Chance Encounter
I was in front of my house talking with my sister Eileen who was sitting in her car. She was about to drive off when I noticed something bizarre going on at the end of the street. A large circular object rolled into my view. A man then appeared closely following the object. Not wearing my eyeglasses, I squinted trying to get a clearer look. I was thinking to myself, what in the world! I finally said to my sister, “What’s that?” Eileen looked up and said, “It looks like something from the circus.” I borrowed her cell phone and took a picture. Watching the man I noticed him rearrange the large object, touch the stop sign, step back and take a picture. Eileen said, “That looks like wires I think he is working.” We both saw what we thought to be something reflective on a large roll of wires. We concluded he might be from a utility or cable company. Eileen wanted to get a closer look.
As we approached him, Eileen waved. The man pointed to himself and Eileen shook her head yes. We greeted him with smiles and curiosity. He was friendly and told us he was from Germany. Eileen asked if the object was something that he rode in the circus. He said no he travels with his wheel. I had a hard time understanding what he was doing and how. I studied his wheel. There were bags and a professional looking camera securely attached. I did not see a way to steer or control the wheel and asked him how he rode it. He said he does not ride the wheel it carries his bags and equipment. He said the circle or wheel is a universal symbol and with his wheel, he moves slowly. Eileen asked if she could take his picture and he agreed. I was wearing my “Teach Peace” shirt, which caught his eye. He looked at me and in his very thick accent said, “I like your shirt.” He gave us his business card and we said our good-byes. He redirected his wheel down Miller Road continuing on his journey.
As soon as I got in my house, I googled the information on his business card. I learned something that caused me to grab my camera and quickly go back to the stop sign where we had met. At first, I did not find what I was looking for. Then I saw it, on the back of the stop sign there it was. When I saw him touch the stop sign, he was actually affixing one of his signature stickers from his project ‘Yavash Yavash’ which means slowly slowly.
What I learned about him through the internet was very interesting. I now know what I first referred to as a large circular object is actually a Rhönrad (gym wheel.) The person we met is Shahin Tivay Sadatolhosseini. He is an artist, photographer, Rhönrad acrobat and Choreographer. Our unexpected encounter on July 11, 2022 in Wilmington, Delaware was our introduction to Shahin’s newest international art project YavashYavash. His project began in June 2021 with his plans to (quote from his website) “walk with my Rhönrad from Aachen, Germany to the USA. In this way, I will connect my country of origin, Iran, with its supposed greatest enemy, the US.” Shahin says the Rhönrad ‘has become an anchor of his identity and source of inspiration for his art.’ To learn more, please visit Shahin’s website and if so inclined contribute to his project Yavash Yavash. (Contact info: phone +98 938-448-8168; www.yavashyavash.de; @rolleast; t.me/rollmovie)
Eileen said she heard me mutter, “You never know what you will see...” This is so true. I marvel at all of the chance encounters that life continues to bring my way. At times, I search for adventure but more often than not, adventure finds me. Shahin and his Rhönrad have walked across the world and I just happened to see him at the precise moment he was passing by my street. I am extremely grateful for my brief encounter with Shahin from Germany and Iran. I was introduced to Shahin’s point of view and his willingness to live his message through his art. I was not sure of his original intent, but from what I can see, his project has proven that politics creates enemies but humanity creates friendships. Perhaps what he travels the world seeking is actually what he brings and leaves behind for others. I am now a faithful follower of his blog and vlog where he often posts new updates of his meaningful journey.
One of my favorite quotes has always been “All those who wander are not lost.” I firmly believe wandering the world slowly, connecting with your fellow man in memorable and chance encounters is the ultimate in living life to the fullest.
Shahin Tivay Sadatolhosseini, I pray for your safety, your continued fulfillment and many many more travel miles with your Rhönrad.
Roll on!
Amanda ⭕️
