https://trientrapt.com/2018/08/07/de-hoer/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170309trientrapt_3025_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170222trientrapt_1826_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170123trientrapt_0203_2_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170125trientrapt_0327_lr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sam_9370_lr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170307trientrapt_2675_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170222trientrapt_1698_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170220trientrapt_1589_2_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170220trientrapt_1530_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170224trientrapt_2044_wp.jpg2024-06-27T18:23:04+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/03/11/50-tinten-blauw-nl/2022-06-19T08:00:53+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/03/11/50-shades-of-blue-en/2022-03-27T22:43:18+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/09/21/de-boer-opgaan/2021-11-04T01:10:32+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/logbook/2021-03-04T06:38:59+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/where/2020-01-04T15:31:38+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/packinglist/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/paklijst-copy1.jpg2020-01-04T15:30:24+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2018/11/18/friends-of-the-road-nepal/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180129_trientrapt_2327_wp.jpgJanuary 19th 2018. I spent some time with Talie (see January 8th) in Pokhara as well. Pokhara is a tourist spot, the starting point for all the people who are willing to hike the famous Annapurna Circuit. One evening we went out to have a budget-friendly dinner. When we entered a local restaurant there no table was available. Unless we shared one with Berta (from Spain) and Marco (from Italy) who were almost finishing their meal. They were really happy not only to share the table but also some of the lovely food they ordered. Berta and Marco are really amazing, people making you feel at home like you’ve known them already for years. They asked us what we did in Nepal and if we knew any charity organisation where they could donate money to. Money Marco’s parents gave to help a good cause. Talie pointed at me, at me with the WWF, UNICEF, the KDM Girls’ Hostel or Himalayan Life where I was volunteering at that time. When I explained my whole project, they offered me without hesitation €200. “You know who needs it the most Trien, you can spend it on a project you want”. I really, really couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. This was insane! So generous, so amazing and so welcome! I can not describe how I felt, how overwhelmed I was that a complete stranger wanted to donate just like that. Thanks a million, Marco, your parents and of course Berta as well #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180111_trientrapt_1985_wp.jpgJanuary 8th 2018. What a girl! I met her in the dormitory of a hostel in Delhi, India. In the evening, we actually chatted only a couple of hours, but instantly there was a good vibe, lots of similar interests and a sense of synergy. The next day she left. Later on Instagram, I saw she was in Kathmandu, Nepal. I contacted her and was hoping we could meet. We did, she also invited me to stay at her place. That's the way she is, very welcoming, very easy going, and one of the most wonderful people I met so far on my journey. Instead of staying one or two nights at her place, I ended up staying 17, yes really, 17 days… can you imagine? Oh, ‘she’ is Talie or Natalia for passport control. An amazing British girl full of positive energy and always in for a good laugh. An incredible inspirational gal, a bit crazy in the coconut but that’s how we like it. On top of that, she’s a great photographer and documentary maker. Check out her website or Instagram page #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180109_trientrapt_1905_wp.jpgJanuary 9th 2018. Look at these angels… yes, they truly are! On your right, you see Talie, whom you’ve already met (see January 8th). On your left, I’ll introduce you to Aimée, a British girl as well. Her parents found the inspiration for her name in the French word ‘aimer’ which means ‘beloved’. But ‘aimer’ is also ‘love’ like in ‘adorable’ and that’s what she is. You really have to love her. I met her on my trek in the Himalayas. We both hiked the ‘three passes’. She’s one of those girls who is always full of positive energy, always smiling, willing to help and having her heart on the extreme right spot. I was quite unlucky. My trekking guide didn’t reach a professional level -at all. So it felt really good that Aimée often was around. She was there for a chat, a hug or a laugh. Because of her, my Himalayan adventure got another dimension. That’s really something I’ll never ever forget. I was glad that once back in Kathmandu we saw each other again and a couple of weeks later again. It was meant to be that our paths crossed… truly happy I met her. Oh, and did I mention that she’s also helped with editing some of my English blog posts? Super sweet, isn’t it? So grateful! By the way, meanwhile, she started her own business. If you’re a yoga and/or meditation lover, you might be interested. If you’re looking for ways to regain your natural balance - mind, body, soul - check out her website. Oh, and don’t hesitate to spread the word ;) #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_171228_trientrapt_0985_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dscf1051_wp.jpgMarch 2nd 2018. My baggage arrived in Nepal but some of it had to return a month later to Belgium again. Thanks to Facebook and Lore Dhondt I contacted Lin Seminck and got to know Schooling Nepal, the organisation she’s already volunteering for eight years. The organisation works together with Lucca art school in Leuven. Most of the volunteers are Belgian architects or architecture students. Lin returned the next day to Belgium, too short notice to organise the handover of the baggage. She wrote I could contact Michael Rai, he could help me find other volunteers going back to Belgium. That’s how I got acquainted with Arati (left). She was amazingly sweet and helpful. She also explained what the organisation is about. Wart Thys was willing to bring all the packages to Belgium. Wow, amazing! Thanks a lot, Lore, Lin, Michael, Arati and Wart #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_171227_trientrapt_0912_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180225_trientrapt_2966_wp.jpgFebruary 25th 2018. That same morning I arrived in another beautiful village where once again villagers were super kind. This lady saw me taking pictures of goats eating leaves in a basic stable across the street. She started talking to me in Nepalese. She wanted me to take a picture from her dog. And also one from her and the dog. Then she showed me her modest house. A house existing of two rooms. In the second one, she had created a kind of memorial for her son. She started crying, it was a very intense moment. I also felt tears coming but didn’t want her to see me crying. Instead, I hold her hand, hugged her. And that’s how we said goodbye. A goodbye with a shared emotion #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_171219_trientrapt_0549_wp.jpgDecember 19th 2017. This is Indira. I know her thanks to Rik Van Belle. I know Rik thanks to my ex-colleague Piet Verbeest. I was looking for somebody who could bring some stuff to Nepal. Piet saw my request on Facebook and tagged his former classmate. ‘Some’ stuff soon became more stuff. I was super grateful Rik brought everything safe and sound to Kathmandu. He runs Himalayan Dream Team Treks & Tours which organises trekking trips to Nepal and also yoga holidays. In Kathmandu my stuff was stocked in Indira’s office. She’s part of the same company and also runs an NGO named Himalayan Care Hands Nepal. Thanks a million, Piet, Rik and Indira! #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180225_trientrapt_2900_wp.jpgFebruary 25th 2018. I knew my camp spot wasn’t 100% ideal but it was already late. Night time was starting and this place would have to do the job because I ran out of options. I realised the next morning people would see me. And so they did... Suddenly I heard kids voices. It was still early so I ignored it. But when I was peeping through my so-called tent’s ‘window’ I saw four kids a bit further sitting on the slope of a hill, keeping an eye on my tent. What a difference with Indian kids! How I love the Nepalese mentality! When I opened the zipper they came over. Being curious about which human being was inside and what he or she would do. They were funny and super sweet, laughing and giggling all the time. They also wanted to help to break up the tent. And when I offered them a bike ride they didn’t refuse. No, they loved it. They were also keen to get the WWF-tattoo. When I left, they ran with me down the road, their feet completely covered in the red sand. This encounter made me smile for the following hours #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_171214_trientrapt_0533_wp.jpgDecember 13th 2017. What can I say about Garrett? To start with he's a US peace corps volunteer based in Pokhara (the Mecca for exploring Annapurna region), he's a cyclist and a Warmshowers host, meaning his apartment is open for all kinds of cyclists in the world. Not only offering a free bed for the night, a hot shower, and wifi but also a nice meal. He's a terrific cook. Not only the best of Nepal but the best of the States I guess. His pumpkin risotto was extremely tasty. When I think about it I still feel this creamy comfort food melting in my mouth. A nice treat after my daily samosas. He's a super easy going guy, very hospitable and extremely helpful. He didn't mind that I arrived at 11 pm neither that I stayed one or two nights more. And was even checking another place where I could stay when he wasn't around. On top of that, I could store my bicycle for one month at his place while exploring the Everest region. Thanks a lot, Garrett! Hope one day I can help you as much as you helped me #nepal2018-11-29T15:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/11/04/taaie-tranen-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2featcnataliaatkins.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1cshaktisamuha-copy.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2cshaktisamuha2.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2cshaktisamuha1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/10csunitadanuwar-ramon-magsaysay-award.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1csunitadanuwar.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5cnataliaatkins.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/4cnatliaatkins.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/3cnataliaatkins.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2cnatalaatkins.jpg2018-11-12T16:07:54+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/11/04/tough-tears-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2cshaktisamuha-award.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1featcnataliaatkins.jpg2018-11-12T16:07:34+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/10/28/beginners-luck-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3008_feat.jpg2018-11-05T15:54:02+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/10/28/beginnersgeluk-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180226_trientrapt_3038_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180226_trientrapt_3036_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3021_copy_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3020_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3019_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3015_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3011_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3008_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_3001_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/21-np_180225_trientrapt_2997_wp.jpg2018-11-04T22:52:28+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/08/07/the-hooker/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170220trientrapt_1533_lr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170123trientrapt_0212_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170220trientrapt_1562_lr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170222trientrapt_1698_wp1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170224trientrapt_2076_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170326trientrapt_3226_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170224trientrapt_2074_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170125trientrapt_0379_lr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170219trientrapt_1475_copy_lr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/14-om_170228trientrapt_2261_wp.jpg2018-10-29T06:26:00+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/me/2018-08-05T18:58:32+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2018/07/22/achter-de-schermen-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/child_trafficking_in_nepal.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicefnepal-school2.gif©UNICEFNepal-school2https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicefnepal-a-student-at-puri_s-school-plays-with-a-doll-provided-by-the-project-as-the-class-readies-to-move-into-their-new-building.gif©UNICEFNepal A student at Puri_s school plays with a doll provided by the project as the class readies to move into their new buildinghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicefnepal-trafficking1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicef-usa-trafficking2.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicefnepal-class2.jpeghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicefnepal-class1.jpeghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicef-siddhikamala-devi-school_s-new-transitional-learning-centers-housing-six-classroomsc2a9unicefnepal-transitionallearningcenter.jpeg22,400 school classrooms were destroyed while over 32,900 classrooms were partially damaged. UNICEF built 'Temporary Learning Centers'https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/c2a9unicefnyhq2015e280931093karki.jpeghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/21-np_180122_trientrapt_2071_wp1.jpgThe medical services were accommodated in temporary tents or rented houses2018-11-04T22:47:49+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/07/22/behind-the-scenes-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/21-np_180122_trientrapt_2143_wp_feat.jpg2018-07-26T08:33:52+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/07/09/offroad-oman-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170220trientrapt_1531_wp_banner1.jpg2018-07-16T16:53:15+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/07/09/offroad-oman-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/14-om_170307trientrapt_2728_2_wp_banner2.jpg#Oman2018-07-16T16:52:14+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/06/03/cool-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21-np_171228_trientrapt_0974_wp_feat.jpg21 NP_171228_TRIENTRAPT_0974_WP_feathttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21-np_180104_trientrapt_1438_copy_wp_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21-np_180106_trientrapt_1673_copy_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21-np_180103_trientrapt_1323_wp_feat.jpg2018-08-03T17:20:45+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/06/01/reuze-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/21-np_171230_trientrapt_1115_wp_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180103_trientrapt_1323_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180118_trientrapt_aimee_wp1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180118_trientrapt_aimee_wp.jpg21 NP_180118_TRIENTRAPT_Aimee_WPhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180105_trientrapt_1601_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180105_trientrapt_1560_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180105_trientrapt_1557_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180104_trientrapt_1542_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180104_trientrapt_1438_copy_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180106_trientrapt_1735_wp.jpg2022-09-06T03:48:33+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/04/15/wilde-beesten-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/21-np_180201_trientrapt_2469_wp_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/21-np_180202_trientrapt_2501_wp_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/21-np_180207_trientrapt_2575_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21-np_180130_trientrapt_2357_wp_feat.jpg2022-07-11T23:51:12+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/inspiring-people/2018-04-17T09:53:12+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2018/04/15/wild-animals-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/danielbucc88rgi2_wp1.jpgDaniel Bürgi, CEO Himalayan Lifehttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180206_trientrapt_2550_wp_copy.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_20180130_142805_wp_zw1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180130_trientrapt_2365_wp1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180201_trientrapt_2485_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_20180130_142805_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180201_trientrapt_2410_copy_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180207_trientrapt_2575_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180207_trientrapt_2570_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/21-np_180207_trientrapt_2565_wp.jpg2018-11-04T22:45:08+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/about/2018-04-15T04:55:42+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2016/04/29/1-woord-bedankt/2018-04-15T04:28:44+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/03/19/friends-of-the-road-india/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171112_trientrapt_2574_copy_wp.jpgThat same evening (see above) when the majority of the children had already retired home, I was already in bed mode. I heard a voice next to my tent: "Trien Trien, I have something for you", it was Ajay (12), he picked some beautiful, warm pink flowers for me. Heart melting time ;) Good night Ajay #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171112_trientrapt_2574_copy_wp_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171130_trientrapt_4336_wp.jpgIt's that period of the year where everybody gets married. Really, in every village I'm cycling through I hear music and see houses extended with colourful cloths. Happy people all around and women in beautiful bright dresses wearing nice jewellery. It was Saraswati, the girl dressed in green and brown that came over when I was taking a picture of the whole setup. She spoke very well English and was interested in why I was there cycling. She invited me to the wedding, asked me if I wanted to share lunch and dance with them. Not having party clothes, stilettos nor a shower I rejected her kind offer. But after several times asking, also by her sister Rekha (the girl making the V-sign) and her brother Ajay (the guy with the cap), I couldn't refuse anymore. They were just too kind and too enthusiastic to neglect their sweet invitation. So I stayed, shared a tasty lunch, watched them dancing and talked a lot. A couple of great and unforgettable hours with these super nice, warmhearted and hospitable people. Thanks a lot, guys! #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171130_trientrapt_4315_wp.jpgIt becomes monotonous but yes, yet again problems with finding a place to camp. I asked the police at a control post near a bridge full of monkeys if I could pitch my tent behind their post. I couldn't. I started complaining that the police has to be there to help people, not to send them away. After lots of chatting they came over with a solution. They know an ex-military man who lives one kilometre from the bridge. I could stay there. That retired military man and his retired military wife turned out to be the most kind people. Not because I could sleep in a huge room all to myself but just for their caring and good intentions. Thank you so much #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171127_trientrapt_4100_wp.jpg'No, no really! With a bike, it's not possible. After four kilometres the road is blocked because of landslides. There's only a super narrow track on the extremely steep slopes of these landslides from loose stones. Crossing by bike is a no go. You have to return and go to the main road'. That's what three army men told me near the border of Nepal. 'But I'm a stubborn European' I replied. 'I'll try it. If it's not possible, it's only eight kilometres that I have to return, that's no big deal!'. They laughed and tried to convince me several times but finally gave up and waved me goodbye. After four kilometres the road I was cycling on suddenly didn't exist anymore or rather never existed. It still needs to be built. A big damaged bulldozer was covered under stones. Behind that, there was a huge gap. Farther I saw a narrow track. That might be the track the army boys were talking about. I checked for minutes. Wow, this steep! This is narrow! Could I do this? Should I have to return? No, that's the last I want... You could see from afar that the stones were very loose. And you also don't want to fall deep down into the river. There must be a possibility. I had to go down again, down to the village near the river, down to go up all the way, again... In the village people made gestures to tell me it wasn't possible. 'I'll try' I said. After a couple of minutes the guy in the green shirt, together with his friends, had followed me. He asked me if I needed any help. Me, that normally says it's not necessary instantly said yes and thanked him already. After some hundreds of meters and lots sweat and slippery movements creating tiny landslides we reached the point were it started to become easier pushing. I said it was fine, he could return home if he wanted. I said I was most grateful. Thanked him a million of times. And realised that without his help it wouldn't have been possible ;) #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171127_trientrapt_3994_wp.jpgUttarakhand is hell for finding remote camp spots on a flat terrain. That's why more often than usual I had to ask people to camp on their property. This man (right in the picture) immediately agreed, although he'd rather wanted me to sleep inside the house. But I insisted on sleeping in my tent. He and his family also respected my privacy, which mostly isn't and I extremely appreciated. The next morning I got a kind of 'guided tour' through their property. I got to see their buffalo's, cows, giant goats, dogs, cats, papaya and mango trees and received lots of freshly picked bananas from their beautiful banana trees. It made my morning near Dwalisera quite unforgettable. Thank you so much #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171123_trientrapt_3608_wp.jpg'Sir, can I pitch my tent down there, next to your shop? Is that your property?' Sorry, no, you can't, but I have a room where you can sleep. You are a woman alone, no need to camp, that's too dangerous. 'No problem I like sleeping in my tent.' Sure, sure? Well you can set up your camp here, behind the house. Do you need tea or food? Just ask me, I'm over there. Although that evening two times young guys came over to my tent: 'Hey mam I want to talk to you. Mam, I love you mam! Mam, mam!' meanwhile shining with their torch under my tent... I'm very thankful the shop owner wanted to help me #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171120_trientrapt_3482_wp.jpgHearing street music and seeing people dancing made me curious. I followed ears and eyes and could witness a Hindi wedding in the streets of Baijnath, a village in Uttarakhand. There was a man, dressed like a sultan, sitting in a with orange flowers covered car. Next to him his aunt wearing lovely golden jewellery and a colourful dress. The 'sultan', who was the groom, invited me to the wedding. Dressed with cap, helmet, dirty pants and sweaty shirt I wasn't very keen on accepting this kind and unique invitation. However it did not prevent me from staying there in the street and watching the beautiful spectacle. A minute later this man came towards me and asked me the same question. He also added I had to stay for lunch. Again I showed him my clothes and pointed at all the wonderfully dressed women around. The contrast was too big I said. 'No problem, really, you are our guest, please, join!' After him asking several times and other people too I accepted his offer and could spend a unforgettable afternoon in Baijnath. Thank you soooo much for this unique experience Sir #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171117_trientrapt_3120_wp.jpgAnother evening of problems with finding a good place to camp. Asked several people if I could pitch my tent near their house. 'No' was the unanimous answer. It became dark, no time to loose. Still, I saw people working on terraced fields and a wee bit further down I saw two tents. In these tents Deepak and his family lives. Deepak speaks a couple of words English and was very glad his uncle answered positive to my question. Every single movement was seen. Not only by Deepak, but also by neighbours, aunts, uncles... from pitching my tent to brushing my teeth. Apart from that, Deepak was lovely. A very happy boy, always singing and even inventing songs about me in the few English words he spoke. Cute #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171113_trientrapt_2720_wp.jpgI had found a nice place to camp on a private but abandoned terrain. Although nearby Chandli village, the place was a bit hidden and I had a stunning view, just perfect. At least that was what I thought. Before I could pitch my tent, the twelve year old Akhil, came over to tell me that I couldn't camp there "Animals! Tigers!" but I had to camp in their garden instead. A minute later his uncle was there as well. "No, no, you're a woman alone, that's not safe. You really have to come to our place. I could sleep in a bed, in a (spider ;)) room by myself in the community house, next to Akhil's house. Akhil is a super sweet and very smart boy. He speaks incredibly good English and treated me with evening and morning tea. When I asked him if he had to go to school the next day, he replied he didn't. His two-month old little brother passed away two days ago. I was shocked! I felt very bad and sorry for Akhil and his warm family. He told me not to say anything to the rest. It was our little sad secret. I wish you and your family lots of love and strength in these difficult times sweet Akhil 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preparing the foodhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171028_trientrapt_0803_wp.jpgThe girls are helping all around, here by doing the disheshttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171028_trientrapt_0785_wp.jpgA girl making boiling waterhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171027_trientrapt_0744_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171027_trientrapt_0743_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171027_trientrapt_0740_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171027_trientrapt_0741_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171027_trientrapt_0735_copy_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171028_trientrapt_0840_copy_wp.jpg2018-02-05T03:41:51+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2014/08/15/laatste-streepje-india/2018-02-03T07:14:36+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2014/08/13/boeddhisten-maken-plaats-voor-moslims/2018-02-03T07:14:11+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2014/08/02/op-het-dak-van-de-wereld/2018-02-03T07:14:00+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2014/07/21/ergens-op-het-dak-van-de-wereld/2018-02-03T07:13:38+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2014/07/14/delhi-voor-beginners/2018-02-03T07:13:21+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/02/friends-of-the-road-belgium/2018-01-19T17:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/03/friends-of-the-road-germany/2018-01-19T17:33:56+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/06/friends-of-the-road-czech-republic/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/3-cz_160423_trientrapt_265_bew_wp_banner.jpg2018-01-19T17:33:38+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/24/friends-of-the-road-poland-slovakia/2018-01-19T17:33:09+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/07/14/friends-of-the-road-ukraine/2018-02-20T22:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/09/10/friends-of-the-road-romania/2018-01-19T17:32:34+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/09/12/friends-of-the-road-bulgaria/2018-01-19T17:32:18+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/09/28/friends-of-the-road-tajikistan/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170526_trientrapt_0295_feat_wp.jpg#tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170602_trientrapt_0631_feat_wp.jpg#bartang #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170624_trientrapt_1980_wp.jpgThe Pamir Highway is the Mecca for many cyclists. From all over this planet people come over to cycle the so-called 'roof of the world'. Everybody rolls at his own pace. But now and then you'll meet each other again. And again. Like Yogesh, Elliot, Mayu, Stephane, Raphael and Sara. We didn't only cycle together for a couple days but also camped together. Which was a nice experience. So far this was the first time I met so many other fellow cyclists. Thanks for the good company guys! Enjoy the road #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170529_trientrapt_tel_wp.jpgIn Rushan I realised I had problems with my internet connection/hotspot. I went to the Megafon shop. The girl at the desk didn't find the solution but she did find those two guys who were such a great help to me. They even went with me to the hospital because there was a guy who knew even more about the internet on Mac than they did. 1.5 hour later, problem solved. Thank you guys #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_1083_wp.jpgWhen I arrived back on the Pamir Highway, I needed water. On high altitude, it's important to drink enough not to have symptoms of high altitude sickness. No river so far. Luckily I met these three Slovenian men on their motorcycle. I asked them if there was any river with drinkable water before the pass. Without hesitating, they offered me their water #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170626_trientrapt_2276_wp.jpgKarakol is the last village on the Pamirs, before rolling into Kyrgyzstan. I met Victor, Samuel and Arnaut, three crazy Belgian cyclists already in Khorog. Later on, I saw them in Murghab. And finally, we left Karakol together to cycle the last stretch of the Pamir Highway to Osh (Kyrgyzstan). Really glad I met these locos on the road. Looking forward having a beer together once back in Belgium. Cheers guys, enjoy the road! #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170617_trientrapt_1624_wp.jpgSome fifteen kilometres further I met a man who asked me if I cycled alone. He told me there were two girls cycling ahead… Did I understand this well? Two other cyclists? Yeah! I saw cycling traces, so yes, it must be true! It was steep, I actually wanted to start pushing my bike. But hey, I didn't saw any footprints, so those girls cycled all the way up. Com'on Trien, push harder! Finally, I reached them. It was Sophie and Tali from respectively New Zealand and Canada. The first thing they said: wo-o-ow, you pushed all the way up, that's strong! I told them it was because of them not pushing. They started laughing: 'no, are you crazy? We pushed all the way up…' We had a good excuse to have a rest, we needed to chat. After 45 minutes we decided to move on. Almost the whole day we cycled together. For me a very nice change to cycle with these two crazy girls. Thanks a lot sweeties #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170617_trientrapt_1613_wp.jpgAfter Langar, the last village in Wakhan Valley, dirt road really starts and climbing as well. Pushing those pedals I suddenly got wings. It was this little fellow that started pushing my bike, just like that. Well actually, not really. After a couple of hundred metres, he asked money. I gave him a candy, balloon and many thank you's instead. He was super happy with his consolation price #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170606_trientrapt_1263_wp.jpgIt was in beautiful Murghab, the highest city in Central Asia (at 3,650 m) and where 75% of its population is Kyrgyz, I met Zulpidin (10) and Ferusa (12). I was strolling around and couldn't stop taking pictures. Suddenly Zulpidin waved to me and asked me to take a picture from them. 'Oh... You ask? I shoot.' A minute later I was invited to their house a bit further upon the hill. His two little sisters came outside and wanted me to take a picture from them too. Once inside, while playing with non-stop laughing Robia (6), I didn't notice Ferusa and her mom were already preparing dinner. I couldn't say no, although a dinner was waiting for me a bit further in the guesthouse. They invited me to sleepover. Unfortunately, I couldn't because I promised already to sleep in the guesthouse. That same evening I went back to give the children some candy, a balloon and WWF-stickers. They were super content to see me again, jumped around my neck and were thinking I would sleep there. Unfortunately, I didn't. Again, I was invited to eat with them. Three dinners in one evening is two too much. So I said no but stayed the evening. The next day I saw them again. Bringing some new balloons and extra's for the kids. It was an unforgettable and lovely experience to get to know such a warm and friendly Kyrgyz family #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/17-tj_170603_trientrapt_0952_wp.jpgIn Khudara Valley sloops are steep and people non-existent. While pushing my bike up to a pass these two shepherds awaited me in one of many pinbacks. Not only for offering chai but also for offering help by pushing my bike up the pass. I didn't want to drink their tea, neither did I want them to help me. They still had to walk for days to Khudara village. This with worn out shoes and clothes. They still had to cross rivers and sleep on cold nights. So they had to save up their energy and hot drinks. Good luck guys, it was nice meeting you. And not only for having a rest without feeling guilty #tajikistan2018-08-05T06:41:34+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/11/10/friends-of-the-road-kyrgyzstan/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170729_trientrapt_0780_wp.jpgEarly morning… I was strolling around the yurt camp near Song Kul lake and was having a good time by taking pictures in the warm rising sunlight. Shirley, my roomie together with two Korean girls, walked without her knowing into my picture. It’s the only picture I have from her. Not her best morning face but hey, she’s luckily not too vain. So I was more than happy I could use the picture. Shirley is a super nice and interesting Irish girl living in London. In the evening, while preparing for the night, we, the four girls, talked a lot. Many topics were cited. It turned out to be a cosy girls night in a yurt. A wee later I received an email in my inbox. It was Shirley writing the following: ‘Feel inspired to do something useful myself having met you (mind you I won't be cycling 30,000 miles! - maybe volunteering locally for a start)’. Wow, that felt so good to read. It always makes me happy when I feel/know I motivated people to do some kind of volunteering too. Wonderful! As if this wasn’t enough good news, she added: ‘if you ever want me to have a quick look at any of your English texts just email them to me and I would be happy to make suggestions’. Back in the yurt, I asked her if she had some time to check some of my friends-of-the-road texts. Although day in, day out, I speak English it isn’t my mother tongue, so yes, I make some mistakes and I don’t like that. So I was super pleased to read her suggestion. And in the meantime, she checked already some of my texts for which I am very grateful. Thank you so much, Shirley. And remember always welcome in Ghent, especially once I’m around ;) Looking forward to having a drink together #kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170717_trientrapt_0269_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170924_trientrapt_2855_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170920_trientrapt_2598_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170918_trientrapt_2314_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170918_trientrapt_2231_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170913_trientrapt_1944_wp.jpgAfter the Tosor pass (3,901 m), I was riding through a most stunning valley. I had to cross several small rivers. One was quite deep. I was checking where it was the best place to cross. Azat, a 33 year old ranger (who is chasing wolves to save ibexes and yaks), arrived. He immediately gave me his horse and took my bike. He pointed at his long boots. Wonderful! Not only because I didn't had to cycle through the river but mainly because I could ride his beautiful horse. He accompanied me to the next tricky road and showed me the detour I had to take. A most friendly man on a most beautiful day! #kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170911_trientrapt_1867_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170908_trientrapt_1698_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170904_trientrapt_1657_wp.jpgI met Loïc and Chloé (two French cyclists) and Barış (a Turkish cyclist) in the Riverside hostel in Karakol. I was planning to do a multiple day hike, they were thinking the same. They invited me to join their walk towards Archa-Tor pass (3,925 m). Four days we went hiking. I was more than happy I was surrounded by such nice people. Not only because finding the right track wasn’t easy peasy, but also for sharing lunch, dinner, camp fire moments and being not the only one that walked like a granny for a couple of days after a stunning but steep descent. Looking forward to welcome you in Belgium Loïc, Chloé and Barış. There will be crying peaches and pancakes ;) Cheers! #kyrgyzstan2018-01-19T17:31:15+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/10/28/friends-of-the-road-turkey/2018-01-19T17:31:12+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/12/18/friends-of-the-road-georgia-azerbaijan-armenia/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/9-ge_160916_trientrapt_4846_banner_wp.jpg2018-01-19T17:31:04+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/03/13/friends-of-the-road-iran/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170103_trientrapt_8184_wp_banner.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170102_trientrapt_8167_wp_banner.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170116_trientrapt_8517_wp.jpgMy last morning, the one of my big escape from Iran, was very hectic. I had to buy a boat ticket to Oman, but also needed information from the embassy, had to go to the post office and received wrong directions. This man helped me with everything. I just spoke to him in the street and he started to become my personal guide in Qeshm. He delivered me, like a package, just on time, on the quay of the boat to Oman. I'll never forget you dear stranger! #Iranhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170115_trientrapt_8490_wp.jpgBecause I didn't dare to cycle anymore, I asked a bus with tourists if I could join them through Stars Valley. I could. A bus full of colleagues with their families made me feel like one of them. I could even join their visit to another highlight on Qeshm island. With this little fellow I had a special connection. He liked me, I liked him. He even reminded me of myself when I was a kid. And when I showed him a picture of me as a three year old, he said his name :D #Iranhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170114_trientrapt_8443_wp.jpgOn Qeshm Island, my last hope to have a good Iranian souvenir, I was also followed by a guy on a motorcycle. I saw an army truck and asked the soldiers to escort me. They did it for 1 kilometer. The guy was gone, but not for long. I made local people stop and asked them to escort me. One man did and said goodbye with an indecent proposal included. Bad timing… but luckily there was this man, Davut, working on the reception of beautiful Stars Valley. He took care of me, offered me food and a safe camping spot next to the reception. He lovely sang verses out of the Coran. Thanks for this good souvenir Davut #Iranhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170113_trientrapt_8407_wp.jpgIn Bandar Abbas I could stay with friendly Narges and her mum. Because I didn't feel comfortable anymore on the road, especially at night, it felt really good that she came over to escort me from the busstop to her house. She made a lovely dinner and yummy breakfast. Brought me to the ferry to Qeshm island and arranged some free night stays on the island for me too. Wonderful! #Iranhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13-ir_170112_trientrapt_8403_wp.jpgAfter what happened, I didn't dare to cycle anymore on the mainland, so I took a bus to Bandar Abbas. Arriving last minute and not finding the counter for buying the busticket, I bumped into Sina, a great guy. He ran with me to the right desk and was good company in the bus too. Dear Sina, I wish you all the luck with your studies and hope you make it one day to Dubai or Germany, your dream destinations. Take care #Iran2018-01-19T17:30:56+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/07/11/friends-of-the-road-oman-united-arab-emirates/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/14-om_trientrapt_india_wp.jpgI needed some nuts and bolts for my new bike, and also some customising. These guys helped me out. Just like that, just for free. Welcome in Oman's DIY store #omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/14-om_trientrapt_india-tailor_wp.jpgMy new pair of pants that had to be made smaller. My saddlebag that had to be adjusted. These Indian tailors gave me a nice reduction, just to help me with my project #omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/15-uae_170316trientrapt_0013_wp.jpgIt was in Christophe's house I got to know Lucie. A very funny and kind cyclist from France. I was hoping to meet her further on the road, but our paths didn't cross anymore. But never say never ;) Enjoy the road sweet Lucie #unitedarabemirateshttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170125trientrapt_0320_wp_fotr.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/15-uae_170319_cb_wp.jpgI couldn't stay my whole Dubai stay at Scott's place. I moved to Christoph's house… What can I say? Christophe is a wonderful host, one you feel immediately at ease with. Somebody who likes a chat, laugh and beer. Really, if you're in Dubai, contact Christophe, you won't regret. And don't forget to ask him how his daily French lessons are going. Thank you so much for the two, uh sorry, three, four,… nights at your place Christophe. Always welcome in Belgium. Enjoy the road! #unitedarabemirateshttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/15-uae_170315trientrapt_0005_wp.jpgIt was great to meet Marcos at Scott's place. While Scott and Laura went to work, we were in theory updating our blog. But it was constantly interrupted by nice chats about life on the road. Good to meet you Marcos. Pedal on! #unitedarabemirateshttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/15-uae_170314trientrapt_0003_wp.jpgArriving in Dubai, in the Emirates, another city of expats. I could stay at Scott's place. I'm always surprised to see how people easily trust others. How you can feel at home in no time, just because they open their door. Thanks a lot for your hospitality Scott and Laura #unitedarabemirateshttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170224trientrapt_2076_wp.jpgI met Bader (Mohammed's brother) and his cute little son Said in Sharqiya Sands desert. Mohammed invited me in their Bedouin house. I could stay there as long as I wanted. They offered me food, I could see and feed the camels, sleep in their Bedouin house and have a small desert tour in their jeep. The second morning Bader was sad, he just came from the souq and sold only one goat instead of three. Hard times! I suggested to make pictures and set up a website and Facebook page for him. Like that he could rent the Bedouin house for tourists. Just what he wanted. It's a lovely place, not like all the other tourist camps in the surroundings. If you're in Oman and interested in a unique experience by sleeping in your own Bedouin house in the middle of the desert. Eating (and/or cooking) Bedouin food on a campfire with Bader and his family. Getting to know the secrets of the desert and following traces of scorpions or sand fishes. Don't hesitate, check out his website! #oman www.sharqiyasandsbedouincamp.wordpress.comhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170117trientrapt_0019_wp.jpgDay two on the peninsula. Monica and Mikhail were gone, so I had to camp alone, I was afraid (after all the things that happened in Iran). I checked hotels, but prices of minimum € 70 a night were not possible for my tiny budget. I asked people if they knew a free place to stay or camp. Nobody answered positively. It started to become very sad. But suddenly this man passed by with his car, he stopped and asked me if I wanted to change money. 'Eh, no, I don't.' He continued by asking if I needed any help. I doubted a second but then said: 'well actually, yes I do :)'. Momo (Mohammed) let me stay at his sister's place next door. The house was full of women and five enthusiastic, joyful kids. Just what I needed. Selma, Momo's sister, offered me a lovely dinner and breakfast. The kids, full of energy, gave me some of theirs. I'll never forget my time with these little sunshines and super sweet Selma #omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170303trientrapt_2580_wp.jpgI cycled along the beach/sand dunes in Oman. I suffered from sunstroke. I met a group of expats camping in the dunes. Perfect timing to ask for water. After just half an hour of chatting, Cédric (one of the expats) handed me 'a little' (his words, not at all mine) money for my project. Can you imagine? I hardly knew them and they donated all together for trientrapt! I went back to my bike, noticed a flat tire. The sun set and they suggested to camp with them. The next day I still felt sick and I could stay with them (again), join their campfire and bbq. The following morning we all had to leave. For me, saying goodbye was a bit emotional. Moments like these I truly appreciate, they make me weak. Feeling some warmth, interest and help do good, correction, do great! A couple of days later I received a mail from Katja and Sylvia. There is a school bake and they'll bake in favour of trientrapt! What? That's amazing! I couldn't believe what I read, but a week later I received a new mail with the amount of the donation… SO-O-O… IT WAS REAL! In total (with their own donation too) they raised € 460 for trientrapt!!! Moments like these they make me blush, warm, feeling emotional, grateful and make me smile… to the moon and back. Thank you so so much Cédric, Katja, Sylvia, Juliana, Michael, Santiago, Arrange and your sweet little kids. One month later, back in Muscat, I gave a presentation of my project in Michael's school and could stay for a couple of days at Cédric and Katja's house #oman2018-01-19T17:30:47+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/08/06/friends-of-the-road-uzbekistan/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/16-uz_170504_trientrapt_0712_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1529_wp.jpgIn one, two, three, the whole village surrounded my bike and I. A teacher computer science passed by. He spoke English. A conversation started, I showed my odometer. Everybody wanted to see how many kilometres it took to cycle from Belgium to Uzbekistan. After a long time chatting there, I suddenly realised that I needed to find a camp spot (although I was invited to many houses for sleeping). I went off. After a while, I noticed I didn't have my odometer anymore. I went back, but couldn't find it. Bummer! Some kids were still hanging around the football field. They came towards me to help to search. One of them decided to call somebody who speaks English. Unfortunately, the level of his English was not good enough to understand my problem. A couple of guys cycled with me through the dark village streets. I thought they brought me to the house of the computer science teacher. But no, I was suddenly in front of a woman, the teacher English. She was super glad to welcome me. She wanted to practise her English. She offered me food and a bed and invited her brothers to come over and spend the evening with. All of them wanted to practice their English :) I thought I spent my last evening in Uzbekistan in a real Uzbek family. But no… the whole village was Tajik #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1525_wp.jpgIt was in Sharg'un, before sunset, that I met these kids, playing football on the playground of the school. The moment they noticed me, they enthusiastically ran towards me and wanted to chat. The cute, smiling boy in the middle climbed in a tree and picked a bowl full of mulberries. Just for me. So sweet of him and so yummy for me! #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1499_wp.jpgWhen I was passing by this terrace, these men insisted on eating ice cream with them. First I got an ice cream from the man in front. Then the man next to him offered me a second one. And the man in the middle gave me the third one. A no was a no go! Knowing that I don't like ice cream, I think I'll go to heaven for being so polite and eating all of it. After finishing the last ice cream, they asked the local photographer nextdoors to take a picture from us. It got instantly printed and I received one as a souvenir #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1489_wp.jpgJust buying some energy food in this small stall along the road. The lady invited me to share her 'macaron plov', bread and tea. Amazing! #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170511_trientrapt_1248_wp.jpgI covered hundreds of kilometres while cycling along railways. Now through vast pastures, then again through hills and like that up to the mountains. Water wasn't around but the hot sun was. I ran out of water but I luckily saw from afar a gas plant from Lukoil. 'There must people and water' I thought. 'Yeah' my guessing was right! There was one man who spoke English, he's an engineer and invited me to have lunch in the canteen. I didn't only receive water, but also plov, salad, bread and kefir. WOW, how delicious! With a full belly and a big smile I jumped back on my bike #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170510_trientrapt_1134_wp.jpgJust a nice encounter with this lonely shepherd #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170509_trientrapt_1058_wp.jpgAn evening of camping in a field turned out of leaving the next day at noon. When the owner, Shuxrat (left), noticed me in the morning, he started talking. Talking turned into inviting me at his house. But because this wasn't possible -I had to cross a canal and with my bike it was impossible-. His whole family came over to have a cosy picnic under the trees. They started searching wood to make a fire to heat the water for the tea. A huge blanket was moved from inside the house to the shady spot. And bread, candies and biscuits were brought over. Although I was planning that day to cycle may kilometres, I didn't regret a minute of spending my time with this warm family #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170508_trientrapt_1035_wp.jpgBecause I took a lovely dirt road through thorn bushes, I knew many flats awaited me. Stopping over and over again and not having water anymore to find the I-don't-know-how-many puncture, the tire lost air constantly. After a while, I saw a couple of houses and this man, Mohammed, working in a field in front of the house. He could help me with water and a bucket and like that with a 'new' tire. He also invited me to his house. His wife immediately showed up with tea, biscuits, candies, bread and fried fish. The man was also a loyal lottery player. He was super proud of telling me his brother recently won it (€13.000). He himself showed me his notebooks with all the number combinations he played the last 25 years. Now more than ever believing that one day he will become a winner too. Good luck dear stranger. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you #Uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/16-uz_170507_trientrapt_0982_wp.jpgWhat a coincidence… I didn't want to cycle on the main road and saw a kilometre further a nice track next to a very long fence. I started following it. The scenery was beautiful. It was an Uzbek desert landscape. Suddenly I saw a panel with a big drawing. In the middle of it a WWF logo. 'This must be a national park', I thought, 'supported by WWF'. I entered. Yes, it was! I told about my project, was offered chai and received (for a couple of hours) a very interesting guided tour through the park, offered by the enthusiastic Sasha #Uzbekistan2018-01-19T17:30:38+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/12/15/friends-of-the-road-kazakhstan/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/19-kz_170819_trientrapt_0131_copy_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170819_trientrapt_0131_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0372_wp.jpgMy last night in Kazakhstan was one in the garden of Omirgali, Janyl and their son Madiar. The surroundings were extremely blank, no shelter to camp. That's why I asked them if I could pitch my tent next to their house. Unexpectedly, I had a super cosy evening with a warm family. They invited me to their house for having dinner together. A 'no' was no answer. Although I said I already had an extremely extensive dinner and I was planning to explode. They served me Bishbarmak, a typical Kazakh meal. A hard one for a vegetarian. It's a plate filled with noodles, raw onion and lots of sheep meat. Accompanied with a bowl of water where the noodles were cooked in. Although it's hard for me to eat meat, I was very pleased with so much hospitality. Thanks a lot Omirgali, Janyl and Madiar! #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0326_wp.jpgWhen I was cycling in Charyn Canyon it started raining. Luckily it was just at the time I arrived near the riverside. The place where people are allowed to camp. And where there is shelter for having a picknick. There I met Boris, Isaure, Nadège and Simon. Two French couples who were already cycling together for a while. I joined them at the table. The rain didn't stop, so we were stuck under the shelter. We started cooking and continued talking about our cycling experiences. The next morning we rode together out of the canyon. There our paths split. An unexpected cosy evening and morning. Thanks a lot guys! #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170823_trientrapt_0276_wp.jpgI know Rik (2nd row, 2nd right) from way back in time. He also used to live in Eeklo, the town I grew up. A while ago I received a message on my trientrapt Facebook page: 'hi Trien, I see you're in Central Asia right now. Do you want me to bring some Belgian tidbits you miss?'. I was super surprised to receive that message. That was so attentive! I actually didn't know Rik that well and I even didn't know he was following me on social media. This email arrived as a godsend. I was informing for prices for a courier to send me a small handlebar bag. So 'Yes, thank you so much, Rik, no tidbits but a small bag. Is that possible too?' It was! 1,5 month later we were planning to see each other somewhere on the road in between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. He occasionally is a tour leader for Sawadee Reizen, a travel organisation, and was going to tour with a group through Central Asia. He sent me his itinerary and I tried to meet him in Saty village near the beautiful Kolsai lakes. Miraculously, while I was cycling through the village, a bus passed by and Rik jumped out of it. Wow, perfect timing, what a coincidence! A few minutes later we arrived at their homestay (where I could pitch my tent). Rik handed me my new handlebar bag. Within that bag, two boxes. One with lots of Mignonettes, real Belgian dark chocolate from Côte-d'Or and another one full of typical candies from Ghent (Ghentian noses). Both gifts from Rik. Wow! I can tell you, they didn't live a long life... Thanks a lot, Rik! As this wasn't enough pampering I also could join him and his group for dinner and breakfast and another dinner and breakfast the next days. And... I could accompany them on their walk towards the Kolsai lakes. I got to know a very nice group full of enthusiastic, warm and interested people. People who welcomed me from the first instance and gave me a sore throat as an extra. I wasn't used to constantly talking anymore ;) This encounter was one that gave me a smile on my face any many good souvenirs for the day I left and much more. Thank you so much, Rik and co! #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170820_trientrapt_0141_wp.jpgWhile pushing my bike up to a pass, I saw from far two cyclists pushing their bikes as well. That's right, yesterday the old man on his horse told me that. So I did understand it right. Here, on a trail on which I thought no other cyclists had been before, I met Sveta and Evgeny, a friendly Russian couple from Moscow. That was nice. Pushing went much faster with a chat. At least if there was breath left to talk ;) #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170819_trientrapt_0131_wp.jpgWhile camping on an idyllic campspot, next to a meandering river in between fresh green, hilly fields, dark green conifers and lots of horses, this old man with his two little dogs passed by. Although I said I don't understand Russian, he kept on talking. He invited me in his yurt for tea. And because he saw me preparing dinner he gave me a huge piece of Kurut (dried yoghurt). I said 'njet, spasiba' (no, thank you) several times and showed him all the Kurut I already got. Till he pretended, with an angry face, throwing the Kurut into the river. Then I said 'thank you so much' and 'wow'. He repeated my 'wow', smiled and went of #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170819_trientrapt_0091_wp.jpgA small Mitsubishi van passed by while I was pushing my bike up a steep hill. With every step I put, I was sliding down half a step. The driver (a Kurd, left on the picture) opened his window and asked if I wanted a lift and where I came from. He was incredibly surprised when hearing I cycled all the way from Belgium. Said 'maladjèt' (great, wonderful) several times. Asked again if I didn't want a lift. Gave me a big thumbs up, a huge smile and waved me goodbye. A bit further his van and another car awaited me. They wanted to make a picture together and asked more questions. I like such encounters. They make the pushing much easier and the road more memorable #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170814_trientrapt_0061_wp.jpgIt was in Akterek that I asked some children playing where I could find water. The fountains in the street were empty, so I was wondering how people got water. Eckendir (11 - in front of the picture) instantly grabbed my water bottles and ran inside his house to take water from the tap. I asked him and the other children if they wanted to ride my bike. What a question ;) Meanwhile Eckendir wanted to fill my bag with lots of pears from the orchard. And when his mum came outside to check who that tourist asking for water was, she brought a bag full of 'Kurut' (sundried yoghurtballs) and invited me for 'chai' (tea). In the meantime, one of the kids mentioned I had a flat. Eckendir brought me a bucket filled with water. And he and his friends all wanted me to help to repair. The invitation for 'chaipit’ (drink tea) wasn't just chai. The table was filled with all kinds of food, sweet and savoury. And also with a bag filled with tomatoes, cucumbers and biscuits for the road. They wanted me to stay there. After spending there already more than an hour and because the evening set, I decided to sleep outside under the stars, in their garden. That evening I played volleyball with the children. And while I was preparing my bed, Tolkin (Eckendir's mum) brought me handmade wool socks. They were most beautiful. It took her three hours to make them. And therefore three days to make the wool. I couldn't accept such a big gift. Not only I didn't had the space for it but I already received so many things. My first encounter with Kazakh generosity was one I'll never forget #kazakhstan2018-01-19T17:30:15+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/01/19/explorer-of-the-year-en-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/18-kg_170911_trientrapt_1873_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/18-kg_170911_trientrapt_1869_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/20-in_171029_trientrapt_1031_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/bikepacking-awards-routes_feat.jpg2018-11-04T22:41:49+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/01/15/meer-nieuwjaar-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/20-in_171022_trientrapt_0273_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dscf8719_wp.jpgDECEMBER 2017 I went hiking for 18 days in the Nepalese Himalayas. I had the most terrible guide in the most stunning scenery. But what are 18 days in a lifetime? Being surrounded by the giants of the world. Crossing three passes above 5000 metres, hiking to Everest basecamp and climbing the 5540 metres Kala Pattar was a unique, overwhelming, once in a lifetime experience #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dscf8892_copy_wp.jpgDECEMBER 2017 I went hiking for 18 days in the Nepalese Himalayas. I had the most terrible guide in the most stunning scenery. But what are 18 days in a lifetime? Being surrounded by the giants of the world. Crossing three passes above 5000 metres, hiking to Everest basecamp and climbing the 5540 metres Kala Pattar was a unique, overwhelming, once in a lifetime experience #nepalhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/20-in_171020_trientrapt_0119_wp.jpgNOVEMBER 2017 I can't describe how happy cycling through remote places with no traffic, no houses make me. Being overwhelmed by nature I feel at my best. There where's no village, no track, no people, just nothing. And there, in all that nothing, I find so much of everything. So much freedom, so much power, so many sounds, so much connection with nature. I love to feel small and being overwhelmed #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/20-in_171112_trientrapt_2574_copy_wp.jpgOCTOBER 2017 FInding a remote camp spot is not always that easy in overpopulated India. One evening thirty kids surrounded my tent. Super sweet, polite and curious kids. Every movement they noticed. Sixty small eyes directed on one tent, one bike and one human being: me. When the biggest part of the children went home. When I already was in bed mode, I heard a voice next to my tent: "Trien Trien, I have something for you", it was Ajay (12), he picked some beautiful, warm pink flowers for me. Melting time ;) Good night Ajay #indiahttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2650_wp.jpgSEPTEMBER 2017 Winter arrived. I felt the magic of experiencing the first snowflakes falling in my beloved Kyrgyzstan. I enjoyed my luxury stay in my tent under the bridge. When the day started I felt like cycling in a fairytale #kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/19-kz_170820_trientrapt_0222_wp.jpgAUGUST 2017 With no expectations I entered Kazakhstan. From fellow cyclists, I heard about the boring busy road towards Almaty. I tried to avoid that one. Like that, Kazakhstan surprised me with loads of stunning dirt roads and very nice encounters with kind and hospitable people #kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/18-kg_170626_trientrapt_0002_copy_wp.jpgJULY 2017 Riding into Kyrgyzstan is a moment I'll never forget. I was overwhelmed by beauty. It's strange to see the scenery changing with crossing a border. It's surprising to see people living in different houses, having another mentality and other livestock. And all this because of a line on a map #kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/17-tj_170526_trientrapt_0295_feat_wp.jpgJUNE 2017 Tajiks hospitality… Checking if I could camp in a field next to a house, a man showed up. He invited me to stay at his place. I was spoiled with a room for myself, dinner, breakfast and litres of chai. And not to forget, lots of attention from extremely lively and sweet kids #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/17-tj_170604_trientrapt_0765_wp.jpgMAY 2017 The first time ever I got stuck for a rather long time in a sandstorm. A sandstorm near Karakul Lake. Five hours I was surrounded by that storm and my shaking tent. It was fine. I felt good. It was cosy inside of my shelter. And then suddenly it was quiet. Suspiciously silent. There was … nothing. No waving tent sail, no sand 'hail' on my tarp, no extra sand that slipped into my tent, … It was quiet, noiseless, I was in heaven #tajikistan2018-01-19T15:03:58+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/12/18/stille-nacht-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171031_trientrapt_1199_wp_feat.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171128_trientrapt_4248_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/18-kg_170628_trientrapt_0103-copy_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/14-om_170220trientrapt_1531_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171128_trientrapt_4156_wp.jpg2018-01-19T15:03:50+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/12/03/wilde-wielen-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170825_trientrapt_0400_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170825_trientrapt_0397_wp.jpgSAMSUNG CSChttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170825_trientrapt_0393_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170825_trientrapt_0391_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170825_trientrapt_0383_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0353_copy_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0348_copy_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0347_copy_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0339_copy_wp.jpg#kazakhstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/19-kz_170824_trientrapt_0329_copy_wp.jpg#kazakhstan2018-01-19T15:03:41+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/10/12/brief-aan-mijn-petekind-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170923_trientrapt_2825_copy_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170923_trientrapt_2796_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170923_trientrapt_2793_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2770_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2731_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2725_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2690_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2685_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2666_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170922_trientrapt_2650_wp.jpg#kyrgyzstan2018-01-19T15:03:33+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/09/25/getest-en-goedgekeurd-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170604_trientrapt_0752_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170602_trientrapt_0664_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170604_trientrapt_0765_wp.jpgA tent covered in sand #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170531_trientrapt_0501_feat_wp.jpg#bartang #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_0795_wp.jpgAfter days on dirtroad, only being surrounded by nature, I was back in 'civilization'. What's in a word… no cars, no people for the first hours on the Pamir Highway. Time to have a break, time to spoil me with a Snickers. Time to look aside, to the road I came from #pamirs #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_0793_wp.jpgAfter days on dirtroad, only being surrounded by nature, I was back in 'civilization'. What's in a word… no cars, no people for the first hours on the Pamir Highway. Time to have a break, time to spoil me with a Snickers. Time to look aside, to the road I came from #pamirs #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_0790_wp.jpgWashboard! #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_0786_wp.jpgAmazing to cycle around Karakul lake #karakul #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_0784_wp.jpg#tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170605_trientrapt_0782_wp.jpg#tajikistan2018-01-19T15:03:03+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/09/16/whats-in-a-name-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170619_trientrapt_1337_feat_nl.jpg#tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170527_trientrapt_0384_bew_feat_nl.jpg#tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170626_trientrapt_1715_wp.jpgRiding towards the border with Kyrgyzstan together with three crazy Belgians #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170625_trientrapt_1637_wp.jpgWhen I was strolling through the streets of Karakul village, I met this lady and her little boy. She asked me to take a picture of her son. A bit later she invited me to her house and asked again to take a picture, this time one of the family. She wanted me to send the photo to her. One problem: she couldn't give me an address. So I received the following directions: her name, the name of the hostel I was camping, the name of the village and the country. The following day I left Tajikistan. Once I arrived in Osh (Kyrgyzstan) the picture got printed. Friends of me came over to cycle the Pamirs as well. They took the picture with them and were willing to hand over the photo. Curious to know how the family reacted while seeing their portrait #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170625_trientrapt_1632_wp.jpgThis little boy picked a flower (or rather some weed) for the girl. Isn't that too sweet? #karakol #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170625_trientrapt_1612_wp.jpgThe mosque from Karakul village #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170625_trientrapt_1545_wp.jpgShy but curious and sooo impressive. My God, how I like those animals #yak #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170625_trientrapt_1522_wp.jpgKarakul lake, formed by the impact of a meteorite, lies at an elevation of 3,960 meters #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170624_trientrapt_1456_wp.jpgFeeling little amongst those giants #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170624_trientrapt_1441_2_wp.jpgPamir Highway, a cyclists Mecca #tajikistan2018-01-19T15:02:56+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/07/21/throwback-thursday-tbt-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170510_trientrapt_1171_featnl.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170508_trientrapt_1022_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170514_trientrapt_1536_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1527_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1518_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1504_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1497_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1495_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1492_wp.jpg#uzbekistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170513_trientrapt_1489_wp.jpg#uzbekistan2018-01-19T15:02:43+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/04/10/defrost-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170125trientrapt_0379_wp_nlbanner2.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170120trientrapt_0092_wp_nlbanner.jpg#Oman2018-01-19T15:02:00+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/05/03/the-complete-makeover-nl/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170212trientrapt_0901_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170301trientrapt_2372_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170219trientrapt_1449_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/14-om_170219trientrapt_1426_wp.jpg2018-01-19T15:01:52+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/12/11/triniteit/2018-01-19T14:59:37+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/12/01/hertelijke-wensen/2018-01-19T14:59:29+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/10/26/anatolie-voor-dummies/2018-01-19T14:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/10/17/rozengeur-en-maneschijn/2018-01-19T14:58:37+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/10/05/lunion-fait-la-force/2018-01-19T14:58:27+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/09/28/ze-kust/2018-01-19T14:58:12+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/09/14/er-is-er-eentje-jarig/2018-01-19T14:57:57+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/09/09/waar-voor-je-geld/2018-01-19T14:57:48+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/08/18/hoog-maar-niet-altijd-even-droog/2018-01-19T14:57:11+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/08/04/de-weg-naar-sfantu-gheorghe/2018-01-19T14:57:01+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/08/01/van-knoflook-en-vlad-dracula/2018-01-19T14:56:52+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/07/07/grensgeval/2020-01-10T21:25:05+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/29/onder-de-kerktoren/2018-01-19T14:56:36+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/10/fietsky-in-polska/2018-01-19T14:56:19+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/05/01/cest-parti/2018-01-19T14:55:37+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/02/24/nu-het-nog-kan/2018-01-19T14:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2016/02/19/varkens-en-co/2018-01-19T14:54:36+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2015/10/13/van-stelvio-in-spanje-en-apen-uit-mouwen/2023-02-18T22:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/12/03/wild-wheels-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/19-kz_170820_trientrapt_0173_feat_wp.jpgSAMSUNG CSC2018-01-16T15:13:43+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2018/01/15/more-new-year-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/15-uae_170322_trientrapt_0220_wp.jpgMARCH 2017 Cycling in Emirates' desert was an amazing adventure. Tracks stopped, but my way didn't. Luckily the day before it rained, so pushing my bike over sand dunes became a bit more easy #unitedarabemirateshttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/20-in_171022_trientrapt_0302_feat_wp.jpg2018-01-20T04:22:57+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/12/18/silent-night-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/20-in_171031_trientrapt_1200_wp_feat.jpg2017-12-21T18:23:28+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/sponsor/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/18-kg_170911_trientrapt_1873_wp.jpgFound a great camp spot, time to cookhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sponsors-nieuw1.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/10-az_161028_trientrapt_5693_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sigmasports-logo-zw.jpg2017-12-14T07:08:19+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2017/04/10/defrost-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170116trientrapt_0001_wp_enbanner.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170127trientrapt_0809_wp.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170127trientrapt_0761_wp.jpgLove and peace #Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0740_wp.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0679_wp.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0655_2_wp.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0649_wp.jpgA local crazy football team #Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0595_wp.jpgNo idea how many forts Oman counts. But I do know they're always eye candy #Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0585_wp.jpg#Omanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/14-om_170126trientrapt_0550_2_wp.jpgSAMSUNG CSCSAMSUNG CSC2017-12-03T03:03:17+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/05/03/the-complete-makeover-en/2017-12-03T03:01:54+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/07/21/throwback-thursday-tbt-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/16-uz_170502_trientrapt_0635_featen.jpg#uzbekistan2017-12-03T02:59:26+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/09/16/whats-in-a-name-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170626_trientrapt_1715_feat_en.jpg#tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170619_trientrapt_1354_feat_en.jpg#tajikistan2018-08-03T17:06:43+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/09/25/tested-and-approved-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/17-tj_170604_trientrapt_0751_feat_wp.jpg#tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170604_trientrapt_0765_feat_wp.jpg#sandstorm #karakul #tajikistanhttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/17-tj_170604_trientrapt_0752_feat_wp.jpg#karakul #tajikistan2017-12-03T02:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/2017/10/12/letter-to-my-godchild-en/https://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170913_trientrapt_1924_feat_wp.jpghttps://trientrapt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18-kg_170627_trientrapt_0065_feat_wp.jpg2017-12-03T02:53:46+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/friends-of-the-road/2017-03-13T19:21:53+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/english/2017-03-12T10:04:42+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/2017/02/08/one-big-smile/2017-03-11T22:38:46+00:00monthlyhttps://trientrapt.com/home/2017-02-07T18:21:25+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.com/destinations/2017-02-06T22:22:42+00:00weekly0.6https://trientrapt.comdaily1.02024-06-27T18:23:04+00:00