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Writer's pictureCharline Ribotta

2022, An Unforgettable Year

Updated: Aug 1, 2023


In 2020, life brought me to Africa. In 2021, the African Solo Expedition project was born and Rafiki created. In January 2022, my life drastically changed: I left the city of Lyon, in France, to go back to Africa. And today, I can say it: done, I realised my dream! One year (almost) spent on the road, alone with my Hilux, flirting with Africa and pleasing this inner child.


One year learning about life, histories, cultures’ gaps and similarities, observing old and fascinating traditions, being part of them, not understanding some, meeting inspiring souls, being disappointed, enjoying people’s reaction hiding behind the wheel, dealing with intense happiness, getting lost into the jungle and feeling lost into the city, playing in the mud, surfing in the sand, screaming Freedom to the wind, and being reborn into the wild.


One year traveling across many countries and especially, within myself. I didn’t take this into account when preparing the adventure of my life. I never thought about this. How interesting and violent it is. But no choice, you must face it and to deal with who you are and why you’re here.


I honestly travelled smoothly with tons of excitement for 10 months. But the expedition has recently changed its mood. As you know it already, I felt lost, tired, confused, and lonely this past month. Such a trip is unexplainable. I only share not even 3 minutes of my days. But it’s been tiring -mentally and physically. Very tiring. Pleasure and excitement have slowly disappeared.


Today, I want to pursue the African Overland Expedition as long as its roads, and to leave my heart open to dream about other projects.


I will thus fulfil my dream with respect and passion and I'm more than determined to leave what needs to be left behind.


Cheers to 2023 and please, love you first, be the hero of your life, take the risk to live on your own terms and to be truly happy.


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