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Pablo Escobar and his empire
Escobar had the biggest private zoo in the world
Escobar had the biggest private zoo in the world
The head of the world's biggest cocaine cartel in Medellin, a local patriot
and philanthropist, but also a ruthless criminal. This is Pablo Escobar, a drug baron, who
publicly sentenced to death politicians having
intentions to curb his power. He always kept his word and often
personally killed inconvenient individuals. He even caused a plane crash
with over a hundred victims on board just to get rid of one particular person.
The cartel carried out numerous bombings and a series of armed operations.
I visit Hacienda Napoles, a 20 square kilometers private property of Escobar
to find out more about this legendary man.
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Oasis 101
A perfect full moon night on 101 desert
A perfect full moon night on 101 desert
It is a real scorcher at the southern tip of Israel. A bath in the Red Sea is
the last chance for refreshment. We set off north towards the Sea
Dead. The visibility in a full moon night allows us to ride after dusk.
We continue until none of energy is left, whereupon we find a random place in the desert
to camp. The following day, still in the morning, we arrive to an oasis located
exactly on 101st kilometer of the main road linking southern and northern
tip of Israel. While refilling water we get to know Daniel, who sells iced coffee and ice cream. Seeing
us, the two tired cyclists,
he says: "Guys, if you want to relax a bit, you are welcome to use our
swimming pool. Come on, let me show you".
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A village in the north of Laos
A sticky rice basket is made of dried bamboo, or katip
A sticky rice basket is made of dried bamboo, or katip
Two days in Luang Prabang is exactly two days more than enough. The
main problem is the city is often
perceived as the only point on a tourist map of Laos and honestly it is simply
overrated. I appreciate the unique night market and the early morning procession of monks collecting sticky rice alms,
however with a million tourists around the overall impression is definitely spoiled. This town is crowded with ignorant visitors
who wish they could visit four Asian countries in a week. A day trip to Luang Prabang
is listed on their itinerary, however it is the only chance to meet Lao culture. Rather than stand in line to
see the sunset, I recommend you skip Luang Prabang and go further north towards
the genuine Laos.
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People of the Mekong
Cambodian temple complex in Kampong Cham
Cambodian temple complex in Kampong Cham
Blacksmith works alone, his wife takes care of their child and a family's friend
sits comfortably in an unchanged position with a thoughtless, unconcerned expression
as he rolls another strong cigarette and smokes it, occasionally sipping his tea. Leaving the city
behind we get to know Mr. Peck,
who lives just by the Mekong River. His house is a traditional
wooden structure on stilts, in contrast to just as numerous houses floating on the river depending on water level.
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A school in Rwanda
Meeting kids at Rwandan school
Meeting kids at Rwandan school
We visit an elementary school on the way. In one of the classrooms kids have classes. A perfect place for a short break. With a principal's approval
the students interrupt their lesson to meet us. The entire crowd of kids gathers
up outside the building.
For a good start, I tell about Kazimierz Nowak, our great traveler, who back in
1930s traveled all alone with his bike across Africa. Now we are tracing his
footsteps. One of the teachers acts as an interpreter from English to Kinyarwanda.
Then the children ask many questions which are translated back into English.
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Sumptuous Kigali
Kigali, the located right on the hill capital of Rwanda
Kigali, the located right on the hill capital of Rwanda
During the whole journey through Rwanda I hold the view that the country
can easily be crossed on a bike without pedals. Nothing but short-lasting,
adrenalin filling rides downhill and continuous uphill struggles, which are so steep that
it is often more convenient to
push the bike. Just before reaching Kigali there is yet another downhill
ride, followed by a steep ascent. This time I do not give up and keep pedaling
all the way up. My heartbeat rate is more than tripled
at the top. That is what it takes to ride a bike with a trailer and four
overweight side bags.
I feel like a workhorse, the one that has reached his goal for today.
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Visiting a family in el Escorial
A dinner on terrace with Patricia's family in El Escorial
A dinner with Patricia's family in el Escorial
Patricia invites me for a couple of days to visit her family in el Escorial
near Madrid. That is an interesting possibility to get to know her hometown and see how a typical Spanish family lives.
Our walk from a bus stop leads through little streets with sizeable villas on
both sides. All the houses have shutters, some are covered with creepers as to
give extra protection against the sun and heat. Facades of the houses have interesting shapes and are covered with a rare variant of clinker bricks.
We keep on strolling the quiet and calm streets with restaurants and bars closed
in siesta time. We drink coffee in a old, historic café, once visited by the nobility and
the other dignitaries, as Patricia let me know.
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The unfair world
A hole of a place in Delhi
A hole of a place in New Delhi
The question "What is India like?" is the hardest one you can ask a person visiting
this country. India is beautiful but the beauty has to be discovered.
How would you describe a country so incredibly diverse in terms of climate and landscape.
Also take the religion, cultural and moral aspects into consideration.. The synthesis of these factors determines the lifestyle
and environment where all the diversity interacts. Experiencing and
understanding India takes a lot of time, probably years rather than months.
The underdeveloped countries, as a rule, cultivate their culture and retain
tradition regardless of globalization. I get a chance to see a bit of the real India.
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Experiences 
