Exploring New Heights: Trading Hiking Boots for E-Bike Adventures

Swapping hiking for an electric bicycle journey is not something I had envisioned for 2024 but it certainly opens doors to a whole new realm of exploration, blending the thrill of outdoor escapades with the ease of technological innovation.

The terms “e-bike” and “e-pedal bike” can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they often refer to different types of electric bicycles. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

E-Bike (Electric Bike)

An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider’s pedaling efforts. E-bikes generally fall into three categories:

Pedal Assist (Pedelec): The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. The level of assistance can often be adjusted.
Throttle: The motor can be engaged without pedaling, similar to a scooter or motorcycle.
Speed Pedelec: A more powerful version of a pedal-assist bike that can reach higher speeds, usually up to 28 mph (45 km/h).

E-Pedal Bike (Electric Pedal Bike)

An e-pedal bike typically refers specifically to a type of e-bike that uses pedal assist only. This means the motor will only activate when you pedal, and the level of assistance is directly proportional to the effort you put into pedaling. E-pedal bikes do not have a throttle option.

Key Differences

Motor Activation:
- E-Bike: Can have both pedal assist and throttle options.
- E-Pedal Bike: Only has pedal assist, no throttle.
Riding Experience:
- E-Bike: Offers flexibility with both assisted pedaling and throttle-based riding.
- E-Pedal Bike: Encourages continuous pedaling for motor assistance.
Regulations:
- In some regions, throttle-controlled e-bikes might face stricter regulations or different classifications compared to purely pedal-assist bikes.
Battery Usage:
- E-Bike: Throttle usage can drain the battery faster since it doesn’t require pedaling.
- E-Pedal Bike: Typically more efficient in battery usage since it always involves pedaling.

I have an E-Pedal Bike and still get looked down by gravel riders:) My bike was provided for me by my boss so I didn’t get much say about what type I would prefer. I also live at an elevation of 600m so it would be challenging to switch to normal bike although I’m tempted to get an MBT bike just to test myself 🙂

The Convenience Factor: While both hiking and cycling offer immersion in the great outdoors, e-bikes bring unparalleled convenience. No longer confined by physical limitations, riders can traverse greater distances, climb steeper slopes, and cover diverse terrains without exhaustive effort. To compare I am able to walk up to 6 km within 2 hrs on slight incline but with an e-bike I am able to cover up to 40km… On the other hand unless I make a pit stop I don’t feel the special connection to nature that hiking gives me.

Embracing Accessibility: E-bikes democratize outdoor adventures, inviting enthusiasts of various fitness levels and abilities to partake in the joy of exploration. This inclusivity opens gateways for those previously deterred by the physical demands of traditional hiking, encouraging a broader audience to engage with nature in meaningful ways. All you have to do is set your program and pedal away. However don’t be mistaken. When riding an Pedal Assisted Bike (Pedelec) you will still have to use your legs a lot especially on the incline. I learnt it the hard way by sliding downhill when the bike stalled midway….a very painful lesson indeed.

The engine powers up the back tire so I do not recommend starting your journey on the highest setting until you are more experienced and you need to go up a hill or so.

Preserving the Essence: Despite the shift from hiking boots to e-bike pedals, the essence of the journey remains unchanged as you will still be using your legs mostly. The connection with nature, the awe-inspiring landscapes, and the sense of accomplishment persist, albeit with a new perspective and method of travel. The beauty of the surroundings remains just as breathtaking, offering moments of serenity and awe to those embracing this modern excursion providing you include lots of pit stops to take it all in.

Riding an e-bike, the basics:

Most e-bikes will have 4 levels:

-Eco

-Tour

-Sport

-Turbo

Eco is pretty much reserved for flat terrain or downhills. Tour let’s you go a bit faster on a flat road and very light inclines. For anything else like off roading and hills you will need Sport or Turbo. Of course the last two will drain the battery much faster. Currently I have a second hand bike and I’m able to ride up to 53km on a single charge which equals to like 3 hours.

Now the cost of an e-bike will depend on a type you choose. You can easily buy a second hand one but make sure it’s from a trusted place or you know what to look out for. The most expensive part of the bike will be the akku.

Are there any cons of owning an e-bike? Well except for the obvious ones being hated by almost every other bike rider there are few things to consider.

With an E Pedal bike you will be limited by the capacity of your akku. It’s possible to still ride your bike with the akku off or empty, but it’s not an easy task especially uphill.

E Bikes are much heavier than average MBT or road bike. Mine weighs whooping 25kg and I had to buy dumbbells to train just so I am able to lift my bike.

E Bikes are more expensive and on top of the usual maintenance aka tires, chain and brakes you also have to look after the motor and akku. My motor broke down two months ago when I was about to get on a ferry to Switzerland 🫣. Luckily the shop didn’t charge me for the repair as otherwise the bill would have been rather hefty.

Conclusion: Swapping hiking for an e-bike journey definitely widened my exploration options as I am able to reach further distances in less time. The workout for my legs also finally pays off and I’m able to scoff more doughnuts down without feeling guilty 🙂 I also feel like cycling helps with my focus as I need to stay more alert than I would during my hikes. I am absolutely in love with cycling now but will be incorporating more walks into my adventures for better connection to the nature!

Keep on exploring!

Embracing Empowerment: The Journey of Travelling Solo as a Woman

Travelling is an enriching experience that opens our hearts and minds to the beauty of the world. For women, embarking on solo adventures adds an extra layer of empowerment and self-discovery. I have two long solo trips under my belt: 7 months in Central Asia and Turkey, and almost 8 months in Balkans and I’m still learning ways to make sure I get the best experiences in whichever place I decide to visit next. It is never ending process:) In this blog post, I will dive into the joys, challenges, and invaluable life lessons that come with embracing the path of solo travel as a woman.

Navigating Fear and Overcoming Stereotypes: Solo female travelers often face concerns about safety and stereotypes associated with women traveling alone. Addressing these fears head-on and proving the naysayers wrong is an empowering achievement that strengthens self-belief. If I had a dollar for every time I mention to someone I’m going on a solo trip and they would tell me “it’s dangerous”, I would have been a millionaire by now! People will always speak from their own perspective and voice their own fears. It is up to you to make an informative decision and choose to either listen to other people ideas or follow your own. Of course safety is always your top priority, ESPECIALLY as a woman travelling solo. Take your gut and common sense with you! I also recommend you read a book by Gavin DeBecker “The gift of fear” in which he gives advice on how to spot a predator/intruder in advance. Here is a link for a free copy of the book : https://fb2bookfree.com/uploads/files/2020-10/1602551171_the-gift-of-fear.pdf
Empowering Independence: Travelling solo as a woman grants a unique opportunity to cultivate independence. It pushes us to rely on our instincts, make decisions on our own, and confidently navigate unfamiliar territories. This newfound sense of self-reliance becomes an empowering foundation for other aspects of life. One of the greatest skills you will gain travelling as a solo woman is trust in yourself. You will learn what makes or breaks you, what you can and cannot tolerate, what can you go without and what is absolutely essential for your well being. This will serve you in every area of your life.
Embracing Spontaneity: Travelling solo enables women to embrace spontaneity fully. There’s no need to adhere to rigid itineraries, allowing us to explore hidden gems and immerse ourselves in local cultures on a whim. Embracing the unknown with an open heart leads to unforgettable experiences. Woke up in the middle of the day and decided to just have a lazy day at the beach? Do it! Getting up at sunrise to catch a bus to a neighbouring town or a country? Yes you can! No need to ask a permission! Missed a connecting bus/train and need to spend extra night in the same city? You can literally change your plan as you go along.
Forming Lifelong Connections: While solo travel offers solitude, it also presents numerous opportunities to connect with fellow travelers and locals. Engaging in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds fosters a deeper understanding of the world and broadens our perspectives. Most people I speak to fear they will be lonely when travelling solo and I can tell you that most certainly will not be the case. What I love about solo travelling is the absolute freedom of deciding who I want to interact with and for how long.
Mindful Self-Reflection: Amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating cityscapes, solo travel offers a chance for introspection. Moments of solitude encourage profound self-reflection, personal growth, and a better understanding of our desires, strengths, and weaknesses. Yes, you will have plenty of alone time with your thoughts and you can decide if that’s a good or bad thing.
Breaking Barriers and Shattering Norms: By fearlessly embarking on solo adventures, women defy societal norms and break barriers that once hindered their aspirations. Through this process, they become trailblazers, inspiring others to pursue their dreams unapologetically. The further from Western Europe you travel, the more chances for you to encounter social challenges and norms. Eastern Europe is still pretty traditional when it comes to woman’s role so be prepared to be asked constantly about your marital status and if you have any kids. In Central Asia, Albania and Turkey it gets progressively worse. It is rather uncommon to see women venturing out on their own or without male company. Family is a priority in those countries and women are valued only by their child bearing abilities, especially Central Asia. I saw plenty of advice encouraging women to always pretend they have a boyfriend or a husband as this may encourage any potential men from pursuing you. In Central Asia you may actually need to wear a wedding ring and have a family album ready to show. Yes, they will be so nosy. You will get a lot of attention as a solo travelling woman so please use common sense and be cautious.
Cultivating Adaptability: Solo travel demands adaptability in ever-changing environments. From language barriers to unexpected challenges, women learn to adapt quickly, which serves as a valuable life skill applicable in various scenarios. Not everything will go according to your plans, that’s just life. Flights, bus rides will get cancelled, accommodation will not always be 100% the same as presented on the website, people you meet not always will have your best interest at heart. Just go with it. For the sake of your mental health. Law of detachment will be your best friend.
Empathy and Understanding: Experiencing diverse cultures firsthand fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of global issues. Solo female travelers often become ambassadors of compassion and use their experiences to promote cultural exchange and bridge gaps between nations. Once you exit the popular tourist trails and venture into the less known local towns and cities, you will be exposed to local community in its purest form. You will see new things or new ways of dealing with familiar situations. It will be refreshing and shocking sometimes so keep your mind open.

Travelling solo as a woman is a transformative journey that goes beyond discovering new destinations. It is an expedition that enables empowerment, self-discovery, and growth. Embracing the world with open arms and a courageous spirit, solo female travelers inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their unique paths of exploration.

Sadly yes, as a woman you will have to be more cautious, more suspicious and alert on every step. Yes it is tiring but not that different to what you would have to be aware of back at home. Just use your comment sense even if it means you have to be rude to someone. Your safety is more important than local customs.

I can’t resist a jeep either (Montenegro)

So, dear fellow wanderer, may your solo adventures be filled with unforgettable moments, and may you continue to blaze trails fearlessly on your quest for self-discovery and empowerment. Happy travels!

Holiday inspiration: Corfu

Still looking for holiday inspiration? Can’t decide between lazy beach or active holidays? Corfu may help you balance both.

Number 1: Public transport

How to get there? Despite being a small island Corfu airport is fairly busy with flights all week. Alternatively you can fly to mainland Greece or Albania and hop on on a ferry.

Travelling within the island.

Best way would be to rent a scooter but that’s not practical if you travel as a family or a group. Local transport connects most popular destinations on the island but it is not that frequent. There are two bus stations: Green bus station and Central bus station. I could not find an online bus schedule but you can pick one from the Green bus station. You can also pick up a time table from tourist information office. Even during high season I didn’t feel like I have to book in advance but some routes may be more popular and busier than others. When riding a coach you will be asked to put even a small backpack in the luggage department.

Number 2: Taxis

There are taxi stands in most towns but in high season you may need to wait for up to an hour. Bear that in mind when leaving for the airport. Taxis will have meters inside or you agree on the fare beforehand. Make sure you have a cash.

Number 3: ATMs

ATMs are plentiful and usually don’t charge a commission.

Number 4: Cash/Card

Plenty of places accept card payments but some still prefer cash only.

Number 5: Food

Greek food is delicious. No doubt about it. Except whoever invented this Pringles flavour should go to jail immediately.

I recommend visiting local taverna for the most authentic experience. Corfu is relatively small so it’s hard to find an area without tourists.

Number 6: Safety

Generally speaking Corfu seem like a very safe place. The only danger I can think off would be drunk tourists causing havoc.

Number 7: Hiking/ Walking

There are plenty of hikes and lovely walks especially in the Northern part. If there are markings they will usually be white and yellow and you can find them on trees, rocks or pavement.

One of the most annoying and surprising things for me was the lack of sidewalks and no street lights outside big towns.

Number 8: SIM card

If you are from EU then there is no roaming charges and you should be able to use your phone just like you would back home but please double check that with your provider to avoid costly roaming charges. If you are coming from outside EU then getting a local SIM card it’s always a good idea. You will have three providers to choose from: Vodafone, Cosma and Nova. Make sure your phone is unlocked and chose the package that will suit your needs.

EMERGENCY NUMBER:112

Happy travels:)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO ALBANIA

Number 1: Public transport

So I could not find an official website for local buses and there are no trains in Albania despite there being a track. UPDATE: there is a train from Durres to Elbasan that runs once a week. It is a beautiful ride but will require you to stay in Elbasan overnight.

Tirana has 3 bus stations: one that has buses coming from the airport, one local one and one regional one for buses reaching the rest of the country and abroad. The last one is located outside the city and you will need a transport or a local bus to reach it.

Here are some buses prices:
Airport to the center 450 Leke
Taxi 2000 leke to the airport.
Tirana to sarande 1700 leke
Saranda to delvine 180 leke. Saranda to Gjirokaster 400 leke. (You can also use this bus for visiting Blue Eye.)

Tirana to Vlora 600 leke Durres to Elbasan 400 leke Tirana to Kruja 200 leke

Return trip to Corfu: £40 (boat ride lasts 1hr 10min)

There is an option for a faster ride but it is more pricey.
Podgorica to Tirana €20 (you can also go from Budva).
Durres to Tirana 200 leke

Lots of traffic so be sure to plan ahead and leave plenty of time if you have a plane to catch.

Number 2: ATMs

Sadly most ATMs charges you a fee that varies between €5-€7 per transaction. Yep, it sucks. The ATM at the shopping centre in Tirana is free however so maybe it’s worth planning a budget.

The only free ATM is provided by CREDINS bank. You can find it al sit everywhere.

Number 3: Food

Portions are fairly generous in restaurants and depending on where you staying, you will have more or less choices. Sea food is very popular by the beach whilst pizzeria and kebab places are more common in big cities. You may find some Asian cuisine as well. Generally the food is good but make sure you wash fruits and veggies bought locally before eating them. It is not advised to drink tap water either. Plus I think it goes without saying that you should avoid touristy spots and head to where the locals go for best food and price. Mind you, they will most likely still charge you “European” price.

Number 4: Cash/Card

The good thing is that you can pay in local current Leke as well as in Euro. Some shops will have double pricing to make it easy. Smaller shops may not have price tags and you will have to haggle or be prepared for higher prices.

Cards aren’t accepted everywhere.

Number 5: Safety

Generally speaking Albania may not be more unsafe than any other countries but certain things here are more common than in Western Europe.

As a woman I felt less threatened by the potential of mugging but local men are not angels. Staring seems to be common theme through Balkans but when I smile and say hi, they actually respond with smile and wave back here. I would not recommend this approach with local men unless you want the attention.

Last summer I had an incident where I was groped by a drunk guy on a public bus so you do need to pay attention to your surroundings. So far during my current trip I have experienced some harassment (always from men!) and frankly, I no longer feel safe in busy places.

Locals are very helpful in general and speak decent English or Italian. The latter is more common in small villages.

When using Couchsurfing:
Local men would prefer one on one meetings and will back out at the last minute from group meetings. They will also always ask you if you are here alone and where you staying. When they invite you for dinner, they will pay but will expect invite back to your apartment. And no, it will not be for coffee.

Number 6: Taxis

Taxis are usually yellow in the capital so very easy to spot. Make sure they will put the meter on or you agree about the price before getting in the car. They will always quote you the highest fare possible.

My taxi driver challenged me to get his age right to get a free ride.

Number 7: SIM Card/Wi-Fi

SIM card (21 days, 35gb, unlimited calls, 2000 lek or 30 days, 33gb 2100 lek). It gets cheaper the longer you have it.

Wi-Fi is available in most places in the city but not at every accommodation.

Number 8: Accomodation

Plenty of choices from hostels in big cities like Shkodra and Tirana, to 5* resorts by the coast and guest houses and villas in the mountains. Prices vary according to season but are definitely not the cheapest anymore. During summer it is quite common to see locals standing by busy roads with a phone number and size of accommodation available.

AirBnb and Booking.com works here too. Be vary off fake reviews and pictures though. What you see on a website may not always be what you get.

Number 9: Dogs

Stray dogs seem to be on the loose pretty much everywhere and they can be quite aggressive and annoying. Be careful if you carry shopping containing meat as you may be followed by a pack 🙂 Carry big rock with you for safety (comes handy with interactions with local men as well).

Albania seems more Van travel friendly than Montenegro.

Happy travels!

Memorable encounters

With everything that is going on in the world recently and all travels being postponed one has no choice but to cherish the memories of better times as you flip through your holiday pictures.

I knew I wanted to use this time to create something and occupy my mind but I was not sure which direction should I go into. So I decided to ask my Instagram followers for advice as to what should my next post be about. One of the requests was to post about crazy encounters.

So here are 10 most memorable encounters I happen to cross paths with on my travels and hikes. The order is totally random and I will let you decide which one should take the trophy. You can let me know in the comments below:)

1. BULGARIA.

Back in 2017 I visited Bulgaria for the first time. It was a long May bank holiday weekend so perfect opportunity for a mini break. It only has been few months since I started hiking and I didn’t even have a proper GPS on me. Always learning by trail and error 😕 which sometimes works and sometimes does not.

The trail starts basically at the doors step of my apartment but I had been socialising the night before and only had 4 hours of sleep. I reached Boyansko Ezero without any troubles but after that my map is not very clear as to which way I need to decent. I notice a guy with a backpack sitting at the edge of the lake having a snack. I decide he looks experienced so he will know the way. He does indeed and shows me directions but then asks if I would like to join him as he is heading towards the waterfall. What I did next surprised even me. I ask: “how can I be sure you will not kill me?”. Now I don’t even know what is a normal reaction to this question or how would a serial killer answer it to be honest.

Well he is taken aback but then starts laughing and says: “ok, let me prove it to you that I do not have bad intentions” and proceeds to take out his phone and shows me some of the pictures.

“Would a serial killer have a pink car? Or a baby duck pictures?”he asks. “I mean frankly I wouldn’t know. “ I say. He then says that it is ok if I do not trust him and don’t want to join him for a hike which obviously makes me feel like an asshole. And I do want to see the waterfall. We set off together on our uphill journey I quickly regret agreeing to. He never stops talking whilst I can barely breathe… During that 40 minute hike that feels like eternity I learn that he speaks 8 languages (supposedly as I never fact check him on that), opened up his own prosperous coffee business in Thailand and is now hiking his way home to Hungary. He also tells me that I waste my life working 40 hours a week and I should at least strive to have a family. When we finally get to the top he ask if I can take a picture of him by the waterfall but just one. No matter if it’s good or bad. Apparently it’s a bad omen to take more than one. I snap 5, hand him his phone and say goodbye.

2. ITALY, ANCONA.

This was during a short weekend away in October when you could buy a return plane ticket for £20. Destination did not matter much as long as there were decent hikes around. Ancona with its sea side location and mild weather was perfect. Plus it is Italy so how can you not go? Worse case scenario you will always have a good pizza and pasta:)

My flights are usually very early in the morning so I can make the most of my trip. After dropping off my bag at the hotel and sorting out the formalities, I am on my way to a park in San Pietro region. The weather is gorgeous, blue skies, sun shining. I pass a small cemetery and make my way down towards a beach. There are few view points along the way so of course I stop and check out the views. Park is almost empty except for a guy wearing all black and talking in his phone. He walks in my direction and as he passes bye he says “hello”. I found it very annoying that he didn’t say it to my face but waited till he was behind me. I turned back to check if maybe it was to the person on the phone but he already put the mobile in his pocket and made a 180° turn and started walking towards me. “Oh ffs, here we go again” I think to myself and a panic swipes over me. “Excuse me do you have the time? My phone just died” and he tries to show me the phone. The screen is black but I can tell he is lying. I tell him the time as politely as I can and slowly start heading towards the beach. He smiles and asks where I am from to which I do not reply as not to encourage him. I pretend I didn’t hear him and speed up my pace. He stands in one spot for few moments watching me but luckily does not follow up.

I know that this my seem like an ordinary encounter but there was something about him that set my gut alarm off. I learnt to never ignore that feeling.

3. ENGLAND.

A while back I dreamt about having my own hiking group so I joined MeetUp.

There are at least thousands of hiking groups so I knew it may take time to build up a following. I posted the route, date and time of the meeting. I had two people responding:one woman and one a guy. Unfortunately the lady cancelled at the last minute but the guy appeared rather enthusiastic. He kept messaging me on the app checking if I haven’t changed my mind etc. I thought nothing much of it.

The hike date came and I was heading to Tring where we supposed to meet up. Between you and me I was hoping he will not show up so I was disappointed when he was already waiting at the platform.

As always his pic was very old so naturally he was older in person but fairly fit. He let me lead the way even tho he knew this area quite well himself. When we got to the view point he asked if he can take a picture of me. I was like “why? You want picture together?”. “No, no. Just you”. Ok… rest of the hike was rather uneventful but he sent me a message to express his thanks that showed off his ugly side. Right at the bottom of the message was “you have a very sexy body”. I pretended I did not see it and hoped this will be the end of it. He sent me like 3 more messages and every single one of them has a reference to my appearance…

We met for one more hike and he was a decent human during it. Then I’ve left the country for 7 months and we would exchange stories about our hikes. By then he started following me on Instagram and would always comment on my pics. The final straw came when I posted a selfie on my stories and announced I am taking a break from social media. He messaged me privately and inquired if my huge smile has something to do with meeting a guy. I told him even if that was the reason then certainly it was not his business. He was rather upset and finally unfollowed me shortly after.

Here are some of the messages:

And here is where I lost it:

4. KYRGYZSTAN.

Whilst travelling through Central Asia I would use Couchsurfing to socialise with other travellers. On one of those events I met a Brazilian guy, well travelled and very funny. We have done a trip to a local historic side together but mostly we hanged out in the evenings. He was the typical social animal as most Aries are.

During one for those long session hang outs we discussed different reasons for travelling and someone mentioned that guys usually travel to get laid. It was me, the Brazilian guy, a girl from America and another guy from Ireland. As a joke I presented a meme with the map of the world coloured according to the size of men private parts, and said that this is why I travel. Of course they all wanted a copy of the picture and the guys wanted to verify the data so the subject of body count came up. The Brazilian guy said he slept with 136 women and of course the table is very silent for a second. But then he drops even bigger bombshell: he has a spreadsheet where he keeps track of all the nationalities he already tapped. Of course I needed to see it and I can verify he does in fact have it.

I kept asking him when his warranty for his male parts runs out:)and even wanted to propose a bet that he will hit 200 by the end of the year (we met in July). I do not have any updates:)

5. KAZAKHSTAN

On my 14hr train journey from Almaty to Tashkent I was sharing a coach with a girl from Japan. It was an overnight journey so we each had our own bed. I had one lower bed and the Japanese girl settled on the opposite side one.

When it was time to ditch the lights off, she went to the bathroom and put pyjamas on which I wasn’t expecting but maybe that’s how she gets comfortable? What buffers me most is that she hang her pants on the seat. In plain sight. Why???? If anyone has an explanation for it please feel free to share it with me:)

6. KYRGYZSTAN.

During my two months where I was staying in a local guest house and volunteer at a school, I met about 20 travellers from all paths of life.

One of them was a doctor from Chile who collects…knives…

7. KYRGYZSTAN

During my first month in Kyrgyzstan I met a very friendly polish couple. We were all staying at the same yurt camps so we always saw each other during meals. They would made sure I seat between them. Every time. The husband wanted a picture with me….just me and him and no wife. They were also hogging the sauna constantly which was mildly irritating. One day after a particular long hike I wanted to shower but was told the couple is using the sauna (shower and sauna were in the same tent). I am annoyed so the husband suggests that I shower whilst they are in the sauna. They do not mind. Also there is a door separating both, but you need to pass through the shower area to exit the tent. No exit directly from sauna. I accept the offer and head for my shower and hoping I can be quick enough. I was about to rinse myself when I hear : “we are too hot, can we please go out? We will close our eyes”. I quickly turn the shower off and cover myself with a towel. “Ok”. They step outside the tent and I finish dressing myself. When outside the wife makes a remark:” we haven’t seen anything we have not seen before” whilst the husband looks directly into my eyes.

8. TAJIKISTAN

To be able to start my journey on the Pamir Highway I had to travel from Samarkand to Dushanbe. It is a 5hrs taxi journey through mountains. The driver asks of course if I am married. I reply “I’m a widow”thinking there will be no questions after that as a sign of respect. Wrong. He asks what happened to my husband….like what!? I was not prepared for that…so the first thing that pops in my mind is car crash. I really hope this is over but when we stop for a break the driver joins me outside and starts yelling at me but I can not understand most of it. Maybe it’s for the best.

You have no idea how much I wanted to push him off that cliff. He wanted to hold my hand for the pic but I pushed him away.

9. This fact was reminded to me by Tanja as I shared all my crazy encounters with her as I went along on my journey. I met a girl who travelled the world as her goal was to sleep with a men from every single country. I know, she should have teamed up with the Brazilian guy:)

10. An Irish couple who were both teachers, lived together and travelled together so naturally I was curious as to how long they were together. “We aren’t a couple. Just friends”.

Have you got a memorable encounter or a crazy story to share? Feel free to post it in the comment section.

Obviously I am also wondering how many crazy encounters involve a story about me:)

Stay safe and keep exploring. If not foreign lands then maybe your own limits:)