In order to raise money for an NGO that works with street children in Kolkata and to promote awareness about the value of public transportation, Hans Verdonschot, a male nurse from the Netherlands who is also an environmental activist, has traveled across 10 national boundaries by car. The 60-year-old traveler left his house on January 3 and arrived in Kolkata on January 24 at a total cost of fewer than 2000 euros.
The starting
Even a few years ago, Verdonschot had no intention of doing the three-week trip. He was a nurse and activist who worked with street kids in Kolkata and occasionally went cycling with pals.
Henk Loos, a friend of Verdonschot and a consultant by trade, was eager to travel to Kolkata with him.
The trip
Verdonschot set out to travel 11,000 km on January 3 after a few weeks of preparing.Verdonschot traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, by bus from Romania, where he quickly realized that his trip’s honeymoon phase was finished.
The bus trip came to an end, just like everything else, and Verdonschot left for Iran by bus and cab after taking a few days off. When he arrived in Tehran and attempted to cross the Iran-Pakistan border, he was halted by the officials.
Verdonschot arrived in Pakistan after encountering several difficulties, and then ultimately crossed the Wagah border into India in cabs and buses.
The difficulties
After the miserable bus voyage to Istanbul, Verdonschot’s next set of difficulties was in Iran. His race and the current political instability made the issue worse.
He felt like he was being monitored all the time during his time in Iran. Verdonschot was shocked to see that the price for a nice supper for three people at the restaurant he visited in Tehran was only two euros.
Verdonschot was greeted most cordially in Pakistan. Verdonschot was troubled by Pakistan’s high rate of illiteracy.
The expense
Verdonschot took a bus from the Wagah border to Amritsar, took a quick break in Shimla, and then took a train through Delhi to Kolkata. He has only spent a little under 2000 euros on the trip thus far.
He couldn’t have seen all 10 countries with just a flight to Kolkata costing about 500 euros.
Verdonschot and Loos also planned this tour to generate money for an NGO, and they have already collected more than 14,000 euros from the nations they have visited.
Verdonschot hasn’t made up his mind about his path, but Loos is certain he’ll fly back to the Netherlands.
News Mania Desk /
