Tea-drinking is a ritual that binds people together. Alan Whelan was on a unique quest: to find the people at the hidden heart of Africa and sit down for a nice cup of tea with them. On the 14,000-mile solo journey through Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and all the way to Cape Town across deserts and the toughest roads imaginable, he met sporting legends and ministers, peacekeepers and outlaws, and countless people who shared their last morsel of food with him. Armed with little more than blind optimism, he experienced a jaw-dropping ride. Uplifting, insightful and funny, this is the story of one man's determination through the most physically and emotionally challenging five months of his life. AUTHOR: Alan Whelan is based in Lancashire with his South African wife and is often asked to give talks about his trip. He trained as a journalist and now works in PR. He used the journey to raise money for charity in Africa. SELLING POINTS: Will appeal to those who enjoyed Long Way Down, travel and adventure enthusiasts, motorcycle media, and anyone who believes Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman were a couple of girls going to Africa with a film crew and backup Alan did the trip alone! In 2010 South Africa hosts the football World Cup, bringing Africa to the forefront of the media. REVIEWS: 'Joy and heartache, despair and exhilaration, moments of sheer insanity Alan Whelan captures Africa to a T' Peter Moore *

Author Biography

Alan Whelan is based in Lancashire with his South African wife and is often asked to give talks about his trip. He trained as a journalist and now works in PR. He used the journey to raise money for charity in Africa: www.abhaha.com.