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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Nairobi, Kenya (late April 2002)

Roundtheworldbybike
2005-11-18 11:09:33

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On my way to Nairobi I visit an Allied War Cemetery (1939-1945). It is as immaculately tended as the memorials in France. The true meaning of World War becomes clear to me here amongst the humid coffee plantations. Even thousands of miles from Europe the madness still hit hard.

A symptom of too much thinking time on the bike: I've become embroiled in a conundrum about my name. Do I prefer Al or Alastair? Maybe it's time for a new name altogether? How would my life change if I began introducing myself as Nigel? I try key sentences in my mind to see how they sound,

"Have another sausage, Al"�

"Have another sausage, Nigel"�

So much for deep insightful reflection.

Can you help�?

I still have had no joy at obtaining any wider media coverage of my journey. In order to maximise the fund-raising potential of it all and to raise the profile of Hope and Homes for Children I really need a wider readership than my mum, my mum's friends and you (who should probably be doing some work right now!).
If you know of anyone who may be able to help please do forward them the details of my web-site. Thank you.www.roundtheworldbybike.com.

"I am the one and only" - Chesney Hawkes

Cycling with four other people has been so different to riding alone. Not better, not worse, just different.

In many ways I found the south of Ethiopia to be like a holiday. With a group of five people there is no security risk and no problems with leaving your bike whilst you shop or eat or go to the toilet. You have practical support with breakages and repair, enormous moral support in the face of 200 staring people, relief from monotony as you talk away the long, dull cycling hours, company in the evenings, fun, laughter and evening beers.

But cycling en masse deprives you of the days of silence, the intensity of experience, the unavoidable (and ultimately unmissable) interactions with locals and the fears and tears and frustrations of being alone in the heart of Africa. The character building as my Dad would say!

In conclusion: if you want to have fun then travel in a group. If you're not after that, stick by yourself.