We've been at our new location in Bavaria for just over a month now. Despite the usual hiccups that come with moving to another country, things have been going very well for us. This time we have a lot of support, not only from the relocation agents, but from my husband's co-workers and our new neighbors. We have been overwhelmed and moved by the expressions of hospitality from the people in our town. I can't begin to express how it feels to be told by someone you meet on the street that you are welcome when you're new, don't know a soul, or speak the language. It means the world to us to be greeted with smiles and friendly handshakes when we step into the local pub or bakery.
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| Miltenberg, Bavaria |
For most of the month, we were spared winter weather which provided a wonderful opportunity for long exploratory bike rides along the Main and into the countryside. So far, cycling in this area has been a sheer joy and the only thing stopping me from heading out everyday is a never ending pile of laundry that won't wash itself and the knowledge that every bike ride this time of year means an hour of bike washing afterwards. There just isn't enough daylight hours in the day. But, the days I can get out on the bike in the sunshine are the best days. About two weeks ago, I headed out on my first solo ride. The weather was so perfect and the route was so beautiful, I ended up riding 50km. If it hadn't been for the encroaching sunset, I would have kept on going. I stopped in the city of Miltenberg for a snack, and as I strolled the cobbled old town, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was to be there and what an extraordinary experience we were having. As I headed back home, I was the happiest I can ever remember being. I'm pretty certain that was the best bike ride I've ever had. It wasn't an epic ride; the route was mostly flat. I didn't suffer; the weather was warm and the sun came out frequently. Will I look back on that ride and remember it as a supreme challenge that I overcame? No. I will remember it as a perfect, beautiful, liberating experience on the bike. It was a blessing of a ride, plain and simple. It was the way bike riding should be.
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| Johannesburg Castle as seen from the cycle path in Aschaffenburg |
While we still have some loose ends to tie up around the new house and pictures still need to be hung, we're looking forward and planning for another exciting year of exploring Europe. We hope for some Alpine hiking, some Danish cycling, and a whole lot of sightseeing in this beautiful continent. I hope all of you have a great year ahead too. Here's to a fantastic 2014!
