‘Like most of us, I also thought Democratic Republic and Republic of Congo as a single country. Having similar name, these neighbor nations are separated by Congo River and have influence of the river after their name. It was evening of 4th of may, when I arrived Republic of Congo as my 92nd country leaving friends from DR Congo and getting through some tedious formalities before I left Kinshasa.

Its always pleasurable to get greeted with cheerful smile while entering a completely new surroundings with a different territorial existence. Many thanks to Mr. Kishore Kundwani for the brightest smile and reducing the hardship I go through while in a new country. Mr. Kundwani is an Indian origin entrepreneur in Brazzaville.

As compared to DR Congo, Republic of Congo is more secure and peaceful. Although, the money mindedness of people (especially officials) is not so much different. After I boarded into the country, my passport was taken away by immigration officials and I was allowed to move ahead in the country. Obviously, its one of the strangest thing I have come through. I got hold of my passport only the next day when Mr. Kundwani assisted me to get it back.

The first day, it was already evening so I had no choice to stay in the nearest available hotel. Unfortunately, it came up with $36 tag on it. I was not completely fine, and on the next day I didn’t pedal but walked on foot the distance about 8 Km to search a place to camp. It was a difficult search and I couldn’t conclude to camp. I was not still completely recovered after I got malaria and when inspection of the places to camp, I was scared of Mosquitos. So it was my compulsion to stay in a hotel once again.

In the stay, I also got chance to meet new friends. Aline was friend of my very close friend Bharat Rijal. Getting acquainted with her and having some good times to share experiences was wonderful. Also I met Nepalese and I was happy for it. Every moment was pleasant and cheerful with these wonderful people.

After I have entered Africa a meeting schedule was embarrassing. In Dhulije, I was called by a Pakistani acquaintance. I traveled a long distance just to meet him but when I reached the destination the man I went to meet was out of contact. It was almost night and it was very difficult to get back to the place so I had to change my stay in a new hotel somewhere near Dhulije.

After a short stay in Republic of Congo, since I was not completely ready to pedal the 270 Km rough road to Gabon, I decided to take a vehicle to reach there. The only available means was truck. The ride started on 12th of may and took more than 20 hours travelling above the rack of cement before we entered Gabon from Dolissala border.

Peace and Harmony