In a terrible need, I had rushed to Belabela to withdraw the amount. My request to money-gram at Standard Chartered Bank was refused on the ground of not having a resident permit. I then had no money which meant no food and no place to stay. I was feeling the fatigue of a day without food. I was scared, in the midst of such situation so worse. I could barely think something effective. Half an hour of doubt and uncertainty, I planned to search a hotel where I could at least stay without paying in advance.

A gentleman from Poland came cycling nearby and we had a wonderful chat. Meeting him was like finding an oasis in the midst of Sahara desert. It was his inevitable support for me as he helped me to find a very cheap and best hotel. He took me to Belabela Backpackers. A day stay at Belabela Backpackers only cost me $13. It is the cheapest backpackers I have been to since I started my Africa Journey from Zimbabwe. That night, I spent in Belabela Hotel. I need not pay in advance. This was a great relief unless my stomach triggered an alarm. I spent the night of July 6 just with a cup of coffee. I was only able to fill my stomach after I requested the hotel to do me a favor and let me a credit for some days which they accepted. Things were much easier then. As George Mac Donald said, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved” I felt it very closely that day. I am humbled by the courtesy of Belabela Backpackers.

After Belabela, the backpacker helped me to be at Temba on 7th of July and then with the help of Sonam Tenzing Baruwa, I could swipe the card. I reached Pretoria on 8th and stayed at Pretoria Backpackers. For me it was ‘Pleasure Pretoria’. It was a great relief when I stepped Pretoria. I was sure that I would have support of Embassy of Nepal and Nepalese in SA and I was not wrong. My problems got settled slowly. Getting money from Standard Chartered was not difficult now, but I did complain on the issue I had to face and I got a sorry for all the hurdles I had to pass. Anyways, the Jacaranda City was nice place to stay.

Monday, the 9th was a delightful time when I met Mr. Arun Dhital and Mr. Bharat Regmi of Nepalese Embassay. Meeting with Mr. Avatar Gurung, President of NRN South Africa was no less. I am grateful to Mr. Kumar Shrestha with whom I stayed upto 15th of July.

Friday, the 13th was just opposite the popular belief. I had a wonderful opportunity to convey the message of world peace and environmental protection through Pretoria Newspaper. A day before, I also had an interview at SABC radio. The following day was more enjoyable. I greatly enjoyed the get-together with Nepalese in SA.

It was a surprise to know that a renowned politician from Nepal was also in Pretoria. I did not miss an opportunity to meet him. About an hour with K. P Oli and his family was a good time. I honored him with khada. Because of his busy schedule, we had to cut our memorable moments and before we separate he also handed me with some financial support. I am thankful to Mr. Oli and his family.

After a wonderful stay at Pretoria, I headed to Kempton Park, Johannesburg at Mr. Avatar Gurung’s Place on 16th.

Peace and Harmony
Furtemba Sherpa