The most important lesson Karo learnt on her journey is

U B U N T U

Ubuntu is a South African philosophy/spirituality/attitude towards LIFE. There is no word by word translation for Ubuntu, but what it essentially means is “I am because we are. We are all One”.

Karo learnt through experience that everybody is connected with everybody else. Nobody stands alone. We all need each other. We all depend on each other. The achievement of an individual is never the achievement of the individual only. It is a cooperative success.

Yes, Karo has traveled more than 29.000 km on her bicycle and many Beings compliment her for her determination and courage of achieving this result. Many are of the opinion that it’s a BIG accomplishment especially because, so they say, Karo was all alone.

It is true, that it is an achievement, but Karo knows that it is not her achievement alone. It is not her  success because she has never really been alone. Karo only managed to do what she did because so many Beings with a heart of gold selflessly helped her all along her way.

Karo experienced that in a world in which an increasing number of people think that everything is getting more and more dangerous, that crime, war, hate, greed, selfishness are on the climb … in this very world Karo experienced the ultimate opposite and THIS, my dear friends, is the most beautiful lesson Karo learnt on her Journey and it is in fact, THE fact, which keeps her going.

This is a Truth which gives Karo hope and courage for HUMANITY!

In the past two years which Karo spent travelling in South-Eastern Europe and Eastern and Southern Africa countless Beings helped Karo in so many different ways, be it with shelter in an insecure environment or when rain was pouring down, be it with food which was shared in people’s homes or given to her on the road, be it with water or other drinks in the middle of the desert, be it with transport when headwind or wild animals drove Karo to her limits, be it with company after many days of solitude, be it with a simple encouraging word or a lifting smile in the middle of a loooooong uphill …

All those encounters with caring and good-hearted Beings made Karo’s Journey a real achievement. Karo is truly grateful that the universe sent her so many “angels, guardians, heroes and friends”.

THANK YOU, universe and THANK YOU my dear angels, guardians, heroes, old and new friends. I consider myself very lucky that our paths crossed and I look forward to the moment when it happens again … Because you never know! 🙂

The pictures below present the faces of Karo’s angels, guardians, heroes, old and new friends who she met along her journey. Each one of them is a gift to our world.

(tap on the pictures to get more details about each amazing human being)

Hasie and Helmine, a SA couple who live in one of South Africa’s 3 capital cities, Bloemfontein. The two lovely grannies shared their very secure home in a security complex with Karo, pampered her with food and introduced her to the world of rugby, THE sport in SA … 🙂

Amore and Cecile, a Namibian couple who Karo first met on a campsite near Swakopmund. A few weeks later she passed their home and stayed with them for a full week on their farm in the middle of Namibia’s nowhere. Amore and Cecile really shared everything with Karo including their Love. If Karo ever gets married she hopes to be like Amore and Cecile. It was so beautiful to see a couple full of Love, care and affection after such a long time of marriage … 🙂

Fotis became Karo’s best friend in Greece. A man who knows how to live Life to the fullest. Fotis invited Karo to join their olive harvest and paid her with astonishing olive oil and in addition he granted her free access to their orange and satsuma plantation for the rest of her stay. He had no idea that little Karo had such a big appetite … 😉

Donavan and Lorette, a lovely, kind-hearted, religious couple whose mission it is to bring good to the world. Karo found their beautiful home in the middle of the Namibian nothingness and decided to stay with them. Lucky Karo was welcomed with arms wide open and treated like a princess. Best of all Karo enjoyed homemade whole-meal bread and veggies from their own garden. Karo is still puzzled how they manage to grow ANYthing on the barren land of theirs … 🙂

Günther, or “little Buddha” as Karo nick-named this tremendously interesting human being. Günther has a coffee shop in the desert. EXACTLY, nobody would expect a little piece of heaven on that barren land, where Günther decided to make his home after having travelled extensively for 20 years of his life around the world. Without doubt, Günther has been one of the most fascinating humans Karo met on her entire journey. A role model and true inspiration, Karo really loved their sincere conversations about pretty much everything. Lucky enough Karo had the chance to pass by Little Buddha’s place three times. I guess that shows how much Karo adores him … 😉

Deon, lucky Karo fell into his hands on the first day Karo spent in South Africa. Karo asked him for a place to camp and because he thought it was far too dangerous for a lady to camp in the bush, this wonderful, protective and caring father-figure invited Karo to his Luxury Lodge, where she had a long, warm and truly overdue shower and a super comfy king-sized bed … 🙂

Nuno, Pedro and Miguel, what can I say apart from “it’s difficult to find words for them”! The three Portuguese toured in Namibia when they met Karo. Very impressed about her journey they invited her to camp with them and that’s what she did and never regretted although it seemed risky at the beginning 😉 Karo actually didn’t even spend a whole day with them, but they managed to catapult themselves very quickly into Karo’s heart. The three have been so amazingly sweet to her and treated her like a princess. Needless to say that Karo REALLY enjoyed all that attention from those handsome Latinos and besides all that pampering and showering her with compliments it was the FUNNIEST night Karo ever had on her trip. She is really looking forward to visiting them when she is back in Europe! 🙂

Andrew and his family hosted Karo in Tanzania’s capital Dodoma. An university lecturer with a degree in Peace Studies, needless to say that Karo had the best company she could wish for. She absolutely enjoyed their many interesting conversations. Funny enough, Andrew got his degree in Austria, where he spent 2 years for his studies … small world! 🙂

Mama and Baba Albansko, this beautiful couple touched Karo’s soul in so many ways that it’s difficult to describe. From the moment they met in the Albanian highlands there was a deep bond between Karo and her Albanian parents. Although Karo didn’t speak Albanian and they didn’t speak English Karo spent 3 days in Mama and Baba Albansko’s home. They communicated with sign language and sparkling eyes (and they still communicate like that on whatsapp). The couple saved Karo from an approaching thunderstorm which lasted for 2 days. For Karo it was (and still is) an indescribable beautiful experience to feel their true love and care. It is especially heart-warming if you consider that this wonderful people had hardly enough to sustain themselves, but yet they wanted to share everything they had with Karo … One Love! 🙂

Chris, a SA minibus driver, who passed Karo several times with his passengers and always brought her goodies (cookies, chocolate, fruit juice, sodas … you name it!) for her journey. A man with a golden heart! 🙂

Marjan and Matjaz are the best example of Slovenian hospitality. They shared their incredible beautiful wooden and self-made house, their delicious food, their warm company and the company of their absolutely adorable and cute miniature sheep with lucky Karo 😉

Tarek, a young “old” Viennese friend and the best bike mechanic ever! He made Karo’s aluminium horse “Baraka” ready for the trip, sends her spare parts and technical advice when- and whereever Karo needs … Loyal till the end! 🙂

Bryan and Linda, a South African-Namibian couple who live in the most beautiful green oasis Walvis Bay has to offer. Surrounded by an ocean of sand, the Namib desert, nobody would expect a home like theirs, a piece of heaven. Lucky Karo was welcomed in their pretty little cottage and relaxed there for several days having been pampered with delicious food and warm company. Bryan has a big heart for touring cyclists since he as well loves to ride. It was sooooo beautiful to be with them that Karo even went back several times … 🙂

Alwyn and his family opened their doors and arms for Karo when she was cycling along the Garden Route in SA. They stayed in one of the prettiest places Karo has seen on her journey. Sedgefield, a pearl of SA and the whole world. A passionate cyclist as well, Karo spent an extra day with Alwyn who showed her the most scenic places one can only imagine … 🙂

Aisha, Juma’s wife, who hosted Karo in their lovely home in Iringa, Tanzania. A true African superwoman who runs several small businesses, is a loving and caring Mama to her various kids, a loyal wife and even had extra energy to take REALLY good care of Karo … An angel without wings! 🙂

Juli and family, a funny, inquisitive Albanian family who invited Karo for a stop-over in their house. A lovely chat evolved and soon the whole neighbourhood gathered to get to know Karo and her bike … 🙂

Jandre, a very energetic do-er and man for everything. He hosted Karo in his flat in Swakopmund, Namibia and tought her a lot of interesting facts about Uranium mining … 🙂

Andre and Yvonne, another SA couple who treated Karo like a princess. Since they lived in an incredible beautiful part of SA, Karo stayed for a few days to do some hiking in the nearby mountains. Andre and Yvonne are another example of how amazing marriage can be. Karo always enjoyed watching them holding hands and sharing a kiss before starting their meal … 🙂

Rob, Hanlie, Sean and Justin, a party-loving, forever young and super charming Cape Town based family, who opened their door and hearts for little Karo. Rob and his boyz are actually keen motorcyclists always ready for an adventure, but all travellers are more or less the same and so they showed big sympathy with Karo and her unmotorized two-wheeler … 🙂

John, a Rwandan truck driver who transports petrol from Dar es Salaam to Kigali. John and Karo became friends in a little restaurant where they both had a break from the long journey. They met several times since John and his 12 wheels are a little quicker than Karo’s 2 wheels. Amazingly enough John always made sure to bring Karo a huge load of fruits when he passed her again and again and again … 🙂

Ibrahim and Maria, among the first people Karo came across in Mozambique and they immediately catapulted themselves into Karo’s little but spacious heart. They did not just host and feed Karo, they made her feel like their own daughter. Maria would do almost everything to ensure Karo’s wellbeing (that she proved especially when she waited 5 hours at the airport to receive her delayed and beloved daughter with arms wide open). Karo doesn’t have a word to say, because she is still speechless, touched by their enormous kindness … 🙂

Maartin and Marise, newly weds who invited Karo to their home in Hermanus, which is amongst the most beautiful places Karo has ever been. Maartin is a keen cyclist as well and Karo hopes that next time they meet, Maartin joins her for a while … 🙂

Father Edison and Father Benedict, two Tanzania priests who obviously practice what they preach. When Karo knocked on their door they immediately helped her with giving her shelter and delicious, authentic Swahili food … 🙂

Srjan and Helen, a Bosnian-Swiss couple, shared their little piece of paradise – their self-made home and permaculture garden – with lucky Karo! It was such an amazing place that Karo spent a whole week with them 🙂

Dewald, Karen and kids, the lovely family opened their doors for Karo and made her experience true South African hospitality. A hobby pecanut farmer, Dewald gifted Karo with a huuuuuge bag of Pecanuts … mmmmhhhh! 🙂

Lucet, Werner, Gerardt, Tenile and Danique, Karo met this outstandingly beautiful family – inside and outside – in the South of Mozambique where they spent their holiday. They were so amazed with Karo’s story that they immediately had a liking for Karo and decided to include her in their family. Karo met them several times during her stay in Xai-Xai and this time was surely long enough to make them stay forever in her little sheep-heart. Karo is looking forward to visiting them in their home in Pretoria one day and to learn more about being a happy and harmonious family. 🙂

Gil, an Israeli traveller, whose path crossed with Karo’s in the Namibian desert. Gil was probably one of the most interesting men Karo had met in her lifetime. Most likely that’s why she followed his invitation of joining him on a “river bank safari” with his 4×4. Gil and Karo spent a few days together in which not many words have been spoken, but a lot has been said … 🙂

Erlet and his mum hosted Karo in Albania’s South. It was a very exciting stay since Karo experienced her first earthquake in that very night. Funny enough she woke up and saw the lights and a few other things shaking but didn’t realize at all it was coming from underneath the Earth’s surface … 🙂

Lucky, a South African lorry driver, was basically the first face Karo saw when she entered Botswana. He was so amazed about tiny Karo and her cycling story that he handed her a chocolate bar from his driver’s cabin to make sure Karo had plenty of energy for the next hours … 🙂

Chorlize and Owen, a kind-hearted, down-to-Earth South African farmer couple who shared their home and love with Karo. Since it was Karo’s 2nd day in South Africa they told her very interesting facts about the country, its political situation and introduced her to an amazing lot of SA delicacies. Mouthwatering when Karo thinks back at Chorlize’s yummy rusks, roiboos tea with fresh farm milk and ruisterkoek … mhhhhh! 🙂

Thea and Johnnie, an SA farmer couple had pity with Karo when she knocked on their door on a cold SA winter night. Another amazing experience of SA hospitality. It turned out they had a huuuuge sheep farm. No wonder, that Karo felt sooo well! 🙂

George and family, Karo met George many years ago when he was on a bicycle and Karo wasn’t, now things have changed. He was actually pushing his bicycle filled with 5 big water canisters (a total weight of 100 kgs) up a hill, when they first met. That was his job and he earned roughly ONE euro per day, but George kept pushing. Since that random encounter Karo and George have been good friends and since then a lot of things have changed. George is not pushing bicycles any longer, but is a very successful employee, farmer and father. Karo is always amazed about George’s positive spirit and enormous ambition. It was one of her highlights to see him again THRIVING in his small Ugandan village after so many years … 🙂

Heni, this Namibian cattle farmer was full of energy and interesting life stories which he happily shared with Karo. And not only that, he also shared his humble home and tasty farm food. Originally Karo just wanted to ask for water, but after a lively, enjoyable chat Karo realized this man appreciates her company and so she stayed for a day … 🙂

Simi, another human being whose name is decorating Karo’s friendsheep list since very long time. He is probably one of the smartest and cutest entrepreneurs Tanzania has to offer. He shared his house, time and delicious coconut biased Swahili food with lucky Karo and best of ALL he is a passionate cyclist currently trying to make biking more attractive to Tanzanians. For the majority bikes are for poor people only … Certainly time to change that perspective! 🙂

Anthony, one the most humble beings Karo ever came across. Anthony and Karo have known each other for a few years and Karo’s cycling plans in Tanzania provided a chance to meet again and to do, what they always love to do together: philosophizing 🙂

Manu and Michi, Karo’s number 1 couple. Super smart, extremely down-to-earth, humble and with two hearts of something which is much more precious than gold. The two have been hosting Karo several times in their lovely, homie flat in Vienna and each time felt like heaven on Earth. Karo can’t wait to see them again since they always always always have such good quality time together … 🙂

Giovanni and his family are probably a bit scary at first sight, but Karo experienced their kind heart. Nevertheless it was probably the oddest place Karo spent a night so far. A house full of cigarette smoke and very unhealthy diet: chocolate, cake and cigarettes for breakfast, 10 different kinds of sausages and sheep head for breakfast! At least, it wasn’t Karo’s head … 🙂

This lovely Mozambican ladies invited Karo in their humble home, when a very exhausted and sweaty Karo knocked on their gate. First very shy and almost a bit scared of Karo they soon lost their timidity and overwhelmed her with fresh fruits from their garden and lots of attention. Since none of them spoke English and Karo didn’t know a word of Portuguese, they communicated in sign language which made the whole stay even more touching and amusing. Surely, Karo will never forget their kind hearts and warm smiles … 🙂

Hellen, one of Tanzania’s superwomen. Raising her beloved first daughter without any help from the father and just having lost her second child, Hellen embraces life and smiles to her fate. “God has greater plans” she says with sparkling eyes. Although she doesn’t have much, she insisted to share her evening meal with Karo and Karo had nothing to say because she is still speechless from the power of that women!

Juma, a warm-hearted Tanzanian who welcomed Karo not just into his home, but to be part of his family. Born and raised in Iringa he gave Karo an adventurous ride on his motorbike to discover his town/village. He really tried to convince Karo to stay forever … 😉

Mathias, another Amercian Peace Corps Volunteer who hosted Karo in Botswana. Mathias’ place was a retreat for Karo. Finally she could dry herself and all her belongings after having been soaked on end in Botswanas delayed rain season … 🙂

Josh, another American Peace Corps Volunteer who shared his humble home with Karo. Karo never thought that she would meet so many welcoming and kind-hearted Americans in the African bush. What a pleasant surprise! 🙂

Kevin and Karo know each other from Vienna. Lucky enough when Karo cycled through Kenya she found Kevin at home. Kevin and his beautiful family showed Karo the true meaning of Kenyan hospitality. Karo loved it so much that she spent a whole week with them in which she probably gained 2 kilos. Plenty of fruits were in season and the ladies of the house cooked the most delicious Kenyan dishes. 🙂

John and family, a British missionary who found his love and new home in a tiny town in Botswana. He is married to an amazing lady and was gifted with two beautiful girls who make his life super exciting. Karo was invited to stay with them for as long as she wanted. She even got her own little mud-hut for sleeping … 🙂

This lovely family welcomed Karo in their home, where she found shelter from pouring rain. Again because of language barriers (lazy Karo never put an effort in learning Afrikaans) few words have been spoken, but their care and hospitality was aproofed in real matter … 🙂

Knowledge, a Zimbabwean truck driver who gave Karo a lift through North-Eastern Botswana and therefore saved Karo from being trampled down by elephants or being eaten by lions (at least locals said this would happen to her if she is not getting a lift). Knowledge turned out to be the absolute gentleman and treated Karo like a princess … 🙂

Trevor, British citizen but living in the Greek mountains and that’s where Karo found him. He gave Karo food, shelter and very warm company. An outstanding man in his 70s. He just completed a cycling tour from Greece to Norway and back and is therefore the best, living example that it is never too late to live your dreams. If Karo would have a hat, she would take it off in his honour … 🙂

Lina and Leonie, the two lovely, energetic and happy German girls hosted Karo during their internship in Mbeya, Tanzania. Together with their many white and black friends they made Karo feel very welcome in their humble home, which was a center for disabled youngsters … Impressive work they did!

This lovely Dutch couple helped Karo in the middle of the Namibian desert with water and a snapshot of their map (to see how far it was to the next availability for water)

Elfie, “you look interesting and I want you to stay in my treehouse” were the first words Elfie directed to Karo when she stopped her alongside the road. It was a good decision that Karo said yes. Elfie turned out to be a SUPERHOST (and YES, she really had a treehouse and it was so AWESOME) who showed Karo everything in and around St. Lucia, a marvellous hidden gem on the coast of SA. A place, where Karo couldn’t walk outside at night because hippos were roaming the streets and grazing on the lawn of St. Lucia’s inhabitants … 🙂

Faraja found Karo sitting under a tree, breathless after having climbed a big hill. She insisted on taking the sweat-drenched Being to her home where Karo could rest peacefully. It was so peaceful that Karo spent the rest of the day and night in that humbly, cosy home. Again and again Tanzanian hospitality touched Karo deeply. 🙂

Daka, Nils and Lijena; Daka, Karo’s Bosnian soulmate and male version of herself (the one in the middle) hosted Karo for several days in his flat in Banja Luka. An incredible interesting man who dedicates most of his precious lifetime in making this world a better place. He founded an organization dealing with environment and development issues in and around Bosnia AND as if that wouldn’t already be enough, he started several community projects in and around his city … a true inspiration! 🙂 Nils and Lijena, a Ukrainian long term traveller couple. Karo met them first in Bosnia and later on in Montenegro. The two have left the Ukraine many years ago and are searching for a new home somewhere on this beautiful planet. Karo tremendously enjoyed spending time with this beautiful couple. Karo was fascinated about their perspective of Life and their outstanding integrity … GOOD LUCK on your quest! 🙂

Darius, Karo’s Ugandan sunshine. The two know each other for a couple of years and Karo’s Uganda cycling expedition offered a chance to FINALLY meet again. Darius welcomed Karo in his lovely, simple home in his village close to the Congo border, a beautiful piece of land with many mountains. Here Karo had the chance to meet Darius’ new wife and newly born baby girl. A true delight to enjoy some authentic village Life with them … 🙂

Chris and Beany, a dream team Karo was blissed to cross path with. When Chris and Karo met the first time, nobody knew that a very very big friendsheep was on the go. A few months later Karo was back and stayed with Chris for two full months in his lovely house in Durbanville, Cape Town. His tremendously BIG heart and warm personality made it very easy for Karo to stay and feel home and truly after two years of travelling and constantly being on the move, Karo felt HOME again. Karo would need to write a whole book about Chris’ “AMAZINGNESS”, but to keep it short: Chris is one of the biggest gifts the universe has sent to Karo and she is truly grateful for that! 🙂

Salum, the rapping immigration officer with the sweetest smile ever. Usually Karo doesn’t like men in uniforms, but Salum proofed her prejudice wrong. He offered Karo not only shelter and food, but also a long lasting friendsheep … 🙂

Lugobard, a Tanzanian truck driver who gave Karo a lift in northern Zambia. The humble and charismatic Lugobard always referred to Karo as “his daughter” and treated her with tender care and respect … 🙂

Shakti, another American Peace Corps volunteer who shared her little home with Karo. This pretty young lady welcomed Karo with arms wide open and pampered Karo with yummy Indian cuisine … 🙂

This 3 gentlemen actually belong to a group of 6, but Karo unfortunately only remembers the name of one, Shahid. The six guys were biking (motorbikes) from Uganda to Tanzania and passed Karo somewhere in hilly Kenya and invited her for a little break. Karo had so much fun with them that she decided to spend the rest of the day with them and got a lift in their backup-car … 🙂

Elke and Api, actually Karo just wanted to refill her water bottles, but after a long, comfy chat in their kitchen, they all agreed Karo should unpack her bike and relax her tired legs in their guestroom and that’s what she did. Yet another example of Namibian hospitality … 🙂

Maghrieta, the water angel! The first time Karo met Maghrieta was when she desperately searched for a place where she could refill her water bottles. Amen to that! But fate made happen that they met again a few months later and this time Karo spent a whole day with Maghrieta and her lovely family. 🙂

Orhan, one of the most beautiful souls in the whole of Bosnia-Hercegovina. He is the proud owner of a pretty hostel in Konjic, but did not accept any money from Karo. Orhan and Karo spent several days together, in which Orhan treated Karo like a goddess (no exaggeration). He also organized a full river rafting day with her which Karo enjoyed to the fullest. Karo can’t wait to welcome Orhan to her home one day to give back something of the incredible kindness she got from him. 🙂

Steffen, a wonderful, charming, super interesting, adventurous young German, who worked in the only electricity plant Botswana has and that’s where Steffen and Karo met. “Bist du aus Österreich?” a young man asked from a passing car while Karo was pushing her bike through the hectic little town of Palapye. Karo was puzzled and amazed, her pink “Manner” sweat ribbon had unlocked her identity. Steffen invited Karo to stay with him for as long as she wanted and that is exactly what she did. Karo hopes that this was not the last time she crossed path with Steffen and to make it easier she will of course always wear her pink “Manner” sweat ribbon when she is cycling. 😉

Paula, Brett, Aiden and Gina, Capetonians who Karo met in Mozambique. They found a pretty exhausted Karo in the lobby of a backpackers and couldn’t help inviting her to their holiday home, a marvellous little piece of heaven on top of a hill overlooking Xai-Xai beach. The four have been such amazing company and their home felt so “home” that Karo stayed a few days. One of the best and warm families South Africa has to offer and a “must see them again” when Karo is back on the Cape … 🙂

Emmy, THE American Peace Corps Volunteer who transformed Karo’s Botswana expedition into a piece of cake. A passionate traveller, down-to-earth human being with a beautiful sparkling soul. She has definitively been the most interesting and wise YOUNG woman Karo came across on her entire trip. Emmy set Karo up with all her friends and peers scattered in Bots, who ALL helped Karo with a roof over her head, a full tummy and company … 🙂

Hellen, a smart, super friendly and very smiley Ugandan superwoman. Hellen welcomed Karo with arms wide open into her flat, which basically was a small room with a big mattress in it. Happily she shared this very mattress with lucky Karo. 🙂

Nedzad has – without doubt – the most beautiful deep blue eyes of the whole of Bosnia-Hercegovina, but that’s not all … His beautiful eyes reflect his beautiful soul … He passed Karo with his car and gave her a big bag of figs from his garden and later invited her to an outstanding proper “Bosnian” dinner! 🙂

Mikel, very challenging to describe this adorable young fellow. A typical, untypical Albanian gentleman with a tendency to machoism, but in a cute way. He is quite like his favourite fruit – a walnut – very hard on the outside, but incredible soft and sweet in the inside. Karo managed to spent a whole week with him helping him out in his hostel, having lots of fun, watching the stars and drinking lots of homemade raki (yes, Karo was still drinking by then) … 😉

Herman, a South African business man, who Karo met in Botswana. They shared only a few words, but Herman’s sincere compliments really empowered Karo. 🙂

This adorable Danish couple was touring Namibia in their 4×4 when they met Karo when she was struggling on a sandy road and had pity with her. They filled up her water bottles and gave her a package of chocolate cookies and plenty of compliments. Certainly after that Karo was fully charged again, full with sugar and plenty motivation! 😉

Colden, an American peace corps volunteer stationed in Serowe, the royal capital of Botswana. Like so many other PC volunteers in Botswana, Colden shared his humble home with Karo and even let her sleep in his comfy bed. Karo is still fascinated by his outstanding cooking skills (she will never forget his Al Fredo Pasta), his finger-shoes and his lovely personality. Karo is really looking forward to visit Colden someday in his wood-cabin in the middle of nowhere in North America. 🙂

Gavin and Nicky, a South African couple who decided to leave South Africa and settle in the middle of Botswana’s nowhere with elephants being their only neighbours and who regularly visit their farm and steel seeds from their acacia trees in front of their house. The nature loving couple and their nine dogs welcomed Karo warmly to their beautiful home … 🙂

Bessy and Ioannis, Karo’s Greek parents, treated Karo like their daughter. It is hard to describe how adorable, lovely and warm-hearted their beautiful souls are. They hosted Karo in their summer house as well as in Athens, where they even spent Xmas together. Ioannis, Karo’s Greek father, almost passed out when he heard about Karo’s plans of continuing cycling in Africa. He heavily protested and Karo so loves him for that, but as we know, she has her on head and so she went without his permission 😉 Bessy and Ioannis have been so incredibly good to Karo that she hopes that one day she can give it all back when they come to visit her in Austria 🙂

Hillary and Joseph, two Kenyan marathon runners, who hosted Karo in their little aluminium shack. It was an amazingly interesting experience for Karo to see the very place, where most of Kenya’s top Marathon athletes are doing their training. Hillary and Joseph possess hardly anything, but their running shoes and an enormous will power and determination … BIG Woooow! 🙂

Kresimir did not just share his flat in Kutina, where he nursed and pampered a sicklish Karo back to normal, but he also shared his amazing holiday home on the coast, his yummy food and funny stories … a true Croatian delight with superpowers (he runs ultra marathons!) and has a weakness for Nutella (probably that’s where he gets the superpowers from)! 😉

Adelina’s family, the warmest hosts in the entire Kosovo. The father of the house found Karo sitting in the park thinking of where to spend the night. Knowing German, but mute (he lost his voice due to trachean cancer) he wrote on a piece of paper that Karo is very welcome to spend the night with him and his family. Karo was treated like a princess and discovered that authentic Kosovarian food is amongst the best cuisines in the world … 🙂

Justus, a secondary school teacher and one of Tanzania’s biggest assets. Justus and Karo know each other from their studies in Dar es Salaam university, but Karo’s cycling expedition brought them finally together again. The super smart, very charming, extraodinarily passionate and highly energetic teacher reminds Karo very much of Tanzania’s first president Julius Kambarage Nyerere, “Mwalimu” (Teacher and Father of the Nation), one of Karo’s big role models and a synonym of integrity. Without doubt, Justus is following his footsteps … GOOD LUCK! 🙂

Wilmari’s family invited Kari and Karo for an exceptional Christmas breakfast the day after Wilmari and her brothers found Kari and Karo in their fields. They had pitched their tent on their farm land. The two were lucky, instead of being angry with the two squatters the family invited them to stay in their house. They even took them on a game drive to see their various antelopes and giraffes. The best Christmas gift EVER!

Carl, Johalet and their lovely daughters; ladies and gentlemen may I present South Africa’s most beautiful family … from the inside and outside! I mean, look at them! Without exaggeration EVERYTHING about this family was (and still is) PERFECT and so was the little time Karo spent with them. A few shared moments together, but forever in Karo’s heart. She really hopes to see them again one day! 🙂

Gerald and Gerhard, two German tourists and Karo’s Guardian Angels. They passed Karo in the right moment, just after she had been attacked by an ill-tempered and very mean Oryx bull. Since it happened in the middle of Namibia’s nothingness Karo was really lucky that they found and saved her from further harm … Danke, ihr zwei Helden! 🙂

Leo, one of the best attractions Graz has to offer … His brown teddy-eyes are the mirror to his warm-hearted teddy-soul … And he bakes the best sour dough bread you can imagine!!! Mmmmhhhh! 🙂

Karo’s Mum and Dad, difficult to find words for their amazingness. Probably the most tolerant, caring and loving parents one can wish for. Although they don’t really understand why Karo is doing what she is doing, they fully support her decision. “As long as you are happy, we are happy as well” that’s what they say and Karo says “THANK YOU” for their respect and trust. They already came to visit her twice to see if their only daughter is really as happy as she tells them. Karo is truly gifted that she has been created by this two beautiful souls … 🙂

Johnny and Jenny have a biiiiiiig cow-milk farm along the Garden Route in South Africa, one of the most scenic places our beautiful world has to offer. Karo was welcomed in their homie home as if she was a family member. A paradise for humans and animals and Karo had the chance to bottle-feed a bunch of super cute calves … Hilarious! 🙂

Errington, a passionate father and keen nature conservationist. He probably knows every single bird by its name and has an egg shell collection that would make every birder terribly jealous. Karo and Errington actually met in Uganda, where they had a brief conversation. When he heard that Karo was on her way to SA, he got really excited since it turned out to be his home. “If you ever make it to SA please pass by my place, a hunting Lodge in Queenstown, you can stay there as long as you want and give your legs a little break” is what he said. He never thought that 10 weeks later Karo’s little legs pedalled her in front of his doorstep. Needless to say he kept his promise. More then that, Karo and Errington became very close friends and she really enjoyed his and his entire family’s company … 🙂

Caroline, Karo’s Namibian mother, a world citizen: born in Syria, British nationality, married to a German, living most of her life in Namibia … actually a whole book should be written about this outstanding woman, who’s heart is bigger than a humpback whale. Caroline and Karo shared so much quality time together that Karo was really sad, when she had to say GOODBYE to her Namibian mother. But Karo is optimistic, she knows the universe will bring them together one day. Until then, KEEP YOUR SHINING SPIRIT! 🙂

Marius, the man with the most fascinating turquoise eyes Karo had ever seen, but that was not all that was fascinating about this man who hosted Karo in his garden cottage. Having lived as an security guard in Irak and Afghanistan, worked as a diamond diver on the South African West coast and having tramped for 6 years in barren Namibia this man has probably been through more adventures than one can imagine. Karo tremendously enjoyed the company of this wise, passionate, open-hearted and super intelligent human being … 🙂

Cole, an extraordinarily beautiful soul. He is probably the best swim coach on the entire planet and has won Karo’s heart immediately with his smiley face. Cole helped Karo to improve her swimming style in Cape Town and made her fit like a fish. Besides that he is one of the few men who managed to really push Karo to her limits! 😉 Well done, Cole, because “if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you!” The two became very close friends and Karo really hopes to cross paths with him again one day! 🙂

Kari, a very beautiful soul, who Karo knows from her pre-cycling life. Besides Karo’s parents, Kari has been the only one who regularly visited Karo on her cycling expedition. Kari and Karo love each other very much, but their role in each other’s life is still to be defined. Regardless of that, Karo is very very grateful that she had met this wonderful man. He demonstrated his loyalty, LOVE and care more then once in his several trips to visit Karo … 🙂

and more Heroeeeeeeeeees 🙂 🙂 🙂

Marie and Flora, Karo found those two angels in Chimala, a small village in the Tanzanian highlands close to Malawi. “Who needs husbands if the only thing they do, is pulling you back?” they say and took their lifes in their own hands. Karo fully understands and is still amazed about the two female fighters and power-women. Karo was invited to Flora’s Home for dinner and breakfast. Karo will never forget, not just the two enlightened souls, but also the delicious homemade whole-wheat bread she found on the breakfast table 🙂

Carlos and Grethel, WHO would think that the sleepy Mozambican town of Morrumbene is full of Italians? And WHO would think that they are so amazing? Once again Karo was at the right place at the right time … Pasta, Parmesan, Espresso AND most importantly a house FULL of sparkling Italian spirit. Karo still vividly recalls her good time with the beautiful a couple and their adorable, funny friends who opened their hearts and minds for the exhausted Austrian. Karo hopes that it was not the last time she had crossed passed with them, but next time, she hopes, they will meet on another beautiful corner of this beautiful world …

Goodie, Karo met this wonderful soul in a small village in the Malawian highlands. A very exhausted Karo knocked on her gate looking for a place to stay. Karo had no idea that Goodie would turn out to be an angel with a very interesting past. This young spirit in an 82 year old body had been living in Germany for 45 years, but decided to go back to her Malawian roots. Goodie has been a nurse her whole life long and is trying to revolutionize Malawian health care with her knowledge from abroad. She is an “in-between” child. While she has always been “Malawian” in Germany, she is now called the “German” in her own village. At 82 she is dreaming of her own dispensary in the middle of the Malawian bush. Karo is still amazed, not just about Goodie’s extreme hospitality, but her sparkling spirit and immense integrity! Goodie really deserves her name since it expresses EXACTLY her GOODNESS …

Beni, probably the friendliest petrol station manager Mozambique has to offer. Whoever passes through the sleepy town of Unguana, he or she should have at least one word with this amazing human being. Karo actually just asked Beni for drinking water, but what she got was this: his room with mosquito net, a place to wash her smelly bones, charming and respectful company, a new friend AND – of course – drinking water …

Fatma and her lovely family made Karo’s stay in Mafinga, Tanzania’s timber capital, unforgettable. Karo and Fatma already knew each other since Karo passed at their restaurant on her way TO the Cape. Now she was coming FROM the Cape and she stopped in Fatma’s little oasis again, but this time Fatma, Karo’s Arab sister, didn’t allow Karo to continue her journey. A made princess bed was already waiting for the tired cyclist and so she didn’t dare to insist. Karo should not regret. In the middle of Tanzania’s coldest timber growing highland town, a cosy home was waiting for her with hot SHOWER (yes, a REAL shower …), a magical fireplace, a fluffy blanket and warm people. Needless to say that Karo can’t wait to be back …

Anthony and Esther, Karo’s Tanzanian brother and good friend and his beautiful wife, whom he married just a few months back. Karo unfortunately missed their wedding in May 2018 but she promised to bring her blessings once she is back in Dar and that’s what Karo did. Karo has been welcomed in the home of the happy newly wedds and enjoyed as usual their beautiful company, humble hearts and delicious treats …

Stella and kids, this beautiful soul and secondary teacher welcomed Karo in her humble home. Stella offered Karo a place to sleep, to wash herself and she even shared the little food they had with the two-wheeled traveler. Karo knocked on the gate of the secondary school asking for a place to pitch her tent. Luckily, the headmaster, as well as the rest of the teachers were quickly convinced of Karo’s harmlessness and opened their gate as well as hearts …

Kamir, this wonderful young man found Karo pedaling on the streets of Tete, a Mozambican mining town. A cyclist himself, he had pity with the sweat-drenched Being and he immediately knew what Karo needed. Kamir guided Karo to a pretty little resort on the outskirt of Tete and on the shore of the almighty Zambezi river. The owner of the place was Kamir’s good friend. A room was quickly organized and Karo was welcomed to stay for as long as she wanted and that’s what Karo did. Tete was hot – 42 degrees – and the room, the two angels provided for her even had air condition … You can imagine, HOW Karo felt! That day an extremely exhausted Karo bowed in awe of the immense kindness of the universe …

Lucy, this beautiful soul and talented singer Karo met in a small supermarket in Vilanculos – a Mozambican town on the coast. Noticing the loaded bike of the strange girl he got curious. That day, Karo was blessed with bliss. Lucy was so impressed and excited about Karo’s adventures that he promised to organize for her a place to stay. And that’s what he did. Lucy introduced Karo to another angel …

Ino and his lovely family hosted Karo when she passed through the pretty, mountainous town of Iringa a second time. Not just did they pamper Karo with delicious Tanzanian food, warm water to wash and electricity to charge her phone, they also insisted that Karo sleeps in the only bed of the family …

Emmett, difficult to find words for this amazing spirit. Emmett is Mozambican, but through his veins flows blood of several continents. Emmett and Karo met in Catandica, a sleepy town in Northern Mozambique. They accidentally ran into each other in a small hotel and once his sparkling eyes met Karo’s, they HAD to get to know each other. Emmett turned out to be really interesting and Karo joined him for the rest of the day. He owns a small company selling solar lights and batteries to Mozambican villages in the middle of nowhere …

Armando and his family, difficult to describe this stunning young man (in green shirt) and his amazing family. Karo met Armando at the beach in Tofo (Mozambique), where Karo spent one month. During his holiday he is helping his uncle selling island trips to tourists and that’s HOW they met. Karo wasn’t interested in an island trip, but she liked Armando and after having learnt that he is a keen cyclist as well, Karo gave him one of her Mondial touring tyres which made him extremely happy. An invitation to his home followed and that made Karo extremely happy! 🙂 Now, Armando and Karo are very good friends and Karo is happy that she became official member of this lovely Mozambican family …

Kari … Again this beautiful soul and loyal friend once again sacrificed his precious holiday to met little Karo in Tanzania. Karo is grateful for the time they shared with each other and she is looking forward to their next adventures, WHERE- and WHENever that may be …

Vivi and Dimitri, those two outstanding humans Karo should have introduced earlier but she only received their pictures recently. Better late than never … but Karo knows the two HAVE to be mentioned in her hero list because that is exactly what they are. Dimitri found Karo in his Greek village and immediately brought her to his home. Karo spent and amazing evening with the two siblings who actually live in Switzerland and just came to Greece for their holiday. They did not just share their beautiful home with Karo, but also took her out to the most amazing restaurant. If there is something like a culinary god, this would be the best place to worship him or her …

Chicco, this awesome Malawian is not just the best barman ever, he is also an outstanding, super friendly, exceptionally wonderful human being. Since Karo spent almost a week at Malambe backpackers at Cape Mclear, where Chicco is working, the two spent really a lot of time together and became close friends …

This beautiful German travelers Karo met on a campsite at Nkhotakotha Bay, Lake Malawi. Karo really enjoyed their company, their informative and funny anecdotes and a really delicious, properly brewed coffee. The two have been touring Southern Africa extensively in their self-made 4×4 caravan which is actually a Landcruiser and Karo is very grateful for the time they shared together …

Frank and this beautiful lady who’s name Karo unfortunately forgot organized Karo a roof over her head when she arrived tired and exhausted in the Malawian sugar capital “Dwangwa”. Frank found Karo sitting outside the gate of the house where he is working. Feeling pity with the sweat-drenched being he offered to talk to his boss to organize a roof over Karo’s head. And that’s what he did. The owner of the house, a fairly rich manager of the Malawian sugar plant – whom Karo only briefly met – allowed Karo to rest her bones in his house and that’s what she did. A fascinating experience … Zikomo mwambili!

Ricardo and Aline, this gorgeous, funny, colorful and fascinating Colombian-Brazilian couple were Karo’s AirBnB hosts in Tofo BUT it would be unfair to “just” classify them as Karo’s AirBnB hosts. Karo so much enjoyed their company and traveler spirit and already included them in her list of really good friends and humans she definitely hopes to cross path with again (some day). Karo had an amazing month in their home, enjoyed great conversations, lovely meals and adventures and she also learnt a lot from them. Karo learnt a lot about South America. She learnt that it is possible to find a partner who shares similar traveling dreams, life expectations and that it is really beautiful, but also very challenging to travel as a couple. And Karo also learnt (that is probably the most important lesson of all) that she will never ever (regardless HOW broke she is) work as a English teacher for Chinese pre-school kids unless she wants to end up like a complete nutcase …

Asier, another Spanish cycling from Cairo to the Cape. Asier and Karo met on a campsite in Mzuzu, the 3rd biggest city of Malawi. The two were very pleased of having found each other since it doesn’t happen to find a two-wheeled traveler on African roads. Since Asier came from where Karo is going and Karo came from where Asier is heading to, the two had to share a lot of information. Karo really enjoyed Asier’s friendly company and stories from past adventures. Karo wishes him a SAFE RIDE and hopes he will never ever again get arrested again because people think he is a terrorist … Karo wonders HOW anybody can even think of that? 😉

Judith, Peter and their little blond angel who was already sleeping when Karo took the pic, Karo met this happy, sparkling Swiss family on a Malambe campsite at Cape McClear, Malawi. They were such a friendly and lovely family that Karo simply had to spend time with them. They not just shared a lot of time with Karo, but also plenty of cookies and coffee. What a treat and Karo is looking forward to meeting them again in their home in Switzerland … and she will! 🙂

Blanca … Karo couldn’t believe her eyes when she met Blanca on a rainy day somewhere in Malawi. Karo first thought it was an illusion, but NO, Blanca was real. Blanca is a Spanish cyclist on her way to Cape Town and she is all by herself and therefore the first solo female cyclist Karo met on the road. She always knew there are more and she always knew, one day she would meet one. Unfortunately, Karo and Blanca were going in different directions, but they were both so incredibly happy that they met another solo female traveler cycling through Africa. It was only a short time they shared together, but their spirits were skyrocketing … FARE WELL and SAFE RIDE sparkling woman.

Hussein … this man is hard to describe and Karo seriously has to think deep to find the right words for him. As you may have noticed he has the face of a Buddha and although he is a Muslim, Karo still thinks that it is the best to describe him as “little Buddha”. This man has a heart of gold and Karo is so grateful that she crossed path with this sparkling soul who is originally from Pakistan, but leaves in Zobue, a small Mozambican village on the border to Malawi. He invited Karo to stay in his guesthouse, overwhelmed her with delicious homemade food, invited her to stay for as long as she wanted (even FOREVER would be fine with him, he said) and of course did not want ANYTHING in return. Karo really really really hopes that it was not the last time she crossed path with this enlightened soul … Inshallah!!!

Seba, Karo’s 2nd angel of Vilanculos and good friend of Lucy. Seba is the proud owner of Tropical bar and did not hesitate to welcome Karo at his place where she camped for several days. But that was not enough, apart from allowing her to camp for AS LONG as she wanted, he made sure his whole team was pampering Karo like a princess. Karo really loved the spirit of the place and all its people …

Phyllis and family, Karo was lucky that the universe guided her to Phyllis home during the first night Karo was spending the night in Malawi. What a beautiful, warm introduction to a beautiful, warm country! Karo knocked at Phyllis door one evening asking to pitch her tent on her compound. Phyllis refused and offered her room instead. Karo will never forget the funny evening that followed and she is looking forward to seeing her Malawian sister again, one day in future …

Unfortunately because of various reasons (some good and some very silly) Karo did not take pictures of all of her heroes and she deeply apologizes for the ones who are not presented in the album. Although she doesn’t have a picture of you, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a memory of the time shared together and she will certainly guard this memory like the pupil of her eye and keep it alive – FOREVER!

Thanks! Danke! Hvala! Faleminderit! Epharisto! Asante! Webale njo! Webale munonga! Nadotela! Kealeboga! Dankie! Okuhepa! Siyabonga! Ngiyabonga! Obrigada! Nhibonguilé! Kanimambo! Zikomo! Merci! Gracias! Spasiba! Tak! Kiitos!