From Anchorage to Ushuaia by Bike

We are living an extraordinary and meaningful adventure. I often try to take a step back and consider everything that we have experienced. And each time I tell myself that I don’t regret it for a moment. Deciding to leave everything behind and embark on this journey was difficult, and took some time getting to, but it was the right choice and I would make it again. We have learned so much, maturing a little more each day. It is our determination that has been our constant guide, and without it we would not be able to continue. Our most difficult moments so far have been when we lacked determination, but it always returned and we found the courage to continue. We have learned how to adapt, to quickly analyze a situation, to deal with the unforeseen and to make decisions. We have picked up Spanish and we are much more comfortable with everyone we encounter, regardless of their cultural backgrounds, education, or native tongue. These are important lessons that will no doubt help us out when we come back.

Sébastien

Exactly one year ago we said goodbye to our family and friends and left, full of doubts, to start our adventure. Doubts, you ask, really? Yes, we had doubts. There were those people who really made us question our decision to leave. They raised all sorts of issues and made us call our whole plan into question. I wasn’t even sure myself of our trip, and because of all these sceptical people doubting my ability to follow through on such an adventure,  I left with many nagging uncertainties about my own abilities. But they didn’t take into account my determination and willpower!

One year later, after having traveled more than 13,200 km across 10 countries, and climbed 126,321 m in altitude, I feel capable of taking on anything! I am proud of what I have accomplished. Of course I still have a few doubts, but fewer than before. And to everyone who thought that I wouldn’t be physically capable, well here I am, in the saddle, climbing mountains as high as the Alps and the Pyrenees, with a bike that weighs 30 pounds and another 70 pounds of equipment. To all those that doubted me – so there!

Sara

Our microfinance projects are progressing as we hoped they would. We’ve been able to meet with lots of MFIs, and they usually spend enough time with us for us to understand how they work and to compare them to other MFIs that we have visited. The only thing missing would be to meet with more micro-entrepreneurs, those people who actually benefit from the MFIs.

We are stronger than ever now, and ready to take on the road to Ushuaia. In two days we will be in Peru! We want to thank everyone who is following our journey for all your support! Your comments are a real source of energy and inspiration for us. We really appreciate your words and are always eager to read them!

Sara & Sébastien