Looking in the same direction: a Chinese couple explores the world (3)

BIG WORLD

He chose Somalia after watching "Black Hawk Down", the movie about how well-equipped U.S. Special Forces were shot down over the war-torn African country.

He chose Chernobyl out of curiosity about the deserted city and to tackle his own fears about radiation.

He sailed to Antarctica, planning a romantic wedding there that no one else had ever had.

Their money has not always eased the journey. It took five years to prepare. He learned to swim, dive, sail and master various vehicles, including a helicopter and para-glider.

He visited yacht shows around the world, learning the secrets of seamanship.

He spent six months in libraries, studying the oceans, climates and lifesaving.

He e-mailed the U.S. State Department to apply for permission to buy advanced instruments that could be helpful during his expedition.

Waiting for approval always took long time, but Zhang never thought giving up. In order to explore a Mayan cave, a world heritage site, he applied to every level of government in Mexico and one year later, he got approval.

Their parents strongly opposed their trip at first, but were moved by their dedication and eventually joined in their preparations.

Nevertheless, doubts never fade.

On the road, Zhang found that they were often stereotyped as ignorant, cash-rich Chinese. They wanted to try an Arctic Circle camp, but were told that Chinese are unable to take part such a challenging event.

An Australian captain bet that they could not reach Antarctica and jacked up his fee to help them.

Even Chinese people had little confidence in them. A marine expert in Beijing, after reading their plan to sail across the Bering Strait, said, "They will die there."

Sometimes, they shook with rage at such humiliations, but they were also prompted to continue.

And they made history: in 2012, they became the first Chinese couple to camp in the Arctic Circle at minus 71.2 degrees Celsius; Zhang Xinyu became the first Chinese man to explore the Marum volcano; in 2013, they were the first Chinese to cross the 40-degrees north and south latitudes in one voyage; and in 2014, they become the first couple to wed in Antarctica.