In January 2022, I embarked on the expedition of my life, together with Rafiki. Rafiki is a Toyota Hilux of 10 years old that I bought in February 2021 with 100,000km. I’m his second owner and I did my best to convert him into the expedition truck of my dreams.
I’m 36 y/o and I’ve been saving money since the age of 15. I’ve always wanted to explore the world, my own way, at my own pace. 20 years later, being strategic with a simple lifestyle and making tones of compromises, here I am, realising that biggest dream of mine: to go back to Africa with my own car.
I spent a total of 18 months overlanding across Africa, creating memories of a lifetime I will never forget. I got lost into powerful places that a thousand words will never be able to describe.
I like to use the word ‘solo’ instead of ‘alone’ to describe this personal adventure of mine. Relationships tend to be difficult for me so being on my own is an essential shelter. I was single when I left Europe, and I didn’t want to waste my time waiting for somebody to put freedom in practice.
I just went for it.
I was not ready to settle down in Africa yet, so I kept on looking for another world’s region to discover. ‘But where else could my heart feel fulfilled and my inner soul mesmerised?’. I thought about the Middle East region. It was obvious to me, especially after roaming the intense Africa.
In Sept 2023, I shipped Rafiki from South Africa, and we got reunited 12 days later, in the UAE. I didn’t know what to expect of the GCC, and I always try not to build judgments nor to feed stereotypes. Today, after 7 months, I can assure you that the Middle East has been an immense discovery to me. Not only for my eyes, but for my heart. And KSA for my biggest crush.
Africans and Arabs nurture a unique sense of unity and a gigantic spirituality. The pride they have for their home countries is pure and admirable. Nobody’s perfect for sure, anywhere on Earth, but when you smile more than you cry, it does mean a little something, right?
PS: I’m not talking about governments but the PEOPLE.
Comments