Vladimir Yarets is a native of Belarus who’s ridden his motorcycle through over 120 countries and 300,000 miles. To make his achievement all the more remarkable he is deaf and mute. Did we mention that he’s also 71 years old and looking for new lands to conquer? We met Vladimir in Berlin, where he makes our journey look like a stroll in the park.
This map shows where Vladimir has been so far along with clippings from newspapers in Brazil and Taiwan.
We ran into Vladimir near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin where he was raising funds for the next leg of his travel. When he shook my hand I felt like I was in a gravel crusher. His strong grip no doubt a result of all those hours holding on tight to the motorcycle handlebars.
Communication was difficult at first so we chatted by writing notes. He lit up when we were able to convey that part of Larissa’s family also comes from Vladimir’s hometown of Minsk. He pulled out several binders that showed pictures of him at landmarks all over the world along with an impressive display of press clippings, including a few from Japan.
Two Belorussians meet up in Berlin.
Vladimir started touring around the Soviet Union in 1967, when that type of independent travel was frowned upon by the authorities. Having conquered his own country he set out for new lands and hasn’t stopped since. (Except for a one year stay in Peoria, Illinois while he recuperated from a run-in with a truck.)
Vladimir points out where he’s been to a curious onlooker.
The easiest way to show what we’ve been up to was to share pictures from our camera as we explained our own year-long global odyssey. While ours paled in comparison, meeting Vladimir was encouraging as he showed that you are really never too old to grab life and pursue your dreams. We hope his fundraising in Berlin was successful as he pushes off for further frontiers.
In 2007, Vladimir was greeted like a rock star in Taiwan.
Vladimir’s enthusiasm and zest for life are quite contagious. At age 71 he’s not slowing down but accelerating.
You can read more about his remarkable journey, and his quest to be included in the Guinness World Records, at his web site: www.yarets.com
What do you see yourself doing when you’re 71?
With Little Rocky's help, Larissa stops traffic in Saigon.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
What great fun to run into a kindred spirit! Keep up these great reports. Cheers!
Thanks Fred. He certainly was motivating.
Michael recently posted..Book review: Maphead by Ken Jennings, the Jeopardy champion
I met vladimir and his bike in munich.he’s amazing person.
I see he’s on the road again.
Michael recently posted..Marking a year traveling the world
Hi Michael & Larissa,
How are you guys? Awesome meeting with Vladimir! So interesting. Hats off to such an veteran traveler. I always love to hear about other people’s experiences.
I feel that this is only the beginning for you both in world travel and the sky is the limit! Have faith.
Cheers!
Barb
Barbara recently posted..The faces of the past
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Michael recently posted..Are you ready for a career break?
One word – WOW!
It goes to show, it’s never to late to get on your bike
Time for you to roll!
Michael recently posted..Taste Test: A fistful of haggis
That is one awesome story…sort of reminds me of my grandfather. He still pilots his 40 foot boat without a problem..
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Top 5 Hotel Pools in Orlando – Fun in the Florida Sun
I love Vladamir’s spirit – truly inspiring!
Micki recently posted..Six Quick Steps to Nailing the Cheapest Flight
Very cool story, though spending a year in Peoria, Illinois is enough to make anyone get back on the road!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas recently posted..Visiting Estepa: More Than Just Mantecados
Well since you’re from Illinois we trust your opinion.
and i can give you so many excuses why i didn’t want to travel and this guy at 71 is deaf, mute, and 120 countries later, he’s still on the road. unreal. i bow to this guy. yeah, our trip also is clearly a walk in the park. wow. thanks for sharing and thank the stars and God and all the rest that you ran into this inspirational man. going to vote for him getting the G now. gabi
gabi klaf recently posted..When You See A Wonder Of The World, Exhausted- Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Nomadic Family Travel Blog For Long Term Budget World Travel With Kids