Yes yes yes!!!!

Another hurdle crossed! I got my Russian visa!

I know that a visa does not guarantee entry into Russia, but boy o boy, the KLR and I will camp at the Russian border post until they let me in, or (you know I would never bribe any border official 🙂 )

Part of my long-sought Russian visa! I cut out parts of visa information like the serial number and my passport number. Better be safe than sorry.

With less than two months to go the excitement is rising. Russia has so much to offer. I look forward to sharing so many experiences with you in word and picture! While I don”t have any idea what to expect I want to be the perfect traveller that travels with an open mind about all the cultural differences with which I will be confronted.

The KLR leaves for Germany from Windhoek in Namibia. I still do not know whether I am going to ride the KLR up to Windhoek or whether I will tow it on a trailer to Windhoek. Does anyone have an idea whether there are storing facilities in Windhoek to store my bakkie for three months?

I had such a good week and a half. I had the most wonderful visit from Switzerland, and a good friend gave me a painting which she did herself.

Lita Buckley, wife of my good riding friend Neil Buckley, painted me an African sunset spread out over 5 canvasses. If anyone should doubt the colour of the sky, we saw a near identical sunset in the Lowveld last Sunday. It is indeed possible to have such a colourful evening sky. We live on a wonderful continent made by a wonderful Creator!

The lighting in my house let the painting at night look like a real scene. One expects the elephant to start moving any time.

Lita Buckley about to sign her name.

I will never advertise any place where I have been to but there is one place in the Lowveld near Hoedspruit that I would like to mention. Phelwana Game Lodge (www,phelwana.co.za) is a very affordable lodge to stay or camp with family or friends. The experience to sit in front of your tent or on the stoep of your chalet and hear lions roaring in the distance is priceless. Ronel runs the lodge and with Riana they are always prepared to go the extra mile. Ronelle read Kate and made then the following “picture” with wood picked up at Phelwana. Thank you so much ladie for your kindness showed to us during many visits. For the bikers, yes, Neil and I rode there with our bikes and had the most pleasant camping experience, especially with hippos close to Neil’s tent during the night.

Skillfully made with dead busveld wood.

Lastly, Jolandie Rust starts her long trek around Africa on Sunday morning. We wish her a safe ride and most wonderful experiences on her ride.