Category: Thoughts

It is SAD II

Every burst of sunlight is an immediate thrust of a lance, straight through my brain and heart and the only decision on such winter days are which way I go. Left or right? It isn’t that difficult, yet with the knowledge that neither left nor right is anything to see, I have to be positive and find something to go to. The cabinet of my brain is filled with connections to forgotten tombs and chapels. I can braid together the multiple forests paths to a maze of sense. Read more

Previous part of this post: It is SAD I

Tags Cat woman, deer, Forest, Forest walks, Home, Intentional Camera Movement, Kickbike, Nature, Seasonal Affective Disorder, snow, The woods, Travel will change you for good., Winter, Winter in Hungary, winter mood

Hungary Thoughts

It is SAD

A few days sun means I could make a short kickbike tour to the hills. They will feed my needed portion of wonderment. Even though the nearby Hungarian hills are not that spectacular, it will give me more the view that bald trees provide me with. Read more

Part II

Tags Cat woman, Forest, Forest walks, Home, Intentional Camera Movement, Kickbiking, Nature, Photography, Seasonal Affective Disorder, seasons, snow, The woods, travel, Travel will change you for good., Winter, Winter in Hungary, winter mood

Ethiopia Sudan Thoughts Yemen

The inheritance of solitude II

Post author By Cindy
Post date August 14, 2023
6 Comments on The inheritance of solitude II

It is not about a journey but the effects of one.

First post

To continue with where I left in part I, about disturbing factors, it perhaps comes down to what is written a bit further down. On one of my long travels through India I wanted to form a more sturdy opinion about ashrams than what I’d red in books. Though two books in particular that I red in ashrams were eye opening (and my opinion about ashrams? That I keep for another time).

Afghanistan Africa Egypt Ethiopia India Nepal Pakistan South America Sudan Thoughts Yemen

The inheritance of solitude

Post author By Cindy
Post date September 9, 2022
8 Comments on The inheritance of solitude

I was inspired to work on this write-up after a very kind someone asked me several times to go by car and have beverages at a cafe in town, as ‘I needed a change of environment’. Soon after a second happening surprised me: the dependency of another very kind person’s expectations way beyond what has become my natural way of living.

It is not about a journey but the effects of a journey.

Tags after effects of long term traveling, Nonsocial places, Secluded, Solitude, solo female cyclist, Solo traveling in Muslim countries, Travel impressions, Traveler

Gear Germany Hungary Kickbike Thoughts

Kickbiking. How’s the set-up?

Post author By Cindy
Post date October 22, 2020
30 Comments on Kickbiking. How’s the set-up?

A set-up of any form of transport is important. Not when you are cycling or rolling back and forth to the bakery but when you try to get some distance done, it better be the right set-up for you. We did not had the chance to test any kickbike before we started the journey through the USA. We ordered straight from the Kickbike supplier and that is not the way I’d recommend. When I ordered my bicycle years prior I had it more or less custom made. This is crazily expensive, something I would not recommend either.

Tags Back rack, Big Agnes, Front rack, Hilleberg, Hilleberg Soulo, How to kickbike, How to kickbike?, Kick scooter, Kickbike, Kickbiking, tips and tricks

Thoughts

Kickbiking. Why? How?

It’s different than cycling. Obviously. The challenge, after cycling the world 5 years, had vanished and I searched for a new demanding way of transport and travel. Because our society allows me, I discovered something so amusing as the kickbike… and I knew instantly, intuitively, that I would love it.

Tags How to kickbike, Kick scooter, Kickbiking, The start, Why kickbiking

Gear Thoughts

Review: Bushcraft-Essentials Bushbox Outdoor Pocket Stove

Post author By Cindy
Post date April 22, 2020
18 Comments on Review: Bushcraft-Essentials Bushbox Outdoor Pocket Stove

Yet another stove I bought.

I have used all sorts of stoves, from Primus and Optimus Multi Fuel when I started a 5 year worldwide bicycle trip to an Optimus Svea 123. I tried a gas stove, a self-made hobo stove, an alcohol stove and plain wood fires.

Tags Camp fire, Camping life, Fire wood, Gear review, Hobo stove, How to cook, How to make life easier?, Review, Safety First, Simple Life, Stove, Stove for cycling trip

Spain Thoughts

Minuses of living in a truck in winter

Post author By Cindy
Post date September 30, 2019
9 Comments on Minuses of living in a truck in winter

There is no need to debate whether a truck is better in cold and wet weather than a tent. A truck has the advantages a house might give yet it has not the prison-alike feeling of a house.

Tags Minuses of truck living, Negatives of truck living, RV, Tiny house, Tiny house on wheels, Truck in winter, Truck living, Winter

Spain Thoughts

Positives of living in a truck

Post author By Cindy
Post date September 23, 2019
5 Comments on Positives of living in a truck

Now, just have a look how homely and fantastic the inside of a truck can be! Without planning, drawing nor measuring Geo has built us quite an amazing home. The ideal mix between a tent and a house.

Tags Different living, Positives of truck living, RV, Tiny house, Tiny house on wheels, Truck life, Truck living

Spain Thoughts

Minuses of living in a truck in summer

Post author By Cindy
Post date September 16, 2019
5 Comments on Minuses of living in a truck in summer

Why would someone live in a truck?

Let’s start with why I decided to live in a truck? I dislike to live in a house. After being on the road for 5 years where I camped mostly in a tent I distanciated more. Then I met my husband on a farm in Paraguay. Geo, came with this extra ordinary idea (to which I had to get accustomed). He wanted to move out of his house too and I soon was appealed to the idea of living in a truck.

Tags Living in a truck, Living on wheels, Plus and minuses of truck living, RV, Simple Life, Truck life, Truck living

Thoughts

The World’s Different

‘When you are too long on your own, chances are you might get weird. However much I am a loner, I too need others to mirror myself with.’

Tags Adjusting or changed?, Coming Back, Coming Home, Different living, Effects of long term travel, is long term cycling risky?, Travel will change you for good., What effect can long term travel bring?

Thoughts

Living a simple lifestyle is not less work

Post author By Cindy
Post date July 22, 2019
6 Comments on Living a simple lifestyle is not less work

‘Long term travel will make you see, by stepping out of society as we know it, that the West has gone far, far overboard.’

Tags Coming Back, Coming Home, Cycling life, good to know. Be prepared, Impact of a cycling life, Impact of a travelers life, Reflections, Start and Stop of Cycling, Stop, Stop cycling

Thoughts

Attracter: What attention on the bicycle can do to you

Post author By Cindy
Post date June 19, 2019
5 Comments on Attracter: What attention on the bicycle can do to you

‘When cycling you will often be seen as someone doing something extra ordinary. This lift up your ego after a while. After years of this extra attention you get used to it and thus it becomes normal.’

Tags Coming Back, Coming Home, cycling the world, Receiving attention, Start and Stop of Cycling, Stop cycling, What attention can do to you

Afghanistan Ethiopia Iran Middle East Sudan Syria Thoughts Yemen

Aim: What is the Purpose of Cycling?

Post author By Cindy
Post date May 13, 2019
No Comments on Aim: What is the Purpose of Cycling?

‘Adding the fact that ‘doing good’ comes from the heart, does not mean the mind has no say in this. Building toilets for ‘poor black’ but able Africans or distributing bags of rice to people along the fertile bushroad is not smart.’

Tags Aim of cycling, Coming Home, Cycling life, Impact of a cycling life, Impact of a travelers life, Purpose of cycling, Reflections

Thoughts

After Effects

Post author By Cindy
Post date May 13, 2019
1 Comment on After Effects

The pro’s and con’s of deciding to live life differently, focusing on a cycling life.

Tags Aim of cycling, Coming Home, good to know. Be prepared, Impact of a cycling life, Impact of a traveling life, Reflections

Thoughts

Wild Camping Guidance

Have you decided to explore the world on a bicycle, then camping is part of it. As the outside seems so much more spooky than a house, the first thing that comes to mind is: ‘Is it not dangerous?’ On the contrary, in fact, it is not so much about danger. Much more camping is about management of daily changing circumstances and how to deal with them. Rather exciting and never dull indeed!

Tags Camping in nature, Camping in the wild, Camping life, How to find a camp spot?, Safety First, Stealth camping, tips and tricks, Tips for camping, Wild camping

Creativity Thoughts

Truck Living

From a bicycle to a truck. The ‘Cycling Cindy’ blog continues, the only difference is a bunch of extra wheels. For all who is interested in living a different lifestyle, and for those who want to be inspired or see the landscapes where the truck will come to a halt, stay tuned.

Tags Built your own truck home, Cabin on wheels, Different living, Living in a truck, Living on wheels, Mobile home living, RV, Tiny house, Tiny house on wheels, Truck, Truck life, Truck living

Thoughts

Women Department

There’s – little – difference between a man and a woman when it comes to strength. A man is often physically obviously stronger. A woman often mentally. There are, however, significant differences: being a woman requires other items. This is a post for woman in the saddle. Yet, when we are both strong, but on other fields, women do need other stuff than men.

Tags Beauty Tips, Cycle short, From a woman's perpective, Gear, Gear Tips, General tips for gear, Tips for Woman, Woman Cycling, Woman vs man

Interview Thoughts

Heike Pushbikegirl

Heike made a post where she asks 4 other experienced solo female cyclists about wild camping. Since we are lone women, many people think this is extra dangerous. But the truth is, it is not, at all. On the contrary.

Tags Camping life, Cycling life, German Heike, Heike Pirngruber, Heike Pushbikegirl, Lifestyle of traveling, Safety First, solo female cyclist, Stealth camping, Tips for Woman, Wild camping

Thoughts

Questions?

Very often I ask myself the question ‘why?’ This is tiresome, but I need to ask it in order to understand the country and it’s people. I need to ask it myself in order to get answers. And so, now and then, when I allow myself, here comes a lengthy viewpoint of mine…

Tags Deeper thoughts, Detailed Thoughts, Questioning the meaning of life, Questions, Thoughts, What is the meaning of life?, Why cycling?, Why does someone cycle the world?, Why traveling?

Thoughts

Bio Boost

Post author By Cindy
Post date June 10, 2018
No Comments on Bio Boost

A bit of a boast…

Tags 10 years of traveling the world, About me, Bio, Lifestyle of traveling, Myself, Nomadic, Travel impressions, Traveler, Update, World traveler

Gear Thoughts

Therma-A-Rest Self-Inflating Air Mattress

Post author By Cindy
Post date March 6, 2018
7 Comments on Therma-A-Rest Self-Inflating Air Mattress

Sleep is one of the most important things to enjoy life. Isn’t that equally so for a cycling life?

Tags Cycling life, Expensive gear, Gear, Gear review, Is expensive better?, Rested nights, sleep, Therm-A-Rest

Thoughts

Happy Notions for the New Year

Post author By Cindy
Post date December 24, 2017
14 Comments on Happy Notions for the New Year

5 hand-palm sized non-cycling essentials under $30

Tags cheap stuff, Curiosity, Gear, little handy items, non-cycling essentials, Overview

Thoughts

A word about selfies

My sister was a model for some time, on a pearl white beach where the palm trees were outfitted with electricity outlets. She modelled in the sultry Caribbean, she withstood the wind and she splashed into the lazuli colored water as if she were a pro. She never was one, but more than I ever could be.

Tags Art, Arty, Myself, Photo, Photography, Portraits, Selfies, So vain!, Travel impressions

Thoughts

Up to the 50,000 KM

On to the 50,000 kilometer

Let’s get this weblog more clear. After over 40,000 kilometer and 4 years on the road (mostly, as I have been home in The Netherlands to be with mom, and dad) with Shanti bicycle I am going to lead you around:

Tags Africa, East Europe, Europe, Indian continent, Overview, South America, Update

Thoughts

Short Video Update

Cycling the Electricity Highway which provides energy to the world once biggest copper mine in Chile. I have made an inland turn, to meet with some one special, again!

Tags Happy!, Samsung Video, Short Update, Surprise!, Video

Peru Thoughts

Short Video Update

December 2016: That’s what cycling without a plan does: unexpected surprises come your way. I was meeting with an old-time friend. Not in Argentina where I was, but in Lima. Peru. I took a bus, 4 days on end. Going back I wanted to avoid more busses.

Tags Coast of Peru, Costanera, desert cycling, Happy!, Pacific Ocean, Peru, Short Update, Surprise!, Update, Video

Thoughts

Midlife Critic

June 2016: this post is another of my reflections about life on and off a bicycle. Since all of my blogposts are coming into your inbox, this one follows just like all the previous. Just skip it if you’re not into posturing; a non-travel post. Instead, a travelers thought.

Tags Deeper thoughts, Detailed Thoughts, Reflections

The Netherlands Thoughts

Ready for taking off

Desires: Libya, Algeria, Niger, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana’s, Kirgizstan and Mongolia.

How incredible much I longed for openness in Nature, able to pitch my tent where ever I desire and to do some trekking. I bought sturdy Goretex shoes, and a backpack I already have. Initially I choose Iceland. Then the sun came out in the Netherlands. Did I really want to battle some more wind and rain and cycle in a loop?

Tags A new adventure, Another continent, Further idea's, Start (not overland)

Thoughts

Unwind in 7 simple ways

This post it too simple for words. But somehow it got stuck in my mind.

Tags Camping life, Cycling life, No hurry, No plan, Photography, Relax, Slow, Slow Living, Stop

Thoughts

Korte Update

Korte Cindy Update

Eind december bereik ik Dubai, na de pedalen van mijn fiets stevig verzet te hebben zoef ik vanuit Turks Koerdistan door Iraaks Koerdistan en tenslotte Iran.

Tags Doneer, Focus on Education, India

Thoughts

Prijs! Prize!

Bredase Vredesprijs

Ik ben moeiteloos door Nigeria gefietst, niemand heeft me gefooled, of in het Nederlands ‘bedrogen’. Ik ben geen naïef meisje dat altijd meteen van het goede van de mens uitgaat. Ik vind iedere mens van nature wel goed, maar ga er niet standaard vanuit dat zij zo ook denken.

Tags Bredase Vredesprijs, Peace Prize, Surprise!

Thoughts

Wat is het doel?

Wat is het doel?

Deze vraag wordt me wel eens gesteld. Mijn doel is simpel en het antwoord lang: ik wil het leven voelen, zien, ruiken, proeven en ontdekken. Mijn doel is om dat nu op de fiets te doen. Niet Mongolië of 50.000 kilometer op de teller te hebben, maar het leven zelf. Mijn doel is het leven te léven en niet geleefd te worden.

Tags Focus on Education, Waarom?, Wat is het doel?

Thoughts

Why traveling (thoughts from 2013)

Post author By Cindy
Post date September 11, 2013
8 Comments on Why traveling (thoughts from 2013)

Sometimes I need to air my thoughts, analize my views, write them down. They are personal, yet I publish them for everyone to

read. It’s part of traveling. Traveling is not always blissful. It’s life… here are my thoughts.

Tags Living, Nomadic, Slow Living, Thought according 2013, Why traveling?

Thoughts

Het waarom fietsen

‘Waarom wil je dat? Op de fiets?’

Een heel simpele en een heel voorstelbare vraag en iedereen die op deze manier reist zal ongeveer hetzelfde antwoord hierop hebben. Iedereen die intensief en langdurig over de wereld reist, zal zich er ook nog wel iets bij voor kunnen stellen. Behalve ik zelf.

Tags Nomadic, Waarom fietsen?, Waarom?

Thoughts

In productie • Cindy & Focus on Education Pasta Media Productions

Post author By Cindy
Post date July 12, 2012
No Comments on In productie • Cindy & Focus on Education Pasta Media Productions

Het contact voor deze productie werd al gelegd in februari. Tijdens de Meet en Match van de stichting betrokken ondernemers Breda liepen wij Marijke den Ridder van stichting Focus on Education en Cindy tegen het lijf.

Tags Focus on Education, Pasta

Thoughts

In bed with Pasta

Tuesday May 15th is the day, finally, that I have an intimate appointment in my heavenly upstairs room. Not with one person, mais non… no less than two persons. Count your blessings, princess Cindy! With the three of us we will share my bed. Or rather, let me be slightly more detailed: I will lay in the bed while I get shot on film by one and recorded on sound by another.

Tags Focus on Education, Pasta

Thoughts

In bed met Pasta

Dinsdag 15 mei is de dag dat ik een afspraak heb in mijn boudoir om niet één, maar twee mensen te ontvangen. Wij gaan met ons drieën naar bed. Of eigenlijk is het nog iets genuanceerder: ik ga alleen naar bed en word gefilmd terwijl de ander me opneemt.

Tags Focus on Education, Pasta

Thoughts

Alle kinderen naar school!

Post author By Cindy
Post date May 15, 2012
12 Comments on Alle kinderen naar school!

Maandag 14 mei komen Marijke, Jacques en Miriam van de stichting Focus on Education samen met Edwin en Eva van Pasta Media Productions op de school ‘De Zeggewijzer’ in Terheijden.

Tags Focus on Education, Pasta

Thoughts

The local newspaper’s talk!

Post author By Cindy
Post date May 10, 2012
16 Comments on The local newspaper’s talk!

I do fall in love now and then, but up to now, I also always moved on. Something like this is what the bigger letters in the text says. The headline says ‘worldtraveller for a good cause’. The friendly reported who interviewed me, who did this 5 years ago too, was amazed that I am forty years old! So she asked me: ‘Don’t you ever want to settle down?’