It is difficult to explain what this journey has been like, but throughout those long rides in the heat and wind or hours taken to cross a border in the north whilst the cogs of bureaucracy turn at a snail pace – we have laughed. In this light I have tried to come up with the 10 things I learnt whilst riding through Africa, they are in no particular order:
Riding pillion is not exercise; you can gain weight in Africa!
I love riding across open plains and the desert in particular.
I have seen things here that I will never understand.
African women are incredibly beautiful and strong.
I was surprised at the adrenalin rush of seeing animals in the wild.
The African culture is colourful, the Arab the most hospitable in the world.
Financial and voluntary aid is definitely not always the answer.
Some people are content without progress and should be let be.
Africa is nothing like I expected, or had been led to believe by the media.
Tilmann is the best person in the world for me to travel with.
On a serious note, we gave ourselves the opportunity to live out a dream and ride through Africa. We have had endless conversations about what we have seen, what is right, what is wrong, who says everyone must progress, what is really important to people and what right or place do westerners and Europeans have to ‘guide’ Africa through change?
We have been welcomed so warmly by locals in the north of Africa and had the opportunity to meet some incredible people on our journey, Africans and other travellers alike. We came all this way without any problems, a super KTM bike, good health and nothing ever but the feeling of being safe and secure.
We would like to thank our parents, Fiona, Kevin and Helene for their support and enthusiasm despite their worries about our safety and to
all our family and friends who sent their best wishes throughout the trip.
People keep asking if this has been an adventure of a life time for us, it has, but surely you are allowed more than one - right??
all our family and friends who sent their best wishes throughout the trip.
People keep asking if this has been an adventure of a life time for us, it has, but surely you are allowed more than one - right??
3 comments:
ains ich möchte mich bei dir bedanken dafür das du dir so viel mühe gemacht hast all eure eindrücke und erlebnisse auf zu schreiben und uns so die möglichkeit gegeben hast an eurer reise teil zu haben. vielen vielen dank dafür, es war immer interessant und lustig deine reiseberichte zu lesen. ich glaube sogar das wir sie fast immer verstanden haben.
also dann bis morgen 6.30uhr im frankfurt.
es ist mir eine eine große ehre euch die wirklich letzten kilometer zu fahren.
grüße aus mannheim
Hi Ains, Hi Tille!
You guys made it!!
Super cool!! Wir sind echt stolz auf euch, dass ihr dieses Abenteuer so großartig gemeistert habt! Wollte dir schon mailen Tille, aber irgendwas stimmt mit der Adresse nicht!? Hoffe wir hören trotzdem bald mal von einander! LG Olli und Luisa (Oliver.Katz@gmx.de)
Dear Ainslie and Tille
Many of the your ten discoveries about Africa have not only opened doors for you two but for us too. We did worry, but knew always that you and Tille would look after each other with love. Gott sei dank fur KTM!! Loving hugs!! Mum and Dad
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