A Japanese tourist has spent eight years travelling across 37 countries with the equivalent of $2, relying on his bicycle as his only means of transport.
Keiichi Iwasaki, 36 years-old, left Japan in 2001 with just 160 yen ($2) in his pocket after becoming bored with his job at an air-conditioning company.
Keiichi decided to extend his journey to South Korea and 36 other countries after initially cycling around Japan.
Over his eight year journey, Iwasaki was attacked by a rabid dog in Tibet, robbed by pirates and arrested in India.
He has cycled over 45,000 kilometres during his adventure and become the first Japanese man to conquer Mount Everest from sea level without using any form of transportation.
Keiichi said he raised funds by performing tricks and only his strong will has kept him riding his bike.
He opted to avoid air travel and chose cycling or ferries for transportation in order to soak up the most local atmosphere.
Iwasaki said that he didn’t want to use planes because he wanted to see and feel everything with his own skin. With a bicycle, he could always feel the air and atmosphere of the place.
Mr Iwasaki is presently in Switzerland and intends to climb Mount Blanc, Europe’s highest peak before travelling to Africa and the US over the next few years.
He also plans to write a book about his adventures.
