Bevan, Bon Rouleur
27 October 2005 | Bangkok, Thailand
I'm sorry I disappeared for two months. The first Asia update should be somewhat interesting and is already quite long. Pictures are up now, though, at www.rideagainstaids.com/photos.
→ View all the photos (off-site)
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A while ago Sandra Murillo of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) sent me some questions for the amfAR website. I thought they might be interesting to post here, so here you go:
Q: We here at amfAR certainly can grasp the scope of the epidemic, so we understand why this is so important, but why did you decide to dedicate your efforts to AIDS awareness? What is it about the issue that personally resonates with you?
A: I chose to raise awareness for the AIDS crisis in Asia because it's a relatively under-reported yet universally-reaching problem. What struck me is that governments play such a vital role in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS, yet many aren't fully engaged in stopping it's spread. That some countries are dragging their feet or in some cases even denying their people education and other prevention measures is tragic. More shocking are the cultural mores which make some HIV/AIDS prevention measures ineffective; this further underscores the high level of political commitment required to combat the disease. What happens in Asia affects the world. I hope my efforts will make more people aware of the problem.
Q: Why do you think it's important for people your age to become involved in raising awareness and fundraising for AIDS research?
A: To avoid the cliche I won't use the words "young people" and "future" in the same sentence, but I will say that we must acknowledge our fast-approaching role as leaders. Young people should be driven to raising awareness for a cause because it's a way to become involved that only involves the desire to make a positive difference. AIDS research and awareness is an especially important issue because the pandemic is likely to become much more widespread during our lifetimes should adequate prevention measures not be taken now. Our generation needs to look ahead: if the situation in Asia progresses as many believe it will, the entire world will be affected in a tremendous way. The instability created by AIDS is likely to severely cripple the world economy. There is also a huge national security risk created by the death-toll in nuclear-armed countries. We should be pressing the current administration to become more active in AIDS programs worldwide since it is of humanitarian, economic, and national security concern. Some say that a vaccine is still at least twenty years out, so it is up to the younger generations to realize the scope of the global threat that is AIDS, and to act on it.
Q: What kind of feedback/reaction are you getting from the general public?
A: Most people are "wowed" by my trip, and give the cause a nod. People are appreciative but generally don't understand the scope of the AIDS situation or it's relevance to them.
Q: What's been the most difficult aspect of this journey?
A: Getting updates out regularly has been pretty tough, and I apologize to readers for that. I like writing but it can be extremely hard to buckle down in front of a computer screen when I could be exploring a new city or meeting new people. Biking has also been tough. I'm afflicted by eczema, and it's aggravated by sweat and heat (two things cycling produces no shortage of). This can occasionally make cycling hell, and poses a risk of infection. Cycling through Malaysia was extremely challenging, as it is a Muslim country and I was there during Ramadan, which meant that I couldn't get any complex carbs until about 7pm. I'd be eating gas-station fare: cookies, soda, gummy bears. It made cycling very difficult as my blood glycogen level was constantly depressed. Signs of Islamic extremism in southern Thailand and several displays aimed at making me feel very unwelcome were the most unsettling parts of the trip. Most people were very friendly, but I occasionally sensed hostility. Communication is another big challenge. Almost nobody speaks English in parts of Malaysia and Thailand.
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