Well its been an eventful first 48 hours of the trip. Our drive to Heathrow was plesant but after that the fun started. When we tried to check in for our one-way flight to Namibia we were asked for our return ticket. By definition one-way does not have a return but after a lot of discussion we were told we needed one to be checked in. So we had to get our phones, book a flight exiting Namibia, and in my case to Johannesburg and pay about £500. This I did, hoping it could be cancelled later and with this new ticket we were able to check in.
Then we relaxed in the lounge keeping an eye on the flight. When it came time to show the gate a notice "please wait" appeared, this was the first indication there may be delays. This became a creeping delay and we left around 2 hours late. As we had less than 2 hours to make our connection in Addis Abba to Windhoek, things were not looking good.
We arrived in Addis in pouring rain and a lot of confusion. We joined a bus which took us directly to a plane awaiting to leave, we were hastly handed prepared boarding cards and told to get on this flight to Johannesburg, which we did. The detailed itinerary told us we'd be in Joburg till 19:30 and arrive in Windhoek at 21:30 not the original 13:20, most of a day lost. First world problems, I hear you say and Simon and were pretty chilled about it all.
For me, arriving to hear Ireland had played well to beat Scotland in the Rugby World Cup was a boost, and a relief as I'd arrived wearing a green rugby shirt which got some comment. At that stage I didn't realise I'd be wearing it for a lot longer, but more later. We passed the time usefully in Joburg, browsing shops, eating, sending cards and watching Liverpool maintain an unbeaten start in the Premier League.
The food on the flight to Windhoek was the best so far, but we'd been sitting and eating too long. Finally arriving at Windhoek we rushed, more in hope than expectation, to the small baggage hall. There was nothing there recognisable as our luggage, it had not made it. We reported it missing and left for our lodgings at the farm, where also the bikes were stored. The cold beer on the terrace, looking up at a spectacular African starry sky, helped us unwind and we slept quite well.
Next morning we were shown the bikes which looked like a couple of barn finds, covered in a layer of dust. Simon's bike, which had suffered problems on the last trip, started immediatly. My bike which had been flawless, failed to start. This was a surprise but then became the next problem to solve. We cleaned plugs, siphoned fuel from Simons bike to top up the tank, cleaned the plug. We kick started it, used the electric starter, boosted it all with a jumpstart from a car, but it would not fire. I then decided I'd reluctantly take the carburettor apart, even in this dusty, sandy farmyard. Then Simon remembered he had some fuel additive which cleaded injectors, from earlier problems on his bike. My bike didn't have any injectors but I hoped it may clean the carburettor without removing it. We added the cleaner to the fuel and almost immediatly the engine burst into life.
This meant we could leave the farm, travel into town and contact our respective bike dealers who were to work on the bikes before we headed off. The ride into Windhoek was great, wonderful to be riding in Africa again. The wildlife helped us reconnect with Africa, the warthogs on the side of the road and the troop of baboons crossing the road. I also enjoyed seeing the weaver bird nests which were a feature of the last trip.
The missing luggage was a bind as we had spare parts and accessories in the luggage, in Simons case a set of tyres and for me a top box and oil filters. We decided we'd put the bikes in with the dealers and get them to do what they can, while waiting for the luggage. So my bike has now been serviced, had a new rear tyre and chain fitted and its been cleaned. Simons bike goes in to the garage tomorrow and we are hoping the tyres and topbox will be here soon.
Returning to our B&B this evening we found that one bag had been delivered, mine, so I'm able to remove the rugby shirt and other items of clothing.
Some photos below:
The last view we had of our lbggage, an unexpected view of Joburg airport and the hapoy rugby supporter. Then the view from the farm this morning and an African coffee table. Siphoning fuel and my bike ready to leave the farm. New rear tyre on my bike and the view over Windhoek tonight.
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