Capetown to Cairo - COMPLETE! (05/25/01)

On my 217th day on the African continent, I arrived in Cairo, Egypt!

As I was riding through the desert towards Cairo, I thought, how will I answer to the question people will ask me, "How was your trip?"

My answer is, pick an adjective and it probably applies. There has been joy, pain, disappointment, excitement, frustration, discovery--you name it.

Something really eerie happened when I got to town. I checked into the May Fair Hotel in the Zamalek district (www.mayfairegypt.com). Mind you, Cairo is a huge city -- twice the population of New York -- and there are hundreds if not thousands of hotels here.

But the first hotel I stopped to see--at the end of my 25,000km ride across Africa dedicated to the memory of my Canadian buddy, Jason Martin--turns out to be Canadian owned! There were Canadian flags posted all over the place and all kinds of Canada memorabilia. Jay would have loved it. Are all Canadians patriotic zealots?!

Needless to say, there was no question where I would be staying in Cairo :-) (See the additional photos with this journal entry.)

There are so many people that have helped me along the way that I promise I will make a complete (as best I can) listing when I get home.

For now, I want to thank:

My family who support every crazy thing I do.

The Martin family who have been very supportive of this trip which is dedicated to the memory of their son Jason Martin.

Stephanie Decurnex, who worked with me on the preparation for the trip, and encouraged me to go ahead when she had to turn back.

Gary Kout and David Baumgarten, two of the original moonriders who gave me encouragment and ground support. Gary sent me two DHL packages that were essential.

Dakin Ferris who handled my personal affairs for me. (Is there any money left Dakin?!)

Eric Ramstad, the webmaster for www.moonride.org Eric lost the use of his legs several years ago in a motorcycle accident, so he has been traveling vicariously with me on this trip.

The many, many friends I made in Africa who did so much for me. I plan to list all the people whose homes I stayed in.

All of my friends who have given me so much support both before and during the trip. You don't know how much it helped me to reach an Internet cafe and have so many words of encouragement waiting in my Inbox.

I know it is the beginning of Carnaval weekend in San Francisco (kicking off with a SpinCycle party!), so enjoy your extended weekend.

As for me, I plan to spend a couple of days in Cairo. I will be meeting with the Director of the Save the Children for Egypt. I will be sending you a separate email encouraging you to give your support to STC.

I'm still nursing a sprained ankle, but I have been managing to hobble around and play the tourist here and it has been great. In Luxor, I visited the Valley of the Kings. Then, on a whim I went to Hurghada, which is on the coast of the Red Sea. It turns out to be one of the premier dive spots in the world, so I went on an intro dive (www.aquanaut.net). I have never seen anything like it--it was like being in a giant aquarium--the fish, the colors, the colors, the fantastic colors.

Well, since I am so close, I think I am going to catch a ferry to Greece and ride to England! That will make it 4 continents for me and the KLR! I'll be home by mid-June, I promise!

Jim

P.S. When I originally wrote this I neglected to include the most important thanks of all, my thanks to God.

By whatever name, God or Allah or whatever, I believe in a creator of our universe and that his presence has been part of my life, especially on this journey.