"Why the hell do I need a five-star hotel when I can pitch a tent on the ocean coast?" A Belarusian travels the world on foot

Yauhen Hutsalau on a journey. All photos from his archive

Yauhen's love for travel dates back to his childhood, when he and his friends would go to the river during village holidays.

— Of course, these journeys were not so long and without overnight stays in the wild, but I explored the world and the surroundings – basically, everything I do now.

"I had to drink three shots of rakija"

Yauhen discovered his love and interest in wild camping – solo travels on foot with a tent – in adulthood. For example, he hitchhiked through Thailand for three months – the Belarusian recalls climbing through jungles and even staying there for several nights.

Павялічыць

Another big journey for Yauhen was 2,500 kilometers on foot from Vienna to Istanbul.

— Sometimes I cycle through cities. But I, of course, prefer the wild camping format: it's about landscapes, unity with nature. In solitude, you understand who you really are – a particle of this universe, — Yauhen reflects.

The path to Turkey lay through Serbia. The Belarusian smiles as he recalls how in almost every Serbian village, people tried to treat him to rakija – a strong Balkan alcoholic drink.

— They immediately invited me into their yard or onto their bench. According to tradition, I had to drink three tiny shots – 15-25 grams each – and move on. As a result, I would stop for about an hour to chat and charge my devices.

Павялічыць

Somewhere on the way to Istanbul. Photo from Yauhen's archive

"I walked from Portugal to Cape Gibraltar for a month"

Yauhen adheres to the ultralight philosophy – meaning he takes a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a tent. His summer set of these items does not exceed two kilograms.

During his travels, Yauhen cooks some meals on a portable gas stove, and buys products like buns, meat, or fish in stores. The Belarusian sleeps in a tent, and once every few days, when he needs to rest, he rents a hotel for one night.

Under these conditions, he says, his travels turn out to be relatively budget-friendly. Sometimes Yauhen's trips are covered by sponsors – companies whose products he advertises on his social media.

— I walked from Portugal to Cape Gibraltar for a month – and spent 200 euros. I even had about 20-30 euros left at the finish. Why the hell do I need a five-star hotel when I can pitch a tent on the Atlantic Ocean coast with magnificent views, and there will be no one around, — the Belarusian reflects.

Павялічыць

"Come in, please, and live"

Yauhen finds it difficult to recall ever encountering dangerous situations or conflicts during his travels. He is confident that a respectful attitude towards the country's culture helps to avoid them.

— Just remain human. If you go out to the world with an open heart, the world and people will respond in kind. Yes, a long time ago there were instances of minor conflicts, but people were simply under the influence of alcohol.

Павялічыць

Yauhen adds that in Muslim countries, people who travel on foot are generally treated with great respect.

— In Islam, there is a word that can be translated as "pilgrim." You are considered a guest sent by Allah – so everything best is offered: come in, please, and live.

The Belarusian travels in places where residents predominantly do not speak English. Artificial intelligence, which translates words instantly during conversation, helps overcome the language barrier.

— Press a button and talk – I see no problems, — says the Belarusian.

Walked the Tatar Trail and along the Belarusian border

After forced emigration to Poland, Yauhen began to travel more frequently within this country. For example, the Belarusian has already walked from Kostrzyn nad Odrą to Stargard Szczeciński, and in spring, he walked from Warsaw to Krakow.

Павялічыць

One of Yauhen's most recent journeys was through Podlachia – a region bordering Belarus. The impetus was his acquaintance with the social media profile of a Belarusian from Polesia, who bought a house in Podlachia with her husband.

— And that was it: the [local] accent was like honey to my ears. It touched me, and I realized I had to be there. I started in Warsaw and finished the route near Lake Wigry. From Sokółka, I walked the Tatar Trail to Kruszyniany (a village in Podlachia where ethnic Tatars live. – MOST), and then along the [Belarusian] border, — Yauhen recalls.

"The host brought out a bottle of moonshine, locally called bimber"

The Belarusian's journey lasted 27 days. During this time, Yauhen only once stayed overnight in a hotel located in Łomża. One time, the Belarusian asked a local farmer if he could pitch a tent near his plot.

— Then I was invited to dinner, and after that, the host brought out a bottle of moonshine, locally called bimber, — says Yauhen.

Павялічыць

Now the traveler advises everyone who misses Belarus to go to Podlachia, because it is in this region that one can feel at home.

— Authenticity, a cultural mix, absolutely wild, meditative nature, and a feeling of time slowing down, — the Belarusian lists the main advantages of the region.

Where Yauhen will go next, he has not yet decided. The traveler says he also enjoys spontaneity in this process.

— And I've long understood that all coincidences are not accidental, — he smiles.

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