It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one most adaptable to change. Charles Darwin, Theory of Evolution.

Life is all about risks and rewards, I considered neck deep in sand and the tide fast approaching, an assassin sitting five metres away and thoroughly enjoying the taste of my Cuban cigar.

I reflected on 18 pivotal moments from the last 15 years of my life as the sweet aroma of Havana’s finest stogie wafted by on the sea breeze. I contemplated my imminent demise, which, truth be told, was entirely of my own making. I had clearly bitten off more than I could chew, my love affair with the continent of Africa seemingly about to conclude by execution.

This is my story.