JPFreek - Index

JPFreek - magazine - Index

prepared for anything and everything. Cultural discrepancies
create different obstacles; learning new languages, calculating
exchange rates, adjusting your digestive system to bizarre foods
or trying to comprehend the practices of another religion. Being
physically fit or technically prepared are great assets, but
ultimately it is the mentally strong who succeed.
Although Tour d’Afrique facilitates the experience, the true
adventure depends on the spirit of the individual. There are
opportunities to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, take a safari through the
Serengeti, paddle the Zambezi or sand board in the Namibian
dunes, but often the most memorable moments take place far
from the tourist hubs. For some it may be as simple as sharing a
cup of chai and a conversation with the elders of a remote
village. Others thrive on the smiles of children while
volunteering to teach an English lesson at an impoverished
school house. African music is what stirs my soul. One
night in Zambia I was retiring to my tent but I
could hear the faint rhythm of drums from off
in the distance. Knowing I couldn’t sleep
listening to it decided to seek it out. I
found a path leading through the
dark forest and as I followed it the
music got louder. I could hear
laughter, chanting and random
whistle blasts driving the tempo.
The scene was a small village
nestled among baobabs and
Egypt
Riders under tree
in Kenya
Early morning start in Nubian
desert, Sudan
acacias. There was fire, vats of chibuku, clouds of Malawi cob,
and men, women and children all in celebration. As the only
mzungu I quickly drew attention to myself. The people were
incredibly hospitable. They were reluctant to let me play the
drums, but then were quite taken back when I started to rip
syncopated afro-cuban beats off their homemade ngoma’s.
Before I offended the village percussionists I gave up the drums
and took to dancing. With my eyes closed I stomped and spun
around the fire, until I was approached by a man who spoke
perfect English. He informed me that they villagers had prepared
something special for me. The music changed and four women
in white robes with faces painted white emerged from the
darkness and started dancing around me. Shortly after that I
politely thanked the elders and excused myself. If I stayed any
longer I was afraid I might go home married. Although the
international language of music is what forged my initial bond, to
experience a foreign culture you must remove all inhibitions and
immerse yourself.
It is not a vacation; it’s a way of life. Pedaling 125 km per day
and camping in a foreign wilderness each night seems
extreme, but it very quickly becomes routine Cycle touring is
the most experiential means of travel. When traveling by car,
train, plane or bus you suffer from a displacement effect,
waking up in a foreign place with no perception of the spatial
variations. Not only does long distance cycling induce natural
meditation, it stimulates all
Ethiopia homestead