Cycling was not allowed on the shorter N2 highway, so I plan to East London from Durban on 4th taking south along the old airport. Late that day it was raining and it is not safe to stay at the camp during the rain so I had decided to stay at a hotel. I was having a situation of conflict within me as to a suitable location to stay.

I was in a gas house at Kingsburg waiting the rain to stop and Dylan and Wanda came to me. After sharing some time they thought of helping me and we together took a ride to find a reasonable hotel. On the search, I was shocked with the hotel charge- 500 Rand per night. I was unable to afford that and we again moved in search of a backpacker. While on the way, Wanda offered me to stay at their home, I accepted.

The next day both of them left for work leaving me alone at their home. I was happy and surprised as they completely trusted a complete stranger like me. As George Mac Donald said “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved”. I was delighted to so much help and a great compliment from a very benevolent family. They showed me the area around their home and the gas station. Dylan Just had his operation about a couple of weeks ago I wish for his quick recovery. That day too it was raining, so I left only on 6th.

After Kingsburg, I was in Southbroom. I moved to Port Edward from where I had to change my way. There was a small settlement and I was tired and taking rest. It was 25 Km before Bizana where I had a plan to spend that day.

I ALMOST LOST MY BICYCLE, fortunately with some money; I was able to get it back.

FOR ME, MY BIKE IS EVERYTHING. It is very close to my life. Some materials for some people are everything. The same is my bicycle for me. It is my bicycle and support of people around the world that I am able to share the message of world peace environment protection and experiences of places around the world.

I was sitting when a group of locals came and had some conversation. At the meantime my bicycle was taken by one of them. Furious, I grabbed my bike off the guy and handed them with around 60 dollars and just passed.

It is said here, if you have any sort of tackle with any of these locals, you get shot. So as quickly I could I was trying to get off from them. Luckily, at the meantime a vehicle had seen what happened to me from 2 KMs away and stopped for me for around 30 seconds. I just put the bicycle in the vehicle and we left. I have no words to explain my gratefulness to the people in vehicle. They dropped me to Bizana. I still remember an incident last September in Egypt (Aswan) when I had just started the trip to Africa. I had got to similar situation then survived.

Again, with terrific memories I was on my bicycle the next day. I passed through Lusikisiki to Port St. Jones. And as I was in Port St. Jones I forgot everything for a moment. It the place where I always dreamt to live my whole life. The place known as Jewel of the Wild Coast was wonderful with its entire wonderful people and natural landscapes. Yet controlling myself, I ended the 9th of September in Mthatha.

I had a wonderful time with Mrs. Bimala Gaire and Suvanga Pradhan that day. I am grateful to both of them for the wonderful time and their support. It was a great pleasure to meet both of them. Dr. Khim Sundar Gaire is the first Nepalese to step in South Africa in 1980 to serve as a Doctor. Mrs Gaire accompanied him in 1982. These days more than 40 Nepalese reside in South Africa as Doctor. I am excited to share about them.

Peace and Harmony
Furtemba Sherpa