Solo odyssey to China

SOLO adventurer David Munusamy, 56, travelled more than 7,000km from Nibong Tebal, Penang, to China in the hope of catching the Beijing Olympics 2008 opening ceremony but sadly he missed it.

Expressing his disappointment, Munusamy said he had to abandon his initial plan to watch the Games due to red tape over his visa.

He had to apply for the visa twice. The first one was valid from June 16 to July 15 while the second one was valid from July 17 to July 31.

China adventure: Munusamy posing with another tourist at the Great Wall of China.

He was denied entry when he first reached China on June 29 and was told by the Chinese authorities that he had to enter China before the start of his visa.

“I returned to Penang and applied for a new visa which expired in July 31 with the understanding that it would be extended for a month when it expired,” he said.

Munusamy said he was asked to leave China on Aug 7 and as such he missed the opening ceremony the following day. He reached Alor Star on Aug 23.

Throughout his 25 days in China, he befriended Japanese backpacker Ayako Nanochi and a local university student whom he called Fish.

He also extended his goodwill to local Chinese.

He visited the Red Cross Society in Xian and donated RM1,000 for earthquake victims.

Throughout his trip, Munusamy covered almost 14,000km by bicycle, bus and train including his return trip to Penang after his first failed attempt to enter China.

“My original target was to cover 4,400km from Nibong Tebal to Beijing and back but I never expected to encounter the visa problem in the first place.

“It was a good experience. It was a great test of patience, resilience and determination and I am glad that I overcame all the obstacles single-handedly,” he said.