I will be entering South Sudan later this evening via Uganda border town Bibia and town Nimule on South Sudan side. The country recently gained independence on a historic day for the South Sudanese, 9th July 2011, becoming the 193rd country recognised by the UN. With a population of just over 9 million and new powers, the country is still boiling with rowdy crowds so I have been advised by many people to enter the country via a public transport instead of cycling up the 300 kilometres journey up. Despite their advice, I have decided to journey the entire distance and enter South Sudan using my bike.

People have warned me of gangsters surrounding their target and asking for money. If cash is not given, they will not hesitate to kill the poor soul and leave him or her lying in the streets. As fearful and barbaric as it may sounds, I always enter a country with a bright optimistic self though I will be sure to carry some cash with me in case I do encounter the gun wielding hooligans.

I have taken the route from Kampala to Luwero, to Nakasongola and visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the famous Kamura falls before my last stop in Uganda, a small and neat town of Gulu. As I have left behind most of my bags and cycling gears at a friend’s house in Uganda, cycling from one point to another has been a lot easier. Travelling light is something I have not done in more than 4 years and it has been a pleasure ride. It will take me another day or two to reach the capital city Juba.

I plan to celebrate Christmas in Juba. I would like to thank all those lovely people in Uganda calling me everyday to know of my whereabouts. I get at least four to five calls everyday from the Nepalese folks and it warms my heart to know they care so much for me and we have already made a strong bond even though we met a few weeks again. I am so very thankful for them. Till then, keep in touch and take care.