A while back, I announced to the one I love that I wanted to live in a donkey-drawn karretjie, with a Madame Zingara-type tent. I am almost sure I saw a glint in his eye at the prospect.
Somehow we never got our asses into gear to trot down the dusty road. Today I met the Zapp family, and the urge to saddle up has come back.
12 years ago Herman and Candelaria embarked on a six-month journey from their home country of Argentina, intending to finish up in Alaska. They met as children and, now, in their mid-forties with four children, they are still on the road. Their trusty 1928 Graham-Paige car has taken them across four continents, where they have been hosted by over 2 500 families.
Their book Spark Your Dream, which recounts the first leg of their journey, was published in Spanish in 2005. It was a bestseller in Argentina and the eighth edition is in print. It was published in English in 2007, now in its fourth edition.
To them, the best part of the journey is the people they meet. The back of their book mentions 12 000 people who embraced them from Argentina to Alaska. The list must have doubled by now!
Despite the overwhelming generosity of folk, there is no doubt that this family leaves behind more than they get. Who could not be inspired by a family that fearlessly follows their dreams, shifting out of a comfort zone, turning their backs on ‘the system’ and, frankly, just going for it?
I certainly felt like I came away with something special.
In an Indian campsite, they met up with Nick Heygate from Umhlanga, who was part of a team running across India to raise funds for charity (sounded like a Forest Gump moment). Nick persuaded them to come to Africa – and here they are.
The car was shipped from Mumbai, and they will spend time in the Berg, Zululand, Kruger, Mozambique, Swaziland, Gauteng, Cape Town and Nambia before heading to Cairo.
I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to spend time with Herman, Candy, Pampa (10 – born in USA), Tehue (seven – born in Argentina), Paloma (four – born in Canada) and Wallaby (three – born in Australia, of course!). I also received the first signed copy of their book in Africa!
Let’s hope that South Africans can show them the true spirit of Ubuntu and open our arms and hearts to this amazing family of adventurers!!
Contact them at: three_americas@yahoo.com
South African cell number: 083 996 1298
Story by Lois Kuhle
3 Comments
Wow! What an inspiring story! I’d definitely like to read more about their travels. Well done, Lois!
I was very happy today after meeting the owner of this car and exchanging a word or two.looking forward to read this book.
very nice car and a very encouraging book indeed