Walid Busalla, traveled the 200-kilometer distance between Misrata and Tripoli on foot, bypassing the sounds of bullets and acts of violence that have come to plague Libya.

His adventure, which he called ‘Two hundred and one’ gained a major following on social media and offered a glimmer of hope in a country where many fear for their lives.

Walid Busalla, where did the idea of ‘Two hundred and one’ come from and does the title have some other significance, apart from the distance you traveled?

Walid Busalla, traveled the 200-kilometer distance between Misrata and Tripoli on foot, bypassing the sounds of bullets and acts of violence that have come to plague Libya.

His adventure, which he called ‘Two hundred and one’ gained a major following on social media and offered a glimmer of hope in a country where many fear for their lives.

Walid Busalla, where did the idea of ‘Two hundred and one’ come from and does the title have some other significance, apart from the distance you traveled?

When I first thought about this journey, it was just an adventure for me but my friend Ahmad Badi suggested that I invest in the idea to deliver a public message, which could be a gift for Libya as well as its citizens on Independence Day. Therefore, we initiated a media campaign about this adventure and its intent was to deliver a message for the Libyans to love and prove the safe conditions of the road between Libyan cities.

With regards to the figure ‘201’, it represents the ‘200’ kilometers between Misrata and Tripoli whereas ‘one’ has two meanings; the first of which is the individual, me in this case, who would cross this distance and the other represents the unity of Libya.

How long did the journey take?

It took me five days, walking twelve hours per day.

Did you get any financial support from any party?

No, I personally funded both the journey and the media campaign.

How did you organize where to stay especially since you did not know where you would end up each day?

I did not have any pre-organized plan until the fourth day when I reached the al-Rumman area, which is the eastern gate of Tripoli, as I decided to travel the remaining distance to Martyr’s Square on one day, which I knew I could do it by then.

During my journey, mosques were the best place where I could have some rest before I continued walking.  As for food, the availability of numerous restaurants on the road solved the problem, though I consumed very little food and much drinks. Most of the food I received was offered by the locals and even restaurants would not charge me for the food they provided.

Had you had any medical checkups or carried out any training before you set off on your journey?

Being a sportsman and having been trained at a gym, I was physically prepared for this journey two months in advance. I only suffered foot pain as a result of the long walking, but I did not experience any muscle damage or any other disease in those five days.

How was the atmosphere during the journey in general?

I was exactly like a postman who delivers letters everywhere. My letter for the Libyans was simple, especially since I had no weapon to defend myself.  All I had was some luggage and food.

This postman was walking west toward Tripoli crossing cities and trying to communicate with locals and have little chats with them to see their reactions. It was clear that the reaction I received was the one I expected as they were welcoming and I did not face any obstacles.

Some people inquired about what I was doing, others knew about the journey from Facebook and some were thrilled to discover my purpose.

How did you feel as you traveled the distance between five or six Libyan cities upon reaching the capital city Tripoli?

The first phase started with enthusiasm and vigor, but it ended with exhaustion. At this stage I was hosted on radio stations and interviewed by journalists when the news of the journey started to spread. My friend Ahmad Badi called me and said the journey spread widely spread over Facebook.

During the second phase, I discovered the people’s love when I was contacted by Libyans and other nationalities inside and outside Libya expressing their joy over this initiative. Despite the long distance, I was not bored and I was even encouraged by their calls despite the cold and rainy weather.

Would you tell us some of the incidents you experienced during the journey?

I had many actually and they were all of a positive nature. People insisted on offering me services and encouragement, which sometimes stalled my journey since I could not respond to all invitations and some people were upset with me.

I loved them and got acquainted with them. When I would pass one area to another, people of the first area would call to make sure I was okay. I still communicate with them and some even accompanied me for long distances.

Who has contacted you?

I was contacted by Libyan communities in Canada, France, Italy, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, South Africa and the UK. They were all thrilled by this activity. I received calls from all Libyan cities as well and people expressed their joy stressing that we were all Libyan brothers.

All the calls I have received concentrated on one thing, which is to get away from the conflict and violence and to work hand in hand. We are one people and we are not supposed to hate each other. I discovered that more on the road where no one hurt me, not even verbally. Everyone encouraged me and offered their services.

Did you have any concerns on the road?

I had only one concern, which was that I might be kidnapped or killed and my message would not get through. There are people who want Libya to be a land of combat and instability.

My family and friends had the same concerns, but I was resolute to continue what I started even if that would have meant my end.

How was the last day, when you reached the Martyr’s Square in Tripoli?

It was the hardest day of the journey because I walked without stopping. I only had a ten- minute break for prayer. I did not get there easily.  In the last phase, I was accompanied by an orthopedic doctor and all the way people would come to take photos with me. That charged my will and persistence.

Once I was in Martyr’s Square, I saw my mother among the people who came to welcome me. I could not help but cry. I did not spend much time in the square, just enough time to take a few photos and then some young people came and took me to Corinthia Hotel to stay for two days as a gift from one of the people in Tripoli.

When I entered the hotel, a lot of people received me with many gifts. It meant so much to me to have such love. I have many new friends now on Facebook.

Are you planning other journeys?

I received many offers from sports programs and journeys that we can make along with young Libyans. I’d like to make a journey outside Libya in another country to reflect a beautiful image of the Libyan youths. It is so sad that some countries think of us as being backward people who think of nothing but eating.

Since I have won a lot of friends in this journey, I think I will find someone who might like to contribute.