Episode 120: David McCourt

Taking the Long Way Home From Australia to Northern Ireland

Trust the Road: Embracing Adventure and Humanity on Two Wheels

This is the second episode featuring guest David McCourt and it was fantastic to reconnects with him and ‘fill in the gaps’ from our lasts conversation. In the first episode David shared his experiences of cycling from Australia to N.Ireland and we got about as far as Turkmenistan before time ran out. Now David shares what happened once he entered Iran, and the incredible experiences that came his way.

The Allure of Iran’s Warm Embrace

Iran stood out as a highlight for David, as he said it was a non-negotiable destination that he had sought out. Not for its architecture or its incredible landscapes, but for the rumor of its unmatched hospitality. Indeed, David confirmed that “Iranians were like head and shoulders above the rest of the world in terms of their hospitality.”

Whether sipping tea with strangers who refused to let him pay or cooking an Irish roast for 30 Iranian friends across multiple apartment ovens, David found that in Iran, generosity wasn’t just a cultural facet; it was a way of life.

Navigating the Unexpected

Yet, David’s trip wasn’t without its risks and decisions that many would deem bold. Opting for Kurdistan in Iraq over Armenia, he recounts witnessing Turkish drone strikes – not as an adrenaline-seeker, but as someone who embraces adventure with a measure of trust and faith in humanity. “Most people are just ordinary human beings… They have hearts and we love and we laugh,” David shared, grounding his journey in a universal truth that stitches together the tapestry of his travels.

Embracing the EFI Philosophy – With Flexibility

Many a bike traveller has faced the dilemma of the “every effing inch” philosophy – whether you will choose to cycle every mile or embrace flexibility. David initially set out with the ethos of cycling every inch but came to realise that this wasn’t a principle he thought would enrich his experience. “Have a think about what’s gonna bring you the most satisfaction when it’s all said and done,” he shared. David allowed himself the grace to occasionally take transport to places he might otherwise miss – a sentiment seasoned travellers might find resonates deeply.

The Culmination: Ireland’s Heartfelt Welcome

Returning to the richness of Ireland’s west coast was not just completing a journey home but entering a landscape that had always been close to his heart yet somehow rich with new surprises. David’s choice to extend his journey, despite added costs, underscored an essential travel truth: the journey matters more than the destination. This time in Ireland’s natural splendour, combined with the warm familiarity of cultural roots, provided him a perfect capstone, reinforcing the decision to stay open to new experiences till the end.

Trusting in Humanity

The biggest lesson of the journey for David – that travel, especially by bike, is less about the miles under your wheels and more about the trust you extend. Trust the road, trust the strangers who greet you, and, most importantly, trust in the inexhaustible kindness that spans the globe.

You can follow David via his instagram account – @longwayhome__2022

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