Good Samaritans, friendly goats and reaching Angola

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

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Tomorrow is Jolandie’s day!!!!

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


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Leaving Okahandja behind

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

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Ups, Downs and Going Again!!!

Having to return home to sort out my visas, panned out to be a blessing in disguise. I so enjoyed being home! But now it's time to get busy again! I arrived back in Windhoek on Monday evening. It was like I had never left. The only thing that changed was that it's a bit warmer now. Which is a good thing for me. I can handle heat, to extremes. But not cold.

Having to go back and forth, and the struggle with sorting my visas and funding issues and having to say goodbye to the people I love all over again, has been pretty stressful. The aftermath of which only hit me on my return to Windhoek. I hit an emotional low. But I knew I had no time to waste. So with the love and support of my friends, and after I gave myself a good pep talk, I got over it in no time.

I gave two motivational talks at two primary schools in Windhoek on Thursday and Friday. FNB Namibia is sponsoring the Namibia leg of my trip and in return I am giving motivational talks at schools on my route.

The talks were just what I needed! It was so uplifting being surrounded by such positivity and excitement. To see those kids light up like that and be so receptive, was really amazing. They were so eager to interact, ask questions and willing to learn. Their enthusiasm gave me a renewed will not to give up.

The kids at AS Steenkamp Primary School

Friday’s talk was at MH Greeff Primary School. About 200 12-13 year olds packed into the Assembly Hall and pelted me with questions after my talk – this was really an awesome experience. After my talk, the principal thanked me and wished me a safe journey. She handed me an envelope and said: ‘It's from the teachers and these naughty kids’, and smiled. Inside the envelope: N$400. It was so touching! A group of about 20 or 30 kids stayed behind after we had finished. They wanted to know whether they could come and greet me? Of course! I had no problem with that! But they didn't want to talk. They all wanted to give me a hug! I had to hug each and every one of them. It was such a sweet and special moment!

Luna and me inspiring the kids at MH Greeff Primary School!!

The two of us with some of the eager and enthusiastic kids. So sweet!!

And so now, I am back on the road! Luna is going like a dream! I'm not doing too bad either. Saturday’s leg was from Windhoek to Okahandja - 73km. A fine day on the road. Though my butt is not happy with me, all over again! I camped out, at the Kings Highway Rest Camp next to the road. Luna is happily sleeping next to me. It's all back to 'normal'. :-) Really looking forward to crossing into Angola!!

Luna with her new Namibian flag and the road ahead.

A giraffe came out to greet me and wish me well!

Arriving in Okahandja.

Camping out again!!

Be sure to listen to the news on JacarandaFM every Thursday top of the hour for updates!

If you, a group of your friends or your company want to sponsor my journey through a country, please have a look at my Sponsor a Country page and contact myself or Hanret!! I’m desperate for a sponsor for Angola!!

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

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Farewell My South Africa - Again!

The road calls! And so I go.

I will be back in Namibia by tonight!
The time I have had to spend with my nearest and dearest at home, has been a true blessing.
But now I really need to get a move on. The time restrictions that my visas for Angola, DRC and Congo place on me, will force me to have to push really hard for the next few months. I have to uphold a daily average of at least 75 kilometers, or else I won't make it to each border in time.

Whilst on the road, it is not always possible for me to update my blog on a regular basis.

Hanret Snyman, one of my nearest and dearest friends, has been my 'ground control' support whilst on the road and the person who I am in constant contact with. (Also the person that puts in an amazing amount of effort behind the scenes in helping me live my dream). She will be posting regular updates when I am not able to.

So be on the lookout for updates from "La Domestique". :)

Be sure to listen in on JacarandaFM every Thursday for LIVE updates! (I will send out a notification as to what time)

And if you'd like to get involved and sponsor a country: Click here for more information.


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

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Getting There

Thank you all for your quick response, emails, messages and suggestions.
I'm very happy to report that my visa for DRC will be ready by Monday. I dragged Hanret with me to the DRC and Congo Embassies in Pretoria today. Partly because she is far more experienced in 'the art of applying for a visa', partly because she just doesn't take no for an answer (which is helpful :)) ) , partly because her French is much better than mine...and the list goes on! :)

This time round was far less painless than dealing with the Angolan Embassy. I am learning though, and fast. Just make sure you have all the documentation you could possibly need...and voila!

I am now just waiting for my letter of invitation from the Congo and will apply for my visa on Monday. Which means my visa will then be ready by Thursday.

What all of this means is: I should be back in Windhoek by next weekend!!! Wooohoooo!!
Really looking forward to getting back on the road!

Thank you, once again, for all your support!!!

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Life in Windhoek

I arrived in Windhoek almost a week ago, as you all know. The weekend was spent meeting some of Ray's (my host in Namibia) friends, getting in some rest and catching up on some more mundane duties like doing washing. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I really launched into setting up everything I want to do whilst in town. My first port of call of course being the Angolan embassy!!

I hovered into the embassy on positive thoughts and a Yoda-like attitude as to what needs to be done. "Apply for my visa I will. Give it to me you must". Squash me like a bug, they did! LoL!! I was told that I need to have insurance (which my non-existent budget just doesn't allow), and a letter of invitation.

Okidoki. So my focus then turned on obtaining at letter of invitation. I then had to leave my visa hunt to get to my first live radio interview in Namibia. Had a wonderful time in studio with a lively team at RadioWave!

Thereafter I had a meeting with a potential sponsor and then off to Cycletec to see if we could organise some TLC for Luna! Busy day!!

Tuesday I was off with map in hand, negotiating my way through the city center on Luna on route to an interview with The Namibian.

I had another interview lined up for the afternoon and met up with George, the Namibian country coordinator for Iduka. My interview got postponed and I dropped Luna off at Cycletec for a service.

In between all of this Ray, was on his phone, ringing up all his friends and friends of friends who might have friends in Angola who might be able to help!! :-))

Wednesday was a VERY productive day!! Up and going early with my first meeting with Dixon Norval at First National Bank. (If you've read Riaan's book, you'll know who he is!) Some quick brain storming with the marketing team resulted in some sponsorship from FNB! Woohoo! I can now breathe a bit! In return I will be giving motivational talks at 10 primary schools on route! Awesome! :-)

From there I spent some time in town and even donated blood at a local shopping centre! Quickly ran into an internet café and then off to Cycletec to pick Luna up and get to my interview with Republikein newspaper.

Interview and photos with FNB representatives done, it was off to Namibia Breweries for a meeting with their marketing team! (I will have to wait until next week to divulge news resulting of this meeting)!!

And last night I had dinner at the beautiful River Crossing resort with the social responsibility manager of Desert Star. A great evening, good meal and new friends made!!

I will be back at the embassy this morning pursuing my elusive visa. Last night though, I made us spaghetti bolognaise and played a board game with new friends. :-)

The Namibian getting ready to distribute around Windhoek...

...the story about a woman on a bicycle!!

Windhoek skyscrapers...

...and a Windhoek street market!

Tokkie en Ziggie from Cycletec giving Luna some loving attention!

Finding time in a busy day to donate blood!

Dinner with Rochelle at the beautiful River Crossing resort

Meeting up with Caleb Thole, an Iduka volunteer from Malawi.

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Live on RadioWave

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Live and unplugged from Windhoek tomorrow!!

Listen online to an interview with Radiowave, Namibia just after 12:00 CAT (Central African Time) on Monday, 30 May 2011!!

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A night out in Windhoek!!

A real table ...

... and real wine

... and real food

... and real meat!!! How awesome is that?

Listen online to an interview with Radiowave, Namibia just after 11:00 on Monday, 30 May 2011!!

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Hello Namibia!!

Hellooo Namibia!! Wooohooo!
The moment I've been dreaming about for over 3 and a half years finally came today! Waving farewell to my beautiful South Africa Just for a little while) and crossing over into Namibia!

When I woke up in Springbok yesterday, the town had been transformed into an eerie ghost town overnight! Thick, thick mist hung over the town and it was freezing! And this on the day that I had to set out again after my 2 rest days!

And then, I think I was about halfway to Steinkopf, a puncture to my front tyre broke my momentum! And my kickstand gave in! Feels like the Universe is set on pushing me a little harder every single day!

Luna leaning against a railing while a puncture in her front tyre gets attended to and some emergency repairs made to her kick stand.

Steinkopf is a humble little town. The people are friendly. A little unsure of me at first, until they realise that I speak their language! :-)

Antoinette, a friend of mine who has cycled these parts before, told me that today would start with 30 kilometers of uphill and then down all the way to the border. It was beyond freezing cold when I got up this morning! I'm used to handling crazy heat on the road, not cold!
And of course, I was greeted by yet another flat tyre! Always only the front wheel!?

That puncture just HAS to be here, somewhere!!!

Though none of that mattered when I hit the downhill! Pure bliss, that's what it was!! I absolutely flew to the border!

Though 500 meters from the border I came to an abrupt halt. It hit me. "This is it! This is the moment you've been waiting for"! I have always said that once I enter Namibia I will not turn back, no matter what! This is my 'point of no return'. And today, I crossed that point!

I'll admit that I had tears in my eyes as I made my way through the border. Brought on by excitement, pride, the unknown that awaits and realising how much I will miss my nearest and dearest!

Departing from my beautiful South Africa!

Paperwork in hand for my FIRST border crossing!! YAY!!

Being welcomed to the Namibian side of the border post.

I am so excited and proud - Luna and I made it to Namibia!!!

I'm staying over at Noordoewer Guesthouse & 'Die Mielie' Farmstall tonight. Tomorrow Luna and I head toward Grünau!

Ready or not, here I come! ;-)

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Cape Town to Springbok - Done Twice!!!

I have now covered the stretch of road between Cape Town and Springbok on the N7 twice in the last year and half! The first milestone on my journey reached succesfully! And I am now only 2 days away from crossing my first border! Yeeehaaa.

What a week I've had! I even got to meet up with some friends along the way! On my way to Garies, my friends Elise and Hanret had told me that all accommodation in Garies was fully booked, but that there are a whole group of cyclists setting up camp in town. So as soon as I got into town, I headed directly for them!

First thing I noticed on entering the camping grounds was about 40 odd tents set up, about 50 bicycles standing around and around the same number in people. As I approached them someone called out: "self supported coming in".

And I only then noticed the signage on the trucks - 'Tour d'Afrique'! I had run into the Tour d'Afrique group! And I actually know someone in the group! So while everyone stood checking out Luna, I went about finding fellow South African André Ormond.

They welcomed me into the group, fed me and that night I slept among them as one of them! I found it interesting how I met up with them at a time where they were at the end of their journey, and I but at the start of mine! :-)

10 May 2011: Meeting Andre Ormond (Tour d'Afrique cyclist) in Garies.

10 May 2011: The Tour d'Afrique support truck

From Garies to Kamieskroon you just climb seemingly endless hills all day! It made me remember why last time round I felt like Namaqualand was trying to keep me out!

11 May 2011: Arriving in Kamieskroon

The stretch to Springbok remains one of my favorites! The harsh beauty of the mountainous surroundings. You can lose yourself here!

Though this time round I experienced one of the toughest days I've ever had on the road! At one stage it felt like I might actually faint next to the road. I couldn't even stay on the bike and had to resort to pushing Luna along.

Tomorrow I head to Steinkopf and then on Monday I wave farewell to my South Africa! Not to be seen again untill I return in about 2 and half years!

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