People Met Along the Way
The beauty of traveling by bike and for an extended time period, is the opportunity to experience first hand the true kindness, generosity and sense of community from those who surround us.
Susana of Grindlewald: Susana welcomed us to our first campground and shared stories and knowledge of Swizterland that set the stage for our journey. We will never forget the useful tip of the multi-purpose, silver sleeping pad (a story to be told after a few drinks)
German from Lake Lugano: After many mysterious noises in the night from the tent next to us, we expected a bear to crawl out of the opening the next morning. Instead, a middle aged German man determinedly used his rusty English to share stories of this incredible Mediterranean area.
Peschiera: Spending a week in one campground allowed us to befriend the staff who gifted us with small appreciative tokens, meet a woman who so graciously offered us a salad and dinner after seeing that we had a hard day of biking, and to be gifted with coffee, sugar, olive oil and ice cream, among other items, from a departing Italian couple.
Generous Direction Experts: So many along the way, after seeing us analyzing our map, offered not only directions but their most valued treasures of their culture that they thought we may enjoy.
Lecchi: With darkness set in and no phone or specific directions to our lodging for the evening, a kind and thoughtful man ledus in his car, slow enough for us to follow on bike, to our cottage. Without this help, we would no doubt have spent the night freezing in our tent with snakes and wild boar around us.
Gracious Hosts: Michelle of Bologna: Upon arrival, we found the fridge stocked, a fresh baked cake and fresh fruit on the table. The place was thoughtfully decorated and supplied with calming music and a seclection of intriguing English books. Michelle often left notes offering to wash our laundry and left surprise bag at the door, filled with fresh baked bread. Charles of Lo Stallino: After a long, hard day of biking we were grateful to arrive to a beautiful home and a boisterous host who supplied us with a fine bottle of champagne, bottled water, fresh fruit and a stocked fridge, among many other items. Charles and his wife Nancy truly opened up their home and hearts to ensure we felt at home. A fireplace provides warmth inside and out in the evenings, while a wonderful patio and grounds allows the rays to beat down, while enjoying wine and a few good books. Their dog Toby comes to visit and snuggle everyday. The life style and choices of Charles and Nancy inspire us, as both are professors who seem to have gone against the grain and commit themselves to a lifetime of knowledge and learning, while choosing a different and more adventurous path from most. Turning down tenure at Berkley, moving to Italy, marrying late in life and starting a family late in life seem to have provided a bright and fulfilling path. A lot can be learned from those who create and live their own adventures.