The Rhine and Lake Constance … I’ve heard of those – 25 June (Day 32)
Elizabeth Aldi is called Hoffer in Austria and before leaving Bludenz I get an Austrian SIM card here for less that EUR 2. Sarah and Tobi had helped me research my…
Europe
Feeling Restored and Ready for What’s Next – Bludenz 24th June (Day 31)
When my train arrived yesterday evening Tobi was, unexpectedly, on the platform to meet me. I’ve found the guest/host relationship on CouchSurfing and Warm Showers – both web-based hospitality communities…
I’ve Ridden Over an Alpine Pass – Now what? Indecision in Austria (Day 30 – 23 June)
My first morning in Austria hasn’t begun well. It’s rained overnight and I wake to find a fairly significant puddle between the floor of my tent and the footprint (groundcloth)…
Climbing to Austria (Days 26 – 29, 19 – 22 June 2015)
Friday 19 June In Meran I seem to have left behind the last of the immigrants – everyone has been white and mostly German-speaking since I left that city for…
On the Divide: The Cities of Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol (Bolzano/Bozen & Merano/Meran)
Days 22 – 24 (15 – 17 June 2015) Monday 15 June – From Rovereto to Bolzano I wake to the sound of the nearby church bells striking seven and…
Bicycling Italy: Along the Adige River (Days 20 & 21 – Firenze to Rovereto)
One aim of my midlife gap year of travel was to visit old friends. I’ve spent the past few days doing just that in Firenze, and feeling sort of emotionally…
The Warm Embrace of Friendship Renewed – Firenze (Days 17 – 19; 10 – 12 June)
10 June 2015 – Wednesday It rains while I am on the train to Florence. A pelting rain slanting into the Tuscan landscape of green hills, fields of crops and…
Into the Mass Tourism Beast I Go – Cinque Terre and Pisa (Days 15 & 16 – 8 & 9 June)
Travelling solo, and not being inclined to wear obviously branded clothing, I think people are a little confused by me. It’s a thing I notice on the train to Cinque…
The Ligurian Coast – Hot, Hilly, Beautiful (Day 14 – 7 June)
Wednesday 10 June: I catch up, then I fall behind, I catch up, then I fall behind. I’m struggling to find the right balance of riding, seeing the places I’m…
Genoa: No expectations, thoroughly delighted (5th – 6th June, Days 11 – 12)
“The Most Serene Republic of Genoa ruled the Mediterranean waves during the 12th to the 13th centuries, before deferring to the superior power of Piedmont. Its crusading noblemen once established…