Author: Karsten Drath

About 30 years ago, two zis scholarships helped me to broaden my horizon, expand my understanding of what is possible, and develop more self-confidence. zis is a non-profit organization that has been awarding scholarships for study trips to young people between the ages of 16 and 20 for more than 60 years. Today, the word we use for tenacity and grit is resilience - and I've made it my profession, to help managers around the world to develop more of this inner power. In retrospect, the experiences I've had on these trips to Scotland and Iceland have been priceless for my development. After having had a childhood with some challenges, I learned that I could cycle 1,700km on my own and get wet every day without despairing. I have learned that I was able to get along with only 300 € for 4 weeks and still had a good time. I have learned what it's like to be threatened with deportation and how to get an interview with the President from such a crisis. I have understood that limitations are primarily constructs in our heads, and I want to make these insights available to as many adolescents as possible.

Day 21: Yusufeli to Esenkıyı

Distance: 127km Elevation: 2.786m Esenkıyı: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XYVFoFaT6VQxgLdM7?g_st=ic I woke up as the sun came up. I made coffee and sat in my little chair. The sun was slowly illuminating the tips of the rocks and mountains around me. It was a beautiful sight. I took my time. Finally, I packed up and was on the road … Continue reading Day 21: Yusufeli to Esenkıyı →

Day 20: Erzurum to Yusufeli

Distance: 126km Elevation: 992m Yusufeli: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g5T9cGxvufNnaNYZ9?g_st=ic After a good night of sleep and a delicious breakfast, I packed up Rosinante. When I was loading her in the lobby, I noticed that Germany had won against Curaçao 7:1 and that two other bicycles parked there. I went back up to the breakfast room on the fourth … Continue reading Day 20: Erzurum to Yusufeli →

Day 19: Mustafabey to Erzurum

Distance: 81km Elevation: 917m Erzurum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vpGE1gXfzaBWa6Mt9?g_st=ic During the night, a thunderstorm developed above me. It rained heavily for hours. I heard the creek getting louder and louder. Or was that just my imagination? I was worried my tent would flood. Despite the noise from the road, I got enough sleep. When I woke up, the … Continue reading Day 19: Mustafabey to Erzurum →

Day 18: Erzincan to Mustafabey

Distance: 116km Elevation: 769m Mustafabey: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BMWyioCTp14GQsU78?g_st=ic The most remarkable moments of my break day were a coffee chat with my wife in the morning, a lunch with T., and dinner with „John“. Both meals turned out to be very educational and interesting. Apart from that, it was a full work day. Many calls were about … Continue reading Day 18: Erzincan to Mustafabey →