A Photographer's Journey Around the World

Work Away

Every time I had to travel across the oceans, I used Norwegian citizenship. Seven times I "worked" on Norwegian ships for a free passage for me and my BMW Olga. It was also a good opportunity to eat some real food: ludefisk and sardines!. In this picture, I am arriving in Chiba harbor just north of Tokyo, Japan. Captain Odd Bye is helping with the off loading of the Nosac Express.

Mt. Fuji

Karen joined me again and we traveled for 3 months the length of Japan from Okinawa in the South to Hokkaido in the north. One of the highlights were the days we camped at a nice lake at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the pride of Japan. The dog in the picture adopted us during the time we stayed there and we named her Stella. After 6 months in Japan I had ridden the bike 14,000 Km.. A great country to ride a bike.

South Korea

The contrast of traveling from Japan to South Korea was quite a culture shock. People were more direct and at times very direct. Like the lady that came into my tent and checked through my belongings without even saying good morning. But with every culture, one needs a little time to get used to different customs. It was late summer when this picture was taken and the rice fields made every valley green and beautiful.

Thai Police

"A paradise for tourists", the brochures advertise, and despite the mass tourism, it’s actually a wonderful place to visit. For me, it was the people that made my short stay such a great experience. Even the police were friendly. In the picture, my officer friend shows great joy when he was allowed to sit on my BMW.

Even Trade

In New Delhi, India, I parked myself in a "Tourist Camp". I had been to similar places in other capitals of the world. Here I met tourists that had been near and far, and all of us had stories to tell. I enjoyed tourist camps for the exchange of information found many helpful tips for my upcoming journey overland to Europe. But most of all, I really had a good time with the elephant people of New Delhi. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve really enjoyed watching this giant. In Delhi I had the chance to ride one and even visit the village where these people live with all of their elephants.

Kunjarab Pass

After depositing my passport in Sust, north of Gilgit, Pakistan, I drove towards the Chinese border....The forbidden zone. To make a long story short, I did make it to the border but it was still closed because of snow. As I had already come so far, I took the chance to continue into China. Even though I didn't ride far, I felt good about it. Earlier that year I had learned that a visa to enter China on a motorcycle would have a price tag of $50,000.00. Crazy or what!

Himalaya

Riding the Karakourum highway, which leads to China, was one of my best rides ever. I was surrounded by snow-covered mountains which were closer to heaven than any mountain I ever had seen before. For the most part, the road was fairly good and I could just sit back and enjoy the ride.

10 Years on 2 Wheels | Africa l Asia l Far East Asia l Australia l Europe l N. America l S. America