55. Chaewon Yoo: Cycling along the Silk Road

Sue Stockdale talks to Chaewon Yoo from Korea, about her adventure to cycle along the ancient network of trading routes known as the Silk Road, and what she learned about commerce and life along the way. Chaewon cycled over 8500 kilometres through 14 countries from Shanghai to London. Despite her cycling companion dropping out along the way, getting her bicycle stolen, and only confirming the major sponsor on the day before she left, Chaewon determinedly carried on, and successfully completed the adventure in 36 weeks, coming back with a new outlook on what’s important in life.Chaewon previously worked as a tech reporter in China, Israel, Silicon Valley and South Korea and recently published the English book - Cycling the Silk Road. Find out more about Chaewon Yoo:Website: https://www.seekroad.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/evayooare/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCArwIZ7hLEv4uLl3L4eD2CABook "Cycling the Silk Road": https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0939ZG6BLKey Quotes:‘When I started cycling, I didn't even own a bike. I was using a sharing bike.’‘I met this amazing couple in Shanghai who said they were cycling from Shanghai to London. I was so amazed because the couple were 59 years old and I thought, wow if they can do it, I think I can do that too’.‘By observing how different countries are when I crossed each border - the people, culture, food culture, and the language that was very amazing’.‘I would knock on the door and show in Google translate; I can give you this sum of money. Would you let me stay in your house overnight? And locals would invite us in’.‘I think it's very important that you set a deadline like your farewell party. Because if you do have the party, you must depart’.‘I think doing this cycling trip made me realize now I can say that I'm at least the leader of myself. I can control myself.’‘You don't need money to have a good life.’‘I think the most valuable thing I have is all my experience and whatever I have with myself that nobody can take away from me’. Read the transcription for this episode on www.accesstoinspiration.org We want your feedback on the podcast / Connect with us: Leave us an audio message https://www.speakpipe.com/AccessToInspiration Twitter www.twitter.com/accessinspirat1 Facebook www.facebook.com/accesstoinspiration Instagram www.instagram.com/accesstoinspiration LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/access-to-inspiration/ Sign up for our newsletter http://eepurl.com/hguX2b Copyright © Access to Inspiration 2021
Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra (he/him)Producer: Sue Stockdale (she/her)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.