This week brought a few memorable moments. Herman arrived in Vietnam after some unexpected detours, while Dries had already gotten a head start on exploring Hanoi (by pedal power, of course!). The highlight? Our first kilometers of cycling for our cause, TCDF, a foundation committed to supporting education for disadvantaged children in Thailand.
And yes, you can join us on this journey by sponsoring our ride: with just €5 per kilometer, you’re supporting this meaningful mission!
Herman’s Journey
Just when you think everything’s set, life throws a curveball. My trip to the Vietnamese embassy in The Hague was, unfortunately, in vain—no visa in sight. Luckily, the e-visa arrived on Tuesday (yes, the correct one this time). After booking a new flight, I set off with a mix of excitement and nerves to Amsterdam Airport early Wednesday. In the end, everything went smoothly; no one even asked for the visa (neither at Schiphol nor in Hanoi). By Thursday afternoon, I was already reunited with Dries at our hotel in Hai Phong. That evening, we dove straight into the local cuisine with a bowl of Pho Bo and a cold beer—street food with a Vietnamese “home” feeling!
Dries’ First Impressions of Hanoi
From the quiet countryside of Vorden in the Achterhoek to the buzzing center of Hanoi—that was a shift!
The city is an overwhelming whirlwind of sounds, colors, and scents, with life playing out right there on the streets. Within a day, I already felt at home, perhaps because I’m used to a bit of noise; I come from a family of ten, so noise was a constant companion!
During a walk to explore the sights of Hanoi, I stumbled upon a closed war museum.
But not to worry, a friendly Vietnamese man who’d lived in Dresden for years offered to show me around. It turned into a day filled with fascinating stories about wars, Trabants in East Germany, and his family. Vietnam had me captivated right from the start.
Finally on the Road
After months of planning and preparation, we’re finally truly on our way! We’ve pedaled our first kilometers through bustling streets and quiet paths, along the coast, and even took a ferry across the water. We’re currently in the stunning Lan Ha Bay, taking a moment to catch our breath and soak in the beautiful scenery.
KEEP THE KIDS IN SCHOOL – Together, We Pedal for Opportunity
Our mission: supporting education for children in Thailand. TCDF (Thai Child Development Foundation) provides scholarships, including for children with physical or mental challenges who need extra care. Donating to TCDF is a sustainable choice; the foundation has been making a real difference for 20 years.
Dries and I are supporting TCDF with total confidence, cycling through Southeast Asia to promote this vital cause. Our friend Mieke even spent six months volunteering with TCDF, witnessing firsthand how every euro is spent.
Join us and donate! With €5 per kilometer, you’ll help us reach the Bike4Kids target—the meter is already at €8700!
Keep up with our progress through our newsletter, share this with friends, family, and colleagues.
Together, we can achieve more—donate now and “ride” with us for a good cause!
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