Deciding to journey around the world is by no means an easy feat. But Dean Nicholson, bored with his 9-5 job as a welder, wanted a global adventure. So he got out his bike.
After saving up for months, Dean set off on his bike from his hometown in Dunbar, Scotland.
The 31-year-old had travelled through eight countries, documenting it all online.
Along the way, he was joined by an unexpected guest.
While crossing the Bosnian border into Montenegro, Dean was in his own world listening to music. In between songs, he heard a meow.
He found a gorgeous tabby cat climbing the hill alongside him. After patting her, he went about his way. The kitty, however, wasnt ready to let go.
Unable to leave the cat alone, Dean decided to feed her, take her to the vet, and see if she was microchipped. She wasnt and by then Dean had fallen in love with her.
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He named her Nala and took her along with him on the long journey. The two have since become the best of friends.
I wanted to cycle the world as I felt it was a good challenge to set myself, I wanted to do something exciting, Dean tells Metro.co.uk.
It didnt take that long, it was a split second decision that I was going to do it and after that, I worked for about seven months, saving every penny I could and getting all my equipment.
Last September, Dean headed off. He is currently in Santorini, Greece, where he and Nala are enjoying kayaking.
Dean often travels with Nala in a little pouch at the front of the bike so he can watch her while he cycles. She either naps or sits atop her loving owners shoulder.
I found Nala when I was cycling through Bosnia, he tells us. I was cycling up a steep hill so wasnt going that fast and had my music system on the back of my bike playing music, there was a break in the song and I heard this meowing coming from behind me.
I stopped and heres this wee kitten chasing me up the hill trying to get my attention.
I gave her some of my pesto which is all I had and she wouldnt leave my side since. After the vets, I got her chipped, a passport and started with her vaccinations allowing me to keep travelling.
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I let her do her own thing and she sometimes climbs onto my neck and sits there instead.
Shes actually a lot easier than most people think: she sits and sunbathes most the day and falls asleep when Im cycling.
Dean works as part of his trip to raise funds for his travels. At the moment he is a kayak tour guide – Nala often joins him on the waters.
Nala is doing really well, he says.
We are living in a cave down the beach and she loves playing in the sand so shes very happy.
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