Walk on the wild side

There are many ways to travel the world. Some people prefer to fly, others drive, while others ride boats, motorcycles or bicycles. But to physically walk around the world? That's not something many people can claim to do. Less than 20, to be specific, according to Meigo Mark, the 26-year-old Estonian traveller who arrived in Thailand late last month, two years and three months since he began his journey from his home country in northern Europe -- all on foot.

"At first I didn't think it was physically possible for the human body to walk continuously over thousands of kilometres," said Mark, who began his grand endeavour on May 11, 2014.

"But then I started doing research on people who have attempted this. There aren't many, about 15 people in all. Some were walking, some were even marathoning, trying to break speed records. It made me feel like I could do it as well."

Starting from the Estonian capitol city of Tallinn, Mark has since walked almost 11,000km through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iran, India, Nepal, Myanmar and -- most recently -- Thailand, 16 countries in all. From here, he plans to walk 250km to Poipet, Cambodia (which, at the time of publishing, is where he probably is right now). He plans to at least walk the distance of the equatorial line (40,075km) around the world.

Mark's enthusiasm for the trip has yet to wane, even after more than two years of daily walking, Mark told Life that he has yet to feel any doubts or regrets about the trip, and is still excited every morning to see what the day holds.

"These days, I can truly say everyday that I am somewhere I have never been before. Even in the same country, there are many little differences from village to village, whether it be new environments or people. I suppose this daily dose of 'newness' is kind of addicting for me as well," said the Estonian, who said that the journey has not only made him a richer human being, but also gave him the understanding of what a person really needs in life. Leaving behind his career as a musician and composer, Mark has since lived off any little work he can manage on his travels, as well as the kindness of strangers inspired by his journey.

"I started with a huge backpack that weighed about 16kg, even 22kg in the winter. I used to carry a lot of clothes, a big tent, even a big cozy towel. At one point, it occurred to me that I could do the trip, but not while carrying this bag. Today, my bag weighs 7kg. I can't even remember why I thought I needed a big towel."

Mark told Life that he walks a minimum distance of about 30km a day, with the record for a single day of walking being 54km over 12 hours.

"It wasn't the physical limits so much as the time limit that I was worried about. I generally don't feel comfortable walking after dark, so I can only walk until the sun sets each day."

"I also try my best to stick to roads or jungle paths instead of just taking a short cut through a forest to avoid wildlife. Once, I was sleeping in my tent when a noise woke me up. Turns out it was a growling leopard or tiger, passing just several meters away from my tent."

Dangerous wildlife isn't the only threats Mark has had to deal with, however. Mark told Life of a specific time in India, when he was almost robbed going through a slum area.

"In India, I knew beforehand that I was going to have to pass through a slum, where the criminal rate is pretty high. I solved this dilemma by not showering or changing for a week. I ended up getting stopped in the street by a group of young men, though they ultimately let me go as I looked just as ragged as they are. They also probably thought I was penniless, as I was walking to my destination as opposed to taking a bus."

Aside from his modest tent, Mark has also slept in various temples, military camps, schools, hospitals and even abandoned houses. Keeping meticulous records of his journey, Mark remembers every person that has fed him, or invited him to stay in their homes.

According to Mark, he has been invited to stay with characters the likes of Mary Kom -- the five-time world champion Indian female boxer who has her own biographical Bollywood film -- or even a Nepalese man who found clarity after suffering torture at the hands of Maoist Chinese.

"Living in people's houses has given me a chance to really understand new cultures, as I get to see how people actually live. I see how they get up in the morning, how they cook and eat and work. Being in a new environment every day has also taught me new things about myself, as I find myself in situations I would never have imagined myself being in before."

"I hope to complete my journey within 10 years, after which I plan to write my own book sharing my experiences. I've also collected various stories about people's lives and cultures, while also recording local music."