The biggest hurdle for this trip is behind us ... the mental realization that this is happening. That, it is time to begin the process of researching, planning, learning, and strategizing about how to best carry out and complete what seems like a daunting task! A trip across Africa from Europe to Cape Town on a motorcycle ... 12,000+ miles, across 20+ countries with limited infrastructure and varying degrees of development ... pure adventure : )
The first set of maps and books have been received and the effort has begun. It is true that you live these trips to the unknown twice - once when you are planning them and twice when you are doing them. My journey has already started. I am learning about Sudan and The Gambia. Two key stops on either the Eastern or Western routes. Absolutely fascinating! I have realized that finding edible food on this trip may be an issue : )
The planning this time around includes a plan B ... a route through the East and a route through the West ... which route we will take will not be decided until a few months before departure because of the fluid nature of things in Africa (i.e., politics, weather, animals, jungles, deserts, conflicts, etc.)
This feels a lot like the starting of the planning for the TransAsia trip of 2012, except with an extra level of adventure, isolation, complexity, and excitement. The promise of being able to see amazing one-of-a-kind things, to meet the people in a continent that is so hard to reach, to navigate successfully through so many obstacles ... this is what exploration, adventure, and life is all about!
Hey Rene! What happened to the TransAfrica trip? I am planning the same thing for later this year and am doing a research. Meanwhile check out www.lutanya.blogspot.hr More or less we share the same affection. Best
ReplyDelete