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Published: April 15th 2012
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We started our trip to Xai-Xai early in the morning, greeting Keith, Annette and Deon who looked after us in Maputo, but only after having coffee and rusks again. It felt like leaving family after a visit.
Because of all the rain and me not covering the open connector after removing the GPS, the wiring got wet and caused a short circiut. After filling up with expensive fuel (49 Meticals @ 3.48 / SA Rand per liter) we did some alterations to the wiring and got it working again.
Now we were on our way through Maputo which varied from Massive and well-kept houses to narrow streets with shacks, the biggest African market I have ever seen and many interesting things along the road. While driving past the market a loud bang gave me a fright. As I felt the shock wave in my feet I thought someone had thrown a massive cracker under the bike, but Tommie, who was driving behind me, explained that it was a tracktor tyre which exploded in a repair shop to the left of me. You have to remember that at this stage I am still trying to figure out if these people are
Friendelike handelaar in Manhica
Die winkeltjies is alty so netjies en kleurvol. friendly or hostile towards White SA Bikers.
Because the writing of this blog is done after the completion of the trip, I can now say that they are not hostile and that being on a bike opens many friendly doors and give opportunity for starting conversations without even trying.
On our trip of 246 km we pass through many small towns and because it is Sunday everything is quiet with road side stalls being open here and there. One of the bigger places we pass through in Manhica. It is a while since breakfast and I am longing to get some interaction with locals, especially to eat some local Pow bread bought at the local market.
We soon find the market and while I am buying bread, Tommie is already making friends again. We get invited to view and photograph a shop of one of the locals. He is a clean cut and friendly man, standing out as a leader amongst his fellow citizens.
Here I had my second surprise. Although I have not spoken a word to him yet, he offers Tommie and myself each a cool drink for free, turns up the music in
his shop and we all start dancing while sharing bread and drinking our free cool drinks. After a while they wave us good-bye with friendly chatter and jokes.
We reached Xai-Xai and went to the first camp site offered by my faithful GPS from the T4A maps. They are closed and we ask the GPS for the next one. Along the way the road is a little sandy, but we get through without incident. (I now get the jitters when my eyes see sand) We arrive to a friendly welcome at Montego Rest Camp, pick a camping spot, have a beer and pitch our tents for the first time.
After a shower we decided that we will eat at the restaurant because we did not have any food in our lugage and did not want to drive all the way back to own to buy something. We met some other S.A. people in the camp and were invited to join them, but we had such a good conversation out selves that we never took up the offer. It was here that Tommie (a BIG Bulls supporter) realised for the first time that I am a Stormers supporter and
hence the reason for our good conversation.
We went to bed content and happy.
Quote for the day:
What you sow you will reap. Making an effort and giving some of your time for others is rewarded with dividends.
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Jan Cronje
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Recalling something about Atjar in a certain movie!!!!
You like my Atjar - You buy my Atjar - You eat my Atjar - - and the rest---------------------------