Embracing this spirit of wanderlust, the pair have decided not to end their trip in Britain, and aim to continue for at least another year travelling through the US or Africa.
“The world is more welcoming than it seems, with strangers offering kindness and support when we least expect it,” Mr Khatau said, adding that people at their core are driven by the same desires for connection and understanding.
The couple said they have also learnt to appreciate the simplicity of life and the resilience of communities that thrive in harsh environments, such as the nomads they encountered who live in yurts and own only basic necessities.
Ms Mak said: “We have seen families living in basic conditions who radiate a sense of joy, hospitality, and generosity that humbles us,” adding that it is the human connections that have made their journey more enriching.
“There have been days where the highlight has been sitting in a yurt or a cafe just talking to a local about their culture, language, and day-to-day life over a bowl of kumis (fermented horse milk) or a cup of coffee – sometimes these intimate conversations yield more than any museum, language app, or YouTube video can.”
These experiences, the pair said, remind them that the “richness in life is not defined by luxury, but by human connections, nature, and being fully present in the moment”.
Both Mr Khatau and Ms Mak will turn 32 in October, just eight days apart. While the couple’s birthday week back home would typically be filled with a flurry of celebratory dinners, the two have no set plans this year.
All they know is that they will be on their trusty bikes in Iran, waiting for the day to surprise them just as the countless moments on this adventure before have.
