Wattana Hunumad, better known as Men, is a 19-year-old young man with autism who has been working on the Eco Logic farm since 2017. Thanks to the support of TCDF, he receives a scholarship and medical care. Last winter, we saw Men with the geese on the TCDF grounds. It was beautiful to see how these animals know him and follow him like a little train. Every day, he feeds the geese and collects the eggs. These eggs, along with the organic vegetables grown on the farm, are used to prepare the most delicious dishes that guests and volunteers can enjoy at the restaurant on the hill. Want to experience this yourself? Visit Eco Logic in Paksong.
Cycling in Laos: The Great Challenge
Laos will be the biggest challenge of all the countries Dries and I will cycle through. It is the least developed country, and the road network is sometimes not up to Western standards. Some roads are still unpaved and can become impassable due to mud during the rainy season, which lasts until October.
In 2001, Bernadette Speet cycled through Laos from north to south. In her book “Kip en Kleefrijst,” she shares beautiful stories about her experiences as a solo traveler in this unique country. It’s definitely a must-read for anyone curious about what Laos was like back then.
Laos is slowly but surely becoming a popular cycling destination. For seasoned cyclists, the mountains in the north are the ultimate challenge. For those who prefer a more leisurely ride, winding along the Mekong villages is unforgettable, especially in Southern Laos around Si Phan Don. The selection of bikes is quite limited compared to Thailand and Cambodia, so we’ll be bringing our own bikes, along with some spare parts.
Highlights in Laos
During our journey, we will visit several highlights in Laos. We’ll pass through Tham Kong Lor, a 7.5 km long tunnel known for its fist-sized spiders. We’ll also visit Si Phan Don, the haven of 1,000 islands in the Mekong River. In the evening, the sky here turns turquoise, and at night, it’s illuminated by a blanket of fireflies.
Media
Last Thursday, Mieke and I were featured in a live broadcast on NH Radio. You can listen to it here.(22aug, 2e hr, starting at 13.57 min. It’s in Dutch)Last Saturday, we had a Bike4Kids stand at the Waterdag in Edam. The stand was very busy, and we had the pleasure of meeting and informing many interested people about our wonderful project.
Preparations and Sponsorship: Kilometer by Kilometer Toward a Better Future
With eight weeks to go until my departure to Hanoi, I’ve already completed 5,900 training kilometers.By sponsoring €5 per kilometer, you directly contribute to a better future for children in Thailand. Together, kilometer by kilometer, we can make a world of difference.
Next week, I’ll share more about the Waterdag in Edam, including stories and photos from this wonderful event.
Thank you for your support and involvement in this extraordinary journey!
PS: Sharing this blog is greatly appreciated.
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