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Over the course of the last few years I have had many adventure stories to share but I don’t suppose there are many quite as dramatic or life changing as my own.

I never really thought about it until now, until I took the time to reflect.

My father was a soldier and was stationed out here, in Bangalore, South India during the Second World War. He was part of the Signals operation and much of his time was spent riding around on AJS and Matchless motorcycles. I can only imagine how different India must have been in those days. From his many, many stories, and I am sure we have all heard the ‘old soldier’ stories at some point in our lives, he had an amazing time. It was life changing for him as a very young man and the future impact it had on his life and the life of others around him was, and is the reason I find myself living here today.

He left the Army and joined the Merchant Navy for around 7 years after that and saw most of the world. This is what he told me: “Son, wherever you go in the world, you must at some point in your life visit India. It is without doubt the most incredible country on this planet. You can walk down just any street and see every colour, smell every smell, and observe every creed, culture and religion living in absolute harmony and at peace with one another”. I always remembered those words, they were like a brain tattoo for me.

I first came here in 2006 to ride a motorcycle across South India and I knew then in my heart that I had eventually found the place that I felt connected with, it all made sense somehow.

India’s not perfect but it’s not trying to be. India is and has everything anyone could ever want but she doesn’t offer it up easily. It’s tough and you’ve got to want it with everything you have but the rewards are immense. The adventure, eternal.

I live here, my beautiful wife is here and so now is my family. I am here to stay.

Alex Pirie
Founder & Lead Rider
Nomadic Knights

ALEX’S ADVENTURE TIP

Two very essential things you need for travel in India. A sense of humour and a positive attitude. Both will be severely tested most days.

ABOUT ‘ADVENTURER’S TALES’

A compilation of recollections in celebration of 10 years of Adventure Ashram, ‘Adventurer’s Tales’ is a true celebration of a decade of purposeful adventure by our charity partner Adventure Ashram, a small but mighty charity.

Complete with some great adventure tips, it not only provides handy pointers for when out ‘on the road’, but also some thought-provoking insights into the heart and spirit of adventure. Written with humour, passion and integrity, this wonderful book is a fine tribute to 10 years of Adventure Ashram. Click here to buy a copy.

If you are planning an adventure with Nomadic Knights, please consider raising funds for one of Adventure Ashram’s projects and help to make a difference to the people and places you explore. Anyone planning an adventure can choose to support Adventure Ashram.