NathanThe Road To Love
Mahanandia rode on his cycle covering 70 km (44 miles) every day, sometimes hitching rides on trucks. He would rest on his sleeping bag and stay at stranger’s places in exchange for his sketches. He struck up friendships with a lot of hippies he had met along the way. He never felt alone because Von Schedvin would keep sending him a letter of encouragement throughout his journey.
Nothing Can Stop Him
The hippie trail that he followed went to 8 countries and this was during the 70s where visas did not exist yet. The only thing that could stop him was his own will. “The world and humanity can only survive through love,” Mahanandia explains, “I’ll do it or I’ll die,” he further claimed. His love for Von Schedvin was so strong that he claimed he would meet her in another life if ever he failed to meet her again.
“Art Came To My Rescue”
Art was always there for Mahanandia throughout his journey. He was able to get his basic needs in exchange for his art. He did not want to use the $80 he came out of India with. “Afghanistan was such a different country. It was calm and beautiful. People loved art,” he later explained. He made use of hotel washrooms and spoke about his time in Iran where no one understood Hindi saying,“Again art came to my rescue. I think love is the universal language and people understand that.”
Arriving In Europe
When Mahanandia reached Istanbul, he received a ticket to Vienna as a gift, then he made his way towards Gothenburg, Sweden. It took him 4 months to get to his destination on May 28, 1977. “I bicycled for love, but I never loved biking,” Mahanandia revealed. Although he left India with $80, he reached Sweden with $800, all because of his paintings. He was glad that the people he met made time and spared money for him.
The Reunion
The two finally met again after so much time apart. They reunited with tears of joy. They are the true examples that when it comes to true love, no amount of time or distance can ever hamper a couple’s happiness. Mahanandia felt a massive amount of culture shock upon reaching Sweden but he could manage to impress Von Schedvin’s parents. Everyone got along so well instantly.
Tying The Knot
Many people were skeptical about their love and called it just a “holiday romance,” but PK and Lotta (as they call themselves) went against all odds and proved them wrong. They officially got married in 1979 and started their own family. They have two kids named Siddharth (Karle) and Emelie. Mahanandia still finds it confusing why people till date are so shocked about what he did. He blames true love for all that he did.