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Two Months in Tbilisi, Georgia off the Bike
July 13, 2009
I spent April, May and June in Tbilisi but I’m now in UK to visit my family. I’ve been writing up my journal into a book each morning. I am currently on 95000. I met one of my sister’s friends a couple of days ago who has just finished writing a book she wrote during university. She wrote a total of 150000 words. I was very inspired by her ability to be that organised and find somewhere peaceful to write during university!
Tags: georgia
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Motivated to Progress Creative Projects
July 13, 2009
I have made a deal with myself to give my creative projects the attention and craft they deserve. My projects: Design portfolio (andrewwelch.info) Organise and release music ( at http://andrew-welch-music.blogspot.com/) T-Shirts and artwork (zazzle.com/truefocus) Photography organisation (using Picasa 3, with input from Aurilien) My new mantras: Be organised Finish one thing at a time Avoid distractions Craft Plan time I’ve been inspired by GTD, 4HWW, Lateral Thinking and 7 Habits books.
Tags: Tbilisi
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Getting involved with the Local Mountain Biking Communty in Tbilisi
July 13, 2009
I’ve been dedicating a lot of time to my passion for mountain biking. It became very clear to me, whilst meditating on my bike in India, that I should help to start a cycling project in Tbilisi. Georgia is perfect for mountain biking with wonderful countryside and many paths. Of course the culture, food, drink and friendly people are perfect for tourism. Tbilisi, as a city, has excellent mountain biking within a 5 minute cycle from the city (could be less if you already live up the hill!
Tags: Georgia
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Crazy Tbilisi Weather and the Roof Falling in
July 13, 2009
The weather in Tbilisi over the last 2 months has been bizarre to say the least. When Tom and I arrived in Georgia in Winter of 2008, it was the coldest winter for 30 years. I would hazard a guess this summer has been the wettest! There were violent thunderstorms practically every day for 2 months. I experienced the full brunt of these on multiple occasions whilst out riding. In addition, I had a pretty serious disaster in my flat, caused by the rain.
Tags: Georgia
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CENN presentation on Climate Change
July 13, 2009
I made a presentation on the 1st July at a CENN (Caucasus Environment NGO Network) in the New Art Cafe in Tbilisi. It was an informal event to raise discussion about climate change. The intention was to find out what the people of Tbilisi think about it and what part they might play in the solution. Cycling is Great and some other stuff about Climate Change from Andrew Welch on Vimeo.
Tags: Georgia
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Bus to France with Georgian Dancers
July 13, 2009
I caught a bus full of Georgian Folklore dancers all the way back to Lyon in France via Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and France. We spent a day in Venice and went swimming in the sea in Greece which made a welcome break from sleeping on the bus seven nights in a row!!! I must say a huge thank you to Zaal and Aurillien for their kindness, taking me on the bus.
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How With Decision Made The Travel Process Can Continue
May 11, 2009
After leaving the Iran embassy having been rejected for the visa a second time, I cycled over to the travel agency, and booked a flight to Istanbul. Flying is not the best transport for me because I feel that it cuts out the point of travel which is the adventure of meeting people and having a valuable experience. It is also the most polluting mode of transport. After 1.5 months in New Delhi I made the decision based on a long process of research and yes it felt like a compromise.
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Notes from BBC Northampton Radio Interview
April 11, 2009
What route have you travelled so far? The trip started in June 2007 and I cycled across Europe to the Caucasus. After getting an Iran Visa, I spent 1.5 months travelling through Iran, 3 weeks in Pakistan, 4.5 months in India and 2 weeks in Nepal. A problem with my Iran visa in New Delhi stopped my intention of travelling back overland to Georgia so I flew back to Turkey and got a bus back to Tbilisi.
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Everyday Life in Tbilisi and Helping an NGO Plant a Vegetable Garden
April 1, 2009
It looks like I’m going to be in Tbilisi for a while. Since arriving back from my cycle travels, I’ve had a lot to reflect on. For the moment, I’m happy where I am. I’m enjoying seeing friends and rekindling relationships. I am doing what I can to keep my days organised now I don’t have the routine of cycling each day. I’ve been doing a lot of reading. I’m researching design as it is something I am interested in.
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How not to get an Iran visa twice But Why You Should Still Try
March 30, 2009
Turn up to the Iranian Embassy having just arrived in New Delhi and say you want to get a visa. Tell them your nationality (bad decision if British) Remember that you absolutely definitely need a pesky ‘Letter of Invitation’ obtained either through a pricey tour agency or by a friend who ‘invites you’ to Iran. Apply immediately for an LOI and wait for 15 days thinking things will probably be ok.
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Holi is India's Most Amazing Festival Experience
March 17, 2009
Last week it was the Holi festival. People throw colourful powder and drench each other with water. I took a cycle ride through the Mehrauli area near the Qutab Minar monument just as the festivities were peaking in the morning. Most people were stained from head to toe in a shade of purple. This was from from having been pelted with every colour mixed together. It was like God’s hand had slipped and knocked the paint palette over.
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Staying with Couchsurfers whilst Waiting in Delhi for Border Bureaucracy
March 15, 2009
I am currently living with wonderful Couchsurfers, Navneet and Priya in Delhi and travelling each day back to the Iranian Embassy. I have a half-baked plan to go back to Georgia overland. The border into Tibet from Nepal is closed. The other options are go back to Pakistan, then come back to India or wait until the border with China opens a couple of months later in May. My no-fly policy was something that was an important part of the original Ride Earth project.