Traveling the world
For Isoda Yoshiyuki, cycling around the world is more than adventure – it’s a self realizing journey.
“Everyone in my country thinks that on leaving college you have to work until you die. But I want to prove them wrong. My philosophy is that you can achieve anything you want to if you have a little courage.”
The 28-year-old from Osaka, a member of the Japan Adventure Cyclist Club, hopes to accomplish the impressive feat of traveling the world on his 13-kilo Japanese traditional bicycle in five years. He started his journey on September 19 of last year, first visiting Canada and then the United States.
“I was cycling past Yellowstone Park when I saw a guy with a bicycle that looked like mine,” he told the Reporter Thursday. He turned out to be Yoshikaza Debori, a fellow cyclist from Tokyo. Both decided to travel to Mexico together.
“We cycled down from Tijuana, then to Baja California and Mazatlan before arriving in Guadalajara. He has already left for Mexico City,” said Isoda.
“Incredible” is the word Yoshiyuki uses to describe Guadalajara. “I love that beer is cheap, that there is a lot of tequila and “muchachas bonitas,” he joked. “Mexico is very different from Japan. The thing that I like most is that people are cheerful. I’ve only been in Guadalajara for three days and everyone greets me with ‘hola amigo.’”
Isoda leaves for Mexico City on Saturday. From there he plans to fly to Jamaica and Cuba and then return to Mexico before taking on the rest of Latin America. From Latin America he will cycle around Europe before going to Africa.
On his return to Osaka in August 2014, he wants to publish a journal of his travels. The self-proclaimed shy, Toyota car assembler says that in the future he hopes to become a teacher, to tell children about the world of adventure beyond Japanese shores.
British evening
January’s gathering of British expats will be held on Saturday, January 16 in the home of Laura Ortiz in Colonia Providencia from 8:30 p.m. onwards. Bring something to drink, maybe some snacks and feel relieved that you are there and not enduring Britain’s “Big Freeze” at the moment. Call 3642-7252 for more details.
AMSOC special event
The swearing-in of the new board at the American Society will take place Saturday, January 16. U.S. Consul General Daniel Keller will be on hand to do the honors. Doors open at noon. The installation ceremony is scheduled some time after 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon of Mexican tacos at 1:30 p.m. The event is open to all at a cost of 75 pesos. Call 3121-2395 for more information. Amsoc is located at San Francisco 3332, Colonia Chapalita. Also look out for a dinner-dance coming up in February.
Paseo Chapultepec
The increasingly popular street gathering that is Paseo Chapultepec takes place this Saturday, 16, from 6 p.m. Meander down Av. Chapultepec, one of the city’s most pleasant streets, and take in the many bars, restaurants, cafes and bookstores are located there. Expect photo exhibitions, a tianguis, live music and an all-round pleasant evening.
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