To the Unknown

My day started with a visit to the SOL antique shop. It was more than a visit today; I needed to bid farewell to Ricardo Kim. Also, an interview was lined up with Mr. Kang from the Korean Joong Ang Daily's South American bureau, who had taken an interest in my eventful journey.

Sitting amidst the relics of the past, with the scent of old wood and metal in the air, I narrated my story while Mr. Kang diligently penned it down. My bicycle, adorned with the Korean flag, silently observed as we took a commemorative photo.

Mr. Kang's skepticism about my audacious plan was evident. A 2,500km journey to Sao Paulo on a shoestring budget on a bicycle seemed absurd to him, but to me, nothing seemed impossible. When asked about my contingency plan if funds ran out, I shared my willingness to sleep under the open sky and find work for food, even if it meant the most humble tasks. Mr. Kang's response was a mix of admiration and worry, evident from the cluck of his tongue.

After the interview, we went to a local restaurant. Each bite tasted sweeter and sweeter, knowing it might be a while before I indulged in such extravagance. At the end of our meal, Mr. Kang handed me 200 pesos, probably out of concern for my ill-preparedness. Ricardo Kim added another 100 pesos, which I chose to accept as wages for my week of work at the shop. I had planned to leave that morning with only 100 pesos, but unexpectedly, I now had 400 pesos for the road. I shared with Mr. Kang my belief in serendipity and how the universe conspires to help those who stay true to their path. I could sense his apprehensions, but little did he know that his kindness was already a testament to my beliefs. My journey might have seemed reckless to the world, but for me, it was a voyage of proving my beliefs. It was my way of embracing the unpredictable and finding joy in each passing moment.

And so, with a heart swelling with gratitude and optimism, I hopped on my bike and pedaled forward. With their waving faces behind me, I set forth into the embrace of the open road. The sun cast long, playful shadows as it descended, painting the skies with hues of orange and pink. Every pedal stroke echoed with the energy of the morning's encounters and the promises of adventures yet to unfold. The wind danced through my hair, whispering tales of distant lands and ancient trails, each gust feeling like nature's gentle nudge forward, affirming my path.

The vast expanse of South America stretched before me, its horizons beckoning with a mysterious allure. The rhythmic cadence of my trip pulsed with the land's heartbeat and every turn held the promise of a new story, a fresh perspective. The thrill of the unknown, the sheer unpredictability of what lay ahead, was the fire that ignited my spirit and drove me forward.

As twilight draped its serene blanket over the land, the shimmering lights of a vast establishment named 'GUMBO' beckoned me. This sprawling supermarket, standing like an oasis amidst the barren landscape, seemed to promise shelter and sustenance. After parking my bicycle, which had become an extension of my very soul already, I bought some bread and made a simple dinner.

Now, as I sat on a bench penning down these thoughts, I could not ascertain how far I'd come. How many kilometers did I cover today? One thing was for sure: there's a longer road ahead.

Choosing this challenging path wasn't merely about growing stronger or tasting the sense of accomplishment by overcoming hurdles. It's about evolving into someone who can smile and find joy regardless of the situation I find myself in. So, I said, "Let's relish this moment right now. Even when the body aches, hunger gnaws, and loneliness creeps in, let's embrace these times joyfully. Doing so indeed signifies my growth along this journey."