You might find the name Marek Slobodník familiar. It's no wonder; he has already traveled through South America and Australia with the yellow Trabant circus, and they are even planning to conquer Asia this spring.
The Trabants crossed Africa long ago, so Marek wanted to fulfill his childhood dream and conquer the black continent as well. Together with five other friends, he decided they would do it in style – on vintage Pionýr motorcycles. Does it sound like a crazy idea to you? It certainly was!
These hellish machines are prone to constant breakdowns and, compared to other vehicles, they are incredibly slow. Hills and sand are their greatest enemies. It is no wonder that most people just shook their heads in disbelief at the idea of taking them to Africa.
However, we gathered all our courage and packed our two pandas, Hakuna and Matata, for Marek to take on the journey. Even though few of us believed it (actually, not even the guys themselves), they conquered Africa in half a year and arrived at their destination in South Africa in full force.
We thoroughly interviewed Marek, so you can enjoy his insights firsthand.
Did the trip meet your expectations?
I didn't have any expectations; I was just curious about what Africa looks like. Especially regarding every country we entered, I thought something different than what we experienced, which only confirmed that you cannot rely on what you read on the internet. You simply have to see and experience Africa for yourself.
Africa is a very distinct continent. Was it as you imagined?
As I mentioned in the previous question, it was truly completely different. Every single country was different from what I thought. For example, we were afraid of Sudan, and I don't think I know better people than the Sudanese. Conversely, we were looking forward to Ethiopia, and that's why we traveled along the eastern coast to visit this country. In the end, we ran away from it as soon as possible.
What problems did you have to solve on the road?
More pleasant problems than at home. Mostly just fixing something, cleaning, and dealing with paperwork at the borders. But of course, we had extremes; a few times we couldn't find gasoline, there were various injuries or illnesses. Above all, I think a guardian angel was watching over us, and we always managed everything.
Which places were the top ones? What captivated you the most in Africa?
It's hard to answer such a question; there were many top places, but Mozambique captured my heart the most – endless beaches, coconuts, and incredibly kind people.
It is said that whoever gets to know Africa either falls in love with it and must keep returning, or never returns. How is it for you? Did you fall in love?
I didn't fall in love, but I can't say I will never return. There is still much to see and discover.
Can you highlight the most powerful experience from the trip?
In a Mozambican hospital, when Ester, a local woman with Portuguese roots, saw us and started taking care of us like her own sons. That was the most powerful experience of all my travels so far; I had tears in my eyes because someone could care for a stranger like their own son.
And what about our pandas Hakuna and Matata, how did they like Africa?
At first, they went everywhere together, then Matata decided she would rather be safe in the luggage, and the braver Hakuna rode on the headlight of Milan's motorcycle the whole time. A few times she almost became a victim of kidnapping, but they survived and liked it very much; they already want to go on another trip. :)
What was the most challenging part?
Crossing Ethiopia, both physically and mentally. We were crossing huge mountains and dodging rocks that people were throwing at us.
Did you manage everything you planned?
I think so. The original plan was to get at least to Kilimanjaro, and since it was going well, we pushed it all the way to Cape Town, so we achieved more than we wanted. :)
What are you planning now? Where will the wheels of the Pionýrs head next?
Now we will work on the lecture, edit the film, and I haven't thought about the next trip yet, but there will definitely be one. But for now, the priority is to show everyone how it was on the road and what Africa really looks like.
And what about you? Were you rooting for the guys, or were you skeptical about the successful completion of their journey? We look forward to your comments.
