Canadian Politics Today

Here's something to keep in mind if you're ever "thirsty" in the middle of a desert. I was doing a job in a camp about 400 miles south of Khartoum so me years back. A lot of material came by truck from Juba, and arrangements were made for a contingent of beer to be included. During part of my time there the source dried up for a period. We were sitting in our quansit hut/ bar lamenting the absence of beverages beyond coke when one of the men who had working there for some time said don't worry, I have a backup plan. Not long after one of the locals knocked at the door and entered with a couple of jars of what I learned was referred to as "Flash". He set them down and the Dutchman who had made the call paid him. The locals were basically nomadic cattle herders who had figured out how to generate a substance that was as clear as vodka, and could kick like a mule. Before the payment was made though, a sample of the substance was poured out directly on the wooden slab we called the bar. A match was struck and the Dutchman observed the flame, which was hard to see. It was explained if you ever got some and it burned with any hint of orange flame, don't buy it or drink it. I was not quite sure how they made it, but I said a few hail Mary's and took a slug. With enough coke it wasn't too bad, especially when you remembered where you were. I was however glad when the beer reappeared.