Pic: Tim Notier
Kingdom, a job was sought, and the ride restarted in May
last year. More gearbox problems, then an engine noise
saw the Brit end up in Siem Reap for mechanical repairs;
a full engine rebuild. In the meantime, international
flights were cancelled, and internal borders closed,
Waters couldn’t pick up the new engine parts.
Trapped?
Five months later Waters is still in Siem Reap,
accommodation for $2.50 a night isn’t a bad experience,
the people have been friendly and the cases of the virus
low. Was returning to the UK and option?
“No, not really,” Waters is quick to answer. “the cases
of the virus were going sky high in the UK, so I actually
felt safer here.”
Trapped?
Fellow Ténéré rider, Spencer James Conway, knows
a thing or two about issues on the road, he’s been at
it for over 53 years and loved all 132 countries he’s
experienced, even the bad experiences. So, when he
laughs about whether he’s come across bad feelings while
in lockdown we couldn’t help but laugh along.
“The people here are beyond wonderful,” he grinned.
“Cathy (Nel, his partner in life as well as adventure) and
I were the only foreigners for months and we have been
given presents of jewellery, fish, and Modelo Lager.
“It couldn’t be better.”
Trapped?
There’s an irony that Modelo owns the Corona brand.
Oh, to be having a Modelo in Mexico, hell we’d even take
a Foster’s in Fremantle right now.
The Australian lockdown was a little slower than other
regions however, once in place it was tough and hit
travellers hard.
“The Australian government unfortunately didn’t do
any visa extensions,” explained Petrov. Despite the crisis
and the logistics of leaving the country he felt that the
Australian leaders just wanted everyone out so that the
problem of travellers wouldn’t be theirs.
“The message was to get out of Australia as soon as
possible,” continued Petrov. “While I understand the
logic behind it, it really didn’t help and has put an extra
pressure.”
Petrov went on to explain what many others were
feeling, a sense of abrupt finalisation, however, is
quick to point out that he is incredibly lucky on several
accounts.
“It hasn’t been easy. For the past year I have been
constantly moving and meeting new people. And all of a
sudden I was essentially isolated for 3 months.”
Trapped?
“Yet I was still very lucky it didn’t hit me in the middle
of my trip. I feel really sorry for travellers who had to
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