It's been a few days since the tour has officially been complete, but I have still been touring, visiting friends both in Scotland and back here in England. 

I have even been enjoying the rain... back in Bahrain, we get very little of it.

Yesterday, I made a planned visit to the Land Rover factory in Solihull. The Land Rover LR3 has, of course, been a very reliable vehicle for me, one I have been happy to trust on a gruelling tour such as this one. It didn't once let me down right through the drive from Bahrain to England.

At the factory, I was welcomed by Roger Crathorne, manager, technical communications and public affairs, who was very enthusiastic about the Friendship Tour and arranged an interview with the Land Rover magazine to feature our expedition. 

I was taken on a tour of the factory, to see how these extremely sturdy vehicles are constructed - it was a revelation as to how much goes into the making of the LR3.

Roger also let me go to the off-road area, to learn more about the technical aspects of the vehicle, and even arranged for the oil change of my LR3.

He is so thoroughly conversant with everything to do with his company's product line, it's no surprise that company managing director Phil Popham calls him Mr. Land Rover. Former CEO Bob Dover dubbed him the 'maestro'.

Before I said my goodbyes, Roger presented me with a copy of his book, Born in Lode Lane. Proceeds from the sale of his book go to charity.

From here, I head to Ireland, before making my way back to Bahrain

Ali Mushaima