I Biked 2,200 Miles Through Southeast Asia

Adhering strictly to my vegetarian ethics proved impossible, but the generosity I encountered along the way transformed my life

This past winter I spent thirty days cycling just over 2,200 miles through Southeast Asia. Unsurprisingly, the experience was incredible and transformative in many ways. Less expectedly, at times the levels of physical, mental and emotional exertion were nearly overwhelming, as well as the oft-daunting searches for vegetarian nourishment. I weighed adhering to strict vegetarianism with causing offense or not eating at all. Ultimately, the nourishment was brought back to me tenfold, as pockets of kindness, hospitality and generosity opened along a trail through mountains, bucolic villages and hot, dusty provincial towns. Sprinkled like hidden jewels, these moments left me humbled, gratified and more in love with Southeast Asia than ever before.

The first time I ran into an impasse between my vegetarian ethics and my respect for local people and culture while traveling was in Laos in 2008. I was twenty-four and on my first trip to the unforgettable region of Southeast Asia. I was traveling with two friends and we took a shared joy in some of the most flavorful and diverse cuisine we had ever experienced. We shared spicy pumpkin curries in…