world biking africa: about us.
eric schambion.
Eric has had a passion for travel ever since he was a small boy accompanying his father in the cab of his lorry throughout Europe. He grew up in Obernai, France and later moved to Darmstadt, Germany where he began his career with the European Space Agency. In 1997 he gave in to wanderlust and spent 18 months backpacking around Southeast Asia and India. In addition to traveling Eric’s interests include Indian philosophy, photography and yoga.
amaya williams.
Amaya grew up in the Big Sky Country and is a graduate of the University of Montana. She set off to explore the world in 1995 when an old high school friend (thanks Tracy!) asked her the probing question,"Is this really what you want out of life?” Caught up in the corporate rat race at the time, the answer was an emphatic ‘NO’. Within weeks she was off to Asia to teach English and explore the continent. Amaya loves the outdoors and trying out new activities such as Tae Bo, belly dancing and Power Yoga. She is also committed to improving her communication skills and is an active member of the Darmstadt Toastmasters Club.
eric and amaya.
As fate would have it, Amaya and Eric met in
Vientiane, Laos and
spontaneously decided to continue their travels around Asia
together.
A need to replenish their financial resources eventually brought them
to Europe. Seeing the tax advantages of marriage, Eric
proposed and
the happy couple tied the knot in 1998.
Having once tasted the freedom of extended travel, they found
settling down to the easy routine of western life less than fulfilling.
In 2001 they dusted off
their backpacks again and set off for 12 months
exploring Latin
America from Mexico City to Buenos Aires.
Another stint
working in Europe followed with Eric returning to Eumetsat (European
Meteorological Satellites) and Amaya doing freelance work as
an English teacher.
