The Explanatory Video
The Plan
On January 19th 2009 I set off from Brussels with a friend, Richard, to walk to Jerusalem. The plan was to go with no money and to walk the whole way, accepting no lifts from cars. After a couple of weeks, Richard had a change of heart and went home.
Money
Though I started with no money, I was offered money on several occasions. My general principal was to try to refuse it but when that was impossible (and it often was), I gave what I was given away. To start with I either give it to the church or I bought cake and gave that away but in the Middle East I saved it and used it for the next country’s visa. When people offer me food, however, I almost always accepted.
How it Ended
When I reached Israel I wasn’t allowed into the country (no explanation given), and my various attempts to get in legally all failed. The illegal route was way too scary, so instead Richard flew out to Amman and met me there. We walked together to the border, then he carried on to the Holy City and completed our pilgrimage. I walked for 6 and a half months, and Richard reached Jerusalem on August 29th.
I returned home alone.
Google Earth
This is my brother’s Google Earth version of my route so far. You need Google Earth to make it work which you can get by looking up “Google Earth” on Google.
Photo Album
This is a link to the whole trip in photos.
Awards
Most Generous Country: Romania
Least Generous Country: Austria
Biggest Alcohol Drinkers: Hungarians
Biggest Tea Drinkers: Turkey
Warmest Country: Syria
Coldest Country: Austria
Dirtiest Countries: Syria and Romania
Most Precise Road Signs: Germany
Least Precise Road Signs: Syria
Least Connected Country (to the internet): Syria
Second Least Connected Country: Germany
Richest Country: Austria
Poorest Country: Romania
Best Food: Austria (because everything tastes good when you’re really hungry)
Least Favourite Country: Israel
Favourite Countries: Turkey, Romania and Hungary
Hottest Place: Jordan Valley, Jordan
New Addresses in My Address Book: 400
Money Stolen: €30
Money Spent: $100 on visas (some was given unprompted, some I begged for)
Dog Bites: 2 (minor)
Most Number of People on One Motorbike: 6 in Syria
Hours in the Israeli border: 9
Total Emotional Breakdowns: 1
Total Time Attempting to Get Into Israel: 1 month
Distance Walked: 5,000km or 3,000miles
Days Walked: About 200
Ha, 1st reply on the last blog. That nullifies all previous 1st blogs, double Ha. Rose, you’re amazing, or an idiot as Barney suggested. Don’t ever do anything like this again please.
Love Jo xxx
Mikey,
I’m off work today feeling not well. I’ve not much to be getting on with. I reckon that’s how most of your days are spent. It made me wonder how you might fill your days.
Have you considered upgrading your journey map video (informative, but not so hugely Learized as other things) to one with a bit more of the BBC / ITV television news reports and studios about it? I think there’d be room for a map, but almost limitless room for pointless graphics. I think that would give you a task to do, would be hilarious, and people would get to see your beard in the video too.
Love Pete
grrrrrrrrr Jo got in first,you are just amazing Mikey with what you have done or just a little crazy which ever it might be it’s great to have you back home please don’t do anything like this again.
ps when are you going to write the book!!!
Love Alison/xx
forgot to say how much I enjoyed the photos x
Someone experiencing the boredom of borders the other way round: http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1243
ps. Just heard this & thought of you. . .