There are people who cross our lives every day who leave with us a memory of themselves. They may be the petrol attendant who fills your car with a smile, the taxi driver who unexpectedly lets you into the traffic, or even the bored official stamping a necessary form. At the end of a day, we can, if we consciously try, remember everyone with whom we have had contact.
He let me into his story behind his travels. Up and down Africa, through the whole of Europe and well into Russia.
“However, it is not often you meet someone who leaves a very lasting and inspiring impression.”
I met Uwe Schmidt through a friend in Ethiopia who was helping my mother on her drive through Africa. As with most communication these days, my first conversations with Uwe were via FB Messenger. Here he generously shared his advice on how best to travel from Ethiopia, through Sudan, up to Alexandria. His one condition was that I use his information on guides and routes only for my mother and not to share it further. I had no idea where or who he was, only having been told that he travels up and down Africa on his bike, either alone or with groups.
The story behind his travels
I’d met him after that first FB correspondence, but it is only now, writing this piece for #ImStaying that I can happily write about the person Uwe Schmidt. Over numerous cups of coffee – we’re both coffee addicts – he let me into his story behind his travels. Up and down Africa, through the whole of Europe and well into Russia. Always returning to South Africa to draw breath (and visas) before leaving on new adventures on his BMW 1200GSA.
He was born in Okahandja, Namibia, surrounded by the desert riding a motorbike from the age of six. By his own admission, he was a terror at the Convent he went to. Leaving the desert, he came to train as a navy diver and diving instructor in Cape Town. This also gave him the opportunity to follow his other great love which is fishing.
“Life is full of unexpected opportunities which we often would never consider. It was such an opportunity that would set Uwe on a new course.”
Whilst skippering a fishing boat he got chatting to the owner who said, “Come to the island Sao-Tome e Principe and help me build my five-star Bom-Bom Island Resort.” Having looked it up on the map (a speck off the coast of Equatorial West Africa) and being at a loose end after 14 years in the Navy, he said, “Why not?”
Back then it was very different from Mark Shuttleworth’s dreamy island getaway that it is today. Think humidity, equatorial forests, deep red mud and the general discomfort of living on, or near, the Equator. But build it they did, taking two years to finish, by which stage Uwe was ready to return to Hout Bay and build up his tuna fishing business.
For Uwe, you have two choices in life: yes or no, and, whichever you choose, you have to commit to without any doubts. Having completed his “yes” to Bom-Bom, “yes” to building a successful business, it was “no” to status quo, and “yes” to travelling as far as he could on the back of his bike.
Uwe took 13 months travelling up to Cairo.
It made perfect sense to set off through Africa. It proved to be so addictive he ended up doing the trip three times. Always making sure to keep in touch with friends he made along the way (his WhatsApp messages come in every conceivable language). Also, sure to spread his generosity along the way.
His giving heart
But for him, it wasn’t simply the joy of being just him and his bike (sometimes guiding other motorcyclists up at the same time). It was more important to really “see” the people. He has a trail of children he supports throughout Africa, either in orphanages or, memorably, 12 kids he helps to feed daily. He does this by sending money to the local shopkeeper he befriended. Then there is Kiza in Uganda who he sends money to for food and her education. There is a video of her rushing to greet him on one of his annual visits which is heart-warming. The joy on both of their faces as he swings her around can only be described as an “oh life is wonderful” moment.
His ongoing tour
After three years of the same road and his business running smoothly in Cape Town, he set off on his ongoing tour. Unfortunately, it has been interrupted by C-19. Starting in January 2017, he took 13 months winding his way back up to Cairo, spending 4 months travelling through Israel and Jordan before crossing over to Europe, always travelling north to Nordkapp in Norway. Then, the leaves started turning and his Schengen-allotted 90 days in Europe were nearly up. So, he headed into Russia where he spent two months until the daytime temperature of -22 celsius got too much for him. Then came Georgia, and December 2018-February 2019 spent in Turkey.
He set off on his grand tour.
He had had health problems before he left on his grand tour. This meant his having to have an op when he came back to Cape Town to renew his Schengen. That meant seven weeks out of action.
As soon as he was allowed, he flew back to Turkey to collect his bike, heading into the Balkans. Having learned his lesson, he decided to stay south for the winter, riding the Camino de Santiago through Spain, and on to Portugal. And back home to renew his Schengen.
Then lockdown happened which meant Uwe had to stay at home. He has loved this experience with time to just “be”. Taking motorcycle trips into the Cedarberg and catching up with loved ones and friends. Luckily, he has a duplicate bike waiting for him with friends in Portugal, albeit with different stickers, so he hasn’t had to “downsize” to a car.
A true #Stayer
He has tremendous faith and, in his own words, “My country of choice to live, to stay, to be when God calls me (who knows when) is South Africa.”
His life’s meaning is to share what he can, nothing more and nothing less, with those not as fortunate as him. Be that in Africa, Europe or wherever his bike can take him.
He has taught me that #ImStaying does not have to mean that you are physically within our borders. But rather, that your heart and soul are forever in South Africa.
I wish him God speed and may the angels forever be at his side, as he travels the world sharing himself and, by proxy, South Africa with all whom he meets.
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