The 85-year-old motorbike traveler

The 85-year-old motorbike traveler

VietNamNet Bridge – At the age of 85, Mr. Nguyen Van Ngoc, a resident in Ward 26, Binh Thanh District, HCM City, has conquered many roads in the country on his old Honda 50.

At 17, Ngoc began loving photography. From lessons in school and travel books, his travelling hobby was encouraged.

Because of life worries and other reasons, Ngoc did not have opportunities to travel far from home. He made short trips and nurtured his passion by working as a street photographer.

Ngoc is a shoe repairer, a fortune-teller and also a veteran traveler.

Until late 2008, the man began implementing his biggest passion in life: travelling throughout the country.

He travelled Vietnam on a very old Honda Cub 50, which was repaired with additional tools by Ngoc’s son.

The vehicle has up to two brakes on the back wheel for enhanced safety. On the steering wheel are a compass and a watch.

The footholds are expanded with a small piece of board.

The indispensable things for trips are a camcorder and a camera.

This camera has been used for years.

Before each trip, Ngoc carefully calculated the cost. On average, he spent nearly VND400,000 ($20)/day. He said his motorcycle rarely broke down on the road.

He carefully noted down the time, destination, number of kilometers, etc. of all trips.

He traveled throughout the country, from the south to the north and the central region alone.

Ngoc at Huu Nghi Quan border gate in Lang Son province.

Those who met Ngoc admired him for his perseverance, effort, passion, and good health.

After each trip, he shared his photos with his family and friends. With the idea that “sentiment between people is the most precious thing,” Ngoc took photos of everyone he met on the road, and if he has a chance to see them again, he presents them with photos.

Pha Le

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