Kuala Lumpur, July 19 (ANI): A Canadian citizen who left his home nine years ago to walk around the planet to promote "peace and non-violence for the profit of the children of the world" is expected to be home for dinner with his wife and two children in about a year.
Jean Beliveau began the journey of over 10 years and 75,000km in accordance with the United Nations proclamation of 2000-2010 being the International De-cade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.
In December 1999, he ditched his job as a salesman for a high-tech neon sign company, and decided to go around the globe on foot, except for a few flights over the oceans.
He began his journey on August 18, 2000, and it was just three weeks before that he had told his partner of 22 years, Luce Archambeaut, that he was going for a long walk.
"She saw my face, that I was serious," New Straits Times Online quoted him as saying during a recent three-day stopover in Kuching.
"She said, 'Go on, it is good for you', and started crying," he added.
The couple's children-Elisa Jane, 18, and Thomas Eric, 20-gave them their full support.
At 9am on his 45th birthday, Beliveau left Montreal, with 3,000 dollars in his pocket.
His journey takes him across five continents, from North America to South America, then across to South Africa, up to Europe, then the Middle East, South and East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and finally back to Canada.
He carries along with him a stroller that contains a tent and sleeping bag, some food, a first-aid kit, some clothes, towels, and a small notebook.
Beliveau has no sponsors, but he has accepted small donations and air tickets from well-wishers along the way.
"I usually find someone who is willing to offer me a meal and bed for the night. In fact, I have already stayed with over 1,300 families around the world," he said.
"I have slept outdoors and also with wild animals, which I did in the African wilderness.
"In Africa and Japan, there were a few times when I woke up to the loud roars of animals.
"I chose not to find out what sort of animals were next to my tent or sleeping bag and I had to remain very still.
"I also knocked on the doors of several houses. I got seven rejections.
"I have also slept under bridges, and in churches and temples," he added.
Beliveau has even spent nights in jail in South Africa.
"Not because of any criminal offence, but the police said it was the only safe place available for me," he said.
"They were very helpful, even offered me meals.
"Throughout the eight years, there were many times I wanted to quit.
"I faced a lot of difficulties, especially culture shock. But my wife encouraged me to go on and not to give up," he added.
The man has walked 59,000km to date, with Malaysia being the 59th country he has visited.
During a meeting with the media, Beliveau revealed that he would telephone his wife once a week and email her and his children frequently.
He even revealed that his wife had flown to a few major cities along his route for festive reunions, and that their last meeting was three months ago in Taipei.
"Every visit, she will bring along at least two new pairs of shoes for me. It is very difficult for me to find good walking shoes of my size," he said with a laugh.
"On an average, I cover 50km a day but here in Malaysia, I can only do 35km because of the weather. It is so hot," he added.
Earlier this year, his son flew to Korea and joined him on foot for three weeks. (ANI)
|
|
Read More: East Godavari
Comments:
