sahara Desert covers over 3.5 million square miles, but it wasn't always like this. Over 2 million years ago, this desert was not as big as it is now, but spread through desertification. Through this whole trip, I haven't been wearing much. I stowed away my outer clothing and am down to the thinnest clothing, as it keeps me cool while still protecting me from the hot rays of the sun. At around sunset, I found a wandering camel, and killed it for its meat and milk. I scraped around for some logs and wood in the desert, (although there wasn't much) and started a fire with my lighter. I cooked the meat and ate it for dinner that night.

Day 3: First Meat

Today is my lucky day. After trekking through the Saharan Desert with no food, I finally stumbled upon meat, The Addax Antelope. Sadly, this species of antelope is now extremely endangered, with only about 500 of them left. I'd hate to do it, but I still must eat it, in order to keep going with my journey. The Addax Antelope is a slow animal, because of its body size, and their flat hooves, which isn't adapted for speed. I hunt it down with my swiss army knife, then proceed to eat it for dinner. I used my leftover parachute as a makeshift tent once again.

Day 2: Adapting To The Blazing Heat

Ever since arriving here, It's been impossible to ignore the blazing heat of the Sahara Desert. The desert's climate is quite unsteady, ranging from 37.5 to -0.5 degrees celsius. Although it isn't at the highest point right now, I still must be very cautious of my water supply, as well as watch out for deadly sandstorms. There is no doubt that rain isn't a chance, as deserts are infamous for their droughts, or long periods of no rain. In order to protect myself, I cut up my used parachute with my swiss army knife, and transform it into a makeshift tagelmust, or cheche, as the Tuareg people call it. It was worn by local Tuareg men, when traveling through deserts to protect themselves from sandstorms, and cold winds.

Day 1: Sand, Sand, and More Sand

The helicopter ride takes a few hours, but it finally takes me to my destination. I land in the Saharan Desert, in the northern region of Libya. The only things I have with me are 3 water bottles, a lighter, a swiss army knife, the parachute I used to land down safely, my pen and trusty notebook to record all my findings, and a compass to see where to go. The second I land in the desert, I feel a blast of hot wind, and immediatley notice the dry climate. After about 10 minutes or so, my skin is already beginning to feel dry and cracked, and my tongue the same. The feeling of moisture simply vanishes so quickly I have to take a few "sips" from my water bottle once every few minutes. At night, I decide to use my parachute as a makeshift tent. I realize how difficult this trip already is on the first day, and why this desert is considered the most hottest desert in the world.

From Nothing To Something

Hi! Welcome to my blog! I'm Julian Sul, and during the last two weeks, I began and finished my journey from northen Libya in North Africa, through northern Niger, to northeast Mali in the West African region. I recorded all my exciting discoveries, including various wild animals, exotic plants, and heat stroking temperatures in Africa, into my trusty notebook. Follow my path as I copy all my info down into this blog!