Living the Dream Solo Around the World Trip

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Hi Schalk,
I have requested one of your books on your other thread. Please send me details in order to receive one.
Many thanks
 
wildside said:
Hi Schalk,
I have requested one of your books on your other thread. Please send me details in order to receive one.
Many thanks
Hi Karen book is on the way, enjoy the read. Schalk
 
I see about 200 people are reading this tread a day, thanks to all. If you need advise or want to contact me you are welcome. My e mail adress is
[email protected]

The book is also available from the following places.
Johannesburg-Myself                  082 490 6723
Randburg      - Linex Yamaha    011 251 4000
Port Elizabeth - Gerard on the forum 084 4927680
Mosselbay (Tergniet) at the See Plasie Koffie Shop and Art Studio-Zelda 072 289 6090 office hours
Cape Town (Welgelegen) Eugene van Niekerk 082 416 2988 office hours
Natal Hillcrest from my sister Lucille 031 7651992
                                       
The book can also be mailed to anywhere in the country for R50-00 plus the price of the book =R 250-00. The book include 400 colour photos.

                                                 

                                                              This cover photo was taken in northern Kenya
 

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Herewith a review of my book done by Patrick Moore recently

REVIEW: LIVING THE DREAM THROUGH AFRICA  2016

Since 1969, quite a few South Africans have lived their dream of biking from Cape to Cairo and beyond, but Schalk van der Merwe is the first to self-publish an English language account of his journey, complete with 400 colour photographs to add depth and beauty to his narrative. Although he was born with a desire to know what was on the other side of the mountain, Schalk had to wait until retirement to be able to crack this journey, which he had hoped would be the beginning of a ‘round the world’ tour. Political factors stopped him in Egypt, but he had already experienced and learned enough for several books, so he’s published this one to create awareness of his wider aim, as he’s still determined to experience the world on two wheels. Proceeds from its sales will help to fund that trip, so buying one will definitely help to make ‘Van” a global biker!

Because it’s so up to date, the information in this book about road, border, policing, food and accommodation conditions make it essential reading for anyone about to do the same journey, if they want to avoid the sort of mistakes that inexperience often leads to. Just knowing which country’s auto banks can process South African cards, why Egyptian police are justifiably paranoid about loaded motorcycles and how best to deal with troublesome officials, could save them a world of trouble and inconvenience, worth much more than the book’s R250 asking price. However, for those of us with no plans for cross continental travel there’s also much to enjoy in Schalk’s easily readable account of his journey.

Travel is about new and unexpected experiences which destroy prejudices, create understanding and refresh one’s faith in humanity and the beauty of our world. Schalk’s friendly, non-judgmental approach with people earned him many such rewarding experiences. For instance, on hearing that he was hoping for sponsorship, a Muslim gentleman called Masai offered to sell some of his cattle to help finance Schalk’s trip, while a world travelling Argentinian family paid his expenses until he was able to locate an Egyptian auto bank that would accept his card. These and numerous similar incidents confirmed Schalk’s belief that ‘a stranger is just a friend that you haven’t met yet’. As a result his friendly, open-minded approach to everyone that he met has produced a story that is a real pleasure to read. With excellent colour photographs on every page and a wealth of anecdotal people centred information for all readers, this book is a welcome, truly worthwhile addition to the growing library of South African adventure biking literature.

Schalk is contactable at [email protected] or on (082) 490-6723 for a copy of his book and/or to arrange a social evening with a slide show, about his travels. Give him a call and I can guarantee that you will enjoy whatever you choose to buy, or do with this new ambassador for our country and pastime.

Enjoy the read
PATRICK MOORE

 
That is good news indeed, and I will love as ever before the regular and interesting updates!!  :thumleft:
 
Tom van Brits said:
That is good news indeed, and I will love as ever before the regular and interesting updates!!  :thumleft:
Gaan defnitief weer updates doen aan al die getroue lesers. Ek sien ons trek al by meer as 90 000 hits op die topic. Wat die trip betref ek gaan dalk nou net anders om die wêreld ry, maw Suid Amerika eerste ipv Europa eerste. Groete daar.
 
Well done RR, Mr. Schalk.  Thanks for sharing your adventure.  Would it be okay if I send you a Private Message?  I'd like to inquire about postage for your book to the States.
 
big oil said:
Well done RR, Mr. Schalk.  Thanks for sharing your adventure.  Would it be okay if I send you a Private Message?  I'd like to inquire about postage for your book to the States.
big oil you are welcome.
 
schalk vd merwe said:
1 st photo My sleeping place for the night
2nd photo Mergni sleeping it away with trucks leaving all night
3 rd photo Mergni A big guy is looking for a wife

I did this trip back in 2011 and also stopped at the same petrol station. I think the town is Gedaref? I also bumped into this character at the same petrol station who was adamant that he wanted to marry a western woman. I suggested he look on a singles web site. We entered Sudan the day it was splitting in to two. Everyone was leaving and we were the only ones entering. I thought we were in for an adventure but all was good. Only a security police block as we entered Khartoum and after checking our travel docs let us proceed.
 
schalk vd merwe said:
Photo 1 Thousands of these old Peogeos still on the roads in Egypt
Photo 2 Aswan at night
Photo 3 After dinner on the way to our hotel

Was the horse's name 'Ferrari'?
 
charlw said:
schalk vd merwe said:
1 st photo My sleeping place for the night
2nd photo Mergni sleeping it away with trucks leaving all night
3 rd photo Mergni A big guy is looking for a wife

I did this trip back in 2011 and also stopped at the same petrol station. I think the town is Gedaref? I also bumped into this character at the same petrol station who was adamant that he wanted to marry a western woman. I suggested he look on a singles web site. We entered Sudan the day it was splitting in to two. Everyone was leaving and we were the only ones entering. I thought we were in for an adventure but all was good. Only a security police block as we entered Khartoum and after checking our travel docs let us proceed.
Hi CharlW yes that is exactly the same guy and same place.
 

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Yep. Same fellow. Small world. He still hasn't found a wife.
 

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charlw said:
Yep. Same fellow. Small world. He still hasn't found a wife.
Yes I slept there on my mattress on the concrete. I see we even tie our top box down the same way with Bungee cords. Great minds think alike. 
 

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Ek lees sopas hierdie thread raak en het nie woorde nie. Ongelooflik!!

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schalk vd merwe said:
SuperShaka007 said:
Ek lees sopas hierdie thread raak en het nie woorde nie. Ongelooflik!!

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Nou moet jy nog net die boek kry met 400 foto's
Ek het email gestuur.

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Thanks for the book Schalk, eventually picked up a copy at Linex Yamaha this morning.
2d075030a6563a8d2b27dfda15fa8a83.jpg


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