I would like to apologise regarding the late close-up of the whole journey in cancercycle blog. Here i would like to share to all about a touching story that i experienced in Laung Prabang, Laos. One day, while i was walking on a street in a market place, I saw a few foreigners were having bowl of noodles. then, when they left the place, i saw two boys about ten yrs old went to that same table and took the leftover food and share in a corner.. After witnessing this matter, i bought a bowl of noodles for them.
In Laos too, i met a group of cyclist Europe, Canada and Australia aged between 50 to 70. They were very humble although they had achieved much in life. they had even shared many experiences and knowledges with me.
Once i reached Nong Khiaw ( Northern Laos ) i left my bike for the first time to take a boat to Muang Ngoi. While i was walking, two teachers came and approach me. they showed me their school and hostels. the hostel had a bad condition. 21 sq feet room is shared by 3 student of 8 yrs old. it is impossible for them to lie straight comfortably. no electricity, and students have to cook by themselves using firewood stove. most of the students have to walk 3 to 5 hours daily to school. ( malaysian should be thankful of our situation) In this village, there are still many Unexploded Ordinance (UXO). Please log on to this website: www. maginternational.org. for more information.
There was once i could not reach my destination before sundown. Finished all my water and food, in hunger and muscle cramp after all the cycling uphill. so i seek help from a local there. The good samaritan had offered me a place to spend the night. Provided me with Sticky rice and a bowl of weird soup. Then they showed me to my mosquito netting bed. This was my most unforgettable experience in this journey. the whole place was surrounded by mountain and hills, so, to cross to another destination, i will have to continue journey in a bus due to all the steep road and unavailabe food and accomodation.
Finally, when i reached the border between Laos and Vietnam, called NaMeo, whereby i experience an extraordinary situation. the officers working there had never received any Malaysians crossing this border, the nearest is a Singaporean who cross over in yr 2007. So, it took them for hours to find the code for Malaysian Passport.
Vietnam is a beautiful country but just not so fond of the drivers or motorcyclist there. Very rude with their vehicles. Always misused their honking. From this border to Hanoi, I actually reached earlier than expected. So, i spent about ten days touring Northern Vietnam ( Halong Bay ) and Southern Hanoi ( Nih Binh)
The final counting of my journey is 83 days by bike (6472km). Train (210km), Bus (230km). The most favourite place i visited is Laos, Cambodia and Northern Thailand.
Thank you Makna, all who have sponsered my expedition, Puan Faridah and Datuk Farid, Bangkok Ambasador, Tuan Roslan & wife Puan Norelan and everyone who are invollved in making this biking expedition fund raising work.
Yours Truly,
Max Chang Kam Kok and Family
