People
Rob’s annual outing just happened to be (nearly) on route. This is our farewell in Ely. Blog….
Quite a few cyclists were on our ferry to Hook of Holland. Somehow we teamed up with the fastest one: Jack. We sit shamelessly on his wheel and clock 50km before lunch. He then sets off to Poland (via Italy, as you do).
We first encounter Max topless while cutting the barman’s hair. He is hilarious and now on his best behaviour to impress his wife with his soberness. Blog…
Handover day in Küsnacht. Ali takes over from Max, who rode her bike to here. We have some lovely days with the wonderful Grahams. Blog…
The world is full of crazy coincidences. While looking for food in Bled I hear a familiar voice calling my name: Marten - after over 20 years. Blog…
These two scared us witless. Here is why…
Last day in Slovenia and we meet this lovely Nepalese gentleman in Blanca, who gifts me 100 Rupees.
A very special encounter with concentration camp survivors and the people who rebuilt Kozarac. Blog…
Keep looking out for these two: this is the first time we meet.
Russian from Holland with UK schooling and for the fourth time cycling the Balkans. Instantly likeable man. Blog…
Encounter number two is celebrated with pizza in Mostar
Lightning fast Leone from Italy - but there is always enough time for a chat. Blog…
Life savers: Bea and Giacomo (also Italy) give Ali a lift up the crazy steep mountain to Ostrog Monastery. Blog…
Bohemian bliss and bags of charm with Ludmilla in Koplik. Blog…
He noticed our “laughter and my femur” when passing through Tuzi. Before the Albanian border Ramsay caught us up for some lovely miles together. Blog…
The best Trileçe in Albania and an amazing garden. Thank you Fortunato for being such a wonderful host. Blog…
Albanian weddings are something else. Blog…
This shepherd beat us up the mountain! (By going straight up)
One of the most joyful moments. Astrit from Chelsea and some amazing grapes. Blog…
The transcontinental race overlaps with our route. Blog…
An absolute highlight. Everywhere we meet Albanians who love Germany - and I love them for it. Blog…
Hardcore cyclist Brian. He makes do with practically no resources at all. Blog…
In Koprivshtitsa Ali meets her kind of people - garden lovers who are more than happy to show us around their amazing homes. Blog…
Even a brief passing moment like this can cheer me up no end.
This stern appearing man in Plovdiv turned out to be the Peter Pan of Bulgaria. Blog…
Before sunrise he was already picking tabacco leaves.
Karl is walking to Istanbul. Blog…
How to make you feel welcome, right on the Turkish border. Blog…
In the back of beyond we meet the loveliest people. Demirhanli speaks no English, we speak no Turkish - and yet, we had a wonderful time together. Blog…
This Afghan man found us bread and gifted it to us - kindness in this part of the world is extreme. Blog…
Life is good around here. No stress. We spend a good long break in their café and they keep feeding us çay and vegetables from their garden (for free). Blog…
Is this what life should be like? Good company and good companionship.
Remember these two? We meet for the third time - in Istanbul. Blog…
At last - a proper Turkish shave and haircut.
The boys catch up with us on their interrail trip.
The train ride home
