Only a few days into the expedition and so much has already happened – high drama and copious unforseen complications have proved that venturing out of Hong Kong on a motorbike is a formidable challenge.
However, these days have been productive, educational and hugely satisfying because of Mihela and the GECKO team. Our decision to support GECKO in China feels better than I could have ever imagined. The environmental education they are providing high school kids is so critical – to their lives, to China and really to the future of the world. These very children being introduced to environmental concepts by GECKO are the future leaders of what will be the largest and most powerful economy and nation on earth. GECKO has reached 20,000 Chinese students so far, but there are still 200 million children here who will graduate with NO environmental awareness at all. That’s why Wheel2Wheel is hoping to financially assist GECKO urgent efforts to get its curriculum online – to access more Chinese students and deliver more complex environmental information.
Own-a-Km now and together with GECKO we can plant the seed in the minds of these future leaders. It could very well be these kids that one day make decisions that save our planet.
Levina and Paige joined me in Yangshuo for the GECKO visit, as did the crew from Siren Films. We had a blast meeting local people, eating very local cuisine and generally immersing ourselves in the local culture. This area of China is the most beautiful I’ve seen. I’ve been to roughly 30 cities across China over the last 13 years and none compare to Yangshuo for epic scenery. Two highlights were the boat trip on the Li River and the incredible light show (directed by guy who did Beijing Olympic Opening ceremony) on the lake in Yangshuo.
Big thanks to Shelly (the unofficial Mayor of Yangshuo) for her hospitality, Paddy for lending me his Yamaha 175cc red rocket – the tv footage will be great!
Now heading south over the next 3 days for the Vietnam border …. ahh, another border already.