Marco Meijerink, world cyclist and photographer, cycled through more than 85 countries

The journeys: Two years from The Netherlands to New Zealand, two years from The Netherlands across the Sahara to South Africa, Northeast Africa, Europe and then from Patagonia to Alaska, one year from The Netherlands to Mongolia, five months through Central Asia, four months from Southern Europe through the Balkans to northern Europe. Apart from these, he has also made many tours of one or more months through more than 85 countries worldwide. A site with beautiful pictures; www.marcomeijerink.nl

Marco rides a Travelmaster 2.6 alu with belt-drive

Cycling through Central Asia

Time for the real thing
A few miles to go to reach Vientiane, Laos. Slowly but very surely we see the end coming into sight. Every turn of the pedal, every drop of sweat brings us closer to Vientiane, and thus closer to Bangkok and thus closer to Krimpen.





We, Lisette Verzijl and Marco Meijerink, have made a bicycle journey through Central Asia from June to October 2007.

In 1995 we also cycled around this area, and during the journey memories of that trip come back up again. We become somewhat emotional, sigh a lot and talk about "back then" and "before" ...

In all those years we have cycled through so very many countries and yet we always see something altogether new. The world has changed, the journey has changed, we have changed. The search never seems to end, and neither do the discoveries.

Fortunately, Laos has a good remedy for a restless heart, Laos Whiskey! No idea what other liquid is in there – apart from lots of alcohol - but the solids are easy to see. Close your eyes and just drink it... bottoms up. Really doesn't improve your riding, nor is it very tasty, but the conversation with each other is better - and perhaps that is what makes travel so valuable.

In the Netherlands many new projects are awaiting us, and we are looking forward to them. Travelling is more than moving, it is also a way for us to look back at our life in the Netherlands from a distance and see if we have lived our lives "well" in the past few months, and what we want to change in the future. It is time for self reflection, a moment for looking back to see if we missed any opportunities. A time for realising that life is extraordinarily valuable. And that's what we drink to!

"I drink to the people who move mountains, who keep going head on into the wind. I drink to the people who, through thick and thin, continue to believe with the faith of a child"

Do you want to know more about the journey that Marco and Lisette Meijerink have made through Central Asia?
 Click on the link below.
Cycling through Central Asia
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