Our first Ride(Taipo to Central, then ferry to Macao)
Departure Time: 0900
Date: Dec. 4th 2010
Distance: 28KM
Time duration: 100 minutes
What would you do when you were 21? I have graduated for four months. Many people would find a job. But right now, to find a job, it’ s not easy. I want to do something special, which is to travel around in Asia by bicycle, without flight. I know it would cost me a big money. Therefore, I tried to find some corporations, which can support me. I ‘ m not only want to go biking. I want to help others while cycling. I tried to help Asian rural poor villages. Then, I met an advisor through my boss, Ron. She is a great woman. She promised to help me as much as possible. I tried to be a fundraiser. She helped me to organize it, but eventually, I got an negative feedback because we were not permitted to fund raise through this ride. Then, I gave it up. But, I still planed to ride. Two months before departure, I worked for a bank, and some teaching jobs, to save some money for my trip. In following days, I would mount on the bicycle for couples of month, and cross six countries in Southeast Asia. And, I have no idea when I would finish my trip.
I started this trip because I was inspired by “Long Way Down”, which is a motorcycle adventure from UK to Africa. I have over 10 years cycling experience, but not cycling tour.
About a month ago, I met Joe, 22-year-old,my teammate, on the street coincidentally.I presented my bike trip to him. My trip impressed him. He started to propose to his family. I strongly want him to join because it may be different if I went alone, but honestly, I didn’t expect he will go. I got a call few days later. ” I can go.”, Joe said. We spent only two weeks to prepare the stuffs we need. It seems rush, but, we still can depart.
Our first ride is a short distance. We have rode for 22KM. Then, we toom a train for 6KM, because of high traffic at downtown. Later, we took the ferry to cross the Victoria Harbor. After reached Hong Kong Island, we spent a hour to enter the Casino City–Macau.
We traveled whole part Macau. This is my first time to enter Macau. It is really different with Hong Kong. In Macau, there are plenty of casinos. Actually, the government’s income gets probably from them. Then, we had a pretty nice dinner with local, who are Joe’s friend. We originally want to stay at their; however, too many tourists came. It makes the high demand of accommodation. Eventually, the room rate is really expensive. Therefore, we moved to Zhaohau. ZH is really different with Macao, although it just separated for a border. After we crossed the immigration, we saw many motorbikes. And there are many people would invite you to stay their hotel. After negotiated with agent, we can stay at a local home. We spent 10 minutes to arrive there. We felt disappointed because of unsatisfactory hygiene and small room, with my bikes. The small room, 200 square feet, costs EUD 11. But, remember that Chinese factory workers only earn EUD200 a month. That’ s why, we feel it’s expensive. Although the expensive price, the host is better than I imagine.
