Episode 112: Jessie Brown
A Cycle Tour From the Most to the Least Polluted Places on Earth
A Journey of Environmental Exploration and Adventure
In the latest episode of the Seek Travel Ride podcast, I sat down with the adventurous Jessie Brown, a passionate environmental scientist from Northern Ireland. Jessie embarked on an incredible journey, which would take her from one of the most polluted places on Earth, Dhaka in Bangladesh, to New Caledonia, a destination known for its pristine air quality.
A Passion for Environmental Science and Adventure
Jessie’s journey was born from a deep-rooted passion for environmental science and a thirst for adventure. While in a hospital bed recovering from surgery, she drafted a list of things to do, with “plan a big trip” right up at the top. Inspired by her love for the environment and a desire to contribute to scientific understanding, she set out on a mission to explore air pollution across different regions while traveling entirely by bike.
Setting Off: From Bangladesh to Bangkok
Starting in Dhaka, Jessie faced numerous challenges. Despite concerns about safety, she found warmth and hospitality through a local named Sakia, who introduced her to the vibrant culture of Bangladesh. As she transitioned to Thailand, Jessie bought her trusty bike, and began her cycling journey in Bangkok. Her first week on the road was arduous yet rewarding as she navigated the bustling city and the tropical heat.
Overcoming Hurdles and Finding Adventures in Indonesia
Travelling solo presented Jessie with moments of solitude and introspection, as well as unexpected challenges, including encounters with aggressive dogs and unwanted attention. Yet, each hurdle offered lessons in resilience and adaptability. In Indonesia, Jessie found herself cycling through diverse landscapes and cultures on each island. The varied geography and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on her journey, providing new insights into local life and environmental conditions.
For Jessie, cycling alone allowed her to connect deeply with her surroundings and the people she met along the way. From inspiring camaraderie with fellow travellers and previous podcast guest, Laura Willerton to the jaw-dropping landscapes of Indonesia, her experiences were profoundly shaped by the openness of solo travel.
The Environmental Mission: Air Pollution Research
Throughout her trip, Jessie diligently collected air pollution data using sensors from Freestation. Despite facing technical challenges, she amassed a wealth of data that she aims to analyse and share with a broader audience. This aspect of her journey highlights the crucial link between environmental advocacy and exploration, showing that adventures can have meaningful impacts beyond personal growth. She also came up with her own hypothesis – that those who live in the most polluted places in the world, seem to be the happiest. Perhaps linked to the need to work together as a community to survive in places where life is a constant struggle?
Concluding the Journey: Embracing Change and Finding Peace
Jessie’s intended destination of New Caledonia was thwarted by conflict, but she found solace in ending her journey on the tranquil island of Roti. There, she connected with locals and enjoyed the satisfaction of completing her expedition in a place that epitomised cleaner air and a slower pace of life.
For more details about Jessie’s experiences and to follow her ongoing environmental work, check out her Instagram at @jessies.expedition. Tune in to the full episode on Seek Travel Ride for an engaging and enlightening conversation that I’m sure will fuel your wanderlust and appreciation for our planet.