PANDA Odyssey Week 32: 180km

Last updated on Aug 14, 2024

Hans and Isaiah.

D1 Utrecht - Bleiswijk - Pijnacker - Berkel en Rodenrijs - Prins Alexander - Schoonhoven

I cycled almost 50 km to visit a spirits importer near Bleiswijk. The meeting finished at about 13:00, then I decided to cycling around. I found a great liquor store in Pijnacker. Various types of alcohol are categorized according to more detailed distinctions. After conversation, I left a tube of sample of Baijiu.

Later in different towns and villages I cycled through, I visited the local liquor stores. The feedback to Baijiu was varied.

After so many discussions, learnt something from Rob from Hoorn, then experienced a lot of conversation, debate and rejection, I had some insight about product selection. Read more about this topic: Shop Daughters.

On my way home, almost 6 km left to where I live, I met a guy with a trolly and dog, there was a sign in front of his trolly said: Walking from Norway to Spain. I passed him and suddenly I got a voice telling me to get him a dinner. I turned around and caught up with him. He told me he had to walk for another few miles to the camping ground, maybe we could meet for lunch next day. Then he and I exchanged contact information, and he took a photo of me.

D2 Meeting Isaiah

Isaiah Glen Shields

Isaiah Glen Shields has walked across America.

Isaiah is a very biblical name, the name of a prophet in the Old Testament. The Isaiah I met grows up in the traditional protestant family and he has his questions about a lot of why? What? And how?

Isaiah triggered me to read the whole Book of Isaiah when I got home.

I am a person on the road too. When people ask me why I am on the road, there are usually at least 2 answers: the first answer is to reply to the people who ask me the question, then just make my journey sounds reasonable in a very short reply. However, the other answer is always a ultimate question: I am searching for some answers to the questions I have. This time, let's cut the crap, like Forest Gump was questioned when he was running across America:

Different reporters were asking Forest Gump:
Why are you running?
Are you doing this for world peace?
Are you doing this for the homeless?
Are you running for women's rights?
Or for the environment?
Or for animals?
Why are you doing this?

🐼

Forest Gump relied: I just felt like running.

For Forest Gump, it is the reason, for Isaiah or me, it is not, but to the people I feel less connected mentally, I would simply with: I love cycling. However, I know it is partially true.

What is the truth? Hans said.

We are going somewhere, because 1) we don't want to stay where we were; 2) we want to be somewhere we think it better.

However, both motivation won't ensure the secured happiness. As we could run away to a new wrong place; as we could go to another place worse but we thought it was better. Isn't the place we run away the place we choose to be?

We don't know we are just wondering, while we believe we are on the track to somewhere. Best for you. I am not a person you met on the road, but not a friend yet. "Once doesn't count." See you somewhere on this planet.

Why do you, Isaiah, left your past? Isaiah Replied

Isaiah replied: I am so tired of consumerism. It is just a bad circulation, which is unlimited and repeating cycle.

Hans reflected: An endless cycle: desire - relentless pursuit - attainment and satisfaction - a brief period of happiness - emptiness - even stronger desire. The ever-increasing intensity of satisfaction leaves people more and more exhausted, unable to find true happiness. The joy after fulfillment feels utterly hollow.

What is the meaning of life?

Isaiah replied: Developing relationship with people. Getting around to feel the real world, and letting the world to marinate you.

Hans reflected: Humans should avoid arrogance and embrace humility. In reality, no matter how much we increase the probability of an event occurring through experience, technology, and other means, it can never reach 100%. Therefore, we can never guarantee any outcome. Instead, we should focus more on the process and let go of the fear of failure, recognizing that success and failure are merely interim summaries, not endpoints. As long as we are alive, we must continue moving toward that ultimate goal. But what is the ultimate goal? This question brings us back to the fundamental issue of the meaning of life. Nihilism is eroding our world. Nihilism itself is a consequence of arrogance. People believe they can use their limited understanding to judge the world and arrogantly assign it certain values. When they eventually realize these values are unfounded, they arrogantly negate them. The value of anything or anyone in the world exists independently and inherently, endowed by the Creator. Thus, affirmation does not increase value, and negation does not diminish it. The values perceived by people are merely products of psychological acknowledgment and are illusory. Just as the arrogant become self-deprecating when faced with setbacks, the self-deprecating become arrogant with a bit of success. Similarly, those filled with intense desires for the world may fall into nihilism when their value system collapses. Little do they realize that the problem lies in their misguided direction.

不要爱世界和世界上的事。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了。 (约翰一书2:15 和合本)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John2:15 NIV)

D3 Venlo - Kempen - Krefeld - Dusseldorf - Venlo 118km

It took me about 1hour40mins to travel to Venlo from Utrecht by Intercity. The weather was great, and I saw the aerosport playground at the border between NL and DE. After that, yeah, I cycled through my favourite off road track with Google.

The first city I visited is called Kempen. It is the home town of Thomas à Kempis, also known as Thomas von Kempen in Germany. Thomas à Kempis lived in Zwolle most of his life, and wrote The Imitation of Christ. Exploring Kempen offers a delightful journey through history and culture. Begin your visit by wandering through the town's well-preserved medieval old town, where you'll find the iconic Kempen Castle, a landmark that dates back to the 14th century. The castle now houses a museum, giving you a glimpse into the town's rich past.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic center, where traditional half-timbered houses and charming squares evoke a sense of timelessness. Don't miss the Franciscan Monastery and the Gothic-style Church of St. Mary, both of which are architectural gems that reflect Kempen's deep-rooted history.

For nature lovers, the surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes perfect for cycling or hiking. The town also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, adding a lively touch to its serene atmosphere.

Kempen's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a hidden gem worth exploring for anyone interested in discovering authentic German towns.

The best liquor store in Kempen is called Weinhaus Straeten, a liquor store with 150 years history. The temporary owner is a lady in her 70s quite cautious about a Chinese bringing a bottle of unknown drink on a bike. After short introduction to Baijiu, she has to leave for taking care her mother. I filled a small sample bottle for her.

Krefeld, the second city I visited on my way to Dusseldorf, is known as the "Velvet and Silk City" due to its rich textile heritage. The city blends industrial history with modern attractions, including the German Textile Museum and Krefeld Zoo. With vibrant cultural offerings and beautiful green spaces like Stadtwald, Krefeld is a unique and intriguing destination.

I introduced Baijiu to Patrick. He was amazed by the rich flavor and taste of Baijiu. He has not decided whether he is going to sell Baijiu in Krefeld, but he really likes it.

Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a vibrant city known for its fashion industry, art scene, and bustling nightlife. Located on the Rhine River, it offers a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks. The city is famous for its upscale shopping street, Königsallee, and the picturesque Rhine promenade. Düsseldorf also boasts a strong cultural presence with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, making it a dynamic and cosmopolitan destination.

Most of my friends in the Netherlands might take train or bus to Düsseldorf for a weekend. It is one of the cities in Europe with a lot of Chinese. Even there are a lot of representative offices of some companies.

There are 2 liquor stores that you have to visit if you love spirits.

Mae Wine & Whisky

It is a small but well managed spirits shop. The owner has a great selection of spirits in the limited space.

Killepitsch

Germans love herbal liquor. The famous Jägermeister has 56 different herbs in it, while Killepitsch has 98 different herbs.

Killepitsch is made in Dusseldorf. It is a 42% ABV herbal liquor. It is herbal and sweet. It is a highly recommended souvenir from Dusseldorf, as a sample of local special alcoholic drink.

After I tasted Killepitsch and bought a bottle of the drink, I met a couple from Maastricht. I had to explain that I only cycled 58km from Venlo to Dusseldorf by bicycle, not from Amsterdam. They thought so because I was wearing the Cycling Jersey Commemorating the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Once I told them what I was doing, they wanted to try Baijiu. The result was that the wife loved Baijiu, while the husband thought Baijiu was too strong for him. I regretted that I didn't share the framework of tasting with the man, otherwise he could enjoy more.

One thing is so important: DO ANYTHING WITH A FRAMEWORK.

Unfortunately, I made no cocktail this week.