Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Thanx Royal Canin


For suporting our adventures and keeping our diet balanced

IT'S OFFICIAL, WE'RE LEAVING TODAY - 1 SEPTEMBER 2008

I woke up this morning with such mixed emotions, I almost didn't want to get up out of bed. There was no turning back, and no procrastinating, anymore. That which is sorted, is a bonus, that which is not, will find it's own time. The time is now, so best I seize the day! This I kept telling myself, but I couldn't completely shake the feeling of fear which was growing inside. There was so much that had me scared. Firstly, I was thinking of all the comforts that we'd be giving up, like a warm bed, hot shower whenever, food and drink of any kind at any time and whenever I need anything, there is no real mission in acquiring it, just get in the car and go. I lay there for a while, absorbing everything in that moment! Suddenly all anxieties disappeared as I thought of the freedom I feel when all I need is with me on my bicycle, and that I'm in no hurry to get somewhere. It's quite fantastic when one's needs becomes so small that it doesn't really matter either way. When one doesn't need anything, it's quite possible that you will only receive that which you should have to continue along Destiny's path. Maybe...
We've been here before, and it's like it's all happening all over again. Only this time, things are different, we are different, so our challenges are different. It's amazing, this gift us humans have, to transform ourselves, to adapt to any situation. The only pity is, that we forget that we have these abilities, and therefore we sometimes stay put, finding 'better' alternatives. Well, at least I do, or I wouldn't have such an intense need to break free from my comfort zones.
Sarah and Maria prepared the most amazing breakfast. We had vegetarian strips, scrambled eggs with melted cheese, and toast, juice, coffee, the whole nine yards. The morning was confusing and rushed, so I can't elaborate on that, but saying good-bye was hard. We have lived at the Waterglen Guest Lodge for over 8 months now, and I fell in love with each and every individual all over again. It's hard to leave behind friends and family, especially when they are such extraordinary people. They go everywhere with us though, because we stay in touch, and I carry them in my heart, wherever...
When I knew it was time, my heart skipped a couple of beats. I had to compose myself a bit before I could get on my bike. Once mounted, I was cool! It was a bit scary at times, because the traffic was super crap, and my lungs had shrunk to the size of a peanut, but other than that, I was in my element.
It wasn't long, before I remembered a couple of valuable lessons which I have forgotten, about riding, packing, balancing, etc., but it was duly noted, and on the to do list for the immediate future. When dusk set in, we started looking for a place to set up camp when Hannes and his son Ruan stopped beside us, and invited us to sleep over at their house. He also offered his barn if we would prefer, which we did, because they had one huge dog, and it just seemed easier with the dogs. Hannes and his family was lovely, and helped us with everything we needed. Little Ruan seemed to enjoy our company and hung out for a while. He is only two and speaks fluently and has an amazing sense of humor.
We had the toasted sandwiches that Leya and Christina prepared for us, for dinner. It was devine, I was so hungry, I could eat a horse. Strange how things work hey? I was just saying the other day, that this winter was a breeze, I never really felt the cold. Well, tonight, my words came to bite me in the ass, because I cannot remember being this cold. I was shivering and shaking like a leaf all night long, thus never really sleeping. I spent my hours hanging somewhere between sleep and severe discomfort, always aware of the bitter cold. This in Spring. I vaguely remembered some techniques to warm myself through meditation, but nothing made sense at this point, so I suffered the consequence.

Monday, 08 September 2008

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES...

It was 3 weeks ago when the 3 of us: Maria, Petro and myself, sat at The Place (restaurant) in Menlyn, and decided our fate. September the 1st, on Spring Day, we would be embarking on a whole new adventure, and it was phenomenal! It has been 8 months since we came back from the Wild Coast, since my father got sick, since we went home, since we've had such a breakthrough and at the same time the worst blow ever, with our project For Good. All of these are stories for another day though, but it was great to know that in a very short while, we would resume our travels.
The last week, has been so hectic, my head's still spinning. For some reason, and I seriously don't know why, we always give ourselves the minimum time in which to put together something huge. I know that I get lost in the moment otherwise, and then nothing gets done, and this is why I have to thank my friend Maria for always staying focused and for getting things done. You are a super-star chiki, and it's amazing how we're getting closer and closer to our goals. Thanks for never losing faith, and for persisting, no matter what!
There's also a whole bunch of other people who have contributed to making the next leg of our journey possible, in fact, people who have despite the limited time frame, come through for us and are now part and partial of Go4Good. Petro, girl, I don't think I have ever told you this, but you ROCK! We met Petro through the team at Riverwalk Productions, and she has since performed some miracles. Amazing to have you on board, and thank you so much for all your efforts, despite the fact that you were 8 months into your pregnancy. Oh and congratulations on your baby girl who was born on the 1st of September, Petro and Coenie!
Michael and Karen at Sony, you guys were brilliant, and thanks for your support. Fraser at Garmin you are the coolest, thanks for your support. Manual and Sheena at Swift Cycles who have in no time at all, made brand new baskets for Dante and Katryn. Eugene at Karrimor for your continued support. Tarryn at Royal Canin who looks after our dogs brilliantly.
Last but not least, I have to thank my mother Irma, without whom, none of this would've been possible. I love you madly and appreciate everything you have done for me ever.