BBC | LongWayDown | Road Log

the kids

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:08:33 GMT

The children you meet along the way never cease to amaze me. In a modern Western context, they really have nothing, but they radiate such joy! It's such a sharp contrast to the young people I see on an almost-daily basis that have every possible advantage, who are well fed, plugged into their iPods and have a social and technological world at their literal fingertips, yet they remain so dour and brooding. Our modern Western lifestyle could learn many lessons from those beaming smiles.

MOZZYS

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:20:21 GMT

on long way round Ewan had awful mozzy bite. How are you avoiding one this time? Do you have extra special stuff for this?

Local Lingo

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:24:48 GMT

A handy phase in Uganda is "Njagala mbuzi wange" - or "Bring me my goat". If nothing else, you might get dinner.

Glad to hear Claudio is OK!

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:38:13 GMT

It is never easy or nice having a tumble on a bike, glad to hear that Claudio and Charley are both OK! I doubt Ewan's shawl idea will go with his "sh*tkicker" look. But it would be interesting to find out... Stay Safe! Richard T.

thanks guys

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:43:02 GMT

A massive 'thank you' - I've been teaching in Bosnia where the kids can't travel anywhere cos of visa difficulties and no money. They are virtually imprisoned. It's so frustrating for them, and heartbreaking for me to see cos they are really bright, intelligent kids. But through your last adventure, and this one, we travelled around the world with you, so THANK YOU - you have no idea how inspiring this is for them. When it gets tough for you just remember my students and the adventures that they may never experience first hand that you bring to them.

visiting the culture

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:54:13 GMT

Hi Guys Just saw todays download, and I loved it. Are you going give any shots of how the cultures your passing through live out their lives, or do you usually let the people come to you? either way its fasinating to watch as each day you advance in your journey. Ride safe, can't wait for tomarrows download, my thanks to your tech who sets it up, makes me feel like I'm out there with you. There are alot of us people here in Toronto watching, so were hoping to see you here for a bike show or that when its over.

Zambia ??

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:19:39 GMT

When will you guys be coming through Zambia? I assume you will travel from the Malawi border to Chipata and on to Lusaka ( good luck with that road ! ) and on to Livingstone and Victoria Falls. Would really like to meet you en route.

hehe

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:17:52 GMT

Hehe, Ewan you're Funny! Out to colonize Uganda! :D Nice to see all those spirits are up and that nobody got hurt in the fall! Take care.

Question for the guys

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:45:45 GMT

What was it like crossing the equator? Did you do something special?

Will you visit keen spots in Rwanda?

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:44:14 GMT

Whoa, you're in Uganda already, you're really bustling!! Are you planning to go to the genocide museum in Kigale or to the cultural center in Butare when you get to Rwanda? The museums in both of these places are really important for context - Butare's features striking traditional Rwandan art and homesteads. Every single day, I miss every inch and smile of East Africa. Also, did you notice less trash/more order once you crossed the border out of Kenya?!

Safe you go!

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:54:18 GMT

I log in here everyday to check on you guys. And I thank everything that's good that you're all ok! Lots of love from Brazil (wishing your next trip is Long Way Down America, so I can meet you) and be SAFE!!

Not Long Now

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:03:24 GMT

Gday Fellas, Well 2 more short months and I'll be leaving on my 07 GSA on a trip around Australia. 35,000 klm's in 3 months is the plan all off road seeing the places I missed on other trips I have done around Aus in the past in my 4x4. Watching LWR really got the juices flowing and more recently Charley's "Race to Dakar". You blokes know how to have fun and I admire the friendship you two blokes have along with Claudio, Russ and the rest of the teams efforts to make it all work. Looking forward to watching LWD when I return home. I hope you guys have a safe trip and Iron Side Up All the best Tads

fashionista

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:50:27 GMT

Ewan, I think you could be on to something with the shawl - it could add mystery, but might look a bit odd on a bike! Sorry to hear about the offs, but at least you didn't run Claudio over Charley :) There was an American family in a coffee bar in Dublin at the weekend, whose kids could certainly have done with a little of the good nature that so many of the kids you meet have - the words spoilt and brats leap to mind. Still, was able to soothe my nerves after encountering them with a small Guinness :) Lots love, keep safe, and HAVE FUN xxx esp the love god that is Charley Boorman xxx

totally enchanting

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:15:25 GMT

Another enjoyable video. The children arw so shy and sweet. Ewan, you have got to be the most fun and happy person to travel with. I love your shawl idea, and your very British take on colonizing Uganda!!! Did you ever get "goat" for dinner??? I am glad no one got hurt falling off the bikes. Oh, and I love the way you blend in. Bright orange tents!!!! Just blend in!!! Take it easy and keep an eye out for, who knows what. Ride safe and be safe---Char

Dakar vs LWD

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:34:32 GMT

I'm already a fan of LWR and LWD but I've only just read the Race to Dakar. Awesome! barking mad, but awesome. I find a couple of hundred miles on my Bonneville a bit knackering but you guys really have some stamina. I've only done one day of off-roading (not on the Bonnie!) and it was huge fun. I was one of the slowest and had a good 'off' over the handlebars but still fantastic. Completely different from road riding.I recommend all road riders to give it a try. Standing on the pegs, putting your feet down and weight over the front wheel. Good confidence builder for when road surfaces are not so smooth though. I have a question for Charley. Which is more challenging, the intensity and scale of Dakar or the perseverance needed for a long haul like LWD? Best of luck in the days ahead. Mandy

Question...

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 19:50:35 GMT

What's the most interesting or coolest thing someone has given you along this journey?

Also, the Kenya clips were really good! I enjoyed the interaction with the Kenyan's, and jealous of your "Camp Ground"!
Cheers!

Looking goood!

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:41:13 GMT

I was just noticing how slim Charley is looking, very nice!

Great clip!

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 21:11:36 GMT

Loved the clip about how to blend in. Very entertaining! In the immortal words of Marisa Tomei, "Oh yeah, you blend." :-) I really enjoyed the story on the Chris Moyles show about the elephants. I'd love to see something like that. Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us with these updates. Very glad to hear that Claudio is okay after his spill, by the way. All best wishes. Stay safe. Anika xx

Can't believe charley

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:07:14 GMT

In LWR charley hated the thought of camping. He thought baddys would get him. He seems quite keen now. Are you still scared of baddys Charley? Danksy

Claudio von Planta Appreciation Society

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 01:49:06 GMT

The title says it all. Claudio has his own group on Facebook. It's really amazing. So many people (85 to be exact) admire him. The description of the group says "A place for us to praise the outstanding work, and 'goodladmanship' of this great man. Big up the Red Devil." He's not the only one with groups on Facebook. Charley has one group which has 50 members and Ewan has 125 groups. Took me a while to go through all of Ewan's groups. I don't think I finished. Anyway, Claudio, you're an amazing cameraman. Keep up the good work!

You Made My Day

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 03:53:48 GMT

Ewan, Charley, and all on the team, Thanks for the updates! I had a bad day at work and seeing Ewan playing with the kids really made me laugh! I'm sure you are missing your own kids a lot by now. Stay safe, have fun, and I'll keep you in my prayers. Much love, Lisa

Blending in

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 09:15:28 GMT

Gday guys. Guys LWR remember the "yellow tent" stuck out abit. Orange is a good blending in color.Good to see alls well. Stay safe guys. Stay upright.

FOOD

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 10:25:29 GMT

has charley and ewan had to eat any more nuts ! like they did in the longway round? it was funny to see the look on his face when he said about the popping sound.

silent nights

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 22:17:22 GMT

hi everyone hope you are having a nice day i would like to ask ewan how peaceful are the nights and how is the night sky please do not think i have gone mad all i can hear is traffic and gaze upon perminant clouds all my love ellen

Colonise....

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:03:25 GMT

Hi Guys!! Such a funny vid!! lol! That kids are really really adorable... It seems like Charley didn't want to colonise that place for the expression that he shows there hehe... You make me laugh a lot with that great performance and with that old british accent Ewan... Keep fun and enjoying the trip Take Care!! I can't wait for the LWD DVD :P Kisses from here Bye!

Shawl

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:10:53 GMT

I loved your idea of the Shawl by the way :P Question: You still with plans for travel to Southamerica and do the LWU trip after this one?? Do you have any idea of which places here you want to explore?? Kisses Bye!

Thanks a million

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 01:18:56 GMT

Thanks so much for posting these clips they are fun for us armchair adventurers.Have you found any solution for the sweaty feet syndrome you had in LWR (rotting fish in vinegar I beleive you said). What an awesome team you have and your charity work is an inspiration for us to pull up our socks and get out there. Keep riding.

Question of security ?

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:17:32 GMT

Quick question. Do you boys sleep in shifts? Considering the inquisitive nature of the locals have you woken up to anyone having a closer look at your bikes, panniers and the like? Im a heavy sleeper and would be worried that I could wake up with a whole lot missing.

Question for TADS of Australia.

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:20:03 GMT

Tads, you said that in 2 months you are going around Oz. Will you be keeping a diary of any sort? Youtube, facebook,myspace etc. Would be cool to see how you go and keep track of what you get up to.