Alexander Smagin is a traveler from Russia who went on a round-the-world trip by a bamboo Bicycle. His journey started in June 2018. He recently reached India. We met with Alexander to talk about the trip, plans for the future, and about himself. On 8 January 2020, we met Alexander at a Country Club in Mumbai. We were met by a tall, athletic man in a simple blue t-shirt and a luxuriant beard. At first, his face reminded us about the actor Oleg Strizhenov, who played the role of Afanasy Nikitin in the movie “Pardesi” (by the book “Journey beyond the three seas”, Soviet-Indian production, 1958, dir. V. Pronin). Probably, like this the real traveler should look like. And person, who live their dreams should look like.
Alexandr in MumbaiAfter a delicious lunch of traditional Maharashtra cuisine, we went for a walk in the sun-drenched park and talked
About the trip around the World
Alexander’s Journey has a long history
— Tell us about how you was preparing for the trip. Where did this idea come from?
— I started travelling a long time ago, in the sixth grade of school. Then I organized trips to many countries in the world, taking other people with me. This was my commercial projects, that bring a profit for three years. During this time, I organized tours to 30 countries, about 10 adventure hikes with climbing or other activities. Thanks to this experience, now I can afford to organize any journey.
Three years ago, in Kyrgyzstan, I climbed the seven-thousandth mountain. It was difficult, but I climbed on my own, because the experience allowed. To grow furhter, it was necessary to take new heights, to rise higher and higher. For example, on mount Everest. But I realized I didn’t want to. But I want to develop. And how can I develop differently? Why not make a trip around the world? The thought transformed and took shape a year later – Cycling around the world. Bike is sporty, faster than walking, but is slower than driving, and allow to see around. In one of our trips, we met Konstantin and our ideas coincided. We started preparing for the trip together and left a year later. It was June 2018.
Konstantin and Aleksandr. Photo from the personal archive
— Were there any fears before going on a trip?
Yes, it were. More of a psychological nature.
I was worried that time was running out, and I didn’t realize myself in many ways. In the family, financial sphere. By modern standards, I’m not a very successful person. But this is what society imposes. I was worried about it. Now, a year and a half later, there are no such thoughts. Imposed standards make me smile. And issues of equipment, organization, and security. But now I realize that it doesn’t matter. Now I understand that the most important thing is to continue. Move forward. When I move, resources are coming by itself, fears disappear. This is a very simple mechanism.
– “That’s a great idea.” I remember one of my favorite quotes that Albert Einstein said: “Life is like riding a Bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving »
photo from open sources
— Why did you initially take so little money with you? In your blog, you talk about a modest $ 40 for two.
Yes, we really started with a small budget. Before the trip itself, there were many investments in equipment, and bicycles. But we went with a commercial plan – we were going to organize trips for our followers. If a person wants something — he can do it.
Alexander in St. Petersburg on the day the journey begins. Photo courtesy of Alexander
— What is the idea of your trip around the world? Does it have a mission?
My personal idea is to fulfill my dream and see the whole world. It is an individual goal.
And there is a mission also, so called “social goal” – it is to show others, that anybody can live the life they want. I wanted to go on a trip – I went. It’s not difficult. Do I (or someone) want to create a family or go to space? This can be done. I want to show by my example that everything is possible in this life. You only need to wish something, and after take an action. 
Photo courtesy of Alexander — What place does this journey take in your life?
Definitely, this is the biggest project that I am implementing in my life now. But observing myself and the speed of my development, I understand that in the future I will have projects that will be more ambitious. I feel that way. This trip is one of the steps.
Alexander in Morocco. Photo courtesy of Alexander
— Why did you spend so less time in Europe? In some countries, you spent only a few days, and on some days of travel, you visited three countries in a day.
It was a sport. You know, if you set yourself a goal, you will want to achieve it faster. We set goals, and we achieved them. So lost the opportunity to stay longer in interesting places. This is a matter of compromise. We decided to drive some distance, then we had to go fast. But I don’t want to travel at this speed, but to stay in a place and get to know people. Perhaps this difference in perception was one of the reasons for separation with Konstantin. The “get faster” format, sports travel, is great, but it’s not close to me. In the long run, in a global sense, this is not even more expensive.
Alexander and Constantine in Europe. Photo courtesy of Alexander
— You separated from Konstantin only because of different perceptions of the journey?
No, not only that. There was a tense situation. Nine months ago, I was attacked with a knife in Sinegal. I got injured. My psychological condition was terrible. But we kept going as planned. Against the background of tension, a conflict of interest popped up, and I made the decision that I was pulling out of this project. It was a difficult decision.
– Did Konstantin go further?
It has its own history. You can read it on his page.
— Was that the right decision?
Yes. After I went on my own, I felt more comfortable.. I began to feel different. I realized that this is how I imagined the journey, how I wanted it to be.
Photo courtesy of Alexander
About the life of a traveler
— How much does your backpack weigh?
This is an ambiguous question. The backpack is not only necessary for traveling on a Bicycle, but also for climbing a mountain. That’s why I have a third of my weight-climbing equipment. There the tent is more reliable, the sleeping bag is warmer, the shoes are stronger. Now, together with the bike, the weight is 48 kg. the Bike weighs 16. Normal weight, without equipment for Hiking, 20 kilograms. But this trip is long-term, if I was traveling on a short route, for six months, then I would need 10 kilograms. There are things here that can be useful, but I don’t use them often.
In Africa, I traveled for three months without a tent and used a Bicycle cover.
— The allocation of the budget for the trip. Where can a normal traveler save money?
Everything is very subjective and individual. It is comfortable for me to spend the night in a tent. Accordingly, I save on hostels and hotels. I know how to place myself better, how to set up a camp. And for somebody, this is a fundamental issue.
The question of food is also open. Some people are ready to eat only in restaurants, while others are ready to eat street food. I can afford not to eat for a few days.
Typical overnight stay for Alexander
— Not for a few days? With this kind of energy consumption?
It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t matter. Energy is taken not only from food, but I understand my body and know how to do it better.
Alexander in Morocco
— Do you have rituals, traditions that you perform in every place?
I try to take a picture with the bike in every place. Previously, I tried to take selfies on a beautiful background. But it’s gone. Now it is a tradition in places where I feel the power and personally very good, I take pictures with my hand outstretched. It doesn’t happen very often, but it does.
– great, so your readers can guess from this sign that this is exactly the place of power that you really impressed.
Photo courtesy of Alexander
Photo courtesy of Alexander
Photo courtesy of Alexander
— How many countries did you visit on this trip?
Twenty
— And totally for all your life?
More than forty.
People always understand you when they want to help or support you, even if you don’t speak the same language
— How do you communicate with the locals?
I speak English moderately poorly. I understand what they say, I can explain, but I can’t have serious philosophical talk. In countries where English is not spoken, there are no difficulties. If a person wants to understand me, you can always negotiate in sign language. Or even without it. In the language of the soul, of the world, just by looking into a person’s eyes. And everything immediately becomes clear.
There was a case in Iran. I was there recently. I was looking for a place for a tent in a mountain village near Tehran. The car stops and the driver says that it is not necessary to put up a tent, it is inconvenient. And invited to his home. I agreed. And the guy only knew a few words of English. He brings me to his parent’s house, and they don’t speak English or Russian at all. I don’t speak their native language. I was tired, I drove 120-130 kilometers that day. His mother quickly gave him a cup of tea, make me sat by the stove and covered me with a blanket. I didn’t ask her for anything. No words needed. People always understand everything when they want to help or support.
Alexander in Africa. Photo courtesy of Alexander
About Russia
Home is where my heart is.
— Let’s talk about Russia. It is interesting to know your opinion as an experienced traveler about your country. Please tell me, where was your first trip in Russia?
It was the Crimea. With my parents in the car, we went to relatives. This is a huge baggage of impressions from meeting the mountains, the sea, the local atmosphere and colors.
I have a lot to do with this place. Not only do my relatives live there, but I also did my military service there in 2011-12. Then Crimea was part of Ukraine, but I served on the territory of the Russian army base. I organized a lot of trips to Crimea. For me, this is a place of attraction. Crimea is a delightful, amazing place.
Alexander in Crimea. Photo courtesy of Alexander.
Crimea. Photo courtesy of Alexander
— What is your favorite place in Russia?
Altai. I love Altai very much. I love Hiking and mountains. And several times I went Hiking in the Altai mountains, in very remote places where tourists do not get easily. And it’s beautiful. And I really like Altai itself as a place. Energetically strong, I am charging my energy there. Then I become to know that Altai is my small motherland. I have relatives from there, my grandfather was born there. And the Altai are pulling me back.
— Where you was born, what exact place in Russia?
Belgorod region. Surprisingly beautiful area, there are huge black earth fields, meadows and rivers.
Alexander in Russia. Photo courtesy of Alexander
— What does the word ‘home’ mean to you?” Where do you feel at home?
Home is where my heart is. Sometimes there is a feeling that I put a tent here, and here is a home. And sometime I feel uncomfortable in an expensive hotel. A home is an opportunity to have a personal space. Often, when I am traveling, I am limited in my personal space and I want to Wake up alone in the morning. To be left to yourself. Cook your own food and don’t depend on anyone. This is another reason why I like living in a tent more than in a hotel.
About travel
The main thing is that travel, like life itself, brings you pleasure
— You have a lot of travel experience. What countries do you recommend to visit?
Each county is individual. But if a person wants to see something interesting, it is better to avoid such African countries as Sinegal, Nigeria, and Mauretania. If there is no experience in traveling and understanding why to go there, then probably it will be a slight shock. Or not very slight. I advise Russia and any European countries. I really liked Slovenia. This country was a discovery for me. Because the country has everything-mountain, sea, fields.
Slovenia. Photo courtesy of Alexander
Slovenia. Photo courtesy of Alexander
Well, if we still talk about Africa, I really liked Kenya and Tanzania. It’s very beautiful. But I want to take into account that I am telling this as a free traveler. I’m in contact with the locals. But often in groups, you only see what is shown to you, and not what is actually there.
At this moment, Alexander spoke with great inspiration and enthusiasm.
Sometimes I meet on the street, I get a treat, and then I stay for a few days. And to watch the life of the locals: where they go, what they do, how life works, what they eat — this is the most interesting thing. Being in a home, a locale, being among the locals is a unique experience.
Alexander in Africa
— What is the most important thing in choosing a travel destination?
The most important question that a person should ask himself before a trip : “What experience do I want to get? What do I want to go through?”. And based on this, choose a place to visit, route and program. Someone wants to relax on the beach, and someone prefers active recreation. Someone wants to be among the untouched nature, enjoying its pristine beauty, and someone is interested in walking through the streets of a city of historical significance, admiring the brilliant works of art and architecture. The main thing is that the journey, like life itself, have to brings you pleasure.
Photo courtesy of Alexander
About India
India is Great!
— We’re in India now. And you just recently reached here. Where are you staying? How do you feel here?
India is a very hospitable country. Since the first day I’ve been here, I’ve been staying with the locals! This is an adult Indian family. I live with them and we share life together. This is an amazing experience and I really like to observe the customs and practices adopted in this country. Some of them seem very unusual to me, for example, in India people Wake up very early and perform religion ritual actions in the morning. And India have a very delicious cuisine!
Alexandr in Mumbai (India)
— What’s next?
I plan to travel inside India. Now I’m going to visit Goa, and then get acquainted with the Northern part of India.
— We highly recommend that you visit Kerala again.
Thanks! I’ll try to go there too!
About the most important
Our conversation was nearing its conclusion. Finally, we decided to ask him a very simple question.
— In your blog, you often talk about what Happiness is. Sometimes it seems that you yourself are looking for an answer to this question through experience and reasoning. Tell me, what does a person need to be happy?
Alexander thought about it. He moved forward, measuring time with steps, looking at his own shoes. We walked side by side, anticipating the answer.
— For happiness, a person does not need anything – Alexander said seriously after a minute’s pause.
— Nothing at all?
Nothing at all. He already has everything. When I realized this, it immediately became easier to breathe and began to enjoy everything. This is very difficult to explain, but I want everyone to feel it.
— Thank you very much, Alexander, for taking the time to talk to us. Thank you for your sincerity.
Alexandr in Mumbai (India)
Alexandr in Mumbai (India)
We are very happy that we were able to meet Alexander, but we are not only happy about this. The experience of meeting such people remains in your memory for a long time, and we hope that you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we did. And we very much hope that you, like us, still have questions for Alexander. That’s why we agreed to hold a second meeting in Goa, where we will hear the same deep and interesting answers.
And very soon, Alexander will communicate with you without our mediation. He will lead a column about his journey on our website, in which he will tell you frankly and in the first person about all the adventures, incidents, victories and defeats on his trip around the world. This is something that is worth your attention, so don’t miss it!
We are looking forward to it!
From right to left: Paresh Navani, the traveler Alexander Smagin, Ekaterina Belyakova and the employee of the RIC Alexander.
The conversation was led by the partners of Russian Information Center in India, Paresh Navani and Katerina Belyakova.
