Hi, I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, bringing you insights from the Bali Business Review. In today’s story, we follow the extraordinary journey of Eugen and Anna, the minds and souls behind the YouTube channel NotizenVonUnterwegs. After spending the past seven years bicycling across continents, their life on the road has become more than just travel—it’s a philosophy, a social observation project, and ultimately, a creative endeavor now being shared with thousands via their YouTube platform.
Through heartfelt stories, cultural revelations, and a deep dive into what “home” means in a nomadic life, this conversation offers an honest reflection of the road less traveled—on two wheels, no less.
The Spark That Started a Global Odyssey
The idea of a trip that never ends might seem romantic, yet Eugen and Anna didn’t start their travels looking to become YouTubers or personalities. Originally from Germany, their decision to cycle around the world came from both an adventurous spirit and practical reasoning. Using a bicycle allowed them to connect more deeply with local environments and communities, encouraging authentic human experiences along the way.
“When you travel by bike, people approach you. They’re curious,” Eugen explained. “They ask if you need help, and that effortlessly starts conversations.”
Saudi Arabia: Rethinking Perception
Among the years of riding and rolling through scenic and rough terrains, some countries stood out more vividly than others—Saudi Arabia, in particular, left a lasting impression. A place often misunderstood through the lens of western media, the country surprised them with its stunning landscapes and hospitable people.
“It was beautiful and people were so welcoming,” Eugen recounted. “The mainstream perception couldn’t have been more wrong.”
Australia: Culture Shock in a Familiar Setting
Ironically, the biggest culture shock wasn’t in a remote village but within the highly westernized borders of Australia. Working in a tiny outback town with a population of just 100, Anna recalled bull rides, pig races, camel shows, and an overwhelming sense of being “in the middle of nowhere.” This wasn’t the surfing, vibrant Australia they expected—it was rough, isolated, and delivered a jolt of unexpected clarity about urban vs. rural realities.
“Everything looked beautiful on the surface,” Anna mused, “But there were dark undercurrents, especially in the treatment of Indigenous communities.”
From Travel to Storytelling: NotizenVonUnterwegs
After five years on the road, Eugen and Anna returned to Germany with every intention of settling down. But assimilation proved difficult. They felt out of place in Germany’s increasingly pessimistic social climate, and that stark contrast to the kindness they had encountered on the road led them to dust off their gear and return to travel—this time, with a camera in hand. Their channel, NotizenVonUnterwegs, was born.
“Filming gave a new sense of purpose to our travels,” said Eugen. “Before, it felt like we were living these experiences just for ourselves. Now, we can share those stories with others. It’s become about more than just the journey—we’re building a community.”
Home Reimagined
For people who haven’t lived in one place for seven years, the concept of “home” became fluid. Germany is still home, technically, but emotionally it’s just one frame in a global mosaic of memories. Through all the countries visited, from Mozambique to the American Southwest, it’s the people and shared moments that define home for Eugen and Anna—rather than any geographical location.
“In a way, we’ve untied ourselves from the traditional idea of home,” Eugen reflected. “Now, home is wherever we have meaningful human connection.”
Facing Choices Daily, Choosing Optimism Always
Traveling long-term, let alone by bicycle, takes more than stamina—it requires constant decision-making. Where to go next? Where to sleep tonight? Push forward or take a break? After Eugen fell ill in Mozambique, the couple reassessed and made a bold change, opting to go on a road trip across the U.S. instead. That freedom of mobility—both physical and mental—distinguishes their life path from traditional routines many people follow.
But for all its perceived glamour, long-term travel also demands resilience. Eugen pointed out the vast contrast between his optimistic world view, shaped by global people-to-people experiences, and the defeatist atmosphere he encountered upon returning to Berlin. That contrast reinforced one of the couple’s key mantras: stay optimistic.
“Travel showed us that the world is a good place,” said Eugen. “People, in general, are kind.”
Authenticity in an Overproduced World
Sharing their story online brings its own challenges. The duo admitted to struggling with comments and public perceptions that come from having a visible online presence. Anna spoke of receiving messages that told her to smile more, leading her to question her on-camera self versus her real self.
Despite the occasional backlash, they continue to strive for authenticity. Their gentle, melancholy style of video storytelling is a deliberate contrast to the overly curated aesthetics so common in travel vlogs.
What Keeps Them Rolling
In the end, what keeps Eugen and Anna going is the ability to see the world with fresh eyes—again and again. Sharing those experiences—through wind, rain, or sun—with their growing YouTube community offers meaning far beyond passport stamps or photo ops. Their bicycles carry more than just bags; they carry hope, openness, and a reminder that home can be found in every kind encounter around the world.
Watch the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXTB5Rk2YQM
Follow their adventures on YouTube:
NotizenVonUnterwegs
Jason, Business Journalist at Bukit Vista
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