Learning to drive in a Land rover station wagon was no easy feat for a short person, never mind in a National Park where there were lots of BIG animals. I had to have a pillow to sit on and another pillow behind my back, or else I would not be able to reach the pedals. Thankfully I had a very calm, relaxed father to teach me, even though inwardly he was probably saying many prayers and keeping his teeth firmly clamped down on his pipe.

On one occasion we came to an ‘S’ in the road and I could see that there was a huge bull elephant ahead standing right beside the road feeding and quite unperturbed about us coming along. Unfortunately, I was absolutely terrified of elephants and whenever we came too close to them I would be on the floor of the vehicle with a pillow over my head and tear flowing down my cheeks. If I could fit in a glove compartment I would.

I slammed on breaks and pleaded with my father to take over until we had passed the massive grey beast. My father’s reply was a casual “If you want to learn to drive, then you have to drive past the elephant!” So after sitting for a while with a hammering heart and trembling, clammy hands I put the vehicle into first gear, closed my eyes and drove. I really have no idea how I managed to stay on the road, but I did get passed the elephant much to my relief.