Angola, it's not like they said.

[kejago]

Originally Posted by metaljockey

Here's a teaser for the next installment.

See the similarity?

[Mayertb]

What a fantastic trip, I would love to do somthing like this someday. MORE PLEASE. I am actually in Pretoria, RSA right now on a business trip and I am really wishing I had the time and money to rent a bike and explore your country for a while.

Awsome trip guys.

[kbear]

Originally Posted by michnus

Between the 5 of them they had 5L of water, and there's no water around. They did direct us to a pool of water, but I doubt even a very thirsty animal would rather abstain from drinking at that small murky brown puddle.

The boy was incredibly brave, his arm was all skew from the fracture and his eyes as big as saucer, he was really scared. When they cross the Kunene river they still had a day or two to travel to get to a clinic or Doctor.

I hope and pray to God that this boy finds good medical attention. Indeed, stuff like this makes one appreciate all one has.

kbear

[michnus]

He sure will find medical attention, chances are it's not going to be top notch medical attention, but he will be okay. The Himba and Herero people are really a tough bunch, man, all the people living there are tough asses.

The kids and toddlers there must be healthy, there are no doctors or pharmacies in hundred of miles and they must walk where they want to be. The kids are definitely healthier than our urban dwellers with all their vitamins and pills they suck away everyday.

The other freaky thing we must understand is, the people have much less money than the average person on this forum, but they are not "poor", they don't have as much belongings as us, but that does not make them poor. They measure value in cattle, a 125cc motorcycle will cost them 4 cows. That's their lifes and that's how they live it, full out. You are their equal and they treat you that way, your wealth means bugger all to them.

[Some-Young-Guy]

Guys, that was a great story to read and the pictures were fantastic. Great job and what an adventure. This is adventure riding at its best!!! Thanks again for the post!

[praveenkm]

This is getting bettor and bettor. Awesome adventure report

may be you can rejenuvate this dead thread:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=270229

[waveydavey]

Awesome adventure!! Thanks!!

[Cara Pálida]

Originally Posted by metaljockey

Wildlife was few and far between. The elephant and rhino that was in this area had been wiped out during the war years. I remember that our Senior rank structure used to hunt with assault rifles from choppers. There was also a devastating drought in the early eighties.

We did see some though, springbok, oryx, monkeys, jackal and such. Not really good enough for pictures though.

Thanks, MJ!

Uzay words, are my words too!
Pro ride report!
Seems that are more to come?
Obrigado!

Abraços,
PGF

[Damir]

Excellent report, thanks for sharing.

[XCAV8R]

Just as a quick aside, remember the shell worn by the Himba women? This is why I said it's a big deal. Imagine crossing this on foot.

Assuming the young woman wearing the shell did not cross the desert herself, how would she aquire the shell or anything like it? Are there markets or brokers or something similar? What, if anything, do they use for currency (besides cattle) and what type work do they do to get it? Don't mean to draw you too far off the topic of your ride report but this is very interesting.

[kamanya]

Himba's

You can start here;

Himba's

What I know of them;

Himba’s are an amazing race of people who are semi-nomadic cattle barons. They have a very rich culture that is expressed in their dress and customs. They smear themselves head to toe with a red ochre and butterfat mixture. It has a strong alien smell to us but I know that they think we stink just as bad to them. They have a complex and highly ritualized language that would make the French look uncouth. They are polite and friendly and never imposing or aggressive. A bad habit that some of the younger kids have learned on the more well trodden paths is to shout for you to stop to give them sweets. Something that travellers to this part of the world have wrongly encouraged and it has eroded the image of the proud Himba nation a bit. It is better to trade tobacco, sewing needles or flour for photo’s and low value bangles.

It is really bad form to try and trade for their status adornments such as their metal neck/waist bands and shells and the more unique pieces. As they are incredibly polite and sometimes naive, I have seen some 4x4 tourists trade a paltry amount of money for these highly traditional and culturally significant items.

[flan8tive]

Originally Posted by kamanya

Himba's

You can start here;

Himba's

What I know of them;

Himba’s are an amazing race of people who are semi-nomadic...They smear themselves head to toe with a red ochre and butterfat mixture. It has a strong alien smell to us but I know that they think we stink just as bad to them... They are polite and friendly and never imposing or aggressive. A bad habit that some of the younger kids have learned on the more well trodden paths is to shout for you to stop to give them sweets...It is better to trade tobacco, sewing needles or flour for photo’s and low value bangles.
...As they are incredibly polite and sometimes naive, I have seen some 4x4 tourists trade a paltry amount of money for these highly traditional and culturally significant items.

Very good points. Africans in general are loathe to tell you "no", their culture does not permit it. Africans will general give you the answer they think you want. Interestingly, the Himba I ran into were trading handiwork for cash in NW Namibia did not smell at all, but it was wintertime. IF you are just passing by and must have a picture, offer money in exchange; hold 5 fingers to signify $5 (Rand, or the Angolan equivalent) and mime a camera. They may write on their arm with a pebble the number 20; offer 10 and everyone is happy.

So where is the rest of this ride going...up the Angolan coastline?

[Grad]

Incredible report, can't wait for more!!!

[Wheedle]

...just...wow....
INCREDIBLE!!!!

[claudio17]

Awesome! Angola is very special to me, I was made there, mother and brother born there.

Keep it up