Breaking Free by Jeffrey Vonk

Author:Jeffrey Vonk [Vonk, Jeffrey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amsterdam Publishers

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When I started the journey I had literally nothing planned beyond Tibet. So to be two days away from India is rather exciting. Gradually the skin tone of locals becomes darker. While moving west it is necessary to zigzag my way through the madness, avoiding cows, goats and chickens, huge potholes, and an occasional peacock. Wherever I have a small break to eat or pee I am exposed to villagers gathering around like a swarm of bees. If I could only describe what it’s like to have zero privacy. It is especially inconvenient when stopping for number two for example. Nine out of ten times, it is impossible with all those eyes clinging to every move I make. A mere moment for myself is not allowed. Think about that for a second. They are so curious that I can’t even take a shit. With reasonable pavement, I keep following my roadmap. Always accompanied by a close hot sun in the vast vaulted dome. What can go wrong?

Tell me this is not really happening. On a quiet country road, surrounded by banana trees, I am caught by my biggest fear. A flat rear tire! There I stand all alone in a remote area in a foreign country of which I do not speak the language. On top of that, I am not equipped to fix it myself because for some silly reason Steve and I split the tools on his departure. Black oxen in the surrounding muddy farmlands couldn't care less about my situation. Nobody among the sporadic passing traffic speaks English. However, by listening very carefully and paying close attention to hands, their non-verbal signs almost being a language of its own, I find out a mechanic is only six kilometers away. Unfortunately, in the direction I just came from. Trying to drive as slowly as possible fails instantly when the tube comes out and remains next to the rim, thus, leaving but one option left. A few years back during mountain biking through Belgium there was a heat wave, and I also got a flat rear tire. However, pushing that bicycle was a trillion times easier than now pushing my fully packed motorcycle under these conditions. Upon arrival at the open-air garage, my head is as red as a lobster, as well as my shoulders, with my clothes totally drenched in sweat. Meanwhile searching through my backpack for a fresh outfit there was a hollow consolation, as before I know it, the motorcycle is fixed.

With the minor incident putting me behind schedule I keep on driving until dusk. Not that I have an actual schedule, it is just that I felt like making some kilometers today. At one point, I notice a cozy spot to set up camp. A small open grass field right next to an entryway to the jungle seems fit. Having pulled over I throw up my beloved The North Face tent in an instant, securing myself for a successful overnight stay. Connecting bushes

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