Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

photo by alExandra drogus

Iranian cyclists visit on a mission of peace

By matt ryan

mhryan@vwc.edu

In an attempt that early explorers could respect, a young Iranian couple, Jafar and Nasim Edrisi, are circumnavigating the globe on bicycles in hopes of promoting peace and environmental conservation.

The couple’s journey began 10 months ago in Iran, continuing to Turkey, Eastern Europe, Canada and currently Virginia Beach. The couple visited Virginia Wesleyan College on Feb. 19 and spoke to a group of 40 explaining their goals of promoting world peace and environmental conservation. They do this by giving speeches and planting trees in every location they visit.

“Our wish is peace for everybody in the world and a clean planet,” said Nasim Edrisi. “It is not just our planet. We should save it for the next generation.”

The couple had been planning this trip for two years prior to departing. In order to raise necessary funds they sold their furniture and other personal items, including their car. The initial funds generated by the selling of their personal belongings quickly depleted when they reached France. From then on they have been supported by private individuals and peace organizations worldwide.

During their visit they shared inspirational stores about people all around the world helping them along their journey. Nasim Edrisi describes her first visit to the U.S. North East as being “very cold, terrible times.” To help from severe weather, one American woman offered them lodging in her vacant house currently undergoing renovation. Nasim Edrisi also described a time when they blew a tire on one of their bicycles. Two American bicyclists, inspired by their mission, came to their rescue, purchasing and replacing the spent tire.

Jafar and Nasim Edrisi travel with only two bicycles loaded with all their belongings needed for survival. Among these belong is a notebook computer which they use to share videos and pictures of their adventure.

“It was interesting to see all the different countries they’ve been through and their reaction,” said student Shannon Agostino. “They were very nice.”

Event coordinator Dr. Ehsan Salek stated the reason for bringing the couple to Virginia Wesleyan was the “massive undertaking resulting in world peace and environment conservation… principals of our college and community.”

Dr. Steven Emmanuel said, “I thought the presentation was engaging. I saw students were paying very close attention.”

“The most important part of the trip [is when we] return to our country and tell them that this is the world. Everybody loves peace,” said Edrisi in conclusion.

Following the discussion Jafar and Nasim Edrisi, along with faculty and students, planted their 29th peace tree. The tree is located along the tree line separating VWC from Norfolk Academy, just along Wesleyan Drive.

The couple are using their website, typed in both Farsi and English - www.rmc4peace.com - to publicize their journey. They periodically update a travel blog consisting of stories, videos and pictures taken along the way. Their adventure also been featured internationally on both BBC and CNN.

Over the next two years their trip will take them across the U.S. to California, north to Canada then on to Japan, Korea, and China. They plan on continuing to plant trees while promoting peace and conservation along the way.