Spanish traveler sells assets, cycles across continents to Vietnam

Marino Izquierdo cycled from Spain to Da Nang just in time for christmas to participate in charity activities, funding his journey by selling personal assets before the trip and with support from friends.

On the morning of 25/12, Marino Izquierdo, 53, from Spain, arrived in Da Nang, completing a cycling journey of over 20,000 km through nearly 20 countries and territories.

Departing from his homeland on 7/2, Izquierdo traversed 19 destinations, including Germany, Greece, Turkey, and China, before entering Vietnam on 7/12. To fund his 10-month journey, Marino sold personal assets, including his oto, and received additional support from friends. In Da Nang, after being welcomed by hundreds of local residents, he decided to donate his bicycle to a local charity organization for an auction to raise funds for community aid. Having donated his means of transport, the Spanish traveler concluded his journey in Vietnam instead of continuing to Cambodia and Laos, as initially planned for his "Southeast Asia exploration".

Marino was given flowers upon his arrival in Da Nang on the morning of 25/12.

The 7/12 held special significance for Marino, marking exactly 10 months since he began his trip and also the 16th death anniversary of his father. Marino described his father as an extraordinary man who shouldered the burden of their entire family. He stated that after many years, the longing for his father remains deeply etched in his mind. He undertook this journey to honor his parent and to raise awareness about cancer, the disease that claimed his father's life.

This period also coincided with the wedding anniversary of Ivan, Marino's eldest son. The traveler shared that despite circumstances that had once distanced them, the 10-month journey helped him feel a stronger connection with his son. Through this trip, he wanted to convey a message to his son: "I love you deeply, and your presence is always with me in every step," Marino said.

Throughout his journey from Spain to Vietnam, Marino consistently received support from his second son, Jordi. Jordi was instrumental in connecting his father's project with the French charity La Goutte d’Eau (The Water Drop). As this organization was collaborating with a hospital in Da Nang on humanitarian activities, Marino chose Da Nang as the endpoint of his trip. He arrived in Vietnam as an ambassador, aiming to inspire community support initiatives.

Phan Nhat, co-founder of the Yeu Go Noi Fund, was one of the Vietnamese individuals who accompanied Marino in his charity work. Go Noi is a locality that was severely affected by floods in November. Marino's bicycle was donated to the fund to be auctioned, raising money to assist the community. Nhat stated that the proceeds would be used to purchase equipment such as canoes and rescue floats to help residents impacted by natural disasters. Nhat described the Spanish traveler as cheerful, compassionate, and a nature lover. The two found common ground in their shared grief over losing a father.

Marino was welcomed by many upon his arrival in Da Nang.

Marino explained that cycling alone every day helped him understand himself better, confront his limitations, and accept his true self. The journey had its rough patches due to harsh weather or mechanical failures, but through these experiences, he learned to control his fears. In Hue, Marino once required emergency medical care for acute pain and received support from doctors and nurses. "I was deeply touched by the enthusiastic assistance from the medical team," he said.

Having traveled through nearly 20 countries, Marino shared that no specific destination left a particular impression; instead, he was captivated by the people he met along the way. Over 10 months, despite the diverse cultures, he consistently received unconditional hospitality and help. "When you arrive somewhere tired and dirty, with nothing to offer, yet people open their doors to welcome you, that will be etched in your mind forever," Marino recounted about his most memorable experience on the trip.

In Vietnam, the 53-year-old traveler was impressed by the humble and approachable nature of the local people. He spent time experiencing pho and "ca phe bet" (coffee served on the sidewalk), sensing the friendliness through the way these dishes were served. During his stay, Marino often thought of his young granddaughter, hoping his journey would inspire her with the importance of effort, perseverance, and helping others without expecting anything in return. "If my granddaughter ever asks why I cycled halfway around the world, I want to tell her that this journey proves people can live fully, humanely, and with great affection," Marino said.

Initially apprehensive about completing the challenge, upon reaching his destination, this traveler realized that perseverance helped him pursue the project even when facing initial doubts. After fulfilling his role as a humanitarian ambassador, Marino plans to spend two months resting and exploring Vietnam before returning home. He stated that he would definitely return to Vietnam due to the current convenient administrative procedures, as Spanish tourists are granted visa exemptions.

"Vietnam is no longer just a country I cycled to. It is a place that holds unfinished stories, people I want to meet again, and commitments I want to continue to uphold," he shared.