n the realm of extraordinary journeys, Fai Al-Omran and Sulaiman Alzayed, both in their early twenties, treaded different paths separated by decades and continents. Yet, their tales converge on the themes of adventure, camaraderie and resilience. This summer, Fai spent 126 days conquering the Pacific Crest Trail. She trudged through snowfalls, wildfires and other daunting challenges. She had tools like Google Maps to keep her on track, WhatsApp to stay connected with family, and Instagram to keep us all updated (and, at times, entertained).

In Sulaiman’s era, however, almost 60 years ago, a paper map, an old camera and the occasional telephone booth had to suffice. But just like her steadfast hiking partner Haya Al-Samari made the trail less lonesome for Fai, Sulaiman had three unfailing friends who made the journey a reality. For both, it wasn’t just about covering miles; it was about cherishing moments and forging bonds. Flash back to early in the summer of 1966, in Kaifan where Sulaiman Alzayed, Mahmoud Alnabhan, Hashem Syed Hussain, and Hasan Al-Nasser embarked on a dream road trip from Kuwait all the way to Spain, then back home through North Africa.

Their journey, spanning 16 countries, faced its own set of challenges. With no digital aids, they relied on physical maps and the kindness of strangers, like a bus driver in Syria who hosted them for lunch. Fueled by wanderlust, they had meticulously charted a journey across continents. As they huddled around a large, worn-out map of the world, each country they intended to visit was marked with a circle. Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Italy, Spain, Libya and Tunisia were not just names on a map; they were destinations full of promise and intrigue.

It was Sulaiman’s father, Saleh, who kick-started their journey, driving them from Kuwait to Basra. From there, the quartet boarded a bus and maneuvered through the political turbulence of Baghdad (there was a failed coup attempt in the summer of 1966), enduring an unexpected hiccup when they were mistakenly arrested. Their odyssey continued as they marveled at the bustling bazaars in the Hamidyeh Souq in Damascus and the vibrant markets of Istanbul, a true confluence of colors, scents and sounds.

Their European escapade began in Turkey, where East meets West. The eclectic mix of cultures set the tone for their onward journey. In Italy, they were provided with a memory that would be etched in their minds forever. As they entered Pisa and caught their first glimpse of the Leaning Tower, they were overwhelmed. The sheer tilt of the tower was more pronounced than any picture could convey. However, it was North Africa, or the “Arabian Maghreb”, that beckoned them next. In Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, they immersed themselves in a tapestry of cultures, each more vibrant than the last.

Despite the gap in years, both journeys underscore the human spirit’s quest for adventure and connection. Where Fai found solace in sunsets and friendships on the Pacific Crest Trail, Sulaiman and his friends enjoyed the unexpected hospitality of strangers and the shared memories of their road trip. In the end, whether it’s a three-and-a-half-month road trip through 16 countries or a 126-day hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, these stories remind us that it’s the journey, not just the destination, that truly matters. They are testaments to the unconquerable spirit of our young Kuwaiti adventurers, the beauty of companionship.