They spent three years spent walking the length of the African continent with no support, other than from the hands of strangers.
When Alexandre and Sonia Poussin first embarked on their 8,700-mile trek across Africa in 2001, their goals were threefold: trace the footsteps of early humanity, soak in each other's presence and tell the story of modern-day Africa and its people.
They accomplished all three. When the couple finally returned home to France, Sonia was pregnant with their first child and they were working to finish two books about their adventure.
Earlier this year, those books, titled "Africa Trek," were published in English. On Thursday, Alexandre will be at Sam Weller's Bookstore in Salt Lake City to read excerpts from the books and share his story.
For he and his wife, having their "Africa Trek" books published in English represents another step toward telling the world about Africa and its people. They were rejected 127 times before their story was accepted for publication into English by Portland-based Inkwater Press.
"My goal for this story is to open people's eyes about African reality and make them understand the continent better," Alexandre Poussin said during a recent telephone interview, adding that the African continent is "very misunderstood."
You can sense Poussin's passion and love for the African continent, which he speaks of with colorful and exuberant language.
During their trip, the Poussins met 1,200 families who helped feed them and provide shelter. Most of the meetings were by chance, because when the couple left on their trip, they had no outside plans or support.
They wanted to walk as Africans did and live as they did.
At one point, Sonia became ill with malaria and was close to death, according to Alexandre. That was the only point along the journey he considered quitting, but then he said he realized they were in the best spot for her to receive treatment.
"Our adventure for us was to leave ourselves in the hand of what would happen to us and whose hands we would fall into by chance at night," said Poussin. "It never came to us to quit except when Sonia was dying of malaria. But we were in the best hands in the world in a mission with sisters that treat hundreds of malaria patients in a week."
After about a week, Sonia was in remission. Alexandre said he gained a better appreciation and a deeper love for his wife. When the couple hit the last three months of their journey, Sonia was pregnant with their first child.
They now have a second child and plan to travel with their kids once they get older.
"Unfortunately, most couples are consumed with work," Alexandre said. "We wanted to be together 24 hours for the first years of marriage. And we were 24 hours together. It was a good test. Of course our relationship deepened."
Next year, Alexandre hopes his wife and children will join him to promote "Africa Trek" in America. The books are available online at major bookstores, and a TV documentary series about the trip airs Sundays at 5 p.m. on KUED-Ch. 7.
For more information about the books and the Poussins' journey, log on to www.Africatrek.com. The couple is now building a program in Africa to bring vision care to the people in Malawai.
"This is a way to give back for all the wonders and generosity we received," Alexandre Poussin said.
If you go ...
What: French adventurer Alexandre Poussin will talk about his experience walking across the African continent with his wife, Sonia. He will also read portions of his books about the journey, Africa Trek, and will sign copies.
Where: Sam Weller's Bookstore, 254 S. Main, Salt Lake City
When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
How much: free
Phone: 328-2586
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com