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Albert CasalsYoung guy traveling the world in a wheelchair
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Albert Casals - A World Traveler on Wheels
- Overcoming Obstacles from an Early Age
- A Life on the Road
- Capturing Experiences in Words
- Carrying Minimal Belongings, Maximizing Experiences
- Sharing His Story with the World
- A Happy Wanderer
Albert Casals - A World Traveler on Wheels
Albert Casals, born in 1990 in Barcelona, is a young man who has traveled to over 50 countries around the world. It is astonishing that Albert navigates the world in a wheelchair, to which he has been confined since the age of 8. He has already written two books about his travels and has been the subject of several documentaries.
Overcoming Obstacles from an Early Age
When Albert was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. By the age of 8, he found himself in a wheelchair after surviving the dreadful illness. Despite his inability to move independently, Albert grew up as an active, cheerful, and friendly child, dreaming of traveling. At the age of 14, he announced to his parents that he was ready for his first journey. Naturally, his parents were hesitant, given his physical limitations. However, Albert persisted and eventually convinced his father to accompany him on his first real adventure.
A Life on the Road
After his initial trip, Albert ventured out on his own, hitchhiking his way through Greece and returning home with pure happiness. He learned many valuable skills during this journey, such as reading maps, finding accommodation, and preparing simple meals. His wanderlust led him to explore Thailand and then travel all across Europe by bus. The restless teenager in a wheelchair then embarked on a months-long journey through Latin America. Even during breaks between his travels, Albert managed to complete his education and graduate from school.
Capturing Experiences in Words
Albert meticulously recorded his experiences and became the author of two popular books about his travels. These books detailed his encounters with diverse people, the places he visited, and his impressions. His list of countries visited expanded to include Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and he even circled the entire country of Japan. At 19 years old, Albert explored North Africa. Remarkably, he traveled with minimal funds, often spending no more than 3 euros per day. It is said that he traveled all across South America with only 20 euros in his pocket. Albert's resourcefulness allowed him to find places to sleep, whether it was on sandy beaches, grassy parks, or church benches. However, he also frequently stayed with people he met on his journey, as fellow adventurers warmly welcomed him into their homes and indulged him with homemade meals, all while eagerly listening to his stories.
Carrying Minimal Belongings, Maximizing Experiences
Albert's belongings were minimal, consisting of a change of clothes, a flute, a deck of cards (which he used to perform magic tricks), and a few tools to repair his wheelchair. He speaks fondly of his wheelchair, comparing it to others wearing glasses, stating, "Some people wear glasses, I wear a wheelchair." Over time, Albert's parents have come to accept their adventurous son's lifestyle, realizing that he is capable of taking care of himself.
Sharing His Story with the World
Albert's first book, titled 'El món sobre rodes' ('The World on Wheels'), and his second book, 'Sense fronteres' ('Without Borders'), have both been well-received by readers. In these books, he shares his experiences, the places he visited, the people he met, and his impressions. His most recent journey took him from his home in Spain all the way to New Zealand, accompanied by his girlfriend. They planned to spend around 200 days on the road. Albert's inspiring story has also been captured in a documentary film called 'Little World.'
A Happy Wanderer
Albert Casals, a cheerful and sociable individual, easily makes friends wherever he goes. People eagerly embrace this good-natured young man in a wheelchair with his vibrant, colorful hair. Albert considers himself an incredibly happy person, living his dream. "If your dreams are big enough, the world seems really small," he says.
