THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Type ‘Iran’ in the Internet search box and it returns only unpleasant news. However, on the ground, things are different, according to Patrick Kaiser and Marko Xie-Tewordt, two German cyclists. Iran was where the two met, and by that time, the two had travelled through many countries and experienced different cultures.
Marko says, “My friends in Germany told me not to go to Iran. They warned me of terrorism.” Instead of terrorists, there were friendly people inviting him into their homes. “Almost every evening in Iran, I would sleep in other people’s homes and eat with them.”
Patrick’s cycle is ‘special’ – there is an additional set of seat and pedals designed for people with disabilities. It has a flag with ‘Peace’ written on it.
People of various nationalities have ridden on that cycle.
“Many Pakistanis would eagerly join me. It is unfortunate that everyone blames them. However, they themselves are suffering from the Taliban,” he says.
“Media associates Pakistan with Taliban, Iran with the atom bomb and India with rape culture. Fortunately, we two could make our own picture. From normal people to normal people, the connections are beautiful,” says Patrick.
On Thursday, it was the turn of Aneesh R S, a colleague of Patrick’s friend Tiffany Brar, to experience cycling. The last time the young man rode a cycle was when he was in class I. He loved it. Patrick’s cycle has ribbons with messages in different languages. One reads, “May God protect you and send you an angel.” Patrick and Marko are sure they will meet many angels on the way.
