So after almost 400 days of riding our bamboo bicycles down the Americas; meeting tons of interesting, fascinating, and eccentric people; having hundreds of profound, ridiculous, and unexpected experiences; what are we taking away from all this? What did we learn now that we crossed the Equator and are riding around on the Southern Hemisphere? What did we learn about ourselves, and learn about water issues; a recap.

We probably did not fully appreciate what we were getting ourselves into when we started in Deadhorse all those months ago.

One of the first things we learned during our journey was that Michiel does not look good with a moustache.

Nor do I.

We also found out that riding over nails with our bicycles is not a particularly good idea…

and that cycling makes you tired.

We developed a deep appreciation of how beautiful nature can be…

and how diverse…

with all its bright colors…

different textures…

dramatic sceneries…

and curious inhabitants.

We saw with our own eyes some of the adverse impacts of climate change on our freshwater supplies; such as receding glaciers…

and melting icecaps.

We also experienced drought…

and witnessed flooding; which often destroys expensive water infrastructure such as pumps, pipes, and tanks.

We realized that we are living on an increasingly crowded planet as we rode through big, congested cities…

where infrastructure is needed to deliver water into people’s homes; requiring costly investments.

We visited rural communities where we noticed that hauling buckets of water from a well can be a hard job…

often meaning that children are not able to go to school.

We also discovered that dirty water can be filtered using very cheap technologies…

giving the gift of clean water to thousands formerly without.

We also remembered that plants are thirsty too..

and so are animals; meaning that we will have to share.

We often thought to ourselves it blows that we are continuing to pollute our ground and surface water by throwing rubbish and filth in our rivers, streams, and lakes.

But at the same time it was reassuring to note that awareness on freshwater issues is growing…

and that there are many people working hard to change the situation…

throughout countries like Mexico…

Guatemala…

Nicaragua…

and Colombia.

We now believe that it is important to preserve what we have and make sure the wells do not run dry…

guaranteeing that she…

and he, will be able to continue to enjoy a drink of clean water.

What we are absolutely certain of so far is that I do not like mosquitoes…

because they sting too much…

and it remains a challenge to find a proper hat for Michiel.

The road down to Ushuaia is still long; will you help us make a difference?