When Luna was taken from me, together with most of my gear, I received such unbelievable support from the Angolan government.
What really touched me deeply are all the letters I received from the general Angolan public. I wanted to share a few of these messages with you. (Some of these letters have been translated from Portuguese.)
From Jorge Semedo on 30 Aug ’11:
As a citizen of Angola, I offer my deepest sense of sorrow at the situation you find yourself in.
It is unfortunate that situations happen like this, but most of us Angolans and many other citizens of the world, strongly reject that this can happen. I want while giving a warning to all citizens and also the police, to show efforts to not only locate and arrest these individuals, but also learn from this situation for preventing it from happening again in the future.
Hope you do not get discouraged and to continue your adventure planned from the beginning. Strength - GOD is GREAT!
From Mariana Vieira on 30 Aug ’11:
Hello Jolandie
First of all, my congratulations for your COURAGE.
I want to apologize in the name of Angola for those bad guys. We have a few like them unfortunately, but most of us are good people, hard workers and love to receive well our visitors. And I am sure they will go to jail very soon, our police will take care of them.
I wish all the best for you, lots of luck and ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE. I will support any decision you will take after this and I will pray for you.
God be with you.
From José Carlos Costa on 31 Aug ’11:
Jolandie,
I hope you are well. As an Angolan citizen, I feel bad to hear that fellow Angolans hijacked your bike. You will be on my prayers and I am looking forward to see you back on road to finish your very noble journey.
Best wishes,
From Gilberto Texeira on 31 Aug ’11:
Hi Jolandie,
I’ve just seen that you have been robed in my country (Angola) while you were trying to accomplish your dream of crossing all Africa on your bike.
Please be informed that I, as all others Angolans of good faith, feel shame regarding this fact.
I just hope that this incident doesn’t affect your objectives and I’m looking forward to read in the news that you have fully accomplished adventure…
Sincerely,
Gilberto
From Adérito José on 4 Sept ’11:
Hi,
I have just read about what happened to LUNA for which I am very sorry. I just hope you can proceed on your journey as soon as possible.
ALL THE BEST
From Edward Belchoir on 6 Nov ’11:
Hi Jolandie!!!!!!
It was so bad and sad to know what happens to you. We are 20 millions Angolans and they are only two who did that bad thing to you, so you can believe that 19.999.998 Angolans love you so much.
Don´t stop and do not worry, the police will find Luna ok???? And when it happens, please go ahead make us proud of African woman, please don´t let that two men take off your dream.
We love you so much and may god bless you forever.
Yours sincerelly
Edward Belchior
Donations or country sponsorships can be done through PayPal – visit the SPONSOR A COUNTRY page for more details!! Otherwise, send Jolandie or La Domestique a mail.
Please drop by and visit my facebook group or my facebook page. Click on a country to see many more photographs of my incredible journey around Africa!
Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.
Around Africa On My Motorbike
Wednesday, 09 November 2011
Thursday, 03 November 2011
First long ride a success. What's next?
About a week and a half ago Nova and I embarked on our first ‘long’ journey together. Some quality time on the open road to get to know one another better. The destination: visiting my family on the Kwazulu-Natal North Coast. The distance: just over 1200 kilometers in total. Riding time: approximately 17 hours there and back.
I’m happy to report that all went well and we didn’t have any mishaps. I’m growing more confident on the bike with each passing kilometer. We faced a crazy wind on our way back. The kind that makes it look like you’re leaning into a corner when you’re actually on a straight. It made me a little nervous at first to be perfectly honest. Gusting winds sometimes feel like they’re about to take the bike out right from under you. Though I think I handled it just fine.
The highlight on the trip for me was that my brother and I got to ride together. For the first time. It was great fun!
I’ve received my first piece of equipment for the bike. My new Trax Top Box. My friend Shayne Robinson from Cyberbike helped me to fit it the other night. It was a humorous event to say the least, as we tried to figure out the ‘not so user friendly’ instructions. So we’ve come to an agreement: if it stays on for the entire trip, Shayne installed it; if it falls off, I installed it!
I’ve also received some new gear from my favorite clothing company: Apres Velo down in Australia. I really, really, really... REALLY, absolutely LOVE their gear. And I’m not just saying that because I’m trying to punt one of my sponsors. Their gear really is just superiorly awesome! You should check it out!
In just over a week’s time Nova and I will be heading down to Cape Town to attend FIM Africa’s annual congress, taking place from the 17th – 19th of November at the Protea Break Water Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. With a stopover in Knysna first. Really looking forward to it! When we get back, Nova should have close to 6000 kilometers on the clock! * Grin *
Then end of November I’m riding out to Naboomspruit in Limpopo Province to visit Lodie de Jager, a man who has ridden across Africa twice on his KLR. Lodie has been kind enough to allow me to bug him for a few days. I know that I will learn a great deal from his experiences. And I also hope to have my first taste of some off-road training.
As far as preparations for the re-launch of my expedition is concerned, I’m making progress. There’s still a lot to do, as is with any expedition of this size. At this stage I’m still set on launching in January. We’ll see how it goes.
“It’s better to have Journeyed than to Arrive” – From Lodie de Jager's blog.
I’m happy to report that all went well and we didn’t have any mishaps. I’m growing more confident on the bike with each passing kilometer. We faced a crazy wind on our way back. The kind that makes it look like you’re leaning into a corner when you’re actually on a straight. It made me a little nervous at first to be perfectly honest. Gusting winds sometimes feel like they’re about to take the bike out right from under you. Though I think I handled it just fine.
The highlight on the trip for me was that my brother and I got to ride together. For the first time. It was great fun!
I’ve received my first piece of equipment for the bike. My new Trax Top Box. My friend Shayne Robinson from Cyberbike helped me to fit it the other night. It was a humorous event to say the least, as we tried to figure out the ‘not so user friendly’ instructions. So we’ve come to an agreement: if it stays on for the entire trip, Shayne installed it; if it falls off, I installed it!
 |  |
Looks like Shayne did the installation!!
|
And... it's ON!!
|
I’ve also received some new gear from my favorite clothing company: Apres Velo down in Australia. I really, really, really... REALLY, absolutely LOVE their gear. And I’m not just saying that because I’m trying to punt one of my sponsors. Their gear really is just superiorly awesome! You should check it out!
 |
| Apres Velo's FABULOUS clothing!! |
In just over a week’s time Nova and I will be heading down to Cape Town to attend FIM Africa’s annual congress, taking place from the 17th – 19th of November at the Protea Break Water Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. With a stopover in Knysna first. Really looking forward to it! When we get back, Nova should have close to 6000 kilometers on the clock! * Grin *
Then end of November I’m riding out to Naboomspruit in Limpopo Province to visit Lodie de Jager, a man who has ridden across Africa twice on his KLR. Lodie has been kind enough to allow me to bug him for a few days. I know that I will learn a great deal from his experiences. And I also hope to have my first taste of some off-road training.
As far as preparations for the re-launch of my expedition is concerned, I’m making progress. There’s still a lot to do, as is with any expedition of this size. At this stage I’m still set on launching in January. We’ll see how it goes.
“It’s better to have Journeyed than to Arrive” – From Lodie de Jager's blog.
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