Mechanical Trials

As readers of more politically correct blogs will know already, our carefully prepared landcruiser suffered total brake failure despite apparently having the brakes checked both in the UK and Kenya, causing Karen to accelerate down hill backwards at a rather alarming rate and then drive back for 2 hours plus on the hand brake.  It would appear that one of the back pads was so worn it disintegrated and caused the calliper piston to come right out with total loss of brake fluid.  We replaced these, not an easy task but it was apparent that the disc was also very worn (thanks again preparers) so a trip to Addis was in order. A new disc and a service later (during which our Oromo dictionary and a set o I POD ear phones took a hike – thieving bastards) and a few nice meals, we set out again for home for that is what Gimbie has become noticing that car starting was becoming a little sluggish.  Various warning lights, mostly to do with brakes started to come on, which we were told was to do with computers needing resetting etc.  We were told all was well bar some bearings (good service chaps) and continued on our way when even more lights came on so stopped to investigate.  Not a good idea as it was apparent that there was total electrical failure.  Happily we have an auxiliary battery (a better, and in Greg terms) only good development so christened the jump leads and setoff back to Addis, hairy as one by one more systems failed ending up with complete failure on the Bole Road diversion, which is a bit like Hyde park Corner at 5 pm.  So with cars shooting by I wired the 3^rd battery to the main battery with the jump leads, taping them with duct tape to the side of the car in the hope (springs eternal and this time successfully) that they would not fall into the fan system, but meaning I could not close the bonnet or hood to my American readers, so a fairly difficult last few kilometres back to the garage, where it became apparent that during the service they had disconnected but apparently not re connected the alternator or more probably just knocked  the wire off but even standing on a wheel, we had to do a lot of repairs and changing as there were nails in them, it was not the easiest thing to get at – but have power again now.  But what I do not understand is that with most cars, when the battery is not charging there is a large red light, not apparently though with this.  So now apparently we have repaired tyres, blown up to the right pressure, working brakes, tracked wheels, fresh service and all well.  Sadly not so as on the next trip back ‘home’ on the final stretch, braking round corners on the tarmac causes the ABS to come on rather dramatically bring the car to a vibrating and rather alarming halt, making me think that one of the brake sensors may be buggered.  When I have worked out what the button saying RSCA off does, I might try that. In the meantime the tyres may be a little hyper-inflated as they seem a little slidey on the rocks that pass for a road hereabouts but we shall see.  At least we are all in one piece and so are the wheels. I we go on doing this perhaps mechanical night school is called for.

However the trip to Addis included a visit to a (by Ethiopian standards) swanky private hospital by me, as they want to start laparoscopy  and endless trips to government offices by Karen in her quest for ethical approval.  Karen definitely wants her ethical approval but I am less sure about my desire to teach Ethiopians who have yet to pass the diagnostic laparoscopy hurdle how to improve their private practice by doing laparoscopic hysterectomy, but it may prove an interesting way to pass a few months.  Life in Gimbie although it takes up a lot of time is now at a slow pace as the vouchers dry up and one treats the worried well and with less of the high drama stuff than hither too.  I hope that those who are not coming are making it to other places but I know not. MWW however plough their furrow and who knows where that will lead.  Instant and equally instantly forgotten education I suspect, and with the rather dodgy supply of newly qualified and outstandingly incompetent midwives one can only guess and tremble. Care in the Adventist hospital has its limitations but by and large it is safe.  There has been a faranji invasion with a clutch of medical students on their elective visiting so much of my time is teaching them, which is interesting but not what I am here for.  If I can get them to think a little though perhaps I will have achieved something.  They are quite fun to have around.  Maternity worldwide personel are however a little isolationist and being predominantly a hospital worker I see little of them but given the rather back bighting politics that may not be a bad thing.  Equally I am pleased to report that the cancer project is going well and may actually make a difference.  So three months to go and Adventists in trouble with inadequate funding, MWW up their own fundament and general lost despair.  Adventists are praying for you I think!