Jolandie Rust

2012-02-03T10:23:00.000+02:00

Dear Friends:

Please note that my new website is up and running.
It is still under construction. But all new content will be published on this new site.

Website: www.jorust.com

As always, I thank you for all your amazing support!

Jo :)

Messages from Angola

2011-11-09T09:48:00.000+02:00

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.

First long ride a success. What's next?

2011-11-03T13:16:00.000+02:00

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!


*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.

Nova and I hit the open road

2011-10-25T13:21:00.000+02:00

So now that I have the bike, the gear and all the necessary licenses, I thought it time to test out both Nova and my abilities. The destination: Visiting my dad and my brother in Kwazulu Natal. 600 Kilometers of open road.

Bearing in mind that just a few weeks ago I got on a bike bigger than 250cc for the very first time in my life, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a tiny bit nervous. I mean, I just got my license and now I’m about to ride just over 600 kilometers on my own. Well, the nerves disappeared as soon as I hit the highway. It was all plain sailing after that.

My ever-present companion (the wind) welcomed me back to the road once again. The nice thing this time round is that I just have to turn the throttle and Nova and I both smile and say to the wind: “Bring it on”.

The other thing I love about being on the open road on a motorbike, is the amazing camaraderie among the bikers. Every time a bike passes me by, they will acknowledge me by putting up a hand or a nod of the head. Almost like saying: “Hey fellow biker, I see you. Welcome to the road and have a safe ride”. Absolutely love it!

My brother, Adriaan, met me along the way on his bike and rode the last 120 kilometers or so with me. This was our first ride together, each on our own bike. A very special occasion for the both of us. Riding in unison. Our family unit.

I will be riding down to Cape Town in November to attend the annual FIM Congress. (Federation Internationale Motocyclisme). That’s a bit of a longer ride. And now that I have a better idea of what distances I can handle, I’m really looking forward to it!

Until then, I’m spending some quality time with my family before I disappear into Africa once again.

The Bike Family

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Luna Found!!!

2011-10-20T06:49:00.000+02:00

Believe it or not, Luna has been found!!! Along with, what sounds like, all of my gear! I think I’m still in a bit of shock.

I received the news from the Minister of Local Government on Monday evening. Since then the news has spread like wildfire and friends from all over Angola have been texting, phoning and mailing me to make sure I’ve received the wonderful news!

It truly is amazing! I am unbelievably impressed with the Angolan Police Force. Their determination is really something to admire. Huge respect goes out to them!

From what I understand, they found Luna and, by the sound of things, all my gear (someone commented on the fact that one of my panniers even still had a sausage in it!), not too far from where I was robbed! Unbelievable!

Now, answers to questions I know will immediately arise from your reading this post:
1. Have I changed my mind about starting over on a motorcycle? No. All goes ahead as planned. I am still starting over on a motorcycle.
2. What about Luna? Luna and my gear will be returned to me. Details on the how and when is currently being sorted out.

I cannot express just how amazed I am that they actually found my Luna!! I would like to send out an enormous thank you to the Angolan Police Force and all my Angolan friends for all their ongoing support and belief in me. I am extremely honoured!

Angola Rocks!!!!

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Week 42 - Already??

2011-10-17T16:41:00.000+02:00

It’s the beginning of week number 42 of the year 2011. How time flies! It’s amazing. I really can’t believe that Christmas is just around the corner, yet again!

Initially, when I got back home from Angola I had planned on re-launching in November. Now, with all the planning, gearing up, training and paperwork that is yet to be finalized I’ve had to make peace with the fact that I won’t be able to leave so soon!

So we’re probably looking at an early 2012 start. Starting in January next year should give me enough time to finalize everything needed for the trip. In all honesty, I had initially planned not to announce my departure date. Reason being that I didn’t want a fuss. But I now realize that there are quite a few people that might want to ride with me the first day. I’m sure that it will be great fun. Therefore, I will announce my departure date well in advance for those who might want to join me for a day or two. Or even just a few kilometers on launch day.

Tomorrow I am going for my motorbike driver’s license. I have my learner’s license and can ride around with it, but do need my license of course. So here’s holding thumbs that I pass first time round. Have also received Nova’s license and registration papers and number plate, which mean that she is now officially mine!

Nova and I are getting to be quite comfortable with one another. Since our fall, neither of us is as nervous anymore. (Yes, my bike has feelings. She’s a girl, of course she has feelings!)

I am hoping to ride down to Richards Bay this coming weekend to visit my dad and my brother. Plus this will give Nova and I a chance to take a turn at the open road. And I need the mileage as I have to put 1 000 kilometers on the clock so she can go in for her first check-up.

Some exciting news: I will be attending the FIM-Africa Congress next month in Cape Town. Really exciting! I’ll get to meet all the delegates from other African countries and the governing body, as well as give a short presentation on my upcoming ‘new adventure’. I’ll be riding down to Cape Town as well! Yay! (FIM = Federation Internationale Motocylisme)

There’s also a new website in the woodworks. I’ll be sure to keep you all in the loop on progress.

Only 11 more weeks left in 2011. Make them count!

Nova's new ID number!!!!

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

First tumble off the bike!

2011-10-11T16:39:00.002+02:00

Yep. I came off my bike for the first time today! It certainly won't be the last.

I’m very happy about this. I know it sounds strange.

But you know how you always feel nervous about these things.

I firmly believe that if one feels nervous, or scared of something, one should tackle it head-on!

This is not to say that I deliberately fell of my bike. Now that would be odd!

No, it happened whilst busy with my first training session today. Turning the handlebar whilst pulling off and then stalling. Oops.

I went for license training. Graeme McCormack, my instructor at Drivability Driver Training gave me more than I paid for, which was great. Gave me some very helpful tips as well and corrected all the things that I do wrong.

Other than the tumble, it all went really well.

No injuries to report. Except a broken clutch lever on Nova. Oops! That will be fixed ASAP.

I have also received my jacket. It’s an LMS Adventure Jacket. Absolutely LOVE it!

I’ve decided that my color scheme will be black and orange.

I tried on my boots today. Felt like walking around in space boots. (Not that I actually know what it feels like to walk around in space boots)

They unfortunately only have them in white. I’ll have to remedy that later.

Bike, Helmet and Jacket - CHECK!

So at this point we have:

Bike – check

Helmet – check

Jacket – check

Boots – In the mail…will have them tomorrow

Pants – Same as boots

Progress is being made!

As for the launch date - I was aiming for mid/late November. But I think that’s a bit optimistic. I’ll have to revise that plan.

License and registration is done on the bike, so I’ll have that tomorrow and will also book for my motorcycle driver’s license.

So in terms of clothing and licensing, I’m almost done! Fabulous!

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Gearing Up - And my bike's name!

2011-10-04T19:32:00.002+02:00

I specifically took the weekend ‘off’, because I thought this week might be a hectic one.

So far it’s been pretty uneventful.

Well not entirely as I acquired another piece of gear today!

Thanks to my friend Shayne @ Cyberbike Johannesburg, I now have my own beautiful new helmet!!

And it’s not just any helmet. It’s a super cool HJC “7 in 1” helmet!!

“7 in 1”? – I hear you ask.

Yes, my snazzy helmet can convert into 7 different helmets.

1. Full Face

2. Super Moto (Off road + shield)

3. Off Road

4. Open Face (Shield + Peak)

5. Open Face (Shield Only)

6. Trial Type Open Face (Peak Only)

7. Classic Open Face (Without Shield, peak)

My "7 in 1" HJC Helmet

AND it has a one-touch, sun shield flip visor, which is super awesome!

Next up is my jacket, pants, boots and gloves.

All on their way!! Soon I’ll be able to upload photos of myself fully geared!

Once we’re done with my gear, we start on Nova’s gear.

Oh yes, I haven’t announced this yet.

My bike’s name = NOVA

Meaning: Nova means ‘New’ in Latin. And also means: A star that grows in brightness. J

Once we’re done with all the gear, there’s a list on what needs to be done on Nova. A few custom parts etc. All very exciting.

And I still need to get in some off-road and handling training of course.

Lots to do!!

Slowly but surely getting there.

I’ll be announcing my departure date soon! So be sure to keep your eyes open and check in regularly!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Thought for the week: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” – Neale Donald Walsch

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

On your marks, get set...

2011-10-02T17:58:00.000+02:00

This weekend was spent doing a whole lot of relaxing.

Hanret took me to my first ‘real’ ballet on Friday evening. We watched ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Absolutely beautiful!

We had a pretty busy Saturday morning. Walking in the park with Hvir (The Greatest Dane in the world), some shopping, lunch with the girls and some riding around on my KLR.

DVD’s and loads of chocolate on Saturday evening.

And today…fiddling around on my blog whilst watching television. So please bear with me as we implement a few changes.

I somehow have this feeling that the coming week is going to be a busy one.

I want to start spending some time in a workshop so I can get to know my bike a little better. All the technical bits etc.

I also need to make an appointment for my license.

License and registration is currently being done on the bike. Should have all the paperwork by Thursday. Then after all the licensing has been sorted, I can start getting to work on Carnet de Passage papers, my international license, insurance and so forth.

I hope to start ordering all my gear within the next two weeks. And then my good friend Shayne Robinson and the guys at Cyberbike SA will be helping me with all the customization that needs to be done on my bike!

I haven’t decided on a launch date yet. I will do so within the coming week.

I can, however, announce that I will be launching from Cape Agulhas.

Making great progress!!! :)

Thank you to each and every individual who plays such a crucial part in my reaching my goals!

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Get Bike - Check

2011-09-30T16:13:00.000+02:00

We’re back in business!!! Wednesday evening my beautiful new Kawasaki KLR 650 was delivered to me. It was quite a struggle to find her! But now she’s here.

Yesterday morning, for some reason, I felt nervous getting on the bike. It’s the biggest bike I’ve ever ridden myself. I’m very happy to report that we get along just fine though. What a beauty! I’m in love with my bike!! lol

It really is a beautiful bike. I know for a fact that I made the right choice. We have a looong way to go together. I cannot wait to get going!

Now that I have the bike, I can start working on other matters such as training, gear, paperwork etc. I’ll need to put in a lot of time on advanced riding training as well as off-road training. Riding a bike is one thing. Riding a heavily loaded bike through 34 African countries is another thing.

I am so up to the challenge. Well I set myself this challenge. New mode of transport, new tour, renewed internal fire. :)

There is still A LOT to do. But I’m aiming for a launch date in November.

Best I get cracking. :)


*My beautiful new bike!!*	*'Out of the darkness and into the light'*

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

She's on her way!!

2011-09-28T11:19:00.000+02:00

Wooooohhhhoooooo!!!

The wheels are rolling, in more ways than one. I’ve been struggling my hiney off to get the bike I want. Even had friends searching with me, for me… far and wide.

I’ve had a few people message me, asking me which bike I’ve decided on. There were a few correct guesses!

So now I can reveal that I will be circumnavigating the African continent on a Kawasaki KLR 650. Has anyone ever ridden through Africa on a KLR? – I hear you asking. Well, as a matter of fact. Yes!

Check out Lodie de Jager’s site. And thanks to his generous input, I am more than convinced that my new KLR and I will get along just fine.

For the last two weeks, all I’ve been doing is scouring online advertisements for second hand KLR’s. Each and every one of them sold by the time I contacted the owners.

Even a brand new one seemed out of my reach. Until yesterday when I phoned up Mean Machine Motorcycles in Menlyn, Pretoria. ‘We do have one, only one’ the sales executive said to me. Needless to say I immediately jumped on my bike (read Hanret’s car), and drove through to Pretoria.

Today I am the proud owner of my beautiful, brand new Kawasaki KLR!!!

Yessssss!!!

They’re delivering her tonight. I am excited beyond what words can describe!!!

I’ll post photos as soon as she has arrived. Yes, it’s a she. Of course.

Now I just have to decide on her name. :)

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Bridging The Gap

2011-09-25T17:40:00.000+02:00

Sitting at the Service Station coffee shop this morning near my home with cappuccino in hand, chatting to a friend of mine and taking in the aroma of coffee, bacon and eggs and fresh toast being served, listening to the hustle and bustle of the other ‘breakfast goers’… I got served a plate of realization.

I realized that from an outsider’s point of view it might seem that there’s this big gap. One moment my bike and gear is taken from me in Angola, the next I’m back home and hopping on a motorbike. I feel that maybe I haven’t addressed the ‘in-between’ bit as well as I could have.

There’s one main question I got asked this morning that I would like to address now: ‘Why the change from motorcycle to motorbike?’

This was a big decision for me, but one that came surprisingly easily. Almost like it was the natural choice. For the longest time, my focus lied with CYCLING around Africa. Because it seemed more challenging, somehow I convinced myself that I needed to do something extreme to earn people’s support. Almost like, if I did it in any other way, it would make me less ‘worthy’.

In the moment that my Luna was taken from me, the idea of going around Africa on a motorbike slipped into my head. Unexpectedly. I was completely at ease with it. I knew then that my journey had taken a turn.

And there, standing next to the road with my Camelbak, one front pannier bag and my handlebar bag hanging over my shoulder… watching Luna disappear around the bend… another realization hit me. (Realizations are wonderful little things. It just sometimes feels like they hit me at an abnormally frequent rate!) It was never about ‘doing it on a bicycle’ as such. It’s about the actual journey. No matter how I tackle it, making it around Africa will be a feat in itself. It just took me about 4 years, 11 000 kilometers and cycling all the way to Northern Angola to make peace with it.

And so I have.

Most of the feedback that I have received upon breaking the news has been positive. I am sure that my hardcore cycling friends must be a little disappointed. Yes, I won’t be doing it on a bicycle. (Not this time round anyway.) I don’t consider myself to have failed. Instead, because of what happened to me in Angola, I have gained so much.

I have a new found need for simplicity in what I do. To be open and completely honest about where I am at. (As opposed to doing what I ‘think’ others want me to do.) I think we all struggle with this at some point in our lives.

Hanret mentioned the other night that I show more excitement now, than I ever have before about the trip. That, in itself, somehow tells me that I’m doing the right thing. I truly am extremely excited!!

It feels like Africa will keep dragging me back to the starting point… until I get it right.

I think I’m finally getting it right.

I don’t think it will be any easier. A motorbike brings with it its own set of challenges. I will still need to face and handle bureaucratic intricacies, all kinds of logistical planning, paperwork, bad roads, conflict areas and all the other wonderful things that travelling in Africa brings with it.

Tomorrow, I might be getting my bike. I really look forward to introducing her to you. That’s step one: getting the bike. From here, I can move forward with all the other arrangements and will keep you all updated about my progress.

I also want to ‘simplify’ my blog a bit. If you have any suggestions or input as to what you think might improve my blog, please let me know. I would love your input.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support!

I look forward to sharing my ‘new’ journey with you all!

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Patience is a virtue

2011-09-22T07:43:00.001+02:00

Or so they say. Whoever ‘THEY’ may be.

You know how when you really want something, time can seem to stand still and it seems like everyone is taking their time at delivering whatever it is you need from them? That’s how I’m feeling right now.

I consider myself a fairly patient individual. But yikes… I wish things would happen a little faster now. (At the same time this little voice inside of me says: Be careful what you wish for!!)

I want to get going. In order for that to happen, a great deal has to happen first. Like getting THE BIKE, for instance. (In search of ‘The One’.) Waiting on Angola for transfer of funds before I can start ordering all the gear I will be needing for the trip. Only when I have my bike can I start organizing the paperwork I’ll be needing for her.

A bunch of my gear will be ordered from the USA. Delivery of which, takes time. I still have to go for my motorbike driver’s license. Then get my international driver’s license from the AA and ‘Carnet de Passage en Douane’ papers for the bike. And of course for this, I need to get a bank guarantee first.

The visas won’t be an issue this time round. Acquiring my Angolan visa will be VERY easy! :) DRC and Congo takes 4 days max to get both. The rest I still have to get on route.

I also still need to go play around in the sand a bit. Get better acquainted with my ‘new Luna’. Which reminds me, I haven’t thought of a name for her yet. Any suggestions?

On a positive note: Thank you to Nokia for their ongoing support! I lost my ‘hands-free’ set. So they provided me with a new one yesterday and threw in a spare battery pack as well. Awesome!

Training is also going really well. Swimming in the mornings, walking and rowing in the evenings. I don’t know why I have this new-found urge to train. It’s not like I ever trained for any of my other trips. And that was WAY more taxing, physically! Then again, exercise can only be good for me.

Here’s hoping I’ll have more news by the end of the week! :)

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Like a kid on Christmas eve!

2011-09-20T09:41:00.000+02:00

I love it when a plan comes together. Things are now starting to move along and I LOVE it!!! :)

Being a little more active always helps as well. I’ve decided that I’ve had enough loafing now and need to get moving again, in more ways than one.

Since Luna has gone gallivanting somewhere up North without me, I am now getting into swimming, walking and rowing. Just to keep the joints well lubricated. Hanret and I had our second swimming session this morning. Swimming is very different from cycling… that’s for sure! :)

I also had to write my learner’s license test for my motorbike license yesterday morning. I am happy to report that I passed with ease. Thank goodness!! Although the whole process did take 4 hours!!

Now the real fun begins!! Shopping!! **Grin** Bike, gear, clothing, gadgets… I feel like a kid on Christmas eve! So much fun!!

AND…I have finally decided on which bike I’ll be taking. You’ll have to wait a little longer for the big unveiling, I’m afraid. I should have her within the next two weeks. Then I’ll introduce her to you all!

Now, I have to book for my motorbike driver’s license. I have to sort out my visas… again! I have to sort out Carnet papers for the bike. International license, once I have my driver’s license. Insurance. Order gear. Go for advanced driving course. (Especially playing in sand.) Spend some time in a workshop so I can get to know the ins and outs on my bike. And then… we’re good to go.

Africa, here I come. Again!!! LoL

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Bikes, bikes and more bikes.

2011-09-17T16:23:00.000+02:00

That’s what I’m eating, drinking and sleeping right now. I dreamt I was riding on a Kawasaki KLR 650 last night. Black. A sign???

It’s down to two bikes at the moment. I haven’t decided on which one I’ll be taking around Africa yet. At this stage it’s either the BMW F650GS or Kawasaki KLR 650. I guess it will come down to the one I’m most comfortable with, that’s easiest to maintain and most reliable.

Next week is devoted to sorting out licenses and finalizing the finer details with Angola. I still have to pinch myself every now and again. That a country, not even my own, would agree to support me in such a big way… remains unbelievable to me. It’s fantastic of course. Just still feels so unreal!

There’s a certain camaraderie among ‘bikers’ that I really enjoy. There’s only been one article on my ‘new’ adventure thus far and already someone has offered to GIVE me a bike that I can fix up and play around on.

I am yet to get to know the biker community in my area though (Melville, Johannesburg). So if you know of anyone or if you’re an avid biker, please give me a shout. Any and all advice/input welcome!

One of the to-dos on my list is spending some time in a workshop. Getting to know the ins and outs of a bike. I need to be able to fix anything on a bike. So if you can help on this front – please let me know.

Then, once I have the bike – it then becomes all about the gear! I love toys and gadgets! Very excited to play around with some of the new gadgets I’ll have this time round.

One of the things I would like to change is to implement live tracking. So you can follow me all the time. I’ll also be doing more video documenting on the trip. There’s so much going on. It’s all very exciting!

Within the next 2 – 3 weeks, everything should start falling into place.

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Angola Supports Jolandie

2011-09-15T12:07:00.000+02:00

I have been bursting at the seams with anticipation of this announcement.

So much has happened in the last few weeks. From Luna being hijacked, to my being flown all over Angola. Staying with Zaire Province’s Governor. Specially chartered flights. Road trip back the way I came. A few changes to the trip.

There is no denying that Angola has gone above and beyond in assisting me when I really needed some assistance. Well, they’ve just gone the EXTRA mile.

The only thing that has changed in my aim to circumnavigating Africa is my chosen mode of transport. If you read my last blog update, you’ll know that I will now be circumnavigating Africa on a motorbike.

The goal remains: ‘To be the first woman to circumnavigate Africa, solo’.

I have been chatting to a lot of people around the issue of ‘which bike do I choose’? It’s all very exciting.

Now I won’t fool myself into thinking that it will be any easier. Sure, I’ll be going a little faster and won’t have to pedal at all. But apart from that, it’s still the same trip. Same challenges. Same dangers. More paperwork!!

I do not have a new launch date yet. Right now I am immersing myself in research and training – All about the bike.

Once I have a clearer picture on departure date and other details, you’ll be the first to know.

NOW:
Today I received some fantastic news! News that had me throw my hands up in the air and shout yesssss. If I could, I would’ve screamed at the top of my voice. But I’m incapable of doing so. I’m not a screamer! LoL

Negotiations are at an end and I can finally let it out:

I am extremely excited to announce that The Republic of Angola, in association with INFOTUR – the Angolan Institute of Tourism, will be the main sponsor of my expedition around Africa!!!!

Unbelievably, amazingly AWESOME!!!! Wooooohhhhoooooo!!

So, preparation and organization is now in full swing. I really am unbelievably excited!

To Angola, her people, government and country as a whole – Thank you so much for your amazing support! I feel this to be but the beginning of a long and fruitful friendship!

Ladies and gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!!! :)

(Can just see I’m going to become a total motorhead!) LoL

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

2011-09-12T23:06:00.000+02:00

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine. ~Robert C. Gallagher

Change is something that I am quite accustomed to. It is something I accept very easily and more often than not, look forward to. This is something that hasn’t changed in me. :)

A few other things have, though.

But first: an update on what I’ve been up to.

I’ve just spent a few days visiting my dad and my little brother in Richard’s Bay. It was great to see them and to catch up on all that’s happened over the last year or so. My time there also gave me the opportunity to reflect on all that has happened over the last few months and the way forward.

I even got to take a ride on the back of my brother’s new bike. I have never gone that fast on wheels of any description!!! LoL It was great fun!

I also got to play around on a bike to get in some practice.

I’m guessing you’ve all cottoned on to where this is heading by now. In the moment that my precious Luna was taken from me, it made me question my primary objective of this trip. In all honesty, after four years of fighting like a good trooper and never giving up – for the very first time I couldn’t get excited about getting on a new bicycle and carrying on from whence I left off.

For the very first time in almost four years that clear picture I had carried with me, of riding around Africa on my bicycle, wasn’t there anymore. It was very difficult to admit it, even to myself. One of the first thoughts that went through my mind was: ‘I need to do this differently’.

I realized then that my primary objective is to be the first woman to circumnavigate Africa, solo. That is the goal that lies at my core. And so, without further ado:

I will be continuing on my journey and I have now decided to circumnavigate the African continent on a motorcycle. So the dynamics change a bit. All-in-all the main difference is my chosen mode of transport.

I do have a potential sponsor but am waiting on a definite yes before I can make that announcement. I am working hard at getting back on the road as soon as possible

My needs list will change a bit as well, of course.

As soon as I have my ducks walking in a neat row again (not like they ever do), I’ll be able to share more details and the more technical aspects of the trip. For now, this update serves as an announcement of my intentions going forward.

I am sure that my decision will result in mixed reactions. But I am very excited about this change.

The adventure does continue.

***Spending time with my little brother and... his bike!!!***

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Update - Being Home

2011-09-07T09:56:00.000+02:00

It’s much easier to give a blog update when I’m on the road. I don’t even have to think about what to write about. On the road, there’s so much to take in and experience every day.

Something that did cross my mind yesterday was that: I have never flown so much in such a short space of time as in the last two weeks. First it was flying to M’banza Congo with the Governor of the Zaire province in Angola. Then specially chartered flight to Lobito. Then flying home from Windhoek.

On Thursday I fly to Richards Bay to visit my dad and younger brother. I haven’t seen them in over a year and a half! So, I’m really looking forward to catching up!! And then the flight back to Johannesburg again. (Maybe I should fly around Africa?!)

My pesky cold seems to have finally come to terms with the fact that I don’t like it and don’t want to be involved with it anymore. ‘It’s not you, it’s me – I’m just not that into you.’

My most precious Hvir (The Greatest Dane in the world) is sick. (Seems that the pesky cold is chancing it on ‘playing the field’). She has been to the doctor and I’m sure she’ll be wagging her tail again in no time.

Now… what’s happening on the ‘circumnavigating Africa’ front? I hope to be sharing some exciting news with you all pretty soon. Right now I don’t have any definite answers, but there is a plan!

It does involve a new Luna…of sorts. :)
It does involve going around Africa.
It does involve jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, hold-on-to-your-seats-and-buckle-up-for-the-ride-of-your-life adventure!!!

But you’ll have to wait until I have a definite YES!

Other than that, I don’t have much news at this stage. Though that doesn’t deter ‘La Domestique’ from giving me the ‘I’ll kill you if you don’t give me a blog update’ look every day! :)

Here’s to living your dreams, taking that leap. To getting up, dusting yourself off and carrying on. No matter how many times you may fall down.

‘Shoot for the moon, if you miss, you still land amongst the stars.’

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.

My side of the story

2011-09-04T22:17:00.000+02:00

Phew!! So much to say, where do I start?

First off, I really just want to say thank you! From the bottom of my heart. Thank you to all my followers, friends, family, fans, for all your support, messages, e-mails, tweets, sms messages, phone calls. It’s been one crazy ride! (pun intended) :)

And thank you to La Domestique (Hanret) for keeping everybody updated and making me jump up and down, screaming next to the road!!!

I am convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I must be the luckiest person on the face of this earth. Now I can hear some of you asking: ‘How the heck can you be lucky if your bike got stolen’? Well, it would seem that I ALWAYS bump into the right people, and when something ‘bad’ does happen to me, a miracle always follows.

I am absolutely stunned beyond what I can put in words, at just how Angola, as a nation, as a country… reacted to my ‘predicament’.

I’ll try and explain, in my own words, what happened. (In a nutshell, as I think everybody knows the story by now and I’ve had to go over it with the Angolan police and media like ten thousand times.)
Four drunk kids yielding knives (big and bigger), take my precious Luna. I manage to keep my handlebar bag, one front pannier and Camelbak. I Whatsapp message Hanret back home. I manage to phone friends in Lobito and Luanda. Then….CHAOS!!!

Friends from Lobito jump in their car, friends of friends from Lobito in Soyo jump in their car. Bearing in mind that these towns are, respectively, about 200 kilometers and 700 kilometers from where I am!! Friends from Luanda phone the head of police in N’zeto. Next thing I know I have four cars skidding to a halt next to me. (Police)

I get taken to police station and have about thirty officers in uniform all asking questions, all at the same time, in Portuguese. They find someone that can speak English. (At this point my Portuguese is good enough to explain what happened etc, but I’m stressed and jump between English, Afrikaans, Portuguese, French, Hebrew… heck, I even throw in a little isiZulu)

Then I get taken to hotel, two guards in charge of making sure nobody comes near me. The guys from Soyo arrive (Domingo and Jose, whom I met for the first time in front of the hotel, but they came to save me anyway). We soon discover that all three of us are Aquarians and we immediately get on like Namibians and Jaggermeister.

I then receive a phone call from one, Pedro Sebastião, the Governor of the Zaire province in Angola. He informs me that he has dispatched two helicopters from Luanda and is on his way, personally, in his airplane. Holy Moses!!! From thereon it was just the most incredibly, amazingly, bizarre and crazy and ‘out-of-this-world’ experience I have ever had.

The Governor arrives and tells me that I will be flying back with him to M’banza Congo where I will spend two days. (Yes sir! – she replies) In the air, he asks whether I need a doctor? (I’m still fighting this stupid cold or flu or whatever it is.) We land, at his house (read mansion), the doctor awaits. He gives me a load of meds and I go to bed. I stayed in bed, no jokes, until the NEXT evening!

The two helicopters remain in the air for TWO days, searching for Luna and/or the perps. On Monday, a flight is especially chartered for me to Lobito, at my request!! (I have a lot of friends in Lobito and it was where I felt most comfortable at the time.) I receive phone calls from no less that four Ministers, PERSONALLY!!!

From Lobito I drove to Windhoek (Namibia), thought it would be a nice road trip, to see the road I had cycled just weeks before. Then I flew back home.

So here I am, back in good old Mzansi. In the city of gold. AGAIN!!!

Bar the incident in Angola, I just have to state that I have never experienced such kindness, openness, warmth, caring and passion anywhere else before!! And this is before and after the incident. Angola is an amazingly beautiful country with amazingly beautiful, caring people!

I am, and probably always will be in awe of the extent that the people of Angola has gone to, to try and catch the boys that took Luna and to make sure that I was safe. It is just beyond words! I owe them a great deal of gratitude!

NOW – I know the question EVERYONE is asking is: ‘Are you calling it a day’? I will say this once, and once only: I have NO intention to give UP!!! I want to be the first woman to circumnavigate Africa solo. I’m just currently figuring out the how and when etc.

So * watch this space *!!

Thank you to Hoteis Angola for their ongoing support.

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

So much kindness

2011-08-30T22:44:00.000+02:00

I’m battling to stay on top of the wave!

This morning four Angolan Cabinet Ministers, not their attachés or spokespeople or secretaries who whoever it is that Cabinet Ministers normally get to speak to mere mortals, PERSONALLY phoned Jolandie just to make sure that she that she is being taken care of, to express their sorrow for her ordeal and to assure her of their support! Awesome? Amazing? Unbelievable? I’m busy wearing out the pages of my Thesaurus, but my heart remains filled with gratitude at this wave of support and concern.

I’ve always hoped that there would be no need for me to restore the Needs List on this blog, but alas, there is a need!! I’ve scraped together bits and pieces of previous lists, and this is where the time has come, like the Walrus said, for you to turn to the Needs List page to put our Jolandie back in Wonderland!!

If there is anything that you can help with, or if you know of anybody who can help with anything, or if you know someone who knows someone, or if you have any suggestions or advice, please help! You know the story: please get your people to speak to my people!

With all the excitement of yesterday I completely forgot to post the link to an article which appeared in Die Burger – sorry, it is in Afrikaans only.

Thanks to each and every one of you for taking the time out to follow Jolandie’s journey and for your support and encouragement. And thanks to Hoteis Angola – without your involvement we wouldn’t have been able to look forward to sunny skies again!

I’d like to leave you with a quote I read on my friend Mariella Furrer’s site this morning, in keeping with the kindness being bestowed on Jolandie. Mariella's My Piece of Sky project is an inspirational journey of healing and personal growth.

"It is important to reflect on the kindness of others. Every aspect of our present well-being is due to others' hard work. The buildings we live and work in, the roads we travel, the clothes we wear, and the food we eat, are all provided by others. None of them would exist but for the kindness of so many people unknown to us." ~ Dalai Lama

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.

Abundant Angola!!

2011-08-30T05:15:00.000+02:00

Before leaving M’banza Congo yesterday afternoon, Jolandie was taken to the police station one last time. The officers went over her statement in detail again, checking and double checking her descriptions of the four scoundrels that took Luna from her and the black Ford ‘bakkie’ that disappeared over the horizon with Luna and Jolandie’s expedition gear on board. Assuring her that the search has by no means been called off, she was taken back to the Governor’s residence to get her, by now, meagre belongings.

With Governor Pedro Sebastião

Waiting for her was Pedro Sebastião, the Governor of the Zaire province. Having a last chat in the lounge, he again apologised for the ordeal she was subjected to in his province before handing her an envelope. And inside? Generous compensation for the loss she suffered; his contribution towards a new Luna and the load she will be carrying!! Jolandie was totally overwhelmed by this completely unexpected display of generosity.

Having said their goodbyes, Jolandie was taken to the landing strip where a Beechcraft airplane was droning on the runway to take her to Lobito.

Eagerly awaiting her arrival were the guys from Hoteis Angola who whisked her off to a press conference.

I simply have to believe that in a country where complete strangers reach out so freely and with such ease and such abundance, Jolandie had the incredible misfortune to run into the only four bad guys within its borders.

Jolandie will be spending a day or so in Lobito before making her way back to Johannesburg. Without question I am delighted that she is heading back home and Hvir’s tail hasn’t stopped wagging since she heard the news. However, I suspect a hectic time lies ahead. Best I clear the decks!!

Ooooohhh!! And switching to whisper font, the new Luna may already have a name – don’t tell Jolandie that I made sure you’re the first to know!! There may be a Pink Floyd song title in the name. Sssshhh! I didn’t say a word!! Now it is just a matter of finding a bike fitting the name and gear to match!! Oooppss, I forgot about one teeny, weeny little detail: we’ll have to rustle up some funds, donations, pledges, help and chocolate cookies to make sure the new Luna et al get back on the road again. A.S.A.P!! Feel your heart sink as you read this – you will be called upon!!!

As always: Hoteis Angola – you guys are simply phenomenal! Thank you. And Governor Pedro Sebastião, I cannot think that I will ever have sufficient vocabulary to thank you for your magnanimous and big-hearted gesture. Not only to pull out all the stops to find Luna, but also for your sizeable contribution towards getting Jolandie back on the road. Muito obrigado!

***The Beechcraft ready to take Jolandie to Lobito***

***Cockpit and cabin - only anorexic hostesses need to apply!!***


*The fighter jets that went looking for Luna. Oh, no! That's wrong, it's just fighter jets on the runway.*	*THIS is one of the two police helicopters that spent two days up in the sky with eyes peeled for a sighting of four scoundrels and Luna!*

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Nothing found other then immense generosity!

2011-08-29T03:07:00.000+02:00

It is not often that I am at a loss for words, but yesterday I really was.

I was woken yesterday morning when Paul Buys and Burt Triegaardt phoned me from Soyo in Angola. They had mailed me on Saturday night when word of Jolandie’s plight had reached them. Their security team was immediately advised to be on the look out for Luna. Arrangements were made to accommodate Jolandie in Soyo should she choose to go there. They unconditionally offered their help and support – in any way it was needed.

I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when I put the phone down in stunned silence.

When I turned my computer on, I found my inbox bursting with mails of concern, offerings of assistance and just an overwhelming outpouring of love, support and comfort for Jolandie.

I am immensely humbled and bow deeply to each and every one of you for your unconditional generosity! I’m sure I had an out of body experience – my skin was just too small to contain the emotion that swept through me.

Jolandie spent most of yesterday morning in bed, but was feeling better by the afternoon. It was near impossible to talk to her as she just lapsed into coughing fits! We were chatting on Whatsapp, thinking of names for Luna’s replacement when suddenly she said: ‘I hear helicopters!!’ My heart skipped a few beats.

Whilst I was pretty sure that I would be tinkering away here at this hour informing you of how Luna was returned to Jolandie unscathed, am afraid to report that my sincerest wish did not come true. The police helicopters had returned empty handed.

Can you believe: two police helicopters out for two days searching for Luna! Is that not just incredibly awesome?

It seems that Jolandie will go to Lobito today, then back to Windhoek and Johannesburg later in the week. And I guess then it will be serious regrouping, rethinking and reorganizing.

I can assure you that Jolandie is viewing this incident as part and parcel of the experience of cycling around Africa. She has no intention of giving up!! It will just be a mammoth scramble to get bike and gear together again to continue where she left off!

Sincerest and most heartfelt thanks again to the team at Hoteis Angola for their generous sponsorship and for going much, much further than the extra mile to make sure that Jolandie was taken care of this weekend.

A loud round of applause to the police and Governor of the Zaire province for their relentless efforts to find Luna and for keeping Jolandie safe, warm and cared for.

I sadly sign off with no photographs to post!

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.

Africa gets a bit darker

2011-08-28T02:42:00.000+02:00

Getting ready for my daily walk in the park with Jolandie’s favourite hound this morning, we were chatting about the night that was and the day ahead. She wasn’t feeling great – she’s fighting an awful cold and had a restless night. However, she was up and going and had already passed N’zeto!

And then I got the message I had always been dreading. Funny, I was never concerned about Jolandie being abducted or taken hostage or anything like that. Not only because of the excellent tactical training she received from Tacmo, but also because of who she is.

She is incredibly level-headed, she always remains calm, she is brilliant at thinking on her feet and she has a mental fortitude way beyond her years. I always felt that she would cope better than most in a sticky situation.

However, I always feared most for Luna’s safety. I forever implored her to tie a piece of string to Luna and to her wrist when sleeping in her tent out in the open!! But I somehow never thought Jolandie and Luna would be parted the way they were today.

There she was, coughing and cycling along when she heard a vehicle coming up from behind and slowing down. Nothing unusual about this – well-wishers and good Samaritans do this all the time. A black Ford ‘bakkie’ (small truck thingy for the non-South Africans) with four youths pulled up alongside her.

They motioned for her to get off her bike, laughing and joking. Jolandie thought they were inebriated and at first thought it all a joke. But when they got out of the ‘bakkie’, flashing knives and pangas, she knew it was no joke, though they were still laughing.

Quick thinking Jolandie said she wanted to keep her handlebar pannier as she had food in it. There was some food in it, but also her passport and money! And she also took her one front pannier – the one with her toiletries in!! What a girl!! Have passport, money, food and toiletries – can travel!! Good thinking!!

When the ‘bakkie’ with the laughing, inebriated youths and Luna disappeared over the horizon, Jolandie realised it wasn’t just a prank. This was for real.

She started making her way back to N’zeto on foot, feeling vulnerable and shaken. Hvir and I were pacing up and down because Jolandie was in an area where the cell phone reception was exceptionally bad and I couldn’t get hold of her to talk to her. I had to rely on the odd message she managed to send when there was a bit of a signal.

Werner, one of her friends in Lobito contacted someone in Soyo who doesn’t know Jolandie from a bar of soap, but he immediately started driving to N’zeto. Between Candido, her hosts in Luanda and Pedro, her contact at Hoteis Angola – her kind and generous sponsors in Angola - the Zaire province police commander was contacted and the N’zeto police was sent looking for her.

Now, and this is the part where all South African’s jaws will drop, not one but TWO helicopters were dispatched from Luanda to go and look for the perpetrators AND road blocks were immediately set up on all roads leading north looking for Luna!!! And by all accounts, if the perpetrators do get caught, they’ll sober up VERY quickly, lose their smiles and probably some other body parts too!!

Oh, and it only gets better! Back in N’zeto Jolandie was interrogated by about 30 police officers, wanting every bit of detail of the youngsters and then she was taken to a hotel and two guards were placed outside her door!! She said it felt as if she was in a witness protection program!! The governor of the Zaire province was notified of the situation. He hopped into his Lear Jet (OK, I’m getting carried away and am exaggerating – it was a Cessna, but still!!) and flew to N’zeto, picked Jolandie up and flew her back to his personal residence in M’banza Congo!!!!! Here a doctor was summoned to examine her and he gave her loads of vitamins and tablets for pain and fever!! (It did occur to me that a traditional healer may be called upon and that he may arrive with rabbit feet and hen’s teeth, but then I live in a different part of Africa – clearly!!)

Jolandie will be staying with the governor for the next two days while the search for Luna continues!! And while she recovers from her dreadful cold!!

I am truly and utterly stunned, amazed and humbled by the generosity, kindness, love and gentleness that is being bestowed upon her by so many, until recently, complete strangers in a foreign country. And so incredibly saddened that ‘them criminals, they are everywhere’.

I know I speak for Jolandie when I thank everybody, the incredible people in Angola, the wonderful facebook friends and many others who have been sending good wishes and support. You guys are all awesome and without people like you in her life, none of this would have been possible.

I’m very pleased that Jolandie has a warm bed to sleep in tonight and is being taken care of, but feel sorry for Luna who is with unkind and malicious strangers!!

But Angola seems to be the country of miracles and it would not surprise me in the slightest if I’ll be sitting at my computer in the early hours of tomorrow morning informing you that Luna has been found!!

Tonight I would not only like to thank Hoteis Angola for their incredibly generous financial sponsorship, but also for pulling out all the stops today to take care of Jolandie today. What an example of what sponsorship is all about!!

I have had many messages from people offering to help. If you want to help financially, please visit Jolandie’s SPONSOR A COUNTRY page. You can make donations via PayPal or directly to her bank account. And thank you so much!

I’m leaving you with some photos taken in happier times!

A day of firsts: First day being seperated from her beloved Luna and first flight in a Cessna!

***The road north may appear smooth but is, at closer inspection, in fact rather rocky!!***

***Jolandie contemplating the road and an often seen HUGE tree***

***Come in, she said, I'll give you shelter from the sun (Apologies to Bob Dylan)***

Hvir, Jolandie's favourite hound, desperately trying to come up with a plan earlier today!

Lovingly maintained and updated by La Domestique.

Heading North

2011-08-26T13:46:00.000+02:00

Yesterday Jolandie left Barra do Dande and headed north towards N'zeto! She left town being escourted by the 'Commandant' of the Barra province police - not to make sure that she left and never returned, but for her protection!! This is really wonderful!


*Luna ready to head north ...*	*Luna taking a break!*

Jolandie is certain that the real African adventure is about to start. Heading towards the DRC border she is expecting roads that will necessitate some serious bundu-bashing (and I fear take their toll on Luna's shoes). But worst of all, for me that is, is that cell phone reception will be limited at best! Aaaarrgghhh!!!

However, I have plenty photos of a wonderful few days spent in Barra do Danda!!

***Arriving in Barra do Dande on Tuesday ...***

***A warm welcome at Pasargada Lodge where she was staying and the tables set for a feast in honour of ...***

***Jip, you guessed it!! How awesome???***

***Fresh from the ocean - to the fire - to the table!!***

***Arlette Jardim, the owner of Pasargada Lodge gave Jolandie a beautiful Mexican bracelet - a symbol of protection!***

***A cruise on the Rio Dande - on a not so luxury liner!***

***But the views are stunningly tranquil!!***

***Taking in some of the sights ...***

All the photos of Jolandie’s time in Angola so far can be seen on her facebook page or on Photobucket – check it out. This is really a beautiful country!

Again, a sincere round of applause to Hoteis Angola for their incredibly generous sponsorship!!

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.

Chaos, warmth and beauty

2011-08-24T01:50:00.000+02:00

Whilst I was still 'stuck' in Lobito, I received an email from one, Pedro Bandeira from A.M. Travel and Services. A sponsorship proposal from Hoteis Angola.com! Woohoo! They had read about my adventure on an Angolan news website. How the site got to hear about me, I still don't know!

Not only are they sponsoring the Angola leg of my trip, but they also helped me to get an extension on my visa and organised a number of television and radio interviews! Every single day I stand in awe of how 'little miracles' keep coming my way!

Saying farewell to Lobito ... and especially 'my boys', was not easy! But I knew it was time to go, otherwise I'd run the risk of never leaving!

The road from Lobito to Luanda is a challenge! Firstly, the road is very narrow! There is no shoulder to the road, so nowhere to go but straight into the bushes. And you need to be a speed freak to drive on this road! Secondly, the HILLS! Looong climbs that will extract every bit of sweat that your body can possibly produce!

Your prize for your efforts - the scenery! Just when you think that you cannot face getting to the top of a hill just to see the next one ... you get to see the next downhill lead to the ocean! Woohoo!

And the people are so friendly! Here, people only ever either call me 'amiga' (friend), or 'bonita' (beautiful). :-)

On crossing the Kwanza river (the biggest river in Angola), I had the privilege to stay at Kwanza River Lodge. (sponsored accommodation) Here you have the Kwanza river on the one side and the ocean on the other. Unbelievably beautiful. I spent the night chatting and having a glass of Tassenberg (Tassies) with Manny (who runs the lodge) and Bruce (who used to run the lodge).

The next morning my hosts in Luanda, Candido Carneiro and his wife Linda, met me at the lodge. They would accompany me all the way to Luanda! And with them, 2 television crews! The whole day was spent cycling and filming!

My entrance into Luanda caused quite an uproar. The two TV crews, with their camera men filming whilst standing on the back of their trucks. One in front of me, one next to me. Behind me, Candido and Linda in their Land Rover. On top of the Land Rover, two big waving flags. One Angolan, one South African. I felt so proud having my country's flag wave behind me. Announcing my arrival!

It was a little overwhelming at first. The traffic, people calling out at me from all directions, my 'entourage'! That night I had a live interview on Angola's biggest chat show. 'Hora Quenta', with Pedro N'zaji.

Afterwards we had supper at Rialto restaurant. Food, song and dance in my honor. A huge sign with photos of me at the entrance.

I even sang a song in French. And they sang Miriam Makeba songs! The whole of Africa came together in that restaurant. People from as far as Cape Verde were there. It was a very special evening!

Afterwards I got to experience 'Luanda by night' and partied at a club called Lookal, right on the beach, till 4 in the morning!

Up at 7 the next morning with a radio interview on 'Bom dia, bom dia'. Afterwards a group of cyclists cycled with me through Luanda. I was also given 2 cases of Red Bull (much needed, but I can't carry it all with me! LoL).

And then, finally, I got to just laze on the beach! Bliss!

From Luanda, I head to Barro do Dande. I will have the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Candido and Linda with me all the way there. Here, we will all stay in a lodge. And then from there, it's just Luna and I ... and the open road toward the DRC!

Before signing off, thanks again to Hoteis Angola for their incredibly generous sponsorship!! Without you guys, making it through Angola would have been so much more difficult!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Angola - The place where I could lose myself!

2011-08-13T20:24:00.000+02:00

Boys, carrying plastic bags filled with all kinds of groceries, hanging from their shoulders, arms and waists. Hoardes of people, customs control officers, cargo trucks, motorbikes, women with huge parcels wrapped in colorful cloth on their heads. A plethora of colorful chaos!
This is what I experienced as I crossed the border from Namibia into Angola.

In the days when I had my head burried in maps, planning my route, my eyes would always fall back onto Angola. In my mind, that has always beent he point where the adventure 'really' begins. The point where I would enter the unknown and be left to fend for myself. Real, wild, untamed Africa!!!

What I have experienced so far is worlds apart from the usual stories you'll hear about the dangers in Angola. Granted, I have never been so nervous to have a wee in the bush. Not knowing whether it might be my last. Landmines!! Probably the thing that comes to mind when you think of Angola.

I soon learned that the part of the countryI am traveling through is clear of mines. I alsoo learned that, just because you don't see people, it doesn't mean that they're not there! I am still amazed at how many people live in the bush, next to the road, some deeper in. And they are everywhere!!

My favorite time of day soon became the end of the day. As the sun heads further west and takes with it it's light, I would sit next to my tnet and listen to the boys and older men herding their cattle. Leading them home. Whistling and peculiar sounds, mixed with the calls of the cattle, sounds of birds, frogs and crickets. Then, when I have finished eating my supper and crawl into my tent...the music starts. And then the singing, and I can hear people near and far, celebrating the end of another beautiful day in Africa.

At the border I met Norbert, sent by Raymond in Lubango. He helped me through the border, with enchanging money, getting a new sim card for my phone etc.
In Ondjiva I stayed with a couple, originally from Zimbabwe, who have been here for almost 9 years. Further on, in Xangongo I stayed with a group of men in a compound called Bavaria. I arrived a stranger, but they welcomed me as family.

Then, before Humbe, my first dreaded 'customs control point'.
"If they give you any hassles, just play dumb", I had been told. These uniformed men, did not even ask to see my passport. They just smiled and wanted to take photos with me instead.

After Humbe, came a very famous stretch of road. Famous for it's ability to swallow a vehicle whole in some of it's very impressive potholes!!! This would be the first REAL test for Luna and my gear. Would she hold up through all the shaking, ducking and diving potholes and relentless thick sand!?
82Km on the worst road I have ever cycled on. And I covered it in one day!!! Wooooohhhooooo.
And on this stretch I experienced tear jerking kindness. A taste of what lies ahead!!
About halfway through, a big Coca-Cola truck slowly rolled up towards me where I was taking a break under a tree. Two Angolan men, with beaming smiles got out of the truck. "Would you like a Coke", one of them asked? "Does Barbie have fake hair"(As Hanret would say) :)
And not only did they give me a Coke, they also gave me a block of ice and some cold water!! How awesome is that!!?? I thanked them and they moved on, leaving me in a blanket of dust...but with a big smile on my face!

Just before Cahama (from here there's a tar road), I passed two trucks with Namibian number plates. As I passed the first truck I saw two men standing next to the second, chatting. I hit the brakes and greeted them (in Afrikaans of course). And here, the start of another beautiful friendship. They stocked me up with enough canned foods to last me a week, biltong, frozen boerewors (sausage), filled up my water bottles for me AND gave me a chocolate! LoL. How lucky can a girl get? Randa and Desmond...my Namibian trucker guardians. :)

The rest of the trek up to Lubango was a long, hot, uphill slog. But I cycled, every single day, with a smile on my face. Angola is such a beautiful country! And the people...are so friendly and welcoming. I make a point of greeting every single person that I pass. (This becomes a little challenging as you make your way further North...it becomes a greet a second!)
In Lubango I took a three-day break. Staying with Raymond and Heike Steiner. A Namibian couple who have also been in Angola for close to a decade.
It took me sixteen days. Sixteen days of non-stop cycling....from Windhoek to Lubango. And it was worth every drop of sweat!!! Raymond and Heike treated me to wonderful food, great company...and taking me to see some of Lubango's most amazing and beautiful sights. This is the first town I almost got stuck in! :)

From Lubango, the trek up towards Lobito delivered more seredipitous encounters. I met Hannes Botha and Nico van Vollenstee (From South Africa), who saved me from having to spend a night without a sleeping bag (Lost my sleeping bag)...and have by now become two of my closest friends here in Angola. I also met another trucker from Namibia, who supplied me with ice cold Coca-Cola on two occassions on the road. (And some cold water).

Now...the lost sleeping bag story....is a long one. In a nutshell: I lost both my sleeping bag and spare tyre. Hannes and Nico found me next to the road on their way back to Lubango from Lobito. And they sponsored me a new sleeping bag and tyre in Lobito. Drove me to Lobito to buy the items.
My first night in Lobito, I spent with Hannes, Nico and Werner. Werner Weakley (From Namibia). Another person that will forever hold a special place in my heart! Someone that has shown me a great deal of kindness.

As I saddled up to leave Lobito, on route to Luanda...my first tyre gave in. Tread still good...but the tyre wall was finished. (These are the Schwalbe Smart Sam's I started with). Luckily I had a spare!!!! But....tyre 2 also gave in. And here, Werner rescued me. We couldn't find a spare tyre in Lobito. Luanda is too far away. So get this.....he had tyres couriered from WINDHOEK to the border. Where he has now picked them up and they are on route to Lobito!!

Words, can never describe just how unbelievably grateful I am to all these strangers, who have taken me under their wings. My guardians on the road....on my journey.

Sponsors are still a big problem...but what I am experiencing now I can describe by using the following analogy: 'you know that picture you get in your mind, where there's a fire, and you have people lining up, passing buckets of water to save what is theirs'? Well that is how I feel. Africa is lining up...and the people of Africa is passing me on, one to the next. Protecting what is theirs!

And so I find myself....stuck in Lobito. For now. ;)

Hannes, Nico, Werner and I at 'Zulu'. Restaurant in Restinga, Lobito.

View from 'Zulu'.

In Lobito.

There are hoardes of motorbikes in Angola!

Lobito Harbour.

Donations or country sponsorships can be done through Paypal – visit the SPONSOR A COUNTRY page for more details!! Otherwise, drop Jolandie or Hanret a mail.

Please drop by and visit: Facebook Group or Facebook Page

On the road to Cacula

2011-08-05T07:47:00.000+02:00

Before leaving Lubango yesterday morning, Jolandie first met with someone for a possible sponsorship. Not a huge sponsorship, but just something that may cover some of her Angola expenses. Please all hold thumbs!!

Then it was back in the saddle, saddle sores and all, heading off in the general direction of Cacula.

People who pass Jolandie along the road are just so incredibly generous. Two South Africans stopped next to her and gave her a Coke and some droëwors – a happy reminder of home!! They were on their way to Lubango and would more than likely pass her on their way back again today – they left with the promise to bring her a chocolate!! How sweet!

(Just realised that I better explain what droëwors is for the non-South African readers: droëwors, along with biltong, are popular South African snack foods. Where droëwors is made by drying traditional, coriander-seed spiced boerewors sausage, biltong is strips of meat, mostly beef but also game or ostrich, that is dried and cured.)

And there Jolandie was, sitting at the side of the road eating some lunch when she could hear a truck approaching in the distance. All of a sudden the truck slams on brakes and screeches to halt. For one moment she thought it was going to crash. But the driver, a Namibian, hopped out and gave her two cans of Coke!!! Apparently the story has spread amongst the truckers about this crazy woman and her bicycle – everybody is being asked to look out for her and to give her something cold to drink or snack on! Incredible!

Unfortunately it isn’t only the highs that constitute a day – the lows also need to be there to provide some balance. Her speedometer re-set itself yet again today – very annoying if maintaining a rather high daily average distance is crucial. And then there was this guy on a motorbike (apparently plenty of those around) who followed her for about 20 km, constantly begging for a kiss!! I thought this was hilarious!! Jolandie was more annoyed than amused!!

Last night a tired and sore Jolandie turned in early. To reach the DRC border by 24 Aug, the coming days are going to be hard!!

Another flag to add to the collection!!

Scouting the road?

Mmmm... I'm not convinced that this is very 'cycling' friendly!

A day at the roadside in Angola!

Celebrating 100 days!!

2011-08-04T08:17:00.000+02:00

When Jolandie hangs her panniers on Luna this morning and cycles out of Lubango, she will be starting Day 100 on the road!!

I’m therefore taking the liberty of dedicating this post to Jolandie.

I have enormous admiration for your courage, your perseverance and your determination to embark on this incredible journey! And by the ever increasing number of page views and followers on your blog, I have to infer that I am not the only person inspired by you!

If you were home, I’d organise a party with the essential good food, good wine, good company and festive music, but for now I send you a virtual cake. And I invite everybody visiting this page today to leave a comment or send a message and join in celebrating yet another milestone!! (If you want to leave a donation, that would be super awesome!!)

Happy, happy day 100!!! I hope it’s all downhill and that you have a tail wind!!

A quick reminder again that donations or country sponsorships can now be done through Paypal – visit the SPONSOR A COUNTRY page for more details!! Otherwise, drop Jolandie or myself a mail.

Created and posted by La Domestique

Please drop by and visit my Facebook Group or Facebook Page

Lingering in Lubango

2011-08-03T12:45:00.000+02:00

When Jolandie arrived in Lubango on Sunday, she’d been cycling for an amazing 16 days solid. With no rest days inbetween!! In this time she crossed the border into Angola, covered nearly 1,200 km at an astonishing average of 74 km per day!!! Good going, Jolandie!! That’s awesome!!

She’s taken some time out in Lubango to rest her weary body, take in some sights and to work on raising some funds for the remainder of the trip.

And our Wonder Woman has also managed to get her Whatsapp to work again!! Whatsapp has been our primary source of communication, primarily because it is FREE and money is the one thing Jolandie has very little of! Since crossing into Angola, her Whatsapp hasn’t been working, which has meant that I’ve had one meagre SMS update per day! Now we’re back to chatting, I’m getting plenty gorgeous photographs again (visit her Facebook page for ALL the Angola pics) and I can pinpoint her location daily again!! YAY!!

Chatting to her last night, she said she was really eager to get into the DRC. Physically she is taking some strain. She has saddle sores that are healing very slowly and are rather uncomfortable and painful. Ouch!! Mentally she is quite frustrated with the time constraints the pending expiry of her Angola visa is putting on her (she has until 24 Aug to cover the rest of Angola) and the lack of funding to have this extended for a week or so. But, as we have come to expect from our brave trouper, she is emotionally strong and fine – as long as she doesn’t think about home to often!!

I’ve done some reading up on Lubango, just because I know so little about where Jolandie is at the moment and I have a sense that this place is a well-kept secret of some true African beauty. It would appear that Lubango, the capital of the Angolan province of Huila, was largely unaffected by the terrible civil war that devastated most of Angola. It is said to be a unique, tranquil and picturesque city, nestled in a lush tropical valley and surrounded by mountains.

Towering over the town is a dazzling white marble statue of Cristo Rei (Christ the King). It is a replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro and one of only three of these statues in the world. Just outside Lubango is the Tunda Vala volcanic fissure where you can climb to 2,600 meters above sea level and enjoy the spectacular view of the sheer drop to sea level (some photos below). And then for me, an avid Tour de France follower, the most amazing sight I ever expected to see in Africa – the Leba Mountain Road! This reminds me so much of Alpe-d’Huez, one of the hallowed climbs of the Tour de France and the mountain that decided this year’s race. The Leba Mountain Road winds its way up the mountain through a succession of precipitous switchbacks – it simply looks spectacular!!!

A reminder that a Paypal button is now available for donations or sponsoring a country – check out the SPONSOR A COUNTRY page!! So, if you, your friends or your company want to sponsor her for one of the countries on her journey, check it out. Otherwise, mail Jolandie or myself!!

The incredible statue of Cristo Rei

A view over Lubango

Sitting on top of the world!!

Awesome views!

The amazing Leba Mountain Road! Now those are switchbacks!!

Created and posted by La Domestique

Facebook Group

Good Samaritans, friendly goats and reaching Angola

2011-07-31T19:51:00.000+02:00

26 July 2011

I have been cycling for 11 days solid now. No rest days. I just simply can't afford to take a rest day. The time limit on my Angolan visa puts me under enormous pressure. So I simply have to push on.

We (Hanret and I) have worked out that I have to maintain a minimum daily average of 70km, and I can only afford 3 rest days! That's only 3 rest days from Windhoek all the way to the DRC!!!

On my way from Windhoek to the Angolan border, I have experienced immense kindness! FNB Namibia has helped, not only financially (by sponsoring the Namibia leg of my trip), but the staff at branches on my way North have welcomed me with open arms! Helping me with organising sponsored accommodation, taking me out to dinner, making me feel welcome!

I have also experienced kindness from strangers on the road. Like Terry, who I met on my way to Otjiwarongo. Terry drove 70km that evening to fetch me so that I wouldn't have to sleep next to the road! And then there's the family who gave me N$100 at a picnic spot on my way to Oshivelo! Strangers who have given me shelter and even offered their own beds for me to sleep in!

I have given motivational talks at a number of schools in Namibia, as well as to FNB staff at some of the branches on my route going North! The responses have been amazing and I feel so priviledged for the opportunities given to me to share my story!

From Oshivelo onward it became a very different ball game! I had been told that 80% of Namibia's population resides in the North. Meaning: that I would now start to see more and more people! At Oshivelo I went through a control post. Here I got shouted at for attempting to take a photo! Then I had a group of kids surround me and chant: "Miss, miss, give me one dollar".

After that things got better though. I did see more and more people! Mostly friendly. People would wave and greet me with big smiles as I pass them by. Some would just stare with confusion written all over their faces.
Even the goats would run up to the road and bleat at me in greeting!! (I kid you not!!) Halfway between Oshivelo and Ondangwa I spent the night sleeping next to the road. No problems whatsoever!

And now I find myself sitting just a few hundred meters from the Angolan border! Oshikango is a chaotic town! I picked up a tail about 10km from town (local boys riding in my slip stream). In return for my hard work, one of them had to guide me around. I cannot adequitely describe what it is like riding into this town on a bicycle! People shouting at you from all directions in Portuguese, English, Afrikaans, and other local dialects. It feels like there are millions of people here! Even had my first Portuguese conversation! Yay!
Staying at Piscas tonight, for free! Had pizza as my last meal in Namibia!

Tomorrow morning I cross the border and say: BOM DIA ANGOLA! :-)

Last night in Namibia!!!

A Paypal button is now available for donations or sponsoring a country – check out the SPONSOR A COUNTRY page!! So, if you, your friends or your company want to sponsor her for one of the countries on her journey, check it out. Otherwise, mail Jolandie or Hanret!! Next up is Angola – who will we be promoting for a whole month?

Written by Jolandie, posted by La Domestique

Facebook Group

Tomorrow is Jolandie’s day!!!!

2011-07-20T22:00:00.000+02:00

Today Jolandie recorded her update interview with Jacaranda FM, so be sure to listen to the news (top of the hour) on Thursday 21 July for updates on Jolandie’s remarkable journey.

A big thank you to FNB Namibia for sponsoring the Namibia leg of the trip!!!

Created and posted by La Domestique

Facebook Group

Leaving Okahandja behind

2011-07-18T14:20:00.000+02:00

Sunday, 17 July 2011

Heading to the border is an uphill business. In more ways than one. Jolandie is pressed for time to get to the border to make sure she has a full 30 days available to her in Angola. But, geographically, to get to the border is a steady uphill climb.

When I spoke to her earlier, she was convinced that she had conquered a couple of Category 2 climbs on Sunday. A Cat 2 climb is in simplest terms a climb of 500-800 meters. So, in Tour de France parlance, Jolandie was definitely wearing the Polka Dot jersey at the end of Sunday’s 62 km stage!! Well done!!

Home for the night was a shelter rigged with some of the many grass bales at the side of road. Clever girl!

No warthogs were sighted, but the signs were!

Leaving Okahandja behind – way in the distance. The steady climb to the border has started!

The soft afternoon light makes the road seem a lot more gentle.

Some grass bales provide shelter for Jolandie and Luna!

Climbing the mountains to the Angola border Jolandie relied on U2’s I still haven’t found what I’m looking for for some pedal power on Sunday. Could it be that it is Table Mountain in the Mother City that she’s after? What do you guys think?

A Paypal button will be available soon on Jolandie’s Sponsor a Country page. So, if you, your friends or your company want to sponsor her for one of the countries on her journey, check it out. Otherwise, mail Jolandie or myself!! Next up is Angola – who will we be promoting for a whole month?

A big thank you to FNB Namibia for sponsoring the Namibia leg of the trip!!!

Created and posted by La Domestique

Jolandie Rust

Messages from Angola

First long ride a success. What's next?

Nova and I hit the open road

Luna Found!!!

Week 42 - Already??

First tumble off the bike!

Gearing Up - And my bike's name!

On your marks, get set...

Get Bike - Check

She's on her way!!

Bridging The Gap

Patience is a virtue

Like a kid on Christmas eve!

Bikes, bikes and more bikes.

Angola Supports Jolandie

Update - Being Home

My side of the story

So much kindness

Abundant Angola!!

Nothing found other then immense generosity!

Africa gets a bit darker

Heading North

Chaos, warmth and beauty

Angola - The place where I could lose myself!

On the road to Cacula

Celebrating 100 days!!

Lingering in Lubango

Good Samaritans, friendly goats and reaching Angola

Tomorrow is Jolandie’s day!!!!

Leaving Okahandja behind

Ups, Downs and Going Again!!!

Farewell My South Africa - Again!

I'm The Huffington Post's "Greatest Person Of The Day"!

Back to Windhoek!!

Article on Jacaranda FM + Audio Interview

Listen to me LIVE every week!!

T.V. Interview - Tomorrow Morning

2 Down - 1 To Go

Getting There

Look What I Got!!! :)

What's happening....

Angolan Visa Application Accepted!!!

Angolan Visa Update

Back Home

Life in Windhoek

Live on RadioWave

Cape Town to Windhoek

Live and unplugged from Windhoek tomorrow!!

A night out in Windhoek!!

One month on the road and arriving in Windhoek!!

Heading for Windhoek (26 May 2011)

Record breaking day with the wind from behind!

Another windy day in Africa!!

The day after the momentous day

Double milestone day!!!

Grünau to Keetmanshoop.

On the road to Keetmanshoop

Leaving Grünau behind

To Grünau and sleeping under the stars.

Another interview live from Namibia - Catch me on election day (18 May 2011)

Live from Namibia - The Interview!

Live from Namibia

Hello Namibia!!

Springbok to Steinkopf (15 May 2011 - Day 19 in pictures)