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Mesmerising Landscapes and Tragic History of Bam
October 22, 2008
I cycled from Kerman. I was scared. I’d heard nothing positive about the road after Kerman. Luckily as usual the negative hot air is hyped out of proportion. I met a great guy in Mahan who gave me a huge insight into the Iranian and Islamic way. He spoke good English and we chatted for about 4 hours.
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Overwhelmed with Wonder in Armenia and Iran
October 17, 2008
Iran has at times been a challenge with regards to cycling alone. I have dealt with this mostly by recording myself talking on a voice recorder, singing, shouting, listening to the Mighty Boosh and occasionally weeping.
However, along with feelings of lonliness which quickly evaporate I am presented with the content and playful feeling that the freedom of decisions and the imagination manifests.
There is a wonderful sense of balance with the surroundings when alone on the road amongst the exotic and mysterious landscape of the stony, dry and dusty plains of the desert reaching up to bare, steep, rocky mountains, floating gently on beds of sand dunes and haze.
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Path, direction and large floating triangles of rock
October 16, 2008
Just a quick one this. I’ve pedalled down into the south of Iran. The weather has been pretty hot during the middle of the day so I’m on the road by 6 to make the most of the cool clear mornings. I’ve visited the cities of Esfahan, Yazd and Kerman. Esfahan has a river (mostly dried up now) with some fantastic ancient bridges, the huge Imam square, mosques and Persian palace of Hasht Beseht.
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Going From A Stationary to a Nomadic Lifestyle
September 29, 2008
Hi, I’m back in that bumpy, unforgiving place of discovery they call the road. This time I’ve only got myself and the wildlife for company. I’m in exotic ancient Persia, or Iran on modern maps. I traversed the mountainous land of Armenia in a thigh burning, vodka toting, but rewarding 6 days.
The luxury of experience has offered me nuggets of wisdom when travelling by 2 wheeled steeds. Eat a huge amount, drink vast quantities, and use the flow.
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Writing from Tehran, Iran
September 24, 2008
Written whilst in Tehran looking ahead to cycling through Iran in 2008.
Facing Fears
I’m travelling in my head. When I stop my mindset changes. I feel lethargic today. I think maybe I could do with being alone some more. It’s pleasant for some time, even satisfying. If I can get a grip of my fear I can enjoy it.
The city is a place where I cannot be still but it is the opposite in the wider less populated places. There is sometimes a glimpse of what freedom might feel life without having it disturbed by others, one’s own urges, social conditioning, intellectualising or whatever.
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Will I Get My Bicycle Back From War-Torn Georgia?
August 22, 2008
Right now, I am sitting in the garden of my girlfriend’s house in France. I’ve just realised that one mosquito has bitten me on my neck, elbow and leg.
I travelled back to England from Georgia by public transport, to visit my family and get a visa in London. It took 5 days and was a great experience.
I’ve just received a new Extrawheel trailer which I look forward to using when hit the road again. However, I’m not holding my breath about getting back to my bike in Tbilisi.
Tags: War2008Cycle touringGeorgiaAdventurepublic-transportvisaEnglandExtrawheel
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Finding Real News These Days Is Not Easy But Its Important
August 19, 2008
This morning, I have been digging through the news about the conflict between Russia and Georgia. I am trying to find some articles, which are closer to what I consider to be the truth.
Typing ‘real news’ into Google, I came across a news website which is member supported and does not accept advertising, government or corporate funding (http://therealnews.com). It seemed to me like a good start.
I found the following pieces interesting: