Michelle rides his bike to visit the South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Michelle cycling on the road
A bicycle, a tent, and a small pack of clothes—this is all that German youngster Michelle Leisner carries for his round-the-world trip. On March 27, this 23-year-old German young man arrived in the ancient city of Xi'an after cycling for over eight months.
At noon on the 29th, the reporter met the blond, blue-eyed Michelle at the South Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. He was sitting leisurely on his recumbent bike, gazing at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The recumbent bike is quite unique, with a compass and speedometer installed right between the two pedals, showing that he has cycled 18,000 km.
Michelle said that he set off from his hometown in Bavaria, southern Germany, on July 13 of last year, traveling along the coast of the Black Sea into Turkey. From there, he went to Iran, then Pakistan, entered China’s Xinjiang, passed through Lanzhou, and arrived in Xi'an. It took him over eight months to travel from Germany to Xi'an. Along the way, he didn’t stay in hotels but usually camped in a tent.
Michelle showed the reporter photos from his camera, including ones taken in Iran and Pakistan. “Look at this photo, I took it in the Taklamakan Desert—it was snowing when I passed through…” He said the most dangerous encounter along the way was in Turkey: “I was sleeping in my tent when I heard someone shouting outside. I went out and saw a group of soldiers carrying guns. They checked my documents and then left.” What troubled him the most during the trip was having to go through immigration procedures in every country he visited.
Michelle said he had been preparing for two years to realize his dream of traveling around the world. After graduating from high school, he worked as a bartender in his hometown for two years. During those two years, he researched travel routes, gathered information, and learned about the customs of the countries he wanted to visit. The recumbent bike he used for the journey was assembled by himself from purchased parts. “My mom initially opposed my trip, saying it was too dangerous. My dad supported me and even gave me some money for the trip.”
He said that among the countries he had visited, food in China was cheaper than in other places, and the snacks were all very delicious. The reporter saw on Michelle’s visa that it was issued in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Michelle said his next stop is Shanghai, and the next country he plans to visit is Japan.
The first Chinese cyclist to discover Michelle, Mr. Guo, said that on the day he met Michelle near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, he took Michelle to visit Xi'an’s Bell and Drum Towers, the City Wall, and Qujiang Pool. The deepest impression Michelle left on him was his frugal eating habits—he wouldn’t eat any meal over 10 yuan, and he preferred food with unusual shapes.