Blog

Day 84… Saturday 24th June Drove into Luanda to find a working ATM and get local currency.  Long queues and security guards directing people where to stand.  Third attempt a success.  Had a delicious breakfast cooked by Juliette (eggs, cheese, bread, sausages, watermelon, papaya and passion fruit – all homegrown and homemade) before setting off...Read More

Day 83… Friday 23rd June A day of rest sitting in the shade amongst the plants and reading.  The mechanic arrived to assess Geta’s gear box.  Took a short drive into the city with the mechanic to get some glue. Allen’s perspective… The chap seemed to a reasonable job, bleeding the brake and clutch system,...Read More

Day 82… Thursday 22nd June An attempt to boil some water for a cup of coffee had to be abandoned as the power run out.  A lukewarm drink had to do but the view of the beach and coast was amazing.  No shower facilities available and the last time I had clean clothes to wear...Read More

Day 81… Wednesday 21st June What a day!  No luck getting a sim card and data and the only 2 fuel stations in town had no diesel (gasoleo in Portuguese).  However we had enough fuel to get to the coastal town where we planned to stay.  Our road to the coast had very bad potholes. ...Read More

Day 80… Tuesday 20th June 18th border crossing today.  Road through Matadi was terrible and we got stuck behind a large lorry.  Border crossing very quiet and quick on both sides.  No other vehicles or pedestrians going through.  Back to the Portuguese language and Angolan Kwanza.  Very orderly Angolan side.  Dirt track for 100 miles...Read More

Day 79… Monday 19th June Set off at 8am.  1st stop, insurance for Greta – all very easy.  Drive to the border with Democratic Republic of Congo was very quiet.  Huge military base on the way with barriers but all were opened by soldiers, and we were waved through each one.  Border crossing very quick...Read More

Day 78… Sunday 18th June Greta needs insurance for Angola as the carnet is not accepted in this country.  As it was Sunday, most places were closed so decided a day of rest would be sensible.  Somewhere on route from the Congo border, the entire 80 litre water tank had drained and the house battery...Read More

Day 77… Saturday 17th June I nipped to the car briefly to get some clothes and the 4 hotel staff who were friendly were immediately there and simply interested in our travels.  I don’t think they get may travellers passing through.  Headed out of Pointe-Noire with no traffic problems or police stops.  Usual pothole problems. ...Read More

Day 76… Friday 16th June Having recently applied for an Angolan E-Visa, discovered that it was only the pre-authorisation stage and another process was required.  Decided to stay an extra night in Pointe-Noire so we could exchange money (CFA to US Dollars) for the Angola visa.  Spent all morning trying to get local cash out...Read More

Day 75… Thursday 15th June Our drive to Pointe-Noire was 4 hours – a much short drive today.  Alaen got us some delicious pastries to start the day.  Our route took us through some very bendy roads through a mountain pass. Very beautiful views but dangerous roads and a little stomach churning due to the...Read More