Travel Reference
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I couldn't truly describe my feelings when I saw the officer officially stamp my
passport. It was such a small ink impression on the page but it symbolized an incredible
accomplishment: I just cycled across Zaïre, the country that brought me to tears of frustra-
tion and joy for it was the most physically and emotionally challenging experience in my
life. I've met other people later on who travelled Zaïre by truck, motorbike or bicycle and
all have said that it was their most intense travel experience. For me, it was a kaleidoscope
of emotions. It was heart-wrenching to witness a nation where the majority of its people
struggleddailyinthemidstofsuchnaturalwealth.Atthesametime,itwasheart-warming,
that in spite of all these hardships I found nothing but kindness and generosity. A wonder-
fullifelessononselflessnesstobesure.OneofmygreatestmemoriesofZaïrewassharing
in the utter joy and happiness of strangers as they received the letters I delivered.
It was incredible how I felt at the Zambian immigration office. Nothing could ever
have beaten that feeling. So much so, that I was talking non-stop to the English-speaking
immigration officer about all my experiences in Zaïre. I had to tell someone in my native
tongue!After20minutes,hewavedformetoleaveforifIdidn'tstoptalkinghewasgoing
to have me arrested for loitering.
I finally left the office and stepped onto Zambia soil. Many wonderful things began
to happen.
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