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#WORLD DREAM TOURING

“世界の子供の希望と夢を発信します”

Angola(アンゴラ)

マケラ(アンゴラ)~キゼンガ(DRCコンゴ)の旅 / Trip from Maquela [Angola] to Gizenga [DRC Congo]


大変な旅だった。もうその一言。笑ってもらっていいです。
ぶっちゃけ、泣きが入りました(笑)
 

I just can say it was really tough trip. You can laugh at me. Honestly I almost cried. (LOL)
 

金曜の夜だったこともあってか真夜中まで大音量を鳴り響かせる宿の中庭の音を尻目に頑張って寝た。
窓は壊れて閉まらないので夜が深まると寒くなって来た。

旅に出て初めて寝袋を使った。持ってきて良かった^^(寝袋持ってけとアドバイスくれた方、有り難う!)でももうしばらく使うことはないだろう。

いきなり警察が部屋に来て突然連行していく町とはおサラバだぜ!(笑)
ということで出来る限り早めに出発することにした。
 

Maybe it was the Friday night, people made loud sounds into the wee hour at the backyard in the hotel but I tried to go sleep. The window in my room was broken, so I couldn't close it and it was getting cold. I used my sleeping bag for the first time in this journey. I'm glad that I brought it. :-) (I thank to the person who told me to bring a sleeping bag to the journey!) But I think I won't use it for a while. I can say good-bye to the town which police came to a room and take a person to the police station suddenly! LOL So I decided to leave the town as much as I can.
 

いつものように5:00に起き、6:00を目標に出る。
想定していた悪路を走り町を抜けていくと思ったとおりさらに道の状態が酷くなる。
グラベル、砂利、ダート、深砂、地割れ、巨大水たまり・・交互にやってくる。
2時間半ほど走ったところでこれでもか、というくらい悪くなってきたところでそろそろ予定の国境付近の町に近づいているはずだ。
完全に車が走れる道はここで終了という所に村があったのでバイクを停めていると村人に(私が行こうとしていた地図上の)
「ここはバンザ・ソッソですか?」
「違うよ、それは戻って違う道だよ。こここは違う村です」という。
分かれ道など無かったのにどういうことだ?(かなり不安)
とにかくキンシャサに行きたいと、国境はありますか?というと12キロ走ったところが国境だという。
 

I get up at 5 am as usual and try to leave at 6 am. I drive the bad road which I assumed and passed through the town, then the road situation become worth as my expectation. Gravel, sand, dirt, deep sand, crack and a huge puddle comes one after the other. I've drove for about 2 hours and half and the road situation is getting worth than ever. I thought that I'm coming close to the town which is close by the border. There is a village at the road ends that I cannot go forward by cars or motorbikes anymore, so I parked there and asked a person from the village that "Is here Banza Sosso?" Then he said "No. You need to go back and take other road. Here is different village." There was no fork in the road but what's going on? (I'm so nervous. ) I said that "I want to go Kinshasa anyway. Is there the border close here?" then he said there is the border 12 km away from here.
 

よしそこへ行こうと思い道を聞くとその道だよと。
そこは完全な「あぜ道」。。(唖然)
自転車かオートバイか歩行者しか走れない道。
草木が腰丈まで生えている真ん中に土の路面が見える。
それも深い砂の部分もある。
ハンドルをとられながらゆっくり進んでいくとひどい地割れ&急激な下り坂があり、下りきった所が川。川で洗濯をする村人がいる。
その川を渡るための橋が完全に手作り。
何年前のものかわからないがその川を渡るのに失敗したトラックが川に落ちている(戦慄!)
 

I decided that I go there, so I asked me the way to get there then he said take that way. Its a completely footpath. It is overhung with vegetation as my waist tall and I can see dirt surface in the middle. Moreover there is a part that is deep sand. Sometimes I lost my control but I moved forward slowly then there are crack and very sudden downhill slope, and there is a river the end of the downhill slope. There are people who are washing their clothes at the river. The bridge for crossing the river is completely handmade. I'm not sure what year ago but a track which failed in for crossing the river was in the river. *shivered!*
 

その橋を前に恐怖におののいて(?)佇んでいるとまたヘルプしてくれる村人が3人登場。
橋の状態を見て今にも外れそうな道板を整えてくれた。
行くしかないので最悪のことを考え、全ての荷物を降ろし、身に着けているウエストバッグも、バイクに装着してある携帯電話もGPSも全て外した。
そろそろと怖々、ガタ付く道板の上をゆっくり、ゆっくり足を付きながらバイクを移動させ、やっと無事渡り終えることが出来た!
 

When I was standing in front of the bridge as terrified(?), 3 people from the village showed up for helping me. They checked the state of the bridge and prepared the gangplank which is likely to separate at any moment for me. I had no choice, so supposing the case of being the worst, I took down all the loads and removed all also of the waist bag which I have put on, the mobile phone and GPS with which the motorbike are equipped.  I move a motorbike, a leg being slowly attached in the gangplank top which shakes, and was able to finish crossing safely at last! 
 

手伝ってくれた村人に御礼をしている所に進行方向から女の子を乗せたバイクの男性がやってきた。
僅かな英語が話せるので嬉しかったが自分は国境の係官だという。
私が向かおうとしていた所のだ。村人も彼はそうだと。
「パスポートを」というので差し出すとビザの日付を差し、アンゴラ国内での滞在期限が切れているという。そんなはずはないでしょ。
2月17日は入国の期限でそこから30日の猶予があるはずだと伝えても一切ダメ。
「私がイミグレーションの人間だからスタンプは押せない」と。
 

When I was thanking to them, a man who picked up the girl behind the motorbike from the direction of movement came. I was glad that he can speak English a little and he said he's an officer from the border. The village people said so too. He asked me to show him my passport, so I showed him then he pointed the date of the visa and said it's already been expired for staying in Angora.It's impossible. I told him that the date which is February 17th is the deadline for coming into the country, so I have 30 days to stay in Angora but he said "I'm an officer at the immigration and cannot stamp it." 
 

確かに以前ポリスストップでも警官にそこを指摘されてたが言葉が通じないのでそこでは通過していた。とにかく滞在期間延長の許可を取るためにマケラに行かなければならないという。
せっかく朝早く起きてマケラを脱出(?)してきたのにまた戻るのか!!
しかもこの2時間半走ってきた悪路を!
彼は私のパスポートを預かったまま返さないので仕方ない。
 

Actually a police man pointed out it at a police stop before but I couldn't understand the language,so I could pass there. Anyway I have to go back to Maquela for getting the permission for extending my stay. I have to go back even I got up early in the morning and escaped (?) from Maquela!!? Moreover, gotta go back the terribly bad road! He's kept my passport and never tried to give me back, so I have no choice. 
 

一瞬、精魂尽き果て、マケラに戻る道中、何度も転倒するはめに。
転倒の度にその係官がバイクを起こすのを手伝ってくれたのは有り難かったが・・。
結局マケラで偉い上司の承認を終え、また酷い悪路を戻り国境に向かうことに。
まったく同じ道をまた行く。
私が行こうとしていた道は途中あったが地図の間違いだったようでそれは通っていける道でなかった。
どちらにしてもだが、そういえばウイジェのホテルのスタッフが
「その国境は車などで行くところでなく、歩いて行く場所と聞いていますよ」
と言っていた言葉は正に真実だった。
誰も車で行く人、来る人がいない。
 

I was beat-out on the way back to Maquela, so I fall down many times. Each time the officer helped me to stand my motorbike back and I thanked him about it though... At last, I got an approval from hi big boss in Maquela and had to come back on the same bad road to go to the border. I drive completely same road again. Although there was a way to which I am trying to go on the way, as it was a mistake in a map, it was not a way along which I can pass. I come to think of it, the hotel staff in Uige said "I heard that the border is located that we go by walk not by cars." and it was really true. Nobody comes by cars. 
 

二度目になる往路は少しは慣れたこともあり少し早いペースに。
そして私と共にまたイミグレーションの係官が一緒に国境まで行ってくれることになり、そしてそこで彼自身がスタンプを押すのだと。
もう二人でツーリングを楽しもうと気持ちを入れ替えるようにした。
長い、長い、マケラから国境までの旅だった。
例の川渡りも二度目を無事終えさらにその後の道が想像を絶する道@@ 
撮影写真が無いのは私の精神状態を表していると思って下さい(苦/冒険者失格)
 

Since I grew familiar with the second outward trip for a while, I have driven at the somewhat early pace. And the officer come to the border with me and he said he will stamp to my passport by himself. I got a grip that I try to enjoy the touring with him. It was long long trip from Maquela to the border. I was a way where the river passage also finishes the second time safely, and also a subsequent way is beyond imagination. Please understand that there is no pictures means I had no space to do it. (*tough* being unfit venturer) 

やっと、アンゴラ側の国境に到着してその係官が無事出国スタンプを押してくれ、コンゴの国境へ向かうことになる。
そこまでの約3キロほどが史上最悪。。
なんとそこまでその係官が一緒に行ってくれると言う。
偉く優しい。
途中までは良かったがある地点から急激な上り斜面。
地割れも凄く、道と呼べない地面はバイクが通れるラインはタイヤ幅ほどしかない。
ここでも何度も転倒したためついにイミグレの係官が
「バイクを交換しよう。私が走ってみますよ」と。
彼は兵士でもあり特殊な訓練を受けているのとその道でさえも走り慣れた地元民であるため上手に私のバイクをDRCコンゴの国境まで運んでくれた!
それも彼が履いているものはビーサンだ!(驚)
もうこれは素直にブラボーと言いたい。
そして自分のバイクの運転技術の低さも素直に認めることにする。
 

Finally I arrived at the border of Angora side and the officer finally stamped the immigration stamp and I can go to the border of Congo. The road to the border of Congo is about 3 km and the worst way ever... The officer offered me to go there with me. Very kind. The middle of the way was OK but it became a sudden downhill slope from one point. The crack is really bad and the road which I cannot say it's a road has a too narrow line which just the motorbike can go through. I fall down many times here too, so the officer said "Let's change the driver. I will drive." He used to be a soldier and had special training before, and also he got used to go through here because of the local, so he brought my motorbike to the border of DRC Congo! Moreover he wore a pair of flip flap! *surprised*  I just want to say "Bravo" for him. And I'm accepting my driving skill is weak.
 

マケラ往復を余分にしたため結局、コンゴ側の国境に到着したのは15:00過ぎ。
宿があるような町まで行くのは道の状況も判らないので予定が立たない。
国境の村で泊まりたいと村人に告げると私の家にどうぞと言ってくれる人がいた(国境係官:Mr. Diana Konde Anicetさん28歳?)
お世話になることになりここを使っていいよと言われた部屋に荷物を入れていると、村長さんや年上の方が集まってきて少し話しをした。
用意してくれた部屋はすごい場所だが(笑)本当に有り難い。
皆、素晴らしく優しく人助けの気持ちが強い方々ばかり。
また夕食はDianaさんが作ってくれた。
ライスと魚料理だったことだけは判る。
それ以外は不明(笑) 
沢山出してくれたがあまり食欲がわかず(笑)大分残してしまい申し訳なかった。
21:00前に寝る事にする。
そしてまた二日連続寝袋を使うことになった(笑)
 

Since I went and came back to Maquela too much, eventually I arrived at the border of Congo little after 15:00. I cannot make plan because I'm not sure the road situation to get a town which has a hotel. I asked an officer that I want to stay at a village close by the border then he offered me to stay his home. (The border officer: Mr. Diana Konde Anicet 28 years old?) He took me to the room which he let me use and I put my stuff there, then a village head and older people came and talked with them a bit. The room was kind of speechless (LOL) but I really appreciated. People from here are very kind and conducive. Moreover, Mr. Diana cooked dinner for me. I can recognized that it was rice and fish but I couldn't know other ones. (LOL) He served me a lot but I didn't feel like to eat that much so I left a lot. I felt sorry about that. I tried to go to sleep before 21:00. And I have to use my sleeping bag AGAIN. (LOL)

【Dianaさん宅:いくらでもいいよと言うのでアンゴラ通貨2000円分受け取ってもらった/夕食付き】
 

[Mr. Diana's house: He said doesn't mind how much, so I gave him the amount of 2000 JPY as Angora's currency. / Included dinner.]

IMG_2554この砂道がさらに深くなります

This sand is getting deep.










IMG_2555二度と行く事も戻ることも辞めて乗り捨てられた車があるほどの悪路

A bad road which there was a car that gave up to go forward or come back. 










IMG_2557道の終点のようなところの村人達

People from the village which the end of the road.





IMG_2559川で洗濯。
桃が流れて来る感じではない(笑)

Washing clothes at a river.
It is not like "A PEACH" comes from. (LOL)


IMG_2558

この橋を渡るのが恐怖だった。

I was scared to cross this bridge.





IMG_2564行き着いたアンゴラの最北端の国境

Finally I arrived at the northern end of the border in Angora.




 
DSCF2924

 

DRCコンゴ側の国境に入った所で時間切れ。泊めて頂いた家のリビング^^

 I came into the border of DRC Congo side then my time was running out. This is the living room at the house which I stayed. :-)

DSCF2925

私に提供してくれたベッドルーム^^ ずーっと、ネズミの合唱が続く部屋でした(笑)


The bed room which he let me used. :-) I had been hearing singing voice of mouses. (LOL)







DSCF2928

つぎはぎの窓。ある意味芸術的?


The patchy window. Kind of art?





DSCF2930

小さな村なのでバイクに集まる人も少なかった。疲れきったバイクも静かに休む。


It was very small village, so less people when they came to my motorbike. My motorbike which has been exhausted is taking rest calmly. 

DSCF2931

一生懸命、私の分まで夕食の支度をしてくれた


He prepared my dinner too.





DSCF2932

夕食が出来るまで、ブログを打つ。水道、電気がないのでアルコールランプとパソコンの電力のみが光る。同じ光りでも味が違う。


I wrote my blog until the preparation of the dinner done. It has no running water and electricity, so only a spirit lamp and my laptop are lighting. The taste is different even it's light. 
DSCF2934

ランプのもと、戴くやみなべのような夕食。見えないから逆に良い?(失礼)


We ate under the lamp. It is better than lighter lamp? *sorry*




DSCF2935

Dianaさんと語らいながら。


Having dinner with Diana.




【アンゴラ】ウイジェ~マケラの旅 / [Angola] Trip from Uige to Maquela

300キロちょっとの移動でDRCコンゴに入国したところで一泊し翌日キンシャサを目指す予定し、悪路を想定してウイジェを朝6:00過ぎに出発した。【ホテルサララ:USD200朝食込み】朝早く出るので朝食を早めに摂りたいと前日にホテルスタッフにいうと「NO problem, OK」とのことだったが実際はダメだった。結局、手持ちのパンを一つかじりし、朝食はそれで終了。
 

I've planned that I drive about 300 km to enter DRC Congo and stay there then I drive toward to Kinshasa next day, so I left Uige around 6:00 am because I expected that I would have bad road situation. [Hotel Salala : 200USD including breakfast] I've asked a hotel staff that I'd like to have breakfast earlier then he said "No problem, OK", but actually I couldn't have it. At last I ate one piece of bread which I had then done for the breakfast.
 

朝ガソリンを入れようとすると、ガソリンスタンドは長蛇の列。これも今のアンゴラを表す風景。通り道で隣町のネガジェというところでガソリンスタンドを探しているとオートバイに乗った人が親切にガソリンスタンドまで連れて行ってくれた。感謝。DRCコンゴに向かう道の状態はかなり良く、快調に飛ばすことが出来た。この調子でいけばひょっとすると今日中に、キンシャサも夢でない?・・なーんて考えてみることもあるが「いけない、いけない。甘い考えは禁物」と考えていたらダンバという町の手前で突然、悪路(グラベル)に変わった!ここはかなり危なかった。。(汗)普通のグラベルからどんどん道の状態は悪くなり最悪は深い砂。結果、今日は3回も転んでしまった。その内一度はヒザ近くまである轍(わだち)の道でハンドルをとられバイクが倒れる時、パニアケースと路面との間に左足が挟まれてしまった。
 

When I tried to fill gas to my motorbike, there was a long line. This is symbolism of current Angola also. When I was looking for a gas station in Negage which is next town from Uige, one motorbike rider took me to a gas station kindly. So grateful. The road situation which go forward to DRC Congo is very good, so I could be speedy. I've thought that I might be able to arrive at Kinshasa if I can drive smoothly like this, but I thought that shouldn't have like this wishing thinking then the road suddenly changed to bad (gravel) road right before the town of Damba! It was very dangerous... *sweat* The road situation was getting worth from normal gravel, and the worst thin was deep sand. Eventually I fell down 3 times today. One of it, I fell down because of a deep wheel track and when I fell down, my left leg got caught between my pania case and the road. 
 

相変わらずスピードは出ていないのでケガは無いが、足が挟まれた状態で身動きが出来ずバイクを起こすことが出来ない。どうやっても足を抜くことが出来ない状態。今まで道の左右に現地の人が沢山歩いていたのにこういう時に限って誰もいない。前からも後ろからも車も来ない。転倒状態のまま、クラクションを鳴らしてみた。私的には「SOS」のつもりのように(笑) そうすると前方遠くから音が聞こえてきた。遠くにオートバイが見えてきた!それも二人乗り(嬉) 彼らに助けを求める私のジェスチャーですぐに状況が判ったようですぐにバイクを私の近くに停め駆けつけてくれバイクを起こしてくれた。助かった。もうすべての転倒時に人に助けてもらっている。本当に有り難い。ちょっとした御礼を差し出すと皆、もの凄く嬉しそうな顔が印象的だった。
 

I didn't get hurt because I drove slowly as usual but I cannot let my motorbike stand up because my leg got caught and move my body.I couldn't make it to take off my leg from there even I tried many ways. There were some people walking around here but nobody walk around only like this case. No cars comes from front or back. I blew the horn as falling. It means "SOS for me, (LOL) Then I could hear some sound from the front. I can see a motorbike far! It is also a two-seater. *happy* They understood right way from my gesture of SOS sign, so they parked close by me and helped me. I was saved. I've helped from people at every my falling. I greatly appreciate it. When I presented slight gratitude, I was impressive to have worn the face which seems to be glad to everybody.    
 

そんな今までにない悪路が長時間続き体力も限界!と思った時、ポリスストップがあった。こんな時は検問大歓迎!(笑) 誰かと話したかった気分だった。検問に到着した途端、私が警官達の横に座り込んだのを見て相当疲れているのを察知し特に何も言わなかった。逆に私がコーラを買いたいのだが、どこで買える?と聞くとなんと、警官(?)が買いにいってくれた。またまた感謝。本当にアンゴラは素晴らしい!!と感動していた。
 

When I felt that the bad road had continued long time than ever so my physical limits came, there is a police stop! I can welcome for the police stop like this timing! (LOL) I felt like wanting to talk to someone. They saw that I made a stop there and collapsed to next to the police, so they understood that I'm exhausted and didn't say anything. But I asked them where I can buy a coke then the police(?) went to but it for me. So thankful again. I impressed that Angola is wonderful!!!

ただその先がまた長かった。検問で教えてくれた距離と大分違い、国境はまだまだ遥か彼方だった。このまま悪路の超低速走行を続けていたら何時に国境に到着するか判らない。また国境で通過するまでにどのくらい時間がかかるか判らない。今回は前回の教訓を活かして早めに宿がありそうな町で宿泊施設を探した。
 

But, it still continued... The distance was totally different from the info from the police, and the border was far far far away. I don't know when I can arrive at the border if I keep continuing for driving like this slow speed, and I don't know how long does it take to pass the border either. I looked for accommodations in a town which is likely to have a hotel a little early taking advantage of the last teachings this time. 
 

結局、国境手前のマケラという町に入ったところで通行人に聞いてみると2キロほど先に宿があるという。ちょうど2キロ走ったところで道ばたにバイクを停めて辺りを見回しているとすぐ脇から声をかけてくる男性がいた。宿を探しているというと、ここだよと言ってバイクを停めるところを案内してくれた。ラッキー。これまた今までにない宿(アフリカペンション)で建物の中の暗い通路を通り部屋の通されるとまさに部屋にベッドがおいてあるだけ。シーツがいつ換えたか不明。タオルが一枚掛かっているがすでに汚れている。トイレは屋外の共同、シャワーは?と聞くとここだよとってドラム官にためてある雨水を桶でかぶるんだと(笑) こうしてブログをベッドの上で打っていると何やら床を動くモノが。小さいネズミだ。それでも宿に辿り着けた嬉しさと安堵感はひとしおで何も気にならない。
 

Eventually, I came to the town calls Maquela that is right before the border and asked someone about a hotel, then he told me that there is a hotel in 2 km away from here. After stopping the motorbike at the roadside in the place which I drove 2 km exactly and looking around the neighborhood, I had the man who speaks from the side. I said I'm looking for a hotel then he told me that here is a hotel and take me to the parking spot. Lucky! It is the first time for me to stay like this kind of hotel (African resort inn), and the staff have me pass through the dark passage in a building to go to my room, then actually there is just only one bed in the room. I have no idea that when the sheet has been washed. There is one towel but it's already dirty. Toilet is outside and in common use. I asked him how about a bath? Then he showed me that there is a drum which hold rain water in, and use it for a bath. (LOL) While I'm writing this with my laptop now, small something is moving on the floor. It's rat. But I don't care about anything because I feel so happy and relieved that I could arrive to the hotel.

(African pension) 
 

【名称不明:マケラのペンション:USD25素泊まり】

[Unknown name: A resort inn in Maquela: 25USD with no meal]
 

さすがにドラム缶にたまった雨水(?)は使いたくなかったので外に水を多めに買い自分のタオルで体を拭く事にした。そこで事件発生。部屋に入り一息ついていて荷物を整理しているとドアを心なしか力強くノックする。ドアを開けるとごつい黒人ともうひとり警官が立っている。ポリスの腕章を指差しながら私を連行したのだ!英語が通じないので何を聞いても話しにならない。そのまま10分ほど徒歩で警察署に連れて行かれパスポートを見せろという。何度理由を聞いても明確に答えない。ついにiPhoneのソフトを使って日本大使館に連絡すると強い態度で怒って言ってみるとわかった、もういいよ、解放、と。何なんだ?!ホテルに戻り部屋に入るとまたノックが。また警察。今度はバイクが問題だと。このバイクはここに置くのでは無く警察署で預かると。そんな馬鹿な、何を言っているんだと日本語、英語、ジェスチャーを交えて一生懸命伝えていると英語が話せる人が入ってきた。その人に通訳をしてもらいながらこんなことは今までアフリカを走ってきて初めてだということも伝えた。しばらく話して結局は警察官は賄賂が欲しいだけだった。通訳とその警官はビールを一本づつおごってくれたらそれでいいんだけど・・と言ってきた。もうメンドクサイから300クワンザ(300円)払ったら態度一変(笑) 警察官はもうこれで全て終了!良く寝て下さいだって(苦笑) そして部屋に入ったら誰かがノックしても開けるなと。もう、あきれてしまう。そういえばアンゴラに入ってから今まで3回ほど私が部屋にいるのにホテルの従業員が勝手に部屋に入ってくることがあってビックリすることがあった。それ以来チェーンロックが付いているところは確実に閉めるようにしている。
 

It was little too much for me to use rain water in a drum, so I went to buy extra water at outside, and wiped my body by my towel. Then one incident occurred. I was in my room and tidy up my stuff then someone knocked my door strongly. When I opened, one big black man and one police were standing. He showed me the police arm badge and picked up! They don't understand English at all, so even I say something, didn't work. I was taken to the police station on foot about 10 minutes as it was, and was said that show me your passport passport. I asked them the reason why I was picked up many time but cannot get a clear answer. Finally I used translation function as my iPhone Apps and told them that I'm going to contact to Japanese Embassy and I expressed my anger attitude strongly, then they say it's OK and released me. What the hell was that?! When I came back to my room in the hotel, I got hear knocking the door again. They said say that my motorbike is a problem this time. They also said that this motorbike cannot park here, so take it to the police station and hold. I was telling that "No way! What are you talking about?" in Japanese, English and gesture to them then one person who can speak English came. I had him to translate and told them that I've never got like this situation since I started to drive in Africa. We talked a while then I found out that they wanted to get backhander. The guy who translated and the police said it is fine if I buy them beer... It was tiresome for me, so I gave them 300 Kwanza (300 JPY) then their attitude has been totally changed.(LOL) The police said "It's all done! Have a good sleep" *bitter smile* And also said never open the door after getting into the room again even someone knock the door. Word fail me. Well, since I came to Angola, there was 3 times that hotel staff came into my room without my permission. Since then, I've locked my door by chain if there is a chain lock.  


DSCF2888

明け方のウイジェの町。


Uige at dawn. 





DSCF2889

ここも親切な人が多かったなあ。


There were many people kind also here. 





DSCF2890

アンゴラの景色は飽きない。道さえよければドライブは最高に楽しい。


I can never be bored of Angola's scenery. It is so much fun for driving if the road situation is good.





DSCF2891

砂にハンドルをとられ転倒した時に駆けつけてくれた方々。特大のナタをもっている方々だった。狩人?


They are people who came to me when I fell at deep sand. They have a huge hatchet.Hunters?





DSCF2892

またやってしまった。


I did again.





DSCF2893

今度は足が挟まり、ぬ、抜けない!!(焦)


My leg got caught this time and cannot take off!!! 





DSCF2895

コーラを買いに言ってくれた警官のバイク。LINGKENというブランドだった。どこ製?


The motorbike of the police man who came to buy me a coke. The brand was LINGKEN. Where did it made from?




DSCF2897親切にしてくれた警官達。

The police men who were kind to me.





DSCF2898

やっと到着したペンションの薄暗い通路。


The dark passage in the resort inn which I finally arrived at.





DSCF2900

トイレはきれい


The toilet is clean.










DSCF2901

風呂場・・?(笑)


The bath room? (LOL)





DSCF2902

中庭にバイクを置かせてもらった。


I parked my motorbike in the backyard. 





DSCF2906

ゲートがあり中は安全とのこと。


They said it's safe in the gate.





DSCF2907

宿の外観


Appearance of the inn.





DSCF2909

水を買った薬局にて


Took this at a pharmacy which I bought water.





DSCF2910

薬局の外観。皆、思い思いの時間を過ごす。


Appearance of a pharmacy. Everyone spend their time as they please.





DSCF2911

マケラの中心地


The center area in Maquela.





DSCF2912

道ばたの市は様々なモノが売られていて見てて飽きない


Many kinds of things are sold on a street bazaar. Never be bored to see it.





DSCF2914

サトウキビを食べてる子供にカメラを向けるとかじり出してくれた


When I focused to kids who were eating sugar canes, he started to bite it.





DSCF2916

摩訶不思議な店が二件有り。子供に大人気の不思議なパフォーマンスを見せているようだったが入り切れなかった(笑)


There are 2 magical shops. They seemed to show enigmatic performance in there and so popular to kids, but I couldn't come in because too many kids. (LOL)




DSCF2918

裸電球、


A bare light bulb.











DSCF2920コンセント、扇風機完備の部屋!上出来^^

The room which has plugs and a fan. It's good enough :)






<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>

[Angola] Trip from Luanda to Uige

<I've never thought that it took 7 hours for just 320 km of distance... *tired*>

 

 It was my 3rd day staying in Luanda to work on documents work and also rest yesterday. I look for DHL to send the filming data of the interviews which I've had since Cape Town to Japan. I asked a staff from the hotel but couldn't get clear answer, so I used my iPhone to look for it and follow the iPhone map then it was there! Very useful!! On my way back to the hotel, I dropped by some shops to buy a three-pronged outlet for Africa, and I looked for bug killer for mosquitoes but couldn't find it.The server of internet in the hotel has been down since my 3rd day of staying and I cannot sent important emails which are for making appointments in Kinshasa and also related my visa etc.I heard that there is a Japanese restaurant near the hotel, so I went there for my dinner! First, the price is expensive. I found out from the internet that oil industry in Angola has gotten on the right track and started the economic bobble, so it seems that now is the term that commodity price is rising. Therefore, cost of hotels and foods are really expensive, and it is said that Angola is the highest commodity price in the world by businessmen from all over the world. Back to concerts, the restaurant will be kind of  very snazzy and high-class. When I check the menu, there is "Yakitori"! *happy* I almost ordered it but I was checking other dishes, then I found "beef Katsu" aka deep flied beef! The yakitori in Cape Town was fail and I'm from Gifu prefecture where has the local specialty Miso-Katsu which is my favorite, so I ordered beef katsu this time. Also I ordered order water as my drink. I asked a server that rice is aside or not then he said it's aside. When I finished ordering, I was served water with biscuit, olive oil and chunk tuna. I thought it was just free appetizer but actually it charged. And even there is some left some on the dish, they took my place away... Then the beef Katsu came! When I saw it, I thought "it's not Katsu..." (LOL) But I ate! Well... the taste was... hmm... I left one big piece of it. Well, I got good experience. The rice was charged too, so the total price is 4000 JPY! My lesson from the trip in Africa is "I should have local delicious foods instead of looking for Japanese food one way or another. "



 Well, I will leave Luanda and go toward to the next town for going to DRC Congo today. I dithered which town I should chose for next from Luanda. It is expected the bad road situation for the ocean side route which passes N'zeto, Matadi and Kinshasa as my itinerary. There is also a route via Uige which passes along the center of Angola by the national highway by the side of a mountain, and I asked many people in Luanda. Since there were many opinions that the way via Uige was synthetically safe, I decided to change my itinerary route. In the morning, I checked out and tried to pay by my credit card but the transaction didn't go through. I lost my 30 mins about it. It seems that communication circumstance is still bad at  here. I paid by US dollars. When I left the hotel, I hit heavy traffic! Seemingly it is that this also symbolizes the present Angola. It seems that there is a day that it takes several hours to move just 1 km although many vehicles increased at a stretch, the infrastructure of the road has not caught up at all. It took an hour and half to go through the town! It was really painful... The road was jam-packed and everyone try to get ahead of others by slow speed like a war. One not nice guy hit my motorbike on purpose! Actually twice! Other driver who saw that I staggered got on at him. The road is not pavement surface road, so the dust rise so bad! It is the right word to be said as developing country. I thought that I want to see Luanda 20 years later from now. 

After I went through the traffic, the pavement surface road has been started and it continued to Uige. But it is the winding road so I cannot be speedy. And I wanted to say again and again and AGAIN?! because there were too many police stops. Most of cars were just stopped temporarily then police let them go, but they talked to me and asked me to show my passport, so it takes time every stop.  Basically police men in Angola are nice people but isn't there anything they can do... *bitter smile*


From Luanda to Uige is categorized to North part of Angola. There are atmosphere of villages on the way and touch different from former. I was the most surprised thing was the thing which hang something by a hanger. It seems some kind of animal is hanged. If it is a rat, it's huge! When I look closer, it is a monkey that is hanged like dried fruits. Actually many... There were some cars which they tried to buy the monkeys also. I missed to take photos but it was the memorable scene. (LOL)

Moreover, I saw most persons with trouble in a leg until now today. Probably because of land mines. 


DSCF2839




I've seen this type of toilet since I came into Angola. I don't use one of them so it's needless. (LOL) It was just short time to get hot water at a bath.



DSCF2842



The view from my room was like one day in Shanghai. Rush to build buildings.





DSCF2844



This is the menu in the Japanese restaurant. I laughed about "Misoshiro".





DSCF2846



This beef Katsu was...





DSCF2848



Inside of the restaurant.





DSCF2850



These are big pocky which is Japanese snack. (LOL)






DSCF2856



They use same deep fry batter as shrimps for this beef. It was subtle in flavor. (LOL)





DSCF2859



Lacoste is next to the restaurant. Brand shops will be increased here.





DSCF2861



A sticker of my favorite man who is Che Guevarra was put on a car which parked on a street. 

Thinking about it, I was happy that Che Guevarra was drawn on one wall as all over in Sumbe where was on the way I came from Lobito to Luanda. It is because it is the Cuba army which rescued Angola independence from the colony in Portugal. Did Che set foot in Angola?


DSCF2863



There is Radio Ecclesia when I leave Luanda. Thank you for your help.






DSCF2869



Even it loses one tire, doesn't matter. (LOL)





DSCF2870



Please pay attention to this tricyclic motorbike!  It was written "KEWESEKI" !





DSCF2871-1

I laughed a lot.









DSCF2871



Heavy traffic...





DSCF2872



Many salesmen approach cars using this traffic. They don't lose their business chances! (LOL)





DSCF2873



It is too hard to sneak through even a motorbike!





DSCF2876



Not only Angora but there are many China business advances in Africa. 
It stood out here and there. 




e1



Take a break at jungle area.





e2

 








e3



When I look up, there are some fruits. It was likely to fall on my head. 





f1

There was a building which makes intense war fire imagine also by this trip. 





f2



There are many bullet marks in a wall. 





f3



Ruins at which it stands still quietly. 
What do villagers consider? 





<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>

【アンゴラ】ルアンダ~ウイジェ(Uige)の旅

<僅か320キロほどの移動に7時間もかかるとは。。(疲)>

<I've never thought that it took 7 hours for just 320 km of distance... *tired*>

 

昨日は事務作業と休養をかねて三日目のルアンダ滞在となった。ケープタウン以来たまってきた撮影データを日本に送るためDHLを探す。ホテルのスタッフに聞いても明確な返事が返ってこなかったのでiPhoneのマップソフトを利用して行くとドンピシャ!超~助かる!! 帰りにアフリカ仕様コンセントの三つ又を購入したり蚊の殺虫剤がなくってきたので探してみたけどこれは入手出来なかった。ホテルのインターネットも三日目からサーバーがダウンしているようで重要なメール(キンシャサでの子供アポイントやビザ関係など)を送ることが出来なくなった。夜は近くに日本食屋があるというので行ってみた!まず値段はやはり高い。インターネットで情報収集してみてわかったことだが今アンゴラは石油産業が軌道に乗ったとのことでバブル状態が始まったところらしくなんでも物価が高騰している時期のよう。だからホテル代も、食事代もちょっとまともなところは異様に高く世界中のビジネスマンの間では今アンゴラは世界一物価が高いところと言われるほどになったとか。話しを戻すと和食屋はとってもおしゃれがレストランで高級の部類に入るだろう。メニューを見ると「yakitori」があるではないか!(嬉)もうそれにしようと思いつつも他にどんなものがあるのかな~と一通り見てみると、「beef katsu」がある!ケープタウンで焼き鳥は失敗したのと、私は岐阜出身で東海地方の名物ミソカツは私の大好物。なので今回はビーフカツを頼んでみた。飲み物はミネラルウォーターのみ。ライスは付いていつのか聞くと付いていると。注文を終えたところで水と一緒にポッキーの太いやつ(なんていうんだっけ?(笑))がオリーヴオイルとシーチキンと一緒に出てきた。これはサービスだろうと思い食べたら結果、チャージされていた。それもまだ残っているのに途中で下げられるし。。そうこうしているうちにカツが来た!一目見て「カツじゃない・・」(笑) でも、ほうばる!・・味は、うーん。。大きいカツを一切れ残すことに。まあ良い経験をした。結局ライスも別料金でチャージされていて料金はしめて4000円!ここまでのアフリカの旅での教訓は「なんとかして日本食を探して食べるよりも地元の美味しい料理を食べるべし」


 It was my 3rd day staying in Luanda to work on documents work and also rest yesterday. I look for DHL to send the filming data of the interviews which I've had since Cape Town to Japan. I asked a staff from the hotel but couldn't get clear answer, so I used my iPhone to look for it and follow the iPhone map then it was there! Very useful!! On my way back to the hotel, I dropped by some shops to buy a three-pronged outlet for Africa, and I looked for bug killer for mosquitoes but couldn't find it.The server of internet in the hotel has been down since my 3rd day of staying and I cannot sent important emails which are for making appointments in Kinshasa and also related my visa etc.I heard that there is a Japanese restaurant near the hotel, so I went there for my dinner! First, the price is expensive. I found out from the internet that oil industry in Angola has gotten on the right track and started the economic bobble, so it seems that now is the term that commodity price is rising. Therefore, cost of hotels and foods are really expensive, and it is said that Angola is the highest commodity price in the world by businessmen from all over the world. Back to concerts, the restaurant will be kind of  very snazzy and high-class. When I check the menu, there is "Yakitori"! *happy* I almost ordered it but I was checking other dishes, then I found "beef Katsu" aka deep flied beef! The yakitori in Cape Town was fail and I'm from Gifu prefecture where has the local specialty Miso-Katsu which is my favorite, so I ordered beef katsu this time. Also I ordered order water as my drink. I asked a server that rice is aside or not then he said it's aside. When I finished ordering, I was served water with biscuit, olive oil and chunk tuna. I thought it was just free appetizer but actually it charged. And even there is some left some on the dish, they took my place away... Then the beef Katsu came! When I saw it, I thought "it's not Katsu..." (LOL) But I ate! Well... the taste was... hmm... I left one big piece of it. Well, I got good experience. The rice was charged too, so the total price is 4000 JPY! My lesson from the trip in Africa is "I should have local delicious foods instead of looking for Japanese food one way or another. "


さて今日はついにルアンダを離れDRCコンゴへ向かうための次の町へ。このルアンダの次の町をどこにするかが迷った。旅程にあるヌゼト~マタディ~キンシャサの海側を通るルートは大変な悪路が予想される。山側の国道でアンゴラの中央を通るUige(ウイジェ)経由もありルアンダで多くの人に聞いてみた。総合的にはウイジェ経由のほうが安全ではないかという声が多かったので旅程ルートを変更することにした。朝、ホテルでチェックアウトの支払いをしようとするとカードが通らない。このことで約30分以上ロス。通信事情もまだまだ相当悪いようだ。結局全てUSドルで支払い出発することに。ホテルを出るといきなり大渋滞!これも今のアンゴラを象徴することらしい。一気に車両の台数が増えたのに道路インフラは全く追いついていなく1キロ移動するのに数時間かかる日もあるらしい。街を抜けるのに1時間半もかかった!これは本当に辛かった。。道路はスシ詰め状態で戦争のように我先にと低速で抜き合う。途中嫌なドライバーがトラックで私のバイクにわざと当ててきた!それも二度も!私が当てられ、よろけるのを見て別のドライバーがその運転手に文句を言ってくれている。道もガタガタ未舗装路で土ぼこりが凄い!本当に発展途上国とはよくいったものだ。20年後のルアンダを見てみたいと思った。

渋滞の街を抜けると逆に舗装路が始まりそれはウイジェまで続く。ただしかなりのワインディングロードなのでスピードは全然出せない。あと、また?!また?!またー!!??というほどポリスストップの嵐。ほとんど他の車両は一時停止後、警官が行って良いよという感じでスルーしていくのに対し、私に対してはいろいろと話しかけるのとパスポートを確認してくるので常に時間がかかる。基本的にアンゴラの警官もいい人ばかりだがもう少しなんとかならないかな(苦笑)

 Well, I will leave Luanda and go toward to the next town for going to DRC Congo today. I dithered which town I should chose for next from Luanda. It is expected the bad road situation for the ocean side route which passes N'zeto, Matadi and Kinshasa as my itinerary. There is also a route via Uige which passes along the center of Angola by the national highway by the side of a mountain, and I asked many people in Luanda. Since there were many opinions that the way via Uige was synthetically safe, I decided to change my itinerary route. In the morning, I checked out and tried to pay by my credit card but the transaction didn't go through. I lost my 30 mins about it. It seems that communication circumstance is still bad at  here. I paid by US dollars. When I left the hotel, I hit heavy traffic! Seemingly it is that this also symbolizes the present Angola. It seems that there is a day that it takes several hours to move just 1 km although many vehicles increased at a stretch, the infrastructure of the road has not caught up at all. It took an hour and half to go through the town! It was really painful... The road was jam-packed and everyone try to get ahead of others by slow speed like a war. One not nice guy hit my motorbike on purpose! Actually twice! Other driver who saw that I staggered got on at him. The road is not pavement surface road, so the dust rise so bad! It is the right word to be said as developing country. I thought that I want to see Luanda 20 years later from now. 

After I went through the traffic, the pavement surface road has been started and it continued to Uige. But it is the winding road so I cannot be speedy. And I wanted to say again and again and AGAIN?! because there were too many police stops. Most of cars were just stopped temporarily then police let them go, but they talked to me and asked me to show my passport, so it takes time every stop.  Basically police men in Angola are nice people but isn't there anything they can do... *bitter smile*


ルアンダからウイジェはアンゴラ北部に部類する。道中の村の雰囲気も今までと違う感じもある。一番驚いたのは何か吊るしてあるハンガーのようなものがある。何か動物が吊るしてあるようだ。ネズミにしてはかなりデカイ!よく見るとサル。。サルが干し柿のように吊るされているではないか。それも何匹も。そのサルを買うために止まっている車両の人もいた。撮影は失敗に終わったがえらく思い出に残る風景だった(笑)

また今日は今までで一番多く足が不自由な人を見かけた。やはり地雷の影響だろう。


From Luanda to Uige is categorized to North part of Angola. There are atmosphere of villages on the way and touch different from former. I was the most surprised thing was the thing which hang something by a hanger. It seems some kind of animal is hanged. If it is a rat, it's huge! When I look closer, it is a monkey that is hanged like dried fruits. Actually many... There were some cars which they tried to buy the monkeys also. I missed to take photos but it was the memorable scene. (LOL)

Moreover, I saw most persons with trouble in a leg until now today. Probably because of land mines. 


DSCF2839

アンゴラに入ってからトイレがこのタイプを見かけるようになった。片方は使わないから入らないんですけど(笑) お風呂はあったかいお湯が出るが短い時間のみだった。


I've seen this type of toilet since I came into Angola. I don't use one of them so it's needless. (LOL) It was just short time to get hot water at a bath.



DSCF2842

部屋から見える景色は或る日の上海のようだった。建設ラッシュ。


The view from my room was like one day in Shanghai. Rush to build buildings.





DSCF2844

和食レストランのメニュー。「みそしろ」に笑った。


This is the menu in the Japanese restaurant. I laughed about "Misoshiro".





DSCF2846

このビーフカツが。。


This beef Katsu was...





DSCF2848

店内。


Inside of the restaurant.





DSCF2850

ポッキーの大きいやつ(笑)


These are big pocky which is Japanese snack. (LOL)





DSCF2856

海老フライを揚げる衣でビーフを揚げてある。超微妙な味(笑)


They use same deep fry batter as shrimps for this beef. It was subtle in flavor. (LOL)





DSCF2859

隣がラコステだった。ブランドショップが今後増えるのでしょう


Lacoste is next to the restaurant. Brand shops will be increased here.





DSCF2861

道に止まっていた車に私が大好きな「チェ・ゲバラ」のステッカーが。
そういえば、ロビトからルアンダの途中のスンベという町で店の壁が一面、ゲバラだったのは嬉しかった。ポルトガルの植民地からアンゴラ独立を助けたキューバ軍だからだ。チェ自身はこのアンゴラの地を踏んだのだろうか。


A sticker of my favorite man who is Che Guevarra was put on a car which parked on a street. 

Thinking about it, I was happy that Che Guevarra was drawn on one wall as all over in Sumbe where was on the way I came from Lobito to Luanda. It is because it is the Cuba army which rescued Angola independence from the colony in Portugal. Did Che set foot in Angola?


DSCF2863

ルアンダを離れるとき、ラジオイグレシアスがあった。お世話になりましたm(__)m


There is Radio Ecclesia when I leave Luanda. Thank you for your help.






DSCF2869

タイヤなんて一個くらいなくてもへっちゃらです(笑)


Even it loses one tire, doesn't matter. (LOL)





DSCF2870

この3輪バイクに注目!「KEWESEKI」と書いている!


Please pay attention to this tricyclic motorbike!  It was written "KEWESEKI" !





DSCF2871-1爆笑した。

I laughed a lot.









DSCF2871

大渋滞。。


Heavy traffic...





DSCF2872

この渋滞を利用して多くの売り子が車に近寄ります。ビジネスチャンスは逃さない!(笑)


Many salesmen approach cars using this traffic. They don't lose their business chances! (LOL)





DSCF2873

バイクでさえもすり抜けが大変!


It is too hard to sneak through even a motorbike!





DSCF2876

アンゴラに限らずですがこのアフリカでは中国企業進出が多いこと多いこと。

あちこちで目につきました。


Not only Angora but there are many China business advances in Africa. 
It stood out here and there. 



e1

ジャングル地帯で休憩


Take a break at jungle area.





e2

 








e3

上を見上げると何か果実が。頭の上にオッコッて来そうでした。


When I look up, there are some fruits. It was likely to fall on my head. 





f1この道中でも激しい戦火を想像させる建物が。

There was a building which makes intense war fire imagine also by this trip. 





f2

壁には多くの弾痕が。


There are many bullet marks in a wall. 





f3

ひっそりとたたずむ廃墟。村人は何を思うのか。


Ruins at which it stands still quietly. 
What do villagers consider? 





<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>

【アンゴラ】ルアンダ滞在 子供インタビュー&現地ラジオ出演!


ルアンダに滞在し今日は子供インタビューのためアポをとらせて戴いていた地元ラジオ局Radio Ecclesia (ヘジオ イグレジャ)http://www.radioecclesia.org/ にお勤めのシャーラさんを訪ねました。

このラジオ局はルアンダ、アンゴラで最大のラジオ局です。
私がここに来た理由と旅の目的を関係者に伝えると急遽ラジオに出演をすることになりインタビューを受けることになりました!!(驚)
局の方も私のこの活動に感動してくれ局のホームページでも紹介すると言ってくれました。
ラジオ局ということもあっていろんな関係者の方が次々とやって来て話しをしてくれました。
特にジャーナリストの男女の二名とは多く語りアンゴラの内戦についても教えてくれました。
今はとても平和で良い国になっていて皆自分の国と国民に誇りを持っている。
女性のジャーナリストからは私の旅へのモチベーションはどこから湧いてきているのかを聞かれ、ジャストギビングのシステム、セカンドハーベストへの支援が私の支えになっていると伝えるととても興味深げでした。
ここではシャーラさんがずっとつきっきりでお世話をしてくれて本当に助かりました。
有り難うございました。(紹介者:太田美和さんーろぽ尚代さん)

I've stayed in Luanda, and I visited Mr. Shaara who works at Radio Ecclesia (
http://www.radioecclesia.org/ )of the local radio station due to my appointment for kid's interview today. This radio station is the biggest radio station in Luanda and Angola. I told the relevant people about the reason why I came here and also the purpose of this journey, then I'm on the sudden for the radio show and having an interview from them!! *surprised*  People from the radio station are also impressed and they said that they will introduce my project at their website. Various relevant people came to talk to me one after another.Especially I talked with 2 journalists and they told me about the civil war in Angola. Now it's peaceful and good country and everyone is proud of the country and nation. I was asked about where my motivation for the project has come from by the woman journalist, so I told her that it's come from the JustGiving system and supporting Second Harvest then she seemed like very interesting. 
Since Mr. Shaara had been taking care of me in constant, it was really helpful. Thank you very much. (Assosiate: Ms. Miwa Ota - Ms. Naoyo Lopo)

DSCF2819
ラジオ局のインタビュアー&通訳の方

He's an interviewer & interpreter. 





DSCF2824関係者が集まって来ました。

Relevant people came to gather. 





DSCF2825右の方がシャーラさん(感謝)

Mr. Shaara who is right side man. *Appreciate*





DSCF2826仕事ぶりだそうです^^

This is a shot how they are working. :-)





DSCF2828私も番組のキューだし?!

I give them Cue?!





DSCF2829このサイトに載せてくれるそうです^^!

They will introduce my project this website! :-)





DSCF2830子供インタビューはラジオ局の敷地屋外で行いました。アップまで少々お待ち下さい。ポルトガル語ですよ〜!!(笑)

I had an kid's interview in the radio station's outside property. Please wait until uploading. It's in Portuguese!! LOL


 


DSCF2833インタビュー後、明日の出発に備えガソリンスタンドで給油をし、整備をさせてもらった。アンゴラ人、皆親切^^

After the interview, I filled gas as preparation for tomorrow's departure and also maintenance in a gas station. Angolan is very kind. :-)
  



DSCF2835土煙舞う活気ある街。あちこちで工事が行われている。

Active town. Constructions are carried out here and there.





DSCF2838ガソリンスタンドの前でも市場が始まる。どこでも何でも売る(笑)

A bazaar started in front of a the gas station. They sell wherever. LOL





<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>

【アンゴラ】ロビト~ルアンダの旅

道の状態が良ければ旅程にあるポルトアンボイムは通過し一気にアンゴラの首都ルアンダに向かおうと思い雨上がりの朝7:00に出発。
ちょうどロビトの通勤ラッシュに当たりゆっくり町を抜ける。

昨日、ガソリンを入れている時に近づいてきた子供のことが頭から離れない。
全身大火傷を負った子供で顔も3分の1はつぶれていた。何か言い続けながら私のバイクに触れる。
ガソリンスタンドのスタッフも困り顔で子供に何か言っている。
結果何もしてあげることが出来なかったがあとから思えば少しでもお金を渡してあげればよかったと思った。
 

I departed at 7:00 in the morning after the rain because I thought that I try to drive pass through Port Amboim that is in my itinerary and get to Luanda where is the capital of Angola if the road condition is good. I just hit the commuter rush of Lobito, so I passed through slowly. I cannot get out of my mind about one kid who came close to me while I was filling gas yesterday. He got burned whole his body and 1/3 of his face also. He was saying soothing and touching my motorbike. A staff of the gas station put troubled look and was saying something. Resultly I couldnU't do anything for him but I should have given him even little money.
 

道は順調。
一瞬グラベルになった時、「あー、やっぱりか!!(笑)」と思ったが100mくらいで終了。
ほっ。
途中、相変わらず穴はたまにあるが問題ない程度。
本当にルアンダまで全て舗装路と言って良い状態だった。
今回の移動で感じたのはアンゴラは風光明美。
将来性を感じさせるほど良い土地です。
気候はいいし景色も海に山に緑に水に大変恵まれている。
ただ酷いのは道路事情と車の残骸。
どうも内戦の影響ということだけでなく恐らく車両の廃棄の法律が無いかいい加減のよう。
道の途中で事故をおこした場合、その場に捨ててしまうのと、車屋がスクラップにする場所として道に不用意に捨てているようだ。
あとハエは少ないがゴミが多い。
今回はほぼ海沿いを走り抜けたのだが、山の中でランチを摂るため誰もいないところにバイクを停めてスポンジシートを路面において腰をおろすと目の前には無数のペットボトルや空き缶、空き瓶が散乱。
政府のゴミ事情対策はこれからだろう。
 

The road had been good. When it became gravel road for a moment, I thought "Ah,,, here it it!!(LOL)" but it finished just about 100 m. Relieved. On the way, it was a satisfactory grade although there were holes occasionally as usual. The road condition was good like being able to be said all pavement surface road till getting to Luanda truly. I felt that Angola is scenic this time. It is such a good place that possibilities are given. The climate is good and the view is also blessed very much with the sea, mountains, greens, and water. However, awful things are road conditions and carcass. It seems that it is random or there is no law of not only the influence of a civil war but abandonment of vehicles somehow. When an accident is caused in the middle of a way, it will throw away on that occasion, and it seems that and it is throwing away into the way carelessly as a place which vehicle dealers use for scraps. And flies are less but trash is many. Although I had drive through ocean side almost this time, many pet-bottles and cans were garbage-strewn in front of me when I parked at a place where there is nobody and sat down on a sponge sheet which I put on the grand for having lunch. The governmental measure against a garbage situation will have room for improvement.
 

ルアンダに到着したと思ったら一つ手前の小規模の都市で迷ったためルアンダのホテルに着いたが15:00過ぎ。
ルアンダ市内はものすごい渋滞(辛) 
予約をしていなかったので一つのめホテルに入り聞くと約400ドル!
「うちは3つ星ホテルですから」
とのこと。
それにしても高い。
二泊するつもりなので余計だ。
隣に安いホテルがあると聞き行ってみると250ドル(一泊)。
今まで泊まったホテルで一番高いがインターネットや立地の条件などが良いのでので泊まることにした。このまま円高が続きますように(笑)
 

I arrived at a hotel in Luanda about past 15:00 because I got lost at a small city which is right before Luanda. There was heavy traffic in downtown Luanda. *hard* I've not booked a room, so I just walked into a hotel and asked the price then it's $400! They said "We are 3 stars hotel." But it is expensive. I'm going to stay for 2 days so it's too much. They told me that there is cheaper hotel next to them, so I went there. It's $250 per night. It is the most expensive rate in all hotels that I've stayed in this journey, but it has good location and there is internet access, so I decided to stay here. Hopefully the rise of the yen will continue. (LOL)
 

【ホテルチボリ:250ドル朝食込み】

[Hotel Chiboli: $250 including breakfast]
 


DSCF2744
渋滞の町を抜ける
Drive through the traffic in the town.






DSCF2749何でも積みます(笑)
Load whatever (LOL)






DSCF2751ジャングルっぽいところが多数見られました
I could see many like jungle.






DSCF2754







DSCF2757電線のない鉄塔。これから張っていくのでしょう
A steel tower without an electric wire. 
From now on, electric wires will be stretched. 





DSCF2761ポルトアンボイムの町から少し離れた海沿い町
The ocean side town where is little away from Port Amboim.






DSCF2762美しい風景が広がります

The beautiful scenery spread. 





DSCF2764家屋の作りが少々変わってきた。壁はレンガ作り。屋根は藁葺きです。近くでみると大変美しいものに見えました。

Housing style has been little changed. Walls are made by bricks. Roof is strawy. When I see those near by. it was very beautiful.




DSCF2770車の残骸はザンネンな風景

The wreckage of a car is regrettable scenery. 





DSCF2769







DSCF2773有料の橋が登場。バイクはタダでしたが

The toll bridge showed up. Motorbikes were free though.





DSCF2776海に抜ける河川

The river from which it escapes to the sea 





DSCF2787海沿いに立つ村







DSCF2798海に面して立つバオバブの木は珍しい

A tree of baobab faced and located on the sea is out of common. 





DSCF2799沢山ありました

There are many.





DSCF2805遠くにルアンダの街が見えてきた!

I can see the city of Luanda further! 





DSCF2815大渋滞。。

Heavy traffic...





DSCF2816街の中心地まであと少しのロータリー

A rotary which is close by the downtown.






<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>

【アンゴラ】ルバンゴ~ロビトの旅


ここのところ予定通りに行っていないので今日は気合いを入れて早く出発することにした。

ガソリンスタンドで燃料をいれ、スタッフのお兄ちゃんにロビトまでの道を聞き、走りだすと間違いなく方向が違う。
彼が悪い訳でなく言葉が通じないって本当に苦しい。
結局、泊まっていたホテル近辺まで戻っていた。
するとえらく親切な警察官がいてくれ、絶対に迷わないようにロビト方面に町を抜ける道のりを英語で教えてくれた。

結局、準備不足がたたり1時間30分くらいのロス。
その後は順調に走りだし舗装路を行く。
前日にロビトまでの道の状況をホテルのスタッフに聞いておいたのだが舗装路でないところは少しでそんなに酷くないよと。
行ってみたら結構、酷い(笑) 
こっちの人の道に関しての感覚は私達と全く違うということが解ってきた。
今日は明日のポルトアンボイム、そしてルアンダまでの道を聞いてみたら
「全然大丈夫!」「オール、アスファルト」
という。これはどこまで信じて良いのだろうか?(笑) 

話しを戻すと悪路に入ったのはいいが途中、道が分かれ道になっていて標識もないところに出くわした。
困っているところに後続の車で50才代の男性が声をかけてくれて道を教えてくれた。
日本から来たことを伝えると感激してくれ記念写真をとった。
それからその方は悪路の中、常に私の後ろを走ってくれ、私が困る状況にならないか見守っていてくれた。
本当に有り難い。

今日の悪路は32キロ。
ここを抜けた所でキレンゲスという村(町?)で停車。
相当のどが乾いていたのコーラを買ってみた。
ついでに写真を撮らせてもらうと皆、喜んで「自分も撮って」「私も撮って」と多くのリクエストが。
アンゴラの人はとても人懐っこい感じです。
キレンゲスからは途中たまにグラベルの部分があったが基本的には走りやすいアスファルト。
あるところから急激に暑くなってきたのと風が強くなってきた。
海が近くなってきた証拠だ。
また道の脇の丘の上に戦車が置かれており道中のあちこちの村で内戦の痕跡が見えた。
建物に砲弾、銃弾が打ち込まれたような跡がここはアンゴラであることをツーリング気分から一気に戻してくれる。
 

Recently I've not been able to follow my itinerary, so I stired myself and decided to depart early today. I filled gas to my motorbike at a gas station, and I asked a guy who is working there the direction to Lobito. When I started to drive, I realized that definitely I'm taking wrong direction.  It's not his fault. It is just so hard that I do not understand the language. Resultingly I went back to near the hotel which I stayed. Then a very kind police man was there and told me the way to Lobito in English. Eventually I lost an hour and half because of my poor preparation. After that I've been able to start and driven prevent surface road smoothly. Although I've asked a staff from the hotel about the road situation to Lobito, the road situation is very bad even he said it is not bad. (LOL) It has turned out that African people's feeling of relating to roads is completely different from us. Today I asked someone about the road to Port Amboim for tomorrow and also to Luanda, then I was said "No problem at all!" "All asphalt." How much should I trust it? (LOL) To get back to what I was saying, I had bad road and I met at the place on the way in which the way is a branch road and which does not have a sign, either. When I was in trouble, the man in his 50's of a following car talked to me and told the way. When I told him that I'm from Japan, he was so impressed, and we took pictures together. After that, he had been driving behind me even the bad road condition, and following me to avoid that I get a tough situation. I am very grateful. Today's the distance of bad road condition was 32 km. I made stopped at Qullengues after the bad road. I was too thirsty so I bought a bottle of coke. And also I asked them to let me take pictures of people around there, then they were so happy to be taken pictures and I got many requests from them that  "take picture of me too!". Angolan people are very friendly. There was a part that is gravel way but most of part is asphalt way which is easy to drive from Qullengues. Getting hot rapidly from a certain place and wind is becoming strong. It means that I'm getting close to the ocean. The tank is placed on the hill of the side of the road and I looked at the trace of the civil war in villages here and there. Marks where artillery shells and bullets were fired into building pull me back my touring feeling to that here is Angola. 
 

一気に高度も下がってきたところで海が見えた!スワコプムンド以来の大西洋だ!
海岸線を走れると思ったがそういう気の利いた道はないらしい(笑/失礼)
 

The sea could be seen in the place where the altitude has also fallen! It is the Atlantic Ocean since Swakopmund! Although I thought that I could drive the coastline, seemingly, there is no such a chic road. (LOL/ Excuse me;-p)
 

しかしアンゴラはオートバイの台数が半端じゃない!
まるで或る時期の中国の自転車のよう。
特に海沿いになればその傾向は強まる。

ロビトに到着して昔、バイク便で鍛えた野生の勘(?)を活かしてホテルを探していると大体ホテルの真裏あたりに着いた。
道端にいるガードマンにホテルの正確な場所を確認しているところで後ろからバイクの音とともに声をかけてくる人がいる。
ヨーロッパから南下して来たオーストラリア人の20代後半の二人だった。
マイケルと 彼らは約4ヶ月の旅だという。
私がこれから向かうコンゴ、ガボン、カメルーンなどを走ってきたとのことでいろいろな情報を与えてくれた。楽しく会話をして別れた。
彼らはキャンプ場でテント泊とのこと。
来年私がオーストラリアにいく時に合う事になりお互いの住所を交換。
ホテルにチェックインするとまた部屋料金は食事代が高い。
町に出て食事をするか何か買ってきて部屋で済まそうと思いホテルを出たが今日は日曜でどこも休み。
コーラ一本売っていない。
アフリカははっきりしている、仕方がないのでホテルで夕食をとる。
値段はビュッフェで2700円+税@@!昨日に引き続き、アンゴラ、たけー!(笑)
 

Well, I can see many motorbikes in Angola! It seems to be the bicycles of China in a certain time. Especially in the ocean side. I arrived at Lobito, and I'm looking for the hotel with my instinct which I've trained it by the job as a messenger bike, then I arrived at the place where is almost backside of the hotel. When I am checking the exact place of the hotel with a security who is in a roadside, there are those who speak to me with the sound of motorbikes from back.  They are 2 Aussie guys who are late 20's and have driven southward from Europe. Their journey is for 4 months. They've passed in Kongo, Gabon and Cameroon where I'm going northward countries, so they gave me various information. We had fun conversation and said goodbye. They said they stay in their tents at a camp site. We promised to meet each other when I'm going to Australia next year, so we exchanged our contact info. When I checked in the hotel, the meals are expensive again. I thought that I go get something and have it in my room or go to a restaurant in the town, but every stores are closed because it's Sunday today. Even a bottle of coke isn't sold. Africa has a clear custom. There is no choice, so I have dinner at the hotel. The buffet price is 2700 JPY and tax! Expensive same as yesterday! 


DSCF2678
キリスト像を見上げる街

The town which looks up at the statue of Christ. 





DSCF2679悪路は内戦中、道路を寸断するために敢えて壊したのかとも思う。

I think that it dared to have broken to a bad road in order to cut off a road among a civil war. 





DSCF2683キレンゲスの町

Qullengues





DSCF2685







DSCF2688若者にカメラを向けるとポーズをとってくれた(笑)

When I aimed my camera at young guys, they made a pose. (LOL)





DSCF2690このチキンも旨そうだったが食べる勇気がなかった(笑)

This chicken looked good but I didn't have brave to eat it (LOL)





DSCF2694昼時はランチ用ににぎわっている。

There is busy for lunch at lunch time.





DSCF2695店の入り口

The entrance of the store.





DSCF2697店の裏の住まい

A house at backside of a store.











DSCF2698車のホイールを利用した火器

Firearms using the wheel of a car.











DSCF2702嬉しそうにバイクにまたがる

A man who looks happy to ride it.





DSCF2703皆、ノーヘル!
時速、80キロくらいは出ます。

Everyone has no helmets!
They drive as 80 km per hour.



DSCF2710悪路超えで泥だらけ。

I am muddy across a bad road. 





DSCF2711巨大な岩

A huge rock.





DSCF2713バオバブの木が豊富に見られる

A baobab trees are seen abundantly. 





DSCF2717海に近くなってきたところの村で休憩

I took a break at a village which is close to the ocean.





DSCF2721相変わらず多い車の燃えた残骸

There is much wreckage in which cars burned as usual. 





DSCF2723きれいな作りの海沿いの町。

The town along the sea of beautiful structure. 





DSCF2727ロビトに到着したところで出会ったオーバーランダー達。アンゴラに入り始めて出会ったライダーだった。お互い嬉しい。

The riders who I met when I arrived at Lobito. They are the first riders that I met in Angola. We are happy each other.





DSCF2730ティムのバイク。スズキのDR。

Tim's motorbike. Suzuki DR.





DSCF2733マイケルのバイク。650CCのカワサキ。

Michael's motorbike. Kawasaki 650CC





DSCF2736ワールドドリームツーリングのステッカーを渡すといきなり貼ってくれた(嬉)

When I gave them the stickers of World Dream Touring, they put it on their motorbike right away. *happy*





DSCF2737ロビトの街中。

In Lobito.





DSCF2739ホテルの中庭

The backyard in the hotel.





DSCF2740夕食の一品。白身魚の上にバナナを乗せて揚げてある。なんとも言えない微妙な味だった(笑)

One dish of my dinner. A banana is on white-fleshed fish and deep fried. The taste was kind of strange. (LOL)






<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>


【アンゴラ】カハマ~ルバンゴの旅


朝食を頼んでおいたが、雨が降ったので作る人が来ない(笑)とのことで食べれず豪雨のカハマを出発。
宿から1キロほど走ると本当にきれいな舗装路が広がった!
雨天でも気分は晴れ晴れ!(笑) 

途中、二回ポリスストップがあるが私はポルトガル語が解らないのと彼らもほぼ英語が話せる人がいないためお互いほとんど無口(笑) 
パスポートチェックをして通過。


I've ordered my breakfast but I couldn't have it because it was raining and a person who cook doesn't come, so I departed Camaha in heavy rain.  When I drove from the hotel as 1 km, the really good pavement surface road spread! On the way, I got 2 police inspections but I cannot speak Portuguese and officers don't speak English, so we don't talk that much.(LOL) I just got passport check and passed through.
 

アンゴラは巨大な石の自然の造形物が道の左右に多く見られる。
大きいものは一個の石が3階建てのビルほどある。
 

I can see many gigantic natural objects of rocks both side of the road. Large one is the size like the building of 3 stories. 
 

約3時間半ほど走り、ついにルバンゴに到着。
市内に近づくと大変活気あるムードに変わってきた。
ひっきりなしにタクシーバスが縦横無尽に走り回り、

ビッ、ビッ!ビッ、ビッ!

ずっと、人を呼ぶクラクションが絶えない。
町の中心地で予約したホテルを探すため人に聞こうとバイクを停めるとすぐに子供が近づいてきて
「お金を頂戴」
という意味の手振りと言葉を言う。
その後、ショッピングセンターへ出かけた時もその場面に多く出くわすことになる。
南アフリカから北上してきてその傾向がまた強まっている感じだ。

さて、iPhoneのソフトを使って人に道を尋ねてやっとホテルに到着した。
市内中心地の大通りに面したホテルだった。
【GRANDE HOTEL DA HUILA 11200円】

アフリカに来て初めて駐車場の無いホテルだった。
路駐で大丈夫です。
安全ですという。
ホンマかいな、と思いながらもフロント玄関前にロックをして駐車。
チェックイン時にクレジットカードは使えないという。
USドルはOK。

現地通貨のクワンザが少ないのでATMの場所を教えてもらい市内のショッピングセンターへ。
ATMという言葉が通じないのが困った。
「銀行にある機械でお金を下ろしたい」というジェスチャー(どんなジェスチャーだ?(笑))である店の店員に場所を教えてもらいやっとお金を下ろすことが出来た。

そこでSCで簡単なランチをした。
コーヒーを注文したが出てきたのは小さいエスプレッソ。
うーん、ちゃんと伝えないと。
ホテルに戻り洗濯、明日向かうロビトまでの道の情報収集、インターネットの接続トライ、ブログ作り、そうこうしているうちに夕食の時間になったのでホテルで摂ることに。

値段が高かった。。
言葉が通じないのでシステムが判らずビュッフェのようなものを利用したのとオーダーしたメインディッシュ、ファンタで合計2550円@@!
おお、東京並み!
ただかなり美味しかったです(嬉)
特にはフルーツが最高。

食後、ロビー付近の特定の場所でのみインターネットが出来ることが判り作業をしていると、夜10時頃に私の目の前に女性(黒人)がいきなり立ち、無表情で何か言っている。
30才代くらいか。
物乞いっぽい感じだったで言葉が解らないので首を振っていると突然ひざまづくような体制になりなんと私の太ももに手をやってきた!

「NO!!」
と声を上げると去っていった。あー怖!(苦笑)

 

I've driven for about 3 hours an half then finally I arrived at Lubango. When I'm getting close to the city center, it is changing the mood like having a lots of spark. Buses and cabs are driving freely all the time, and the horn which calls people never stop. I parked at the area of town center to ask to someone for looking for the hotel which I booked, then one kid came close to me and said "Give me money" in his language with gesture, Afterwards, I've got same situation many times when I went to a shopping center. Since I've been coming up to the North, I feel like this situation more strongly. Well, I used iPhone APP  to ask the direction to people and could finally arrived at the hotel. It was the hotel facing the main street of the town center. [GRANDE HOTEL DA HUILA 11200JPY] It was the first hotel in Africa for me which doesn't have parking space. They said I can park on the street and safe. I doubted it but I parked it in front of the entrance and I locked. I was said that they don't accept a credit card. US$ is OK. I have less Kwanza, so I was told the place of ATM and I went to a shooping center. It was tough that they couldn't understand the word of ATM. I did gesture of "I want to withdraw money from a machine which is in a bank." (What kind of gesture is it? LOL) to ask one person who was working one shop, and I could finally withdraw money. I had light lunch there. I ordered a cup of coffee but I get a cup of espresso. Hmm... I have to tell correctly. I go back to the hotel and do my laundry, gather information of the direction for Lobito as my destination of tomorrow, try to connect internet, write my blog and so on, then it's time for dinner, so I decided to have dinner in the hotel. It was expensive... I do not understand the language, so I couldn't know the system. They said I ordered like buffet style and also main dish with soda then it's total 2250JPY x-( Wow! it's like same in Tokyo! But it was very tasty.*happy* Especially fruits are  great. After the dinner, I found out that I can get internet connection at the only some certain area around lobby, so I was working on there. Then at 22 ish, one black lady suddenly stand in front of me and is saying something without any expression. She is about 30's? I felt that she seem like begging something and I couldn't understand what she is saying so I shake my head side to side, then suddenly she drop her knee and touch my thigh! I said "NO!!" with my voice then she left there. Oh my! *bitter smile*

さて、アンゴラでの子供インタビューは南アフリカで手配して下さったロポさん(太田美和さん知人)がここアンゴラでも準備をして下さっている。数日後に無事にアンゴラの首都ルアンダに到着出来るように頑張って進んで行きたい。

Well, about kid's interview in Angola, Mr. Robo who is a friend of Ms. Miwa Ota and arranged in South Africa is arranging here in Angola too. I want to get to Luanda where is the capital of Angola after few days with no problem. 



DSCF2664

アンゴラの奥地に行けば行くほど、増えてきた藁葺き屋根と太い木の枝で作った壁の家


Houses of straw-thatched roofs and walls made from thick tree branches which have increased in number more I to the inland of Angola. 




DSCF2665

大きな石があちこちに


There are big rocks here and there.





DSCF2666

「幸せの黄色いハンカチ」を連想させる(笑)川の脇の洗濯物。


The washing of the side of a river which makes me reminded of "The fortunate yellow handkerchief." (LOL)





DSCF2668

ルバンゴ市内


In Lubango





DSCF2669

街の中心地


The city center.





DSCF2671

キリスト像が山の上にたっている。リオデジャネイロと同じなのはポルトガル領土の共通点か


The statue of Jesus stands on a mountain. Is it same as Rio de Janeiro a common feature of the Portuguese ground?




DSCF2672







DSCF2673

アンゴラの市内を歩く女性


Women who walk along in the city Angola.





DSCF2674

新車の4WDに乗り、英語で話しかけてくれたニューリッチ(?)の若者。本当に貧富の差が激しい。


Rich(?) young guy who drives new 4WD car and talked to me in English. The difference of wealth and poverty is truly acute. 




DSCF2675

有り難いのはこのシートバッグ。豪雨でも浸水なし。荷物の量に自由に対応。オートバイに積んだまま中身を出し入れも出来る。(ラフアンドロード)


I really thank to this seat bag. It never get wet inside even it's in heavy rain. It adjust flexibly as weight of luggage. Even with the motorbike loaded, inside stuff can also be taken in and out. (Rough and Load)

 

DSCF2676

食事はおいしい!でも高い。。


The meal is delicious! But expensive...






<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>

【アンゴラ】ルバンゴ(代筆)

またインターネットが使えない環境にいます。
アンゴラに入りかなり厳しい状況を経験していますが無事です。
予定が変わり昨日はCahamaという町に滞在し、12日の今日はルバンゴに到着しました。
13日の明日はロビトに行きます。予定より一日遅れています

~WDTプロジェクト・日本事務局が代筆しました~



I'm in the environment which cannot connect the internet. 
I've been having very tough situations since I came into Angora but I'm OK.
The plan changed and I stayed at Cahama, and I arrived at Lubango today, on 12th.
I will go to Lobito tomorrow, 13th.  It is behind the schedule for one day. 

- WDT Project Japan Office wrote this on behalf of him. -

(En)オンダングア(ナミビア)~カハマ(アンゴラ)の旅 <ルバンゴ到着出来ず>

There is a distance more than 500 km from Ondangwa to Lubango where is the first town in Angola, so I decided to depart early as much as I can today also. But I had breakfast at the hotel and leaving there was at 7ish. I had drove for an hour then I arrived at Oshikango where is a town of border in Namibia. The Namibia border office starts at 8 am, so I waited for getting the opening in front of the entrance. When they open, I went to the immigration and show my passport for getting a stamp. An officer said "Do you have an invitation letter for getting into Angola?", and I said "I don't." Then he said "Then you cannot enter Angola, so I cannot give you an exit stamp." Indeed, I have to come back to Namibia if I refuse to enter the country by Angola but I cannot come back to Namibia and go into Angola then I will be pending if my visa doesn't work for re-entry. But telling him that can't give what I don't have, then he said "First, go to the border of Angola and ask that you can enter the country without an invitation. If they say yes, come back here then I will give you an exit stamp of Namibia." It's welcome endeavor but it's too much of a bother and takes time. In addition, I told him that I've not heard that I need an invitation letter for entering the country at the Embassy in Japan, then he seemed to go over the detail and I waited for about 20 min. He said "Sorry. It seems that you may enter the country even if there is no letter." then he gave me the stamp. And also he said that I can come back if I cannot enter Angola. I got an exit stamp at my carnet at the custom clearing window, then it's completed the process of leaving Namibia. I go to the border of Angola the next. The right hand traffic is started from the entrance of the border. I feel a bit of confusion about it. When I parked my motorbike at a parking lot, 2 men talked to me immediately. They are "Border Supporters". They say "we will help your immigration process." I've taken care all of it myself without Tanzania before, so I said "It's ok. I will take care of myself." Then they said "Do you speak Portuguese? You have to go many windows and it's tough." I think so too, so I asked them how much is the price and it's $50. I said "It's too expensive, so I will do myself." then they said they don't care about the price, so I will decide the price and pay to them when all process will be completed. I had started to have hard time right after that. I was said "If you don't have an invitation letter, you cannot be entry the country." by an office at the immigration window as my first step. I told him that I've not heard anything that I need to have an invitation letter from Angola Embassy in Japan and I have my Visa, then he checked his big boss. And he took me to another building and I was asked what is my itinerary and purpose of this trip. I told them about the purpose of this trip is sightseeing and I will go through this country to go Congo, then the big boss approved. Finally I could get an immigration stamp. But after that, the big boss came to my motorbike and said he wants have something in return. He said he wants me to buy a coke. The 2 border support men are also having bitter smiles on their faces. I said I don't know where I can buy it and I have 2 apples, so I will give them to you then he looked so happy to receive those. This big boss had helped the immigration process of my motorbike with the border supporters for me. It was useful and inexpensive as 2 apples. Well, every process was taking so long time. Every officers are working so slow. The border supporters were working so hard for me and I could get along with them. I could know there is time difference between Angola and Namibia, so I put a clock back. It was after 4 hours and a half that all the process completed and I entered Angola at last, after reaching the border in Namibia! Well, did all this process finish in one day if I did all myself who can't speak Portuguese? (LOL) So I gave them $30 as total. I paid 6000 Angola Kwanza (About 6000JPY) as something like weight tax. I did currency exchange US$ to Angola Kwanza in this border. (Exchange rate: $100 = 8000Kwanza) It is appropriate.  In the last checkpoint in the border, there was a check of the contents of the load with which is loaded on the motorbike. The officer is kind but he did the severest check until now and took about 30
min at last. 



Well, finally I come into Angola! I've been worrying that I can enter the country by the expiration date of visa since before I leave Japan. Especially Since I had been having wait to receive my motorbike quite long time in Nairobi, my worries has just increased rapidly, but it all became memories. 


I shouted "Hello Angola!" as usual and started to drive, then the road situation is quite bad. Asphalt collapses and a huge hole from which the meteorite fell is opening the road surface innumerably. It was like "Big Whole" which I saw in Kimberly. (LOL) Like that road condition had continued for about 20 km and I had to drive 20 km per hour as average speed. I've never worried about road condition of this way because it was on the Michelin Map as the biggest national highway though. But I was thinking that what is Angola government doing while I was driving, then it changed to very nice pavement surface road when I passed through Ongiba. Well, the highway is working perfectly. I was thinking that Angola government is good! (LOL)  On the way, the wreckage of a car which burned with the side of the way many sets appears. Some they left the ruin of a tank. Probably, they are consequences of a civil war. The tank which is maintaining the perfect form at left-hand side had become desertion this time. This makes me a U-turn truly and I took pictures of it. 


This national road has 120 km/h and 60 km/h of the speed limit alternately, and I'm calculating the arrival time at Lubango while I was driving the road. I was thinking that if I drive like this pace, I will arrive there in the evening, then suddenly the road became bad condition again... It is worth than before that I was across the border this time. I cannot put into second gear, so I reduce and drive average speed to about 15 km. I avoid so that it may not fall to a big hole, and if it cannot do anything about, I exceed a hole at a super-low speed at the time. Since the asphalt splits off and it is like a landslide condition, I'm sure that I will fall down if I get into a hole of a deep cave-in, so I use my nerve truly. If I say that 95% of the area of a way remains in a hole and 5% is a plane, can you image it? Big trailers also pass through this road so they seem having tough time. They have more tires than motorbikes, so drive more slowly. The road of this condition had been continued for 100 km from there... On the way, there is a side road partly which was made naturally by many drivers had passed by there for avoiding this terrible national road. That road is better than other one and I can put into second gear sometimes. But that road has big puddles on the way, so I have to come back to the national road. The national road is located at high place and the side road is located at low place, so I have to drive up and down over and over. One time, when I try to go back to the national road from the side road, the big gap of a road surface has reversed me by the reaction which hit the bottom of the motorbike. The motorbike fell in the direction where an inclination is low, and I rolled the ground this time! it's been long time that I rolled the ground.(LOL) Of course I'm fine because I drove slow speed and was fully-equipped. Thank you, Rough and Road, BMW's boots&groves and ARAI's helmet! (LOL) The motorbike is laying down as the tire is higher position than the handle! Even I take all the stuff from the motorbike, I cannot raise it. I couldn't do anything then one trailer driver talked to me who came from opposite side, and helped me to raise the motorbike with his assistant. *impressive tear* The custom of helping immediately those who are in trouble is really wonderful. While I am loading the motorcycle with baggage with great difficulty, I have pushed down the motorbike to an opposite side this time. *ashamed* Seems like I'm exhausted. It is really tough that I continue driving the bad road which does not know the end. I can consider like Heaven the long dirt which goes to Swakopmund from Sesrim. It is inclination of the sun that I am always beginning to care from the middle. Mileage is inelastic at all because of a super-low-speed drive. Time for Lubango which is today's destination to be due to be reached becomes late rapidly. When it becomes darkness, it is a suicidal action that drives this bad road. But time passes heartlessly and the bad road continues merciless. Finally I came through to the nice pavement surface road! *happy* In the moment, it became a bad road immediately to have thought that I can drive just straight to Lubango from here. Can you understand this physical shock?(LOL) It is getting darkness... When it passed over 16: 00, I could see some trailer drives begin to prepare the stay in cars in the road park. I also looked at  a car which has attached the bed between road surfaces the bottom of a loading platform. They are get over the long driving like this. I have to make decision to give up to reach to Lubango today and stay at somewhere also. But I don't have a tent. So it is impossible that park somewhere the motorbike and sleep. I was thinking that try to look for a big clay pipe or go to a village and ask to provide a space for sleep even fine for horse stable, but it continue the area where no people walk around. Moreover even if I can secure the place for sleep, I don't have foods. I just have some biscuits in my motorbike. And there is only water slightly. I have felt pitiable two apples which I have handed on the border and the water given to the border supporters. 
 


When the neighborhood is becoming dark, there is a village at last and people are. I parked the motorbike on the road and walked to the place where people from the village are gathering. I was so exhausted and walk heavily. When I walked slowly, they are paying attention to me. I tried to talk to one person who is smiling friendly. But he doesn't speak English, so I use the translator application which I downloaded to my iPhone and tell him that I want to stay here, then he told me there is a town 5 km away from here kindly. *thanks* There is a town from 5 km away from there truly, and I parked and was looking for a place like a hotel around there, then I can see one guy who is pointing somewhere from far away place. I came to him then he told "Lubango is over there". I told him that "I'm looking for a place to sleep." as same way by iPhone, then he was trying to telling me the direction. When we were talking, one local who is driving looking like newly car talked to us, and he took me to the hotel and negotiation for me at last. I'm helped by people a lot. The room which I got wasn't not be able to use electricity, hot water. Water comes just little from the tap and there is only one sheets on a bed. The toilet doesn't work for flushing and a nasty smell to the extent that I feel nauseated is released. But it is better than a horse stable, and this is Heaven if I consider that a night will be passed by 1000% of uneasiness while I feel the danger of the body under a tree. In the morning, it was too heavy raining. It was like I close an ear in the volume of the sound of the heavy rain which strikes a tin roof . When I think that I might have slept outside, I feel getting a shudder. The people from this place are kind also. They serve me enough food and I got a life. They told me that the road will be good when I go little more and just straightway to Lubango. I will leave here soon in this heavy rain.



DSCF2628



Ondangwa which is the last town in Namibia has water outage often, and colored water came out when I open a tap at last. (LOL)




DSCF2630 

Finally I could get into Angola!! Yay! But the way is changed completely at a stretch bordering on the border. 





DSCF2631 

It changed terrible road right way.





DSCF2634



Although nice prevent surface road appears, becoming from 120 km of speed limit  to suddenly 60 km of speed limit makes frustrating. 




DSCF2635



The wreckage of a car is seen here and there. There are many in old African countries. 





DSCF2637



The house often seen after going into Angola. 






DSCF2639



It is 400 km more to Lubango! 



 

DSCF2642



It's a real tank. Scribble was uncanny.. Although the caterpillar had collapsed, its upside machine gun was vivid. 




DSCF2646



Motorbikes increased in number suddenly like Tanzania. Many males drive. 





DSCF2648



The impression of a country with water and abundant green. 





DSCF2652

Finally it's started. (LOL) The terrible road... It continues for a long time. 





DSCF2653

 


 This is the side road.





DSCF2656



Trailers drive less than 10 km/h.






DSCF2658



I've done it. Sorry GS. But it didn't broke any where and it's strong. Thanks.





DSCF2659



The heroes appeared!!





After that, I could have many chance to take pictures of kids swimming, a family washing clothes in a river and women of the tribe who walk with a toplessness but I didn't have room to breathe. I'm still learning I think. (LOL)


DSCF2660



 Finally I could arrive the place to stay and have dinner. Fullness of the heart.






<Mika Igisu for Tatsuya Yamada>
和光小学校 岐阜市立鶉小学校

世界各国の子どもたちの声をお届けします。

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