Firsly Abe cycled in casual shorts and slops - Karin at least had takkies!!!!!! - no cycling shorts - how their backsides survived is hard to contemplate.
They arrived safely although it was tough going at times - the stories are slowly surfacing and hopefully I will be able to share a final story or two.
The best news though is that their results came out today and they both passed another year in the law faculty really well. Way to go guys.
One more thing - Karin flew hom to SA business class resting her weary bum in style. Abe started getting cabin fever and headed to his aunt's farm about 120 km's out of Windhoek for a quick visit and overnight stop ON HIS BICYCLE.
Heading towards Seeis
Peta took this picture as she saw them approach in the distance
Friday 16 December 2011
Wednesday 14 December 2011
An update on the blog stats
South Africa 1,259 Namibia 849 United Kingdom 400 Russia 163 United States 79 Australia 34 Germany 21 New Zealand 10 Ireland 9
Radiowave 96.7 interview
Thanks to the guys at Radiowave! Abe and Karin were interviewed on air this morning and they loved the experience. We are hoping to get a copy somehow so that we can all listen to it.
There was no plan to do this blog before they left. The idea came to me after their first day and I could not reach them or their mothers for news and decided no no no, must find a way to get updates to everyone who is interested. The blog really developed a life of it's own and gave a lot of pleasure to many of us. Through Windhoek Pedal Power and the blog Radiowave got in touch and this was truly a highlight for them.
They got Peta's stamp of approval - this is what she mailed me "The radio interview was awesome- the kids sounded happy, intelligent, clear and to the point.. they are now on such a high they think they will trek to Morrocco!"
There was no plan to do this blog before they left. The idea came to me after their first day and I could not reach them or their mothers for news and decided no no no, must find a way to get updates to everyone who is interested. The blog really developed a life of it's own and gave a lot of pleasure to many of us. Through Windhoek Pedal Power and the blog Radiowave got in touch and this was truly a highlight for them.
They got Peta's stamp of approval - this is what she mailed me "The radio interview was awesome- the kids sounded happy, intelligent, clear and to the point.. they are now on such a high they think they will trek to Morrocco!"
The end of the road
It is Wednesday today and I need to close out this blog and try to do justice to this incredible journey. I have stalled a little because I have been unsure how to do that just. What I am trying to say is that I might still not be ready and it could take another day or two.
Abe and Karin arrived safely in Windhoek on Saturday morning - 4 days ahead of schedule according to the original estimates. Peta, Abe's mom was ready for them, in fact she drove out of town toward Seeis and produced a magical breakfast from the boot of her car. They ate and ate and ate! The image at the top of the blog was in fact taken by her as she saw them approach in the distance - she described it as a heart stopping moment when she first saw the two dots weaving along and later she heard them chatting away as they came closer.
Abe's cousin Mark Wiechman met them at the road block on the way to Windheok which they loved. Thanks Mark!
They ate and slept for the first 24 hours and are slowly recovering and getting back to normal routine.
Abe and Karin arrived safely in Windhoek on Saturday morning - 4 days ahead of schedule according to the original estimates. Peta, Abe's mom was ready for them, in fact she drove out of town toward Seeis and produced a magical breakfast from the boot of her car. They ate and ate and ate! The image at the top of the blog was in fact taken by her as she saw them approach in the distance - she described it as a heart stopping moment when she first saw the two dots weaving along and later she heard them chatting away as they came closer.
Abe's cousin Mark Wiechman met them at the road block on the way to Windheok which they loved. Thanks Mark!
They ate and slept for the first 24 hours and are slowly recovering and getting back to normal routine.
Monday 12 December 2011
Day 20 - Omitara to Windhek
The final day. Great fun was had in Omitara and if rumors are true Abe only got to bed at 2 and was up again to start riding at 4!
They got their first "pap wiel" and managed to cycle into each other with no serious consequences.
They got their first "pap wiel" and managed to cycle into each other with no serious consequences.
Friday 9 December 2011
You all know the tune?
Abe is King of the road! He is singing over the phone -"I'm a man of means by no means King of the road".
Can you imagine how they Are feeling!
This tune was written and recorded in '64 about a hobo who did not have much in terms of means but revelled in his freedom. Abe and Karin have so revelled in their freedom to achieve this.
Can you imagine how they Are feeling!
This tune was written and recorded in '64 about a hobo who did not have much in terms of means but revelled in his freedom. Abe and Karin have so revelled in their freedom to achieve this.
Day 19 - Nearly home
Things are changing by the kilometer. Abe and Karin are already in Omitara and are thinking of doing the extra 50 to Seeis. Andrew Murray Hofmeyr who is not only our gorgeous brother-law and source of huge fun and wisdom to the entire family and the most wonderful father and most talented Architectural draftsman in the country, has persuaded PETA that she cannot sit in Windhoek and wait until tomorrow. SO, a sunset picnic basket is being prepared for a dash to Seeis to meet them if they decide to go through. We will keep you posted!
Day 19 - Gobabis to Omitara
Almost home! Today they will cycle about 100 km's to Omitara. They will camp at the home of the local hotel owner.
Omitara is part of the Steinhausen district.
I found something else interesting. Here in SA we have a grant system and there are numerous categories, old age, single parent, foster parent etc. Namibian pensioners get an independent allowance of 450N$ per month. In 2008 and 2009, Omitara and Otjivero were the site of a basic income grant test project. Every person under the retirement age of 60 was given 100 Namibian dollars instead of the 450. The results reported that poverty-related crime, malnutrition rates among children and school drop outs had decreased since the inception of the project. This might sound obvious because they have more than double the money but it is still about what you choose to spend that money on! Labour and church were the ones pushing for BIG. The last project payments were made in 2009-and to ensure that these folk don't fall back into their previous levels of property they gave them a small bridging allowance over the original grant of 450. I am going to try and find out what transpired with regards to national implementation. What I find interesting is that a study in SA showed that grant recipients demonstrated much more responsible financial behavior.
Omitara is part of the Steinhausen district.
I found something else interesting. Here in SA we have a grant system and there are numerous categories, old age, single parent, foster parent etc. Namibian pensioners get an independent allowance of 450N$ per month. In 2008 and 2009, Omitara and Otjivero were the site of a basic income grant test project. Every person under the retirement age of 60 was given 100 Namibian dollars instead of the 450. The results reported that poverty-related crime, malnutrition rates among children and school drop outs had decreased since the inception of the project. This might sound obvious because they have more than double the money but it is still about what you choose to spend that money on! Labour and church were the ones pushing for BIG. The last project payments were made in 2009-and to ensure that these folk don't fall back into their previous levels of property they gave them a small bridging allowance over the original grant of 450. I am going to try and find out what transpired with regards to national implementation. What I find interesting is that a study in SA showed that grant recipients demonstrated much more responsible financial behavior.
Thursday 8 December 2011
Day 18 - Eastgate to Gobabis
I am not too sure of the distance but they left Eastgate this morning at 5am and arrived at Gobabis by lunchtime. Currently enjoying their time in Ernie's steakhouse in Gobabis. They had a beer ( I won't mention the brand because it was not a Windhoek lager) - anyway says Abe of Karin after a few sips "ek kon sommer sien haar wipers is aan".
They are so excited to get home - Abe christened the new couch in his mom's house Suliman (large and fit for Suliman and a few concubines) - he has sms'ed today he is looking forward to spending quality time with Suliman!
They are so excited to get home - Abe christened the new couch in his mom's house Suliman (large and fit for Suliman and a few concubines) - he has sms'ed today he is looking forward to spending quality time with Suliman!
The final stretch
Marius Basson, Abe's sisters boyfriend came to the rescue this morning. Peta realized she does not really know the east of Namibia too well. He has organisted a place to stay in Omitara tomorrow night. That trip from Gobabis will be 100 km's. Saturday will take them home - 90km's to Windhoek where my sister will be waiting.
What the blog stats show
South Africa
957
Namibia
651
United Kingdom
361
Russia
130
United States
68
Australia
34
Germany
16
New Zealand
10
Ireland
7
Malaysia
957
Namibia
651
United Kingdom
361
Russia
130
United States
68
Australia
34
Germany
16
New Zealand
10
Ireland
7
Malaysia
Xmas came early last night
I hosted a dinner for about 16 of our close friends last night. We ate turkey, roast pork, Cauliflower with cheese sauce, roast potatoes and of course CRACKERS. So. I'm sorry but I need to share some silly cracker jokes: Why did the boy eat his homework? - because the teacher said it was a piece of cake. Where do you find a dog with no legs?- exactly where you left it! Why is the maths book so sad? Cause it has so many problems!
The real story though is, everyone arrived asking how the trip was going and where they are because they have all been checking the blog.
I told them that it looks as though Abe has been cycling in his slops! Well, that got everyone going.
The real story though is, everyone arrived asking how the trip was going and where they are because they have all been checking the blog.
I told them that it looks as though Abe has been cycling in his slops! Well, that got everyone going.
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Day 17 - leaving Botswana behind
Abe and Karin are hoping to cross into Namibia today if all goes well. Hope they got an early start and that it is not too hot!
This is coming to a close so quickly - not sure what I am going to do with myself not having them on my mind at just about every turn. The upside is though that they are doing great and they have had no mishaps - at least as far as we know?
Tonight they are staying at Eastgate on the Namibian side of the border. Apparently there is thunder and lightning in the air so they will stay put for now.
This is coming to a close so quickly - not sure what I am going to do with myself not having them on my mind at just about every turn. The upside is though that they are doing great and they have had no mishaps - at least as far as we know?
Tonight they are staying at Eastgate on the Namibian side of the border. Apparently there is thunder and lightning in the air so they will stay put for now.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Day 16 comes to an end
They did 190 kilometers today. It is almost unbelievable but of course they have been getting fitter as they go. I was talking to my sister (Abe's mom) and she said that she asked him whether they still have some of the muscle something or other left that she sent to Grahamstown for them (apparently after exerting yourself like this you rub this in and it prevents the muscles from getting all sore and stiff) - anyway his answer was - " nooit mamma daai goed is lankal op!"
Abe is a guy, so we are so impressed with Karin staying right there with him - Abe put our minds at rest - "née wat, daai Lang dun bene is pure sening en spiere".
The spot they we're going to stay at at about 160 kilometers did not turn out to be a good place to camp so they pushed on another 30.
I guess it was quite late in the afternoon when they packed it in at 190 kilometers. They found a small settlement of local people and they started setting up their tent close to the roadside. A passing land cruiser from a nearby lodge stopped and persuaded them to visit the lodge and spend a night in a luxury tent. They were fed delicious curry and watermelon and I think by now must be fast asleep. The heat would have done me in for sure.
There is a possibility that they will cross the Namibia border tomorrow. They planned on 25 days but it has gone incredibly well and their weary bums and bones have held out.
I have to share this with you - Abe is disappointed that he hasn't lost some weight!
Abe is a guy, so we are so impressed with Karin staying right there with him - Abe put our minds at rest - "née wat, daai Lang dun bene is pure sening en spiere".
The spot they we're going to stay at at about 160 kilometers did not turn out to be a good place to camp so they pushed on another 30.
I guess it was quite late in the afternoon when they packed it in at 190 kilometers. They found a small settlement of local people and they started setting up their tent close to the roadside. A passing land cruiser from a nearby lodge stopped and persuaded them to visit the lodge and spend a night in a luxury tent. They were fed delicious curry and watermelon and I think by now must be fast asleep. The heat would have done me in for sure.
There is a possibility that they will cross the Namibia border tomorrow. They planned on 25 days but it has gone incredibly well and their weary bums and bones have held out.
I have to share this with you - Abe is disappointed that he hasn't lost some weight!
Day 16 Kang + another 160 Kilometers
Abe checked in at about 2pm - it is very very hot on the road! At that stage they wanted to do another 40km's to get to a cattle post where they will put up for the night. They have passed lone Tree.
Listen to this, this so exciting - a group of SA Students stopped to chat to them. Somehow they had read the BLOG and were on the lookout for them to offer them water.
Listen to this, this so exciting - a group of SA Students stopped to chat to them. Somehow they had read the BLOG and were on the lookout for them to offer them water.
Monday 5 December 2011
On the Airwaves
A very exciting thing has transpired. Radiowave 96.7 fm in Windhoek picked up on our story and are very keen to do an interview with Abe and Karin once they arrive in Windhoek. They are chuffed and so I am sure that it will come together nicely.
This morning they chatted about the trip on air and our hits on the blog from Namibia went crazy - they will love the support. Thanks
Now for a bit of completely useless information - 121 Russians have viewed the blog!
This morning they chatted about the trip on air and our hits on the blog from Namibia went crazy - they will love the support. Thanks
Now for a bit of completely useless information - 121 Russians have viewed the blog!
Two tough days coming up
So I have just spoken to AJ. He was in serious planning mode. The intention is to leave Kang in the morning for Takachu, a total of about 147Km. He was calling to get the most "tech savvy", (his words), person to check google maps for the exact distances they have to travel. He couldn't calculate the distances on the map as not all the places are there. He said the next two days are "rather daunting". We need to stick with them everybody!
Go check it out - Put the view into satellite mode and see if you can spot ANYTHING between the two
They will over-nite in Takachu and then travel to Tshootsha the next day. Once again they will be doing about 143Km. (have a look at this on google earth as well there is even less between these two).
AJ is in a bit of a panic about the distances especially since there is no water available on the road he says they may get some really Brak (salty) borehole water in Takachu, I hope he is exaggerating. Thing is they can only carry 18kg = 18 litres with them.
Go check it out - Put the view into satellite mode and see if you can spot ANYTHING between the two
They will over-nite in Takachu and then travel to Tshootsha the next day. Once again they will be doing about 143Km. (have a look at this on google earth as well there is even less between these two).
AJ is in a bit of a panic about the distances especially since there is no water available on the road he says they may get some really Brak (salty) borehole water in Takachu, I hope he is exaggerating. Thing is they can only carry 18kg = 18 litres with them.
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