I didn't catch his name, but even if I had I wouldn't have been able to pronounce it as it contained one of those tongue click sounds the San (previously called Bushmen) language is known for. He was making a bow and arrow for Alexander. Alexander had thus far had a, shall we say, mixed experience in Africa. He is as excited as anyone when wildlife is spotted, but soon loses interest and spends most of the long truck rides drawing, reading Tintin and complaining. When we stop to set up camp he walks in circles obsessively making what I can only describe as exploding noises, waving his arms about.
But once it became obvious what unpronounceable San man was doing for him a sly smile crept across his face and he became rapt with attention. Alexander had trouble firing it, but the San are among the most patient and good humoured people I have ever met, so eventually he fired off a decent shot. He was also deeply impressed by their snare making, fire building and poison finding skills. The bow and arrow plus his Australian boomerang are creating an unintended weaponry collection. I am a bit nervous about what he'll find in the Istanbul bazaars...
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