Nala's World

1. An Unexpected Encounter Can Change Everything

Sometimes what you’re looking for comes when you’re not looking at all.

Life's unexpected turns. Dean Nicholson set off from Scotland seeking purpose and adventure, cycling around the world to escape a routine life. His journey was initially filled with false starts and distractions, including a friend turning back and a self-inflicted injury. Just as he felt he was finally making progress, cycling through a remote mountainous region in Bosnia, he heard a faint meowing sound that would fundamentally alter his path and perspective.

A fated meeting. A scrawny, abandoned kitten appeared, desperately trying to keep up with his bike. Despite his initial reluctance and the practical complications of traveling with a pet, Dean's heart overruled his head. He couldn't leave the vulnerable creature to die in the harsh environment. This chance encounter felt like fate, arriving at a moment when Dean was searching for direction, and providing him with an immediate, undeniable purpose he hadn't anticipated.

A new co-pilot. The kitten, soon named Nala, quickly made herself at home, first on Dean's neck and then in a makeshift pouch on his bike. Her presence immediately drew attention and opened up interactions with strangers, a stark contrast to his previous solo or two-man travel. This unexpected companion didn't just join his journey; she reshaped it entirely, becoming the central focus and catalyst for profound personal growth and unforeseen opportunities.

2. Responsibility Provides Purpose and Direction

It was as if she’d been sent to give me the direction and purpose I’d been missing.

A shift in priorities. Before meeting Nala, Dean's journey was somewhat aimless, driven by a desire to escape and achieve something, but lacking a clear focus. Nala's arrival instantly created a profound sense of responsibility. He couldn't just think about himself anymore; he had a vulnerable creature depending on him for survival, safety, and well-being.

Learning on the go. This new responsibility forced Dean to become more organized and thoughtful. He had to consider Nala's needs constantly:

• Finding food and water suitable for a kitten.
• Ensuring her safety during travel and rest stops.
• Seeking veterinary care for her health issues.
• Navigating border crossings with an undocumented animal.

Finding a path. Nala's needs dictated his pace and decisions, grounding his previously erratic journey. This external focus provided the internal direction he had been seeking. Caring for her became the driving force, giving his adventure a clear, compelling narrative and motivating him to overcome obstacles not just for himself, but for his new companion.

3. Love and Kindness Transcend Borders and Language

It was almost as if Nala had a superpower, she had the ability to put a smile on faces regardless of religion, age, or culture.

Nala, the icebreaker. Traveling with Nala fundamentally changed how Dean interacted with the world. As a solo male cyclist, he was often overlooked or perceived as intimidating. Nala's presence acted as an immediate bridge to others, drawing people in with her charm and cuteness.

• Locals and tourists alike would approach them, asking about Nala and wanting to pet her.
• Children were particularly drawn to her, often asking for photos.
• Her ability to elicit smiles and positive reactions was universal, regardless of cultural or linguistic barriers.

Unexpected generosity. This openness led to countless acts of kindness from strangers. People offered help, food, accommodation, and support simply because of Nala. Examples include:

• The hotel owners in Turkey who drove Dean back to Izmir to retrieve his lost passports.
• The refugee family in Greece who shared their meager food supplies.
• The Azerbaijani family who gave him a lift down a treacherous mountain road.
• The countless members of "Team Nala" online who offered advice, donations, and encouragement.

Human connection. These interactions revealed a deep well of compassion and generosity in people from diverse backgrounds. Dean learned that despite political complexities or cultural differences, a shared love for animals and a willingness to help a fellow human (and his cat) were powerful unifying forces.

4. Going Viral Brings Unexpected Opportunities and Challenges

I already had a suspicion that it was going to reshape the landscape of my life.

Sudden fame. Dean's decision to share his journey and Nala's story on Instagram, initially just for friends and family, took an unexpected turn when a video of them was picked up by The Dodo. Overnight, their following exploded from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands, and the video garnered millions of views. This sudden viral fame was overwhelming and initially felt like an "April Fool's joke."

A double-edged sword. The increased visibility brought incredible opportunities:

• A massive platform to share their story and connect with a global audience.
• Offers of support, gifts, and even potential sponsorships or media deals (like Netflix).
• The ability to raise significant funds and awareness for charitable causes.

However, it also presented challenges:

• Dealing with constant attention and requests from strangers.
• Managing the influx of messages, gifts, and opinions.
• Feeling pressure to live up to the public's perception of him as a "modern-day saint."
• The theft of his drone, highlighting the risks of increased visibility.

Navigating the spotlight. Dean had to learn quickly how to manage this newfound fame, deciding what opportunities to pursue and how to use his platform responsibly. He chose to focus on genuine connections and using their influence for good, rather than chasing every commercial offer.

5. Use Your Platform to Make a Difference

If I could put the two together, then maybe we could make a difference.

Finding a higher purpose. The viral attention and the formation of "Team Nala" revealed the potential to leverage their story for something beyond personal adventure. Dean realized their platform could be used to highlight issues he cared about, particularly animal welfare and environmentalism. This gave his journey a new, meaningful dimension.

Catalyzing action. Dean began using his Instagram and later YouTube channels to raise awareness and funds for various causes:

• Highlighting the plight of abandoned animals, like Balou the puppy and the kittens in Santorini.
• Supporting animal shelters and charities in the countries he visited (e.g., SAWA in Santorini, Street Cats of Oman, Animal Aid in India).
• Drawing attention to environmental issues, such as plastic pollution on beaches, and organizing cleanups.
• Initiating fundraising efforts, like the pottery raffle and the Nala calendar, which raised significant amounts for charity.

Inspiring others. By sharing his experiences and the needs he encountered, Dean inspired his followers to contribute and take action themselves. He became an accidental advocate, demonstrating that even one person with a simple story and a loyal companion could mobilize a global community for good. This felt more rewarding than any personal achievement.

6. Travel Teaches Resilience and Adaptability

I’m not easily spooked, but I completely freaked out.

Overcoming adversity. Dean's journey was far from smooth, presenting numerous physical and mental challenges. He faced:

• Injuries (torn ACL, sunstroke, allergic reaction, spiked foot).
• Mechanical failures (punctures, broken brakes, lost gear).
• Bureaucratic hurdles (border crossings, visa issues, train rules).
• Environmental extremes (heatwaves, storms, fog, snow, earthquakes).
• Frightening encounters (wild dogs, potential bear).

Learning to adapt. Each setback forced Dean to adapt and find solutions, often relying on improvisation and the kindness of strangers. He learned to:

• Fix his bike under challenging conditions.
• Improvise solutions for Nala's comfort and safety (e.g., the umbrella, the hat-cone).
• Navigate unfamiliar systems and languages.
• Push through physical discomfort and fear.

Mental fortitude. The constant need to overcome obstacles built resilience. Dean learned not to panic in difficult situations, to trust his instincts, and to keep moving forward despite setbacks. These experiences, though sometimes terrifying, ultimately strengthened his resolve and capacity to handle the unpredictable nature of life on the road.

7. Plans Change, Embrace the Detours

As you know, plans change when you’re on a bike.

The fluid nature of travel. Dean's initial rough plan to cycle around the world quickly proved unrealistic. His journey became a series of detours and adjustments, often dictated by unforeseen circumstances or new information.

• Ricky's departure changed the dynamic from a two-man trip to a solo one.
• Nala's health and the need for vaccinations required extended stays in places like Himara.
• Information from other travelers (like David and Linda about the Pamir Highway) forced route reconsiderations.
• Bureaucratic hurdles (Iran visa issues, India flight complications) necessitated major changes in direction.

Finding the right path. While initially frustrating, these deviations often led to unexpected positive outcomes. Staying longer in Himara allowed Nala to recover and Dean to connect with local animal welfare efforts. The decision to abandon the India flight and consider the Russia route prioritized Nala's well-being. Dean learned that rigidly sticking to a plan was less important than being flexible and responsive to the realities of the journey.

Fate's guiding hand. Embracing the detours, like the unexpected return to Tbilisi for Ghost, sometimes felt like being guided by fate or a higher purpose. Dean came to accept that the most meaningful parts of his adventure often arose from the unplanned moments and changes in direction.

8. Loss is Painful, But Reinforces What Matters

Ghost didn’t make it.

The pain of loss. Dean's journey involved not just finding companions but also experiencing loss. The most significant was the death of Ghost, the puppy he rescued near the Azerbaijan border. Despite his efforts to save him and arrange for his future adoption, Ghost succumbed to parvovirus. This loss was devastating, hitting Dean hard and bringing feelings of guilt and failure.

Lessons from heartbreak. Ghost's death, though tragic, reinforced important lessons:

• The fragility of life, especially for vulnerable animals.
• The limits of what one person can do, despite best intentions.
• The importance of cherishing the time spent with loved ones.
• The need to prioritize well-being, particularly Nala's health and safety.

Renewed determination. The pain of losing Ghost solidified Dean's commitment to Nala's welfare and the causes he championed. It underscored why he needed to be cautious about the risks they took and why using their platform to help other animals was so vital. The loss, while deeply felt, ultimately strengthened his resolve to continue their journey with purpose and care.

9. Home Offers Perspective, But the Journey Continues

I loved home, but now that I’d popped back and seen everyone, I was ready to head off again.

A brief return. After months on the road, Dean made a spontaneous trip back to his hometown of Dunbar, Scotland, for his grandmother's 90th birthday. This return provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with family and old friends, including his former traveling companion, Ricky. It was a chance to see his life and journey from a different perspective.

Seeing himself anew. His family and friends, who had followed his adventures online, saw him differently. He was no longer just the "class clown" or the aimless young man; he was the "local hero," admired for his courage, his journey, and his work for animal welfare. This external validation was powerful and helped Dean see the positive transformation he had undergone.

The call of the road. Despite the warmth and familiarity of home, Dean realized his place was no longer solely in Dunbar. He had changed, and his life with Nala on the road had become his new normal. The visit, while comforting, reinforced his desire to continue the adventure. He was ready to leave, revitalized and with a clearer sense of purpose for the road ahead, knowing that home would always be there when the journey was complete.

10. True Wealth is Found in Connection and Simple Pleasures

To me, there was nothing better.

Redefining success. Dean's journey began partly as a search for achievement and something "worthwhile." While he did achieve significant things (cycling thousands of miles, gaining a massive following, raising money), he discovered that true fulfillment came from simpler sources.

• The bond with Nala, her unconditional love and companionship.
• The kindness and generosity of strangers encountered along the way.
• The simple pleasures of life on the road: sleeping under the stars, enjoying sunrises and sunsets, the rhythm of cycling.
• The satisfaction of helping others, both human (refugees) and animal (strays).

Beyond material wealth. Despite facing financial struggles and living frugally, Dean felt richer than ever before. The experiences, connections, and sense of purpose gained through his journey with Nala far outweighed any material possessions or conventional markers of success. He learned that a life focused on compassion, connection, and appreciating the simple moments was the most rewarding path.

Nala's influence. Nala, with her ability to find joy in simple things and adapt to any situation, embodied this philosophy. She taught Dean to live in the moment, to prioritize well-being over rushing, and to appreciate the world around him. Their shared adventure became a testament to the idea that a life rich in love and experience is the most valuable journey of all.

Last updated: May 4, 2025