Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Travelling enabled me to meet loads of interesting characters. I met the Tycoon, the Headmaster and the Host family in Nepal. I learnt so much from them and collectively they probably saved my life which was important to me. Heroes and heroines shall remain anonymous to protect their identities. This trip I met some great people too, although this time, not quite as life-saving but I certainly saw more perspectives and other inspiring ways of travelling.
I met the Veteran. He completed the duties for his country. He wanted to find a new purpose in life. The countryside here is a haven for a respite from anything or everything. He carried a tent and all the supplies along with it. Something I don’t think I can do so kudos to him. He recharged his batteries (including his phone etc), moved on and continued his journey. Camping in Iceland could really work for me too.
Then I met the Survivor, he nearly died. The locals were (pleasantly) surprised that he made it. Everything that happened was frankly so ridiculous that it was actually unsuitably funny with hindsight. Clinging to a chain to avoid falling into waterfalls, stepping on thin ice, falling through, zero visibility, mountainous terrain, all described as a “fairly easy” hike in the LP guide book. Obviously laughing if he was still in the trail would be insensitive. It showed the power and unpredictability of nature. He was so emotional and appreciative of life. Everything became irrelevant because he survived.
He joined me for a couple of days travelling checking out Myvatn Lake (safely).
On our way back, I picked up a hitchhiker for my first time, the Bartender. He was hitchhiking around the whole of Iceland. Perhaps it was from his job, he seemed to be able to just start a conversation with anyone about anything. That was travelling “freestyle” with no plans or no timetables to follow (I had a fairly detailed time-table which I stuck with). The perfect style with the Icelandic summer time in my opinion. Unfortunately for me, I just did not have the time to do that.
The next day another character joined the Survivor, Claus (the Citroen C3 with a suitable scandinavian name) and I to explore Dettifoss and surroundings.
The Teacher, although not yet qualified, she demonstrated all the qualities required to be a great teacher. She was super friendly and helpful. I think she knew how to deal with kids because she introduced us to Icelandic Ice-cream (more like ice milk). Kids always want ice-cream. And the kid in me really enjoyed the ice-cream even though it was really cold. I meant the weather outside because I already figured out that the ice-cream would be freezing. She also cooked an Icelandic meal which was great because it added a variety to my ham and cheese sandwich diet.
What was great at that evening (still bright) was that some people have met before in other locations of Iceland and met again here in Akureyri. The World could be a small place if it is a small island with a ring road.
The Thrill-seeker had an impressive travel record. She had so much fascinating travelling experience and activities to tell. The travel record stated her personal philosophy of YOLO, “You Only Live Once”. White water rafting, ice climbing, etc she did the lot. Interestingly, “helicopter” seemed to be a buzz word which triggered a theme tune from her. She had a theme tune. Anyone would have to be really cool or possibly fictional to pull off a theme tune, like James Bond. The reggae genre really suited her cool yet extreme Only Live Once travelling style.
As for me, the main protagonist who seems to be at the centre of everything I saw, strange coincidence that. I might be the Travel Writer? Nay, I am a Traveller who happened to write. I had the easy part to play, get on a plane (then another) and sat back. Let the world assembled the cast. It was amazing to met everyone.
Adventures of Delboy 