Hi all,

I'm new to all these RTW travelling on a motorbike stuff. Let me give an introduction of myself. I'm from Singapore, a small island with a land area of 680 sq km. yeah, it's real small. Population 4 million. It's hard finding someone willing to travel on a bike, much less a 200cc vepsa. I'm not an exceptional being, I'm much like the typical Singaporean. I'm trying to find the courage to do this alone if I have to. I have set a deadline for my trip, 2008.

Plan is to travel overland Singapore to thailand, if possible, hop on a ferry to madras and all the way to europe, on my trusty o' vespa. It sounds insane, I'm trying very hard to convince myself to do it on a underpowered, 10" wheelbase, 16hp, 1980s machine. Still, the only reason I can find is that, I can't think of any other bike I'd rather do the trip on. It's hard, even convincing myself. Imagine how it sounds like to my fellow Singaporeans/friends.

I've not travelled extensively, only been to 5 countries. It's quite a big step for me if I stick to it. Right now, I'm just planning and saving up for it, before I take a half year break to embark on my journey. Why? Some of my friends ask me. Isn't it dangerous? There are bandits, unfriendly natives, racism abroad, peeps who willingly stick a knife through you for the few dollars you have on your body. Alone? you're outta your f*cking mind?!! It's a jungle out there!! Living in a sheltered country, with a government that map out your life for you since you were borned, does a little damage to your imagination and adventurous spirit. The endless chase for monies, big apartment, big cars, platinum credit cards, jetting around in first class... urbanised, I love the security of Singapore, yet, I am finding myself yearning for the road.

My most expensive and priced possesion? my 1983 US$700 PX200 vespa. I don't own a car(too expensive), an apartment(too expensive) or have multiple credit cards. I don't really fit right in with my fellow mates. I feel more lonely when I'm at home in Singapore than when I am travelling.

Right now, I'm thinking of travelling to thailand this year end on my ride, for a taste of long distance travelling. It's a little prep work to prepare myself for the big one. My problem is that I'm still apprehensive, afriad of the unknown(my upbringing). I wanna take the first step, and i believe most of the people in the world are friendly and nice. Yet, I'm afriad.

How do you guys find the courage? Am I too timid for this kinda thing?

__________________

"Look at me, I’m not you."
- New Order Republic