Across Asia on a bicycle : $b the journey of two American students from Constantinople to Peking

"Across Asia on a Bicycle" by Thomas Gaskell Allen Jr. and William Lewis Sachtleben is the gripping chronicle of two American students venturing on an extraordinary bicycle journey from Constantinople to Peking in the late 1800s. Spanning over 15,000 miles, the narrative vividly portrays the diverse landscapes and cultures of Asia through their eyes, showcasing a world of unique interactions and demanding conditions. With no support and only their quick wits and growing grasp of local languages, the adventurers set out, not just to observe, but to truly understand the people and places they encounter, especially in the early stages of their expedition in Turkey. The book captures their initial trepidation and excitement, immersed in colorful portrayals of those they meet, overcoming transportation issues, and the astonishment of onlookers, drawing readers into their quest for knowledge and cultural understanding.