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Miroslav ZikmundCzech traveller, journalist, writer.
Date of Birth: 14.02.1919
Country:  Czech |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- The Birth of an Idea
- Securing the Tatra
- Exploring the Unknown
- Global Ambassadors
- Expanding Horizons
- Exploring Diverse Cultures
- Political Turmoil and Exile
- The Resurgence after Communism's Fall
- Literary Collaboration with Jiří Hanzelka
- Afrika snů a skutečnosti(1950)
Early Life and Education
Miroslav Zikmund was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. In 1938, he graduated from high school and enrolled in a business school, where he met his lifelong companion, Jiří Hanzelka.
The Birth of an Idea
Together, Zikmund and Hanzelka conceived an ambitious plan to circumnavigate the globe by automobile, covering all five continents.
The First Great Expedition: Africa, South and Central America (1947-1950)
Securing the Tatra
To embark on their journey, Zikmund and Hanzelka approached the Tatra car factory and convinced them that their expedition would be an effective advertisement for both Tatra vehicles and Czechoslovak products.
Exploring the Unknown
Equipped with a Tatra 87, the duo set off on an epic adventure across Africa, South, and Central America. They meticulously documented their experiences through hundreds of articles, books, photographs, and films.
Global Ambassadors
During their travels, Zikmund and Hanzelka met with numerous political and public figures. They ventured into remote areas, often becoming the first foreign visitors to encounter local communities.
The Second Great Expedition: Middle East, Asia, and the USSR (1959-1964)
Expanding Horizons
In 1959, Zikmund and Hanzelka embarked on a second major expedition, this time driving a Tatra 805 through the Middle East, Asia, and the Soviet Union.
Exploring Diverse Cultures
Their journey took them across diverse terrains and cultures, deepening their understanding of the global human experience.
Political Turmoil and Exile
Silencing a VoiceIn the aftermath of the Prague Spring, Zikmund was expelled from the Czechoslovak Writers' Union. His works were banned, and he fell into unemployment.
The Resurgence after Communism's Fall
Rediscovering the LegacyAfter the fall of the communist regime, Zikmund's books were republished. He also undertook further travels to Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Literary Collaboration with Jiří Hanzelka
Zikmund's most notable literary works were produced in collaboration with Jiří Hanzelka:
Afrika snů a skutečnosti(1950)
Jižní Amerika snů a skutečnosti(1951)Asijská reportáž(1958)
Svět bez hranic(1969)
