Travel quest for my upcoming cycling tour:
"WHO AM I? - AN INNER JOURNEY - PEDALLING AROUND THE WORLD"
Back in July 2007, having worked for 4 long years, I decided to quit my job to backpack India, Nepal and Bhutan.
When I started my journey, I wanted to discover myself by exploring the world. So I set out to experience life without rules, logic, justifications,etc.That was my original theme; then overnight I turned from a backpacker to a bicycle tourist, inspired by a Spanish bicycle tourist who I met in Varanasi.
I bicycle toured parts of Thailand, Laos, China, HK, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore & Indonesia for the next six months. I came back home and started working again saving money for my next cycle tour.
But life decided that it was time I hit the road again. 8 months later, my father died and left a small inheritance for me. Not a lot of money, mind you but still quite substantial. I can think of no way of respecting and showing gratitude for the money than spending it on my next bicycle tour.
My quest this time is an inner journey into oneself. I want to explore and experience one of the most fundamental questions man has been asking for a long time. Who am I? The answer may not even exist, it may be meaningless, may be rhetorical, but eventually the journey will be an answer in itself. This quest for the meaning of life may transcend time, space and goes beyond self discovery. It delves into the root of what is life. And I am using the bicycle as a vehicle, literally, to bring about a transformation of conciousness within me. A transformation which involves the deepest elements of the "I" - the ego, courage, trust, love, greed, desire, joy, pain - all emeotions of life by exploring different countries, cultures, people, attitudes etc. on my bicycle.
The point here is that even though I will be exploring nature in its elements, though the journey is outward out into the world, the realizations and lessons will be directed within me. So it is a self discovery by seeking outside the body and mind.
I have just been rewarded by a 2 year working holidaymaker visa to the UK. I am going to use this opportunity to cycle across Europe as well.
7 comments:
Hi Arjun - this sounds amazing. A friend of mine, Seema Hegde, told me about your blog, and I was kicked when I saw your adventures! I have been a South-East Asia traveler myself till a recent work trip to the US and London - Laos or Taiwan is next on my list in Feb...can't decide which!!
Anyway, good luck on your journey - it takes courage and passion to do what you have done so far.
what about Canada ??? u promised !!! will buy u energy bars :D :D
Hi Arjun, how are u and did u start ur expedition. I dont know in what position u are now, eagerly waiting for the latest updates.
God bless u friend
Deepa - Sure I'll be cycling by Canada very soon
The energy bars will sure help:)
Hi Regis,
Thanks for stopping by....
I'm actually heading for the UK on a 2 year working holiday visa.
Then I intend to cycle across Europe.
Send me a test mail on : jois.arjun@gmail.com
Cheers
Tipsy Traveler - Thanks
Do Laos for sure. I haven't been to Taiwan yet, so can't help you there.
Don't miss Vang Vieng & Luang Prabhang in Laos.
Good Luck to you 2.
Hey Arjun,
Not sure if you remember me..'Kiru' from Microland. Hats off Arjun..Doing something like this needs a lot of courage..
Reading thru your blog makes me feel as if I have watched another 'Forest Gump' movie..
Good Luck and All the best with your Europe touring...
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