15,279,854: Christian's hits, Christelle's words
....was the number of times, when last I looked, that YouTube viewers had clicked on this famous video clip* of the amazingly affectionate reunion of two London-based Aussie pals (Australians John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Bourke)with Christian the lion, bought by them as a cub from Harrods (at a time when such things were allowed).
They later reinstalled Christian in Africa but insisted on returning a year later to say hello, with moving results.
Christelle is now out of Africa, bubbling with words that can be numbered in similar proportions about her exploits on wildlife expeditions over the past three months.
She has paused long enough in Abu Dhabi on her way home to London to deposit dozens of photographs, the ones she was not able to transmit from the borders of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Some of these, and also some of her words will appear at Salut! soon. She has also returned with the means to ease her dad into comfortable early retirement.
Along with the millions of words, she brought home a remarkable present: a $25 billion banknote. It seems perfectly valid, with plenty of time to deposit it before an expiry date of Dec 31 2008 (provided I can find a bank still operating anywhere).
There is just one small potential snag. The note was issued by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. I am not yet sure quite how much that converts to in, say, old British pennies or French centimes. But I fear the retirement may need to be put on hold while I check.
* The makers of the film suggest that if you wish to donate to the Born Free Foundation, you may follow this link
The drinks are on Colin!
Posted by: Dumdad | October 09, 2008 at 08:42 AM
You're urging her to write a book, I hope.
Posted by: Bill Taylor | October 09, 2008 at 04:03 PM
..my very last words to her before she flew home. Bill's book suggestion, I mean, not Dumdad's drinks party
Posted by: colin | October 09, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Well, we've seen the drinks on you before -- when you've stumbled and knocked over the table..... Seriously, though, Christelle has some really compelling material and she's certainly proved that she can write.
Posted by: Bill Taylor | October 09, 2008 at 05:04 PM
What a lovely vid!! What an amazing reunion.
Posted by: Sarah Hague | October 14, 2008 at 04:08 PM