Home Coming Revolution – here I come!

The South African government is running a campaign to encourage South Africans who have been abroad for a number of years to go back home. They are asking us to return and take an active part in contributing to the economy by offering our skills, experience and hard earned pounds and dollars. It looks very lucrative especially for entrepreneurs and this is one of the most positive and upbeat voices I have heard from back home, and makes a very pleasant change from the whinging-whites I hear so often. As for me, I’m 110% convinced this is the right thing for me! Only I’m not going to pitch up with oodles of dosh to invest. I’ll have a clapped out motorcycle, oodles of enthusiasm, work experience and the desire to make the world a better place starting with SA.

For more information go to www.homecomingrevolution.co.za - South Africa is not for sissies!

Maps and Routes

Finally we have maps - yes - paper ones too. Of course, it's unlikely that the routes we have marked out will be exactly the routes we take because travel is never that simple, but at least we have an idea of where we are going. Very exciting stuff!! It was incredibly exciting spending hours in the map shop (Stanfords in Covent Garden, and by the way it's huge and stocked with every travel guide and map you could dream of) picking out relevant maps. I love these very tangible experiences that make the trip feel REAL rather than a dream waiting to happen.

Something else most useful that we found is a small picture book of all kinds of objects. The point being you can point to the objects when you get into a situation in which us lazy English people are stuck and can't find an English speaker to help us. With the aid of this picture book and mad gesticulations, the communication barrier should be lifted. Hopefully. We thought of taking a few pictures of bike parts and even some of Britain, friends and family.

Route across Europe

Map: Europe 

Route across Middle East and North Africa

Map: Middle East and North Africa 

Route across Sub Saharan Africa

Map: Sub Saharan Africa 

Little old Moped

Dad's old bike 

I don't actually know what type of bike this is except that it's a moped and we used to call it a "puch". As far as I know it's a German machine and rather old. As kids we used to drive it around the garden and velt nearby. After all that abuse, it's still running!

Transport Museum in Heidelberg, South Africa

Transport Museum

Heidelberg is a small and very quaint town situated southeast of Johannesburg on the N3 (approximately 40km drive). If you are a transport enthusiast, the Heidelberg Transport Museum will be a real treat. There is a superb collection of 2-wheeled transport from the first hobbyhorse style bicycles, the first Harley Davidson and a beautiful old Enfield that will melt your heart – all in top condition. There are other beautiful machines too including cars and a train. Check opening times before you head out.

Not only can you visit this incredible little museum but also the town is delightful and has quite a few interesting shops and good spots to eat. This gets my Five Star Recommendation for a good day out. Actually I grew up in Springs which is not far from Heidelberg – I love this area. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is close by and has some day walks and picnic spots. There are also very cute B&Bs. You could really have a good long weekend break in this lovely town if you are a local South African. Or if you are travelling through South Africa, you might like to consider Heidelberg as a place to visit en route.