Only in Africa (6)

Talking to people in the office today, we were emphasizing the necessity to volunteers of being 'street wise' in Africa, of keeping money and personal papers safe as pickpockets are very skilled in African cities, and the police are often powerless to do anything to prevent this.   Then we got onto our various experiences with police in Africa ....

This reminded me of something that happened a couple of years ago:  I was travelling with Paul, an African friend in a rather smart car he had borrowed and we were stopped at a police road block, with those vicious spikes across the road in case you decided NOT to stop !

Two policemen approached Paul and a rapid conversation in Dholuo took place, which was too fast for me to follow.   After two or three minutes, the policemen stepped back;  (unusually no money had changed hands), and the two policemen came round to my side of the car, where they stood smartly to attention, saluted me, and then waved us on.

I couldn't understand what had happened so I gave them a regal wave and a smile as we drove off.   I asked Paul what on earth that was all about !

He said he had told them I was the Queen of England !    

Only on visits to Africa do I need to ensure I can do a 'regal' wave !!