tembo.
Not that I shall ever take part now-even if it is still run. But yes, a lot of fun.
My sympathy with the weather. I am stuck in England for a few more days. Yesterday, 8c, windy and a log fire in the drawing room. Not surprising that the natives here are morose and mumbling. I would be too!
Not as much feedback to your questions as I would have hoped. I think that the SAA figure of $200US was probably for expenses only with the company having picked up the tab for the hotel room.
Go safely.
duma.