Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This was the spot where Felix met his fate and from where he staggered at night to find
Sister Louise's hospital.
The quality of the road from this point improved and there were only gradual
climbs to contend with. I took a photo of the national bridge that spanned over the Luembe
River. It was only the frame with no real road surface on top. The metal plates were manu-
ally adjustable depending on the width of a vehicle's axle. This was to be my last photo
until I arrived in South Africa. I'll explain later on.
I side stepped along the metal plates on the left side of the bridge. I then came to a
small village (not on indicated on my map) and asked for the chief. He was a small young
manbutcommandedrespectforInoticedanyonewhowalkedbywouldfacehimandbend
their knees in reverence. I ate with his family and we chatted. Then he gave me the bed
in the common room as he slept on the floor and his wife and children slept in the other
bedroom. I slept like a baby until morning.
Thenextdaywasthedaythatbroughtmetotears.Ibeganat6:30a.m.inthemorn-
ing with only drinking water for breakfast. I was escorted by one of the villagers on his
bike. My right front pannier snagged some underbrush and I lost my balance. I fell into
a small puddle/pond. My escort watched me and kept saying, 'Merci. (Thank-you)” Why
was he thanking me? Was it because I indicated a place where not to cycle? Or was it be-
cause I didn't get angry and curse? After getting back on the bike completely soaked, I
said merci and au revoir to him, hinting that I didn't need him anymore. He smiled, turned
around and returned to the village. When he left, I took a short mental break to make sure
that I didn't start off agitated. I snacked on some almonds that Sister Louise gave me and
continued on cycling slowly until lunch time. When I finally stopped, all I could find to
purchase were doughnuts, bananas and some sugar cane. I resumed cycling and just as I
crossed the Lomami River, I saw a train cross as well and immediately thought of Felix.
I had another punctured tire on the back. I repaired the gash (about 1.5 cm wide)
justastherainArmageddonarrived.Iquicklypoppedmyumbrellaandwaitedbytheroad-
sideuntiltherainsubsidedtoadrizzle.IcontinuedonandwhenIcameacrossaverytough
stretch of sand, mud and sharp rocks, I walked. However, I took a few chances by riding
through some sand patches for in the back of my mind I knew that I still had about 40 kilo-
metres to cover.
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